1RM Basics: Training Max vs True Max and When to Use Each

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A lot of lifters use “training max” and “true max” as if they mean the same thing, but they serve different purposes. A true max reflects the heaviest lift you can perform, while a training max is usually a more practical number for planning percentages, volume, and recovery across a program. Using the wrong one can make workouts harder than they need to be. This guide gives a clean overview of the basics: 1RM calculator