Weight Training: Stop Guessing, Get Results with Volt’s AI-Powered Weight Selection 🤜🤛

Recent research has shown that when individuals choose their own weights during exercise, they choose 50% lighter weights than they can actually lift. 

People tend to self-select loads at roughly 50% of their estimated one-repetition maximum (1RM), which is a predictive measure of the maximum weight a person can lift for a single repetition of a specific movement. 

This tendency toward selecting weights significantly below one's true capabilities limits progress and performance. Alternatively, choosing a weight that is too heavy comes with its own risks, which we detail below.

lighter weight than can actually be lifted being chosen by the majority of individuals!

 

Risk #1: Undertraining and Lack of Progress.

Underestimating personal capabilities and selecting weights that are too light will limit results. The load needs to be in an optimal range to evoke meaningful physiological adaptations.

Undertraining, a consequence of insufficiently challenging the body during exercise, can result in stagnation and even regression in fitness levels. Symptoms of undertraining may include lack of progress, performance plateaus, diminished endurance, muscle atrophy, heightened susceptibility to injury, and decreased motivation.

Risk #2: Overtraining or Injury

While most individuals choose lighter weight than necessary, some will do the opposite and select weight too heavy for their skill set. There will undoubtedly be occasions when lifting heavier weights becomes essential throughout one's fitness journey. However, such progressions should come with proficiency first, minimizing the risk of injury and optimizing the efficacy of training efforts.

Overtraining, characterized by a constellation of symptoms including compromised immune function, muscle wasting, hormonal imbalances, and chronic fatigue, can have deleterious consequences on both physical and mental well-being. Moreover, lifting weights that exceed one's capacity can compromise technique, heightening the likelihood of injury.

 

Knowing What Weight to Choose

Achieving an optimal balance in training intensity, volume, and frequency is paramount for driving progress while mitigating the risks associated with undertraining and overtraining. 

Volt's groundbreaking AI tool, Cortex™, does the thinking and calculating for you, saving you time and ensuring the weight is optimal for each individual. It focuses on safety, progress, and performance. 

Cortex™ revolutionizes the training landscape by continuously adapting workouts based on real-time feedback. It seamlessly adjusts parameters such as weight, repetitions, or duration as needed. This proactive approach not only safeguards against undertraining but also ensures each session maximizes its effectiveness. 

With Cortex™ at the helm, individuals can confidently navigate their fitness endeavors, propelled by tailored guidance and safeguarded from the pitfalls of under- or overtraining.

 

Want to stop guessing what weight is right for you?!

Start your free trial of the Volt Training App HERE to see how  Cortex™ can revolutionize your training!

Victoria Druehl, MS, CSCS | Victoria is a Strength and Conditioning Consultant at Volt Athletics. A fervent coach and educator, Victoria has devoted her career to youth development and health promotion. Her previous roles include Sport Performance Coach, Head of S&C, and PE Department Chair, at several schools such as Harvard-Westlake School, IMG Academy, and Ransom-Everglades School. Victoria was a member of the Rowing team at UConn, and earned her Masters Degree in Exercise Science at the University of Miami. Follow Victoria on LinkedIn.