Question regarding weight selection. I am currently going through MAPS Anabolic. Pre stage and stage 1 were great. Was able to figure out the weight pretty quickly. However, I struggled a bit selecting weight in stage 2 and now also in stage 3. I know there are a lot of factors and some workouts can be a grind. Work off the max weight you were able to move on a day where you had the most energy, well rested and mentally invested. For instance, if you were able to deadlift "X" in phase 1. We recommend starting with \_\_\_% of "X" to start. For myself I found I had to experiment a lot trying to find the right choice. At first I had too much. With the increase in reps and shortened rest period I felt a little like I was over training, or on the other end it wasn't challenging enough.

Selecting the right weight for different phases in the MAPS Anabolic program can indeed be tricky, especially as you move from one stage to another with varying rest periods and rep ranges. Here are a few guidelines based on the principles of the program:

1. Stage 1 (Foundational Phase): This phase often helps you establish a baseline. As you mentioned, you could lift "X" weight when well-rested and full of energy. This sets a reference point for the subsequent stages.

2. Stage 2 (Adaptation Phase): Here, you typically deal with increased reps and faster tempo, which can be quite different from Stage 1. A common recommendation is to start with around 70-75% of the maximum weight you lifted in Stage 1. Adjust based on how your body responds to the increased volume and reduced rest periods.

3. Stage 3 (Hypertrophy Phase): This stage often emphasizes muscle endurance and hypertrophy. Starting with around 60-70% of your Stage 1 max weight can be beneficial. Given the higher rep range and the likely cumulative fatigue from the previous stages, this reduced weight helps maintain form and reduce the risk of overtraining.

It’s important to note that these percentages can serve as a starting point. Individual differences in recovery, sleep, stress levels, and nutrition greatly impact performance. Therefore, ongoing adjustments are crucial:

• Listen to Your Body: If a workout feels excessively taxing, reduce the weight slightly. Conversely, if it's too easy, add more weight incrementally.
• Track Progress: Keep a workout log to monitor how different weights feel and your overall progress. This can guide adjustments.
• Rest and Recovery: Ensure adequate rest, nutrition, and hydration to support your training efforts.

By experimenting within these guidelines and being mindful of your body's feedback, you can better navigate the weight selection challenges in MAPS Anabolic. If additional specifics are needed, joining a community or forum where MAPS Anabolic users share their experiences might provide more personalized insights.