Interesting Find: Weber's Law

[Electron]

This is a law of perception that could apply to weightlifting.

On average, humans can't tell the difference between two weights unless the difference is equal or over 2.5%.

Example: Axle 1 is loaded to 100kg, Axle 2 is loaded to 102.5kg. You will feel a slight difference. Any less difference, and you probably won't.

This law is said to apply across different magnitudes of weight.

A gripper rated at 100lbs or a DL lockout of 1000lbs, 2.5% is still the minimum noticeable weight.

This is consistent with my experiences in grip lift attempts. I make 2-3% jumps in axle in comp and training, and make the same jumps in other lifts too when testing max.

It would be interesting to see what this law would do to a max lift when a lifter doesn't know what weight they're attempting.

[Fist of Fury]

Interesting stuff. With weightlifting, especially if it's gripsport I think the actual grip you're able to get on the object you're about to lift will be very important and this law might not be very accurate because of that.

[ZFJango]

Very interesting. I wonder what time is needed for the less-than 2.5% extra to be the new baseline. As in, if a person has the equipment to keep "micro-loading" 2%, does that loaded weight become the new baseline, so next workout, 2% more on top of that is un-noticeable?

[Magnus]

You may not be able to discern a <2% difference when comparing two weights, but there's still only a maximum amount of force you can exert. For instance, if the absolute maximum amount of force you can exert in some arbitrary exercise is 200kg, you won't be able to lift 201kg even though it's only a 0.5% difference in weight.