Why do my lifts go down when I go to a different gym?

[RusPA81]

I came home for the summer from school this week and I started lifting at Golds where I have been lifting the past few summers. I was suppose to do 410 for 5x3 on deads as I finished 405 last week. When I tried it however I could barely move it. I had to drop down to 385 which should have been real easy. For some reason whenever I come to Golds my lifts drop from 10-20 pounds, depending on the lifts. So far this week all of my other lifts have actually not gone down except deads. Can anyone think of a reason for this. The bars weigh 45 pounds at both gyms. The only difference is that this bar is thicker, but it wasnt my grip that was bothering me. I just couldnt stand up. The only thing that I can think of that caused this is that I drove 15 hours from Arizona to San Francisco on Monday and that may have worn me out. Is this just a mental block that I get or could there be another reason behind this?

 

[FatRat]

Didnt you have the same problem with your bench a while back?:

http://boards.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=233255

You sure its not the kit at Golds?

 

[RusPA81]

Yes, I did have the same problem last summer. What do you mean by the kit?

 

[FatRat]

Bars, plates, collars etc...

 

[RusPA81]

No, its not. I swore that is was, but they tell my everything is standard and I see no reason why it should be. I actually think that my bench may have been lower last year as I was overtraining and not eating enough, but now my diet and recovery is good.

 

[FatRat]

Tis is my post from the above thread, just an idea...

Are you sure it’s not the plates? I’m sure there are some small variations between the weights of plate sets at different gyms. Usually it isn’t going to make a huge difference if a plate is + or – 0.5 or 0.25 lb, but when you put 2, 3 or 4 on each side of the bar it adds up, specially when you are pushing yourself to the limit of your abilities!

Also, are you using collars? These can be anything up to 5 lbs! Are the benches the same height from the floor? This gives you a different arch in your back with your feet on the floor. Also I find the atmosphere in the gym makes a big difference. Sometimes it is just impossible to concentrate…

 

[Mike_Rojas]

My "standard" weights are like 47 pounds instead of 45!

 

[TheOak84]

2 of my 45's are 49 and the rest are 45-48.. it really sux. along with the 25's-35's are a few pounds heavier

 

[FatRat]

There you go, add 4 or 5 of those to each end of the bar and it makes a big difference...

 

[RusPA81]

Ok, thanks guys. I wish there was a way I could find out for sure. Maybe I should carry all the weights to the scale. I wonder if they would be mad?