Originally Posted by
OBoile
Is there any actual statistical evidence that short term spikes like these are dangerous? I think it's pretty premature to say that using 25 reps is "much" safer. I've been a member of the powerlifting community for over a decade. This includes a large number of masters lifters. Despite lifting heavy several times a week, I've yet to hear about this happening.
Good point. Without evidence, I shouldn't say it's much safer, and although it would seem to be common sense that blood pressure spikes could be dangerous for masters athletes, I have not researched the issue. I have heard anecdotal reports however. I can see how that would be important to someone who enjoys powerlifting. I on the other hand am simply interested in retaining muscle and strength as I age, perhaps increase it a bit too, and there is good evidence that 20-25 reps to exhaustion works just as well in achieving those goals as heavy weights/low reps.