I think that maybe some people do not understand the difference between "intensity" and "resistance". It may be a source of misunderstanding and confusion.

When I say intensity I mean simply how close a given weight is to your 1RM as I said before (the way most of us view it, I think). So keep in mind I am NOT talking about your perceived exertion level (see my signature). There are other definitions that different people use but any definition that allows a very broad, sweeping, and nebulous viewpoint is almost worthless from a programming perspective.

When you are engaged in some type of linear load progression where you are simply increasing the weight on the bar in some sort of straight forward way that is not really raising the intensity. That is raising the resistance. Theoretically your relative intensity range hasn't changed. If you take 3 by 8 and add 5 pounds to it every week....you still are using the same intensity. It's just that, supposedly, your absolute ability has changed and thus the weight that that intensity range represents has increased.

You have become stronger but you haven't changed the intensity of your workouts. Sometimes raising the reps and adding a set can overcome a plateau and give you a little more strength. Especially when your are fist starting out. But you will NEVER reach your true strength potential until you start working at truly high INTENSITIES.

If you DO raise intensity, then by definition that means the volume DECREASES. The closer you get to your absolute 1RM the lower the reps. And the lower the sets you can do.

I know this seems like duh...basic beginner common sense stuff but I believe maybe this stuff needs to be said based on some of the questions I see.

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If you act sanctimonious I will just list out your logical fallacies until you get pissed off and spew blasphemous remarks.