How to guage when strength has fully returned

[WalkingBeast]

Hey everyone! Im anxious to see where my strength is at, after this back injury. I dont want to return to the very heavy weights just yet on the bench press. 225lbs for reps seems manageable for now, and I may even try 275 for a few reps tommorrow. Heres my question: I was getting 225lbs for 24-27 reps before my injury (27 is an estimate, given my reps went up by 3 on all weights and I did not test rep max with 225 since the increase).
Lets say tommorrow I hit 27 reps on flat bench with 225. Does this mean my strength is back fully? With the heavy weights as well. For example I was getting 275 for 15 reps as well. But may not attempt that for a little while. Since, recently 225 for 15 reps with very strict form was not hard, I figure breaking 24 would be a good goal to shoot for, but does it mean my strength is back fully?
Thats the question. Any feedback would help greatly! ThanX everyone!

 

[genarr3]

I would use it as a good indicator that I would be able to do the heavier weights if I was training heavy.

 

[WalkingBeast]

I would use it as a good indicator that I would be able to do the heavier weights if I was training heavy.

ThanX brother! Heavy for me, would be close to 400. I wouldnt mind staying in the 300's for reps until I recover though. 225 doesnt put too much pressure on my back, Im sure 300+ will. ThanX again!! Karma for anyone who replies. More feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

[leatherface]

A good indicator, maybe, but it doesn't mean for 100% that your strength is fully back. Maybe try going for a more maximal load. Do you know how many reps you could have banged out with like 335 or 355 or something before? I think the higher towards your 1RM you go with the reps, the better it will be for trying to see if your strength is back. If you still can't go that heavy though, just go for the 225 or 275.

 

[WalkingBeast]

A good indicator, maybe, but it doesn't mean for 100% that your strength is fully back. Maybe try going for a more maximal load. Do you know how many reps you could have banged out with like 335 or 355 or something before? I think the higher towards your 1RM you go with the reps, the better it will be for trying to see if your strength is back. If you still can't go that heavy though, just go for the 225 or 275.

ThanX brother!! Yes 335 was at about 4 reps. Never really tested it fully however. I may have to wait a little while before I go over 300. Maybe next week, will see how my back feels. ThanX again!

 

[bigstve12]

yeah bro even though your getting a good number of reps with the light weight, be careful, once you start going heavier it could put too much stress on that back. Work back up to it gradually...even if your strength has returned, that doesnt mean the back is ready for the load. What was your injury??

 

[WalkingBeast]

yeah bro even though your getting a good number of reps with the light weight, be careful, once you start going heavier it could put too much stress on that back. Work back up to it gradually...even if your strength has returned, that doesnt mean the back is ready for the load. What was your injury??

ThanX brother!!!! I agree completely. Just wanted to get an idea so I wouldnt be so fucking depressed, thinking it would take a year to get back. I will most likely stay light and move faster between sets for the time being. And who knows, maybe this switch to BB style training might be beneficial, even with the lighter weights. Sometimes change is good. Beginning to learn the importance of adaptation. First I pulled out my lower back on the first of december. Then on the 7th I went back to bench press. Ended up going to maximal weights and reps, cuz everything was going good, except for slight pain in the lower back. Then when I lowered 275 on the last set, I felt a cracking in my upper back, right side. So I either pulled or tore that. I shouldve took more time off from the onset of the injury, but couldnt hold myself back! haha The pain is finally subsiding, but I can still feel it when lowering heavy weights. So just waiting it out. Its mainly on the right side of my back where the shoulder blade connects to the scapula. Not a good place to get injured. ThanX again brother!!!

 

[TheOak84]

i say fuck 225 for 24... do 315 for 12 or 335 for 10..

 

[WalkingBeast]

i say fuck 225 for 24... do 315 for 12 or 335 for 10..

Shit...Thatd rip the bone right off the muscle now!! haha 315 for 7 was my best, so 12 would be spotter assisted. Id be feeling pain after 315 for one now. ThanX brother!!!!!! For trying to fuck me up!!!!!!!!!

 

[protobe]

I would use it as a good indicator that I would be able to do the heavier weights if I was training heavy.

same thoughts here bro. I would just suggest going up in pyramids you know i mean if you hit one weight confortable than next week move up. But i wouldn't strain it right off the bat its gonna be easier to reinjure now than it will in a month or two you know?? good luck