Here is a good question: “what does PR mean in gym”? The answer can be a bit tricky. So let's take a look at some best practices to follow in Olympic weightlifting and I do believe that most athletes can make improvements to their plan for 1RM and PR understanding.
The Quick Answer to the question “what does pr mean in gym?” PR & 1 RM are two distinct meanings. Your 1 RM is a figure that varies up and down over time, but your PR reflects your most successful performance.

What Does Pr Mean In Weightlifting
Olympic weightlifters are addicted to measuring how much weight in kilos or lbs they can lift during a particular exercise, especially in squat snatch and clean & jerk. As a result of setting a personal record during a session, competition, or any lift, athletes should be proud of themselves. Although we are aware a PR isn`t the end result of the training process, it is still something to be happy about!
Different PR Types
A personal record (PR), personal best (PB), or one-rep max (1 RM) are some names for this. However, what distinguishes PR meaning from other keywords, and when is it crucial to keep each apart? I thought I'd use this article to explain the concepts as many of our Olympic weightlifting programs are based on 1 RM.
PR vs 1 RM
Let’s define the terms:
What is a PR in lifting? The result you have by far done that is designated as a "PR" is the top weight ever lifted. The term "personal best" or PB, which is frequently used, both imply the same thing. The term "1 RM" refers to the maximum weight you can now lift for a single rep.
Both lower or heavier than your gym PR are possible for your 1 RM. And on the contrary your PR is independent of your actual PB in any specific exercise.
Let's clarify using two cases where your actual 1 RM is heavier than your PR and another where it is lower.

Case #1 - 1 RM lower than PR
Let's assume that you have previously snatched not more than 92 kg. That is, unless you have a fantastic session and perform a 95 kg snatch for a personal record. You're sure that you couldn't have lifted one more kg since it was so heavy. Your PR and 1 RM in this context & on this workout are both 95 kg.
Then, suppose you stop exercising for half a year and your power declines. In the first session, you make the foolish decision to once more reach your snatch maximum. You gradually snatch bigger weights until you can finally complete one rep of 75 kg, but at 80 kg you collapse. Despite the fact that your weightlifting PR still seems to be 95 kg, your 1 RM today is 75 kg.
Planning your workouts going ahead should be done with 75 kg rather than your 1 RM.
Case # 2: 1 Rep Max higher than PR
Let's use the identical scenario as before.
Your training is smart and stable in snatch for a number of months. But, you never lift a weight more than 92 kg throughout any of your training.
You continue working out till you can complete 6 reps of 92 kg in a single set. So, how big is your personal record and 1 RM?
Your personal record (for 1 rep) has remained the same. It still - 92 kg. You still hold the record for never having snatched anything bigger in your whole life.
But definitely, now you can snatch for one rep significantly more than 92 kg. Similar to how your body has a weight and a temperature even though you'd never measure them.
You might be able to snatch roughly 105 kg for a one rep if you tested your 1 RM today. If you succeeded in doing so, 105 kg would become your new PR, and you would be aware of your 1 RM for that day.

Gym PR vs Competition PR

Why is PR Important?
How to Measure Your Weightlifting PR
The right way to measure your weightlifting PR is to set it up in the competition. There are few more ways to assume how big it is. Maxout training sessions will definitely give you certain numbers, but as we discussed before it is just a gym record and no one cares about it.
In Olympic weightlifting coaches use a specific auxiliary exercises models which shows the ratio between snatch, C&J and some auxiliary exercises. This approach can be used as a rough guide for understanding an athlete's potential shape.
You can use our PR calculator to see what is you potential according to your auxiliary exercise’s achievements - GeneraTOR.
How to Set New PRs
If we speak about competing, you will definitely need a coach and to dive deeper in a full competition routine. By the way a lot of useful information you will find in my book Competition DAY – X.
If you decide to do a PR session in your gym, here are my few tips on how to make it more productive.
Decide to Split Snatch and C&J or Not
From my national team experience we had BIG training PR sessions, when in one training we had Snatch, C&J and Back Squats in a row. This is too killing for normal people and I don't advise you this.
If you choose to lift on separate days, the C&J is usually far more challenging than the Snatch. If you break up your days, you should recover for at least two whole days following C&J before attempting Snatch. On the other hand, following Snatch, 1 day of recovery is probably appropriate.

Warm Up Approach
Picking Kilos
FAQ
What Does Pr Mean In Squats?
What Is Good PR For Deadlift?
What Does PB Mean In The Gym?
Sergii is a professional weightlifter and National team member in the past. Competed in 94 kg w/c, won multiple medals on national competitions.
Nowadays Sergii is responsible for designing training programs, writing blog articles, doing live commentary of international weightlifting competitions, running different sport & fitness educational seminars, including Olympic weightlifting together with Oleksiy Torokhtiy all around the globe.