Both methods work. The better one depends on the client and what you know about their numbers.
Percentages
- Clear to read: 80% of 100 kg is 80 kg.
- Good for a planned peak toward a meet.
- They need a max that is recent and accurate.
- A max moves from week to week, so the same percentage can feel different.
The one rep max calculator gives a starting estimate from a recent set.
RPE
- The load follows how the client feels that day.
- It works when no recent max exists.
- It needs practice. Expect new clients to misjudge effort at first.
Using both
Set the week with percentages. Let the client move the weight up or down to hit the written effort.
How to choose
- New to training: start with set loads and add effort later.
- Experienced with a recent max: percentages, with effort as a check.
- Unsure of the max: use RPE until you have a tested number.
Where Trainersight fits
Trainersight lets you write either. It records effort for each set, so you see how the client judged it.
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