Reducing weight

Do any of you guys periodically need to reduce the amount of weight you hang? I was hanging 19 pounds for a couple of sets then dropping gradually in weight down to 11 pounds. For the last few days I simple can not tolerate the higher weight. I tried dropping down to 16 lbs then 13.5 . Today I could not stand 11 pounds and had to drop back to 8.5 pounds. I changed to an ever so slightly more BTC angle by scooting a tad more down in the chair.

Is this a good sign or bad?

CGuy,

>Do any of you guys periodically need to reduce the amount of weight you hang? I was hanging 19 pounds for a couple of sets then dropping gradually in weight down to 11 pounds. For the last few days I simple can not tolerate the higher weight. I tried dropping down to 16 lbs then 13.5 . Today I could not stand 11 pounds and had to drop back to 8.5 pounds. I changed to an ever so slightly more BTC angle by scooting a tad more down in the chair.
Is this a good sign or bad?<

Yup, this is exactly what you are looking for. Congratulations. You always want to push it getting to fatigue a little. IOW, not staying at the reduced weight. But when you actually cannot take it, you have to reduce the weight. You want controlled damage or deformation, and not an injury.

Now, you want to continue hanging at fatigue as much as possible, at the lower weights. If you get to where you cannot hang even one half of your max weight, then either change hanging angles, or take a day off.

Bigger

Yep, the old pyramid-stepped routine. This has been discussed here elsewhere before (thanks Bib for shedding light on the reasoning though). I’m up to 15 lbs. after about 3 months, and will do an hour at that maximum weight maybe a couple days out of the week; I’m pretty sore afterwards, and it’s interesting that after that even lower weights feel heavy as hell!

What if after a few days I still can’t handle my max—what does this indicate?
I ask because I find myself at a similar place as CGuy: After hanging lower weight for about 4 days and 1 day of rest I’m having a hard time getting back to my max weight (BTC). I CAN hang lower weight (well above my half max weight) with no problem but anything near the max and I’m breaking a heavy sweat immediately and I feel an injury lurking.

Is it unheard of to remain fatigued for so long? Should I be grateful for this and continue to ride it out?
It certainly makes hanging easier, I just fear that I’m harming my gains by not attaining my previous max weight.

—-Thanks
Cap

Cap,

>What if after a few days I still can’t handle my max—what does this indicate?<

You have been working hard and effectively.

>Is it unheard of to remain fatigued for so long? Should I be grateful for this and continue to ride it out?<

Be grateful. When I was hanging, I would go for a couple weeks or more without being able to hit a previous max.

>It certainly makes hanging easier, I just fear that I’m harming my gains by not attaining my previous max weight.<

That is why I always preach to listen to your body. Both to prevent injuries and to gain effectively. If your body says to reduce weight, then reduce. The amount of weight is totally irrelevant. What matters is what and how you feel. If you are reaching fatigue, and able to continue to hang at a lower weight, you are doing good. If you cannot hang anything, then change angles or stop for the day and try again the next day, or just take a day off.

Bigger

Bib,
That is good news. I’m reassured now about this drop off in weight. I’ve been pushing things pretty hard these last few weeks. Thanks for the words - they’ll probably keep me from hurting myself.
-Cap

>The amount of weight is totally irrelevant. <

I think I need to have a plaque made of this and hang it over my desk (imagine the puzzled looks from visitors?)

Cap,

>I think I need to have a plaque made of this and hang it over my desk (imagine the puzzled looks from visitors?)<

A neon sign would probably be better.

SS4