What does PR mean in gym terms? “PR” is gym jargon for “Personal Record.” It refers to any record you set in the gym, whether it’s lifting more weight than you ever have before or maxing out on reps. Achieving new PRs is essential for progression in your fitness journey, and there are different types of PRs to target depending on what you’re looking to accomplish.
You achieve competition PRs when competing in a weightlifting or powerlifting meet. These are the most prestigious type of PR, as they’re what you’ve managed to do in an official competition setting. However, gym PRs are still significant – they’re the marks you set in training and are what you need to beat to continue progressing.
Gyms have different tracking PRs, but the most common way is by recording the date, weight, and reps for each lift. This information can be tracked in a spreadsheet or journal or even on a whiteboard in the gym.
Testing your maxes and lifts is the best way to determine your current PRs. You can use a weightlifting calculator or online lifting database to help you. Once you know what your maxes are, you can start chasing those all-important new PRs!
Achieving new gym PRs is essential for progression in your fitness journey – and there are different types of PRs to target depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s everything you need to know about what “PR” means in gym terminology and how to go about smashing your personal bests!
Difference Between a “Gym PR” and a “Competition PR”
The setting is the most apparent difference between a gym PR and a competition PR. Gym PRs are set in a training environment, while competition PRs are achieved in a competitive setting. This means that the latter are generally more prestigious, as they entail beating another lifter or lifting total in a meet.
However, there are other differences between gym and competition PRs. Gym PRs are typically what you achieve in the gym, with your weight and using the same equipment each time. Competition PRs, on the other hand, are what you accomplish when competing – so they can be done with a different weight class or even a different lift.
It’s also worth noting that competition PRs are typically more accurate, as they’re done under more controlled circumstances. However, this isn’t always the case – there can be variables in a competition that affect your performance (such as the atmosphere or the bar’s weight). As such, it’s essential to consider all the factors involved when comparing gym and competition PRs.
PR vs 1RM
PRs are a great way to measure your progress, but it’s important to remember that they’re not the only metric. 1RM (one-rep max) is another way of measuring strength, and it can be helpful to track this in addition to PRs.
1RM is simply the maximum weight you can lift for one rep. This number can vary depending on the day, so it’s important to track your 1RM over time to get a more accurate measure of your strength.
When you compare your PRs with your 1RM, you can start to see which lifts are progressing and which might need more attention. This information can be helpful when planning your training routine.
Is It Important To Hit New PRs?
Yes! Progression is key in any fitness journey, and this is especially true when it comes to lifting weights. When you hit a new PR, you’re not only beating your old personal best – you’re also progressing closer to your ultimate lifting goals.
There are a few reasons why hitting new PRs is so important:
- It Provides Motivation – Every time you achieve a new PR, you’re reminded of what’s possible and what you’re working towards. This is a great motivator to keep pushing yourself in the gym.
- It Proves That You’re Progressing – When you set a new personal best, it means that your strength and fitness are improving. This can be incredibly motivating and can help keep you on track when things get tough.
- It Boosts Your Confidence – Every time you achieve a new PR, your confidence gets a little boost. This can be helpful in other areas of your life, as well as in the gym.
- It Helps You Stay Focused – When you have a clear goal in mind, it’s easier to stay focused in the gym. Achieving new PRs is a great way to keep your motivation high and help you reach your fitness goals.
How To Go About Smashing Your Personal Bests?
Now that you know all about what does “PR” means in gym terms, it’s time to start smashing your personal bests! Here are a few tips for doing just that:
Set Achievable Goals
Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable. This will help you stay motivated and focused on what you’re working towards.
Create A Plan Of Attack
Plan out what lifts you’re going to target and what weight you’ll be using. This will help you stay on track and make sure you hit those all-important new PRs.
Train Smarter, Not Harder
When it comes to lifting weights, quality trumps quantity. Make sure you’re focusing on good form and taking adequate rest periods between sets.
Track Your Progress
Keep track of your progress in a training journal or by using a lifting app. This will help you see how far you’ve come and what still needs to be achieved. Analyze what could have gone better on that day, what worked great, what weight I should try next time, what muscles I felt working.
Take On Challenges
Challenge yourself to achieve new PRs in different weight classes or with different lifts. This will help keep things exciting and prevent you from getting stuck in a lifting rut.
Proper Diet
Achieving new PRs isn’t just about lifting weights – your diet also plays a role. Make sure you’re eating enough protein and carbohydrates to fuel your workouts and help you achieve your goals.
Getting Enough Sleep
Last but not least, getting enough sleep is essential for reaching your fitness potential. When you’re well-rested, you perform better in the gym and are less likely to injure yourself.
How To Keep Track of Your PRs
There are a few different ways you can keep track of your PRs:
- A training journal – this is a handwritten or digital journal where you can track all your lifts and progress.
- A lifting app – several apps allow you to track your lifts, including Gym Buddy, StrongLifts, and Lift Log.
- A spreadsheet – you can also create your own spreadsheet to track your PRs.
- A whiteboard/chalkboard – this is a great way to visually track your progress.
Testing Your Own PRs
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also test your personal bests. This involves lifting a weight that’s heavier than what you’re used to for a single rep. If you can complete the lift, you’ve achieved a new personal best!
In Conclusion
It’s important to hit new PRs for many reasons. It provides motivation, proves your progress, and boosts your confidence. However, what is some other benefits? Achieving a new personal best helps you stay focused in the gym which is vital when trying to achieve fitness goals. You can also keep track of all your records by using a training journal, spreadsheet, app, or board. Improving on what you can do is what many athletes call the sweetest victory. Achieving a new PR should be your main focus in any gym routine!
