I think the whole concept of indicators is at least intuitively familiar to anyone who has been powerlifting for some time. What was really great about Wendler’s article was getting a view into his indicators and seeing his broad take on the issue. Most of us are probably only seeing a few of our indicators.

It would be very interesting to hear what kind of indicators you folks rely on. I would venture a guess that most of us rely primarily on weight indicators within the same exercise: for example, I know that I can single 10 kg/22 lbs more than I can triple. I use exercise indicators mostly to predict if my bench has gone up: I can usually bench whatever I can get up with a close-grip or on the floor press (not precisely a standard distribution there…). I am just beginning to find out my indicators on the squat/deadlift after having been struggling with back problems for two years.

So, what are your indicators?

Posted by: Kris | February 10, 2006 7:10 PM

It’s something I haven’t given as much thought as it probably deserves. Off the top of my head, I tend to use the close-grip bench press to gauge the standard grip (close + 10-15% = standard), and a low rack pull for the deadlift (gives an idea of grip strength, and the level of exertion required to hang on to the bar). With the squat, it’s all weight-related, and based on previous maxes.

Posted by: Scott | February 10, 2006 7:42 PM