Max Lifts Chart
Max Lifts
Technique Checkpoints • RPE Tracking • Estimated & Tested Maximums
Beginner Strength Track
Lifter Name
Period / Block
Rack / Station #
Lifting Partner
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) & Safe Max Guide
Never sacrifice form for load
RPE 6 Warmup / Light 4+ reps left in tank
RPE 7 Moderate Effort 3 reps in reserve
RPE 8 Working Weight 2 reps in reserve
RPE 9 Heavy Single/Set 1 rep in reserve
RPE 10 True Max Effort 0 reps left (Max)
Calculation Formula: 1 RM = (weight lifted × repetitions performed / 30.48) + weight lifted
Only test RPE 9–10 with Coach sign-off
Online Calculator: https://www.nasm.org/resources/one-rep-max-calculator?srsltid=AfmBOoruxGHupDS3QNs0y_UnrhXAIqQbL5NzaANl9JWht1iGtL1bQTo7
01
Back Squat
Primary Lower Body Compound
Current Est./Tested Max:
lbs
Level 1: Mobility & Stance
Feet shoulder-width, chest tall, hips descend below parallel, knees track over toes.
Level 2: Rack & Bracing
Bar on upper traps/rear delts, elbows under bar, deep belly breath braced through core.
Level 3: Load Approved
Smooth ascent with no knee cave or hip shoot; coach signed off for RPE 8+ load.
| Date | Form Stage / Focus | Weight (lbs) | Reps | RPE (6-10) | Est. 1RM (lbs) | Spotter / Signoff |
|---|
| Empty Bar / Foundation | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
02
Deadlift (Conventional)
Posterior Chain Power
Current Est./Tested Max:
lbs
Level 1: Hip Hinge Pattern
Shins 1" from bar, hip hinge setup, neutral spine from neck to tailbone, no round back.
Level 2: Wedge & Lat Slack
Pull slack out of bar (click), engage lats like protecting armpits, drive floor away.
Level 3: Lockout & Descent
Squeeze glutes at top without leaning back; controlled hinge descent back to floor.
| Date | Form Stage / Focus | Weight (lbs) | Reps | RPE (6-10) | Est. 1RM (lbs) | Spotter / Signoff |
|---|
| Kettlebell / Romanian Setup | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Safety Rule: Collars/clips mandatory on all barbell lifts. Spotters required on all working sets.
PAGE 1 OF 2 • LOWER BODY & EFFORT CRITERIA
Upper Body Lifts & Max Record
Bench Press • Overhead Press • Pull-Up Progress
Lifter:
03
Bench Press (Barbell)
Horizontal Push
Current Est./Tested Max:
lbs
L1: 5-Point Contact
Head, shoulders, buttocks on bench; feet planted flat into floor.
L2: Retraction & Path
Shoulder blades pinched tight, lower bar to sternum at ~45-75° elbow tuck.
L3: Controlled Drive
Leg drive engaged; bar touches chest without bouncing; press back over shoulders.
| Date | Focus / Set | Weight (lbs) | Reps | RPE (6-10) | Est. 1RM (lbs) | Spotter / Signoff |
|---|
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
04
Overhead Press (Strict Military)
Vertical Push & Core
Current Est./Tested Max:
lbs
L1: Rack & Grip
Bar rests on front delts/clavicle; forearms vertical; glutes and abs squeezed tight.
L2: Strict Head Clearance
Tilt chin back slightly; press straight up without knee dip (no push press).
L3: Overhead Lockout
Push head forward "through window"; lock elbows over midfoot; no excessive lumbar arch.
| Date | Focus / Set | Weight (lbs) | Reps | RPE (6-10) | Est. 1RM (lbs) | Spotter / Signoff |
|---|
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
05
Pull-Up / Chin-Up Progression
Vertical Pull & Bodyweight
Current Benchmark:
Band / Reps / Load
L1: Scapular Active Hang
Dead hang to active hang: depress shoulder blades away from ears; hold 15-20 sec.
L2: Band-Assist / Eccentric
Loop resistance band or jump to top and perform 4-second controlled lowering.
L3: Strict Full ROM
Dead hang start, chin completely over bar without swinging/kipping, smooth lowering.
| Date | Assistance / Mode | Band / Wt (+/-) | Reps | RPE (6-10) | Progression Status | Spotter / Signoff |
|---|
| Eccentric / Heavy Band | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Semester 5-Lift Max Summary & Milestone Dashboard
Record best estimated (E) or tested (T) lift
| Lift Name | Form Stage Mastered | Baseline Max | Midterm Max | Final Max | Net Growth (+/-) |
|---|
| 01. Back Squat | L1 [ ] L2 [ ] L3 [ ] | | | | |
| 02. Deadlift | L1 [ ] L2 [ ] L3 [ ] | | | | |
| 03. Bench Press | L1 [ ] L2 [ ] L3 [ ] | | | | |
| 04. Overhead Press | L1 [ ] L2 [ ] L3 [ ] | | | | |
| 05. Pull-Up | L1 [ ] L2 [ ] L3 [ ] | | | | |
Lifter Commitment Signature:
Coach Technique Approval:
Progression rule: Advance to heavier loads only when RPE is ≤ 8 and form checkpoints are verified by coach or certified partner.
PAGE 2 OF 2 • UPPER BODY & MILESTONE DASHBOARD