That is unbelievable pressing gains... i need to work up to 4 sets of 8 reps of particular dumbbell weights before I can do 5x5 of the next weight up
Once I have 5x5 I try the next weight up. I'll probably only manage 1 or 2 sets of 5 with them at the first attempt, then drop down to the previous weight to complete 5 working sets.
Working up to 4x8 takes too long when you can just try and progress quicker.
eg A few workouts ago I was like 26 2x5, 24 3x5 Then got 26 5x5 then 28 1x5, 1x4+f, 26 4x5 Then today 28 3x5, 4+f, 26x5
I think you're better off trying to up the weight and only managing a set or two than increasing the volume massively before trying. Perhaps do one session where you try and get 6 reps out after the 5x5 but no more. You're just making it take longer.
Once I have 5x5 I try the next weight up. I'll probably only manage 1 or 2 sets of 5 with them at the first attempt, then drop down to the previous weight to complete 5 working sets.
Working up to 4x8 takes too long when you can just try and progress quicker.
eg A few workouts ago I was like 26 2x5, 24 3x5 Then got 26 5x5 then 28 1x5, 1x4+f, 26 4x5 Then today 28 3x5, 4+f, 26x5
I think you're better off trying to up the weight and only managing a set or two than increasing the volume massively before trying. Perhaps do one session where you try and get 6 reps out after the 5x5 but no more. You're just making it take longer.
Good idea...I shall try that...onto the 22.5kg dumbbells next time then lol
I got bodyweight bench for reps fast. After that my progress slowed. From 75 to 95 has taken me ages in comparison. Enjoy the newb games...unless you are happy to add blubber, squats and bench progress slowly.
Actually I've been lifting 2 years but spent about 9 months not barbell benching (because it was progressing too fast relatively) so come at me bro
I got bodyweight bench for reps fast. After that my progress slowed. From 75 to 95 has taken me ages in comparison. Enjoy the newb games...unless you are happy to add blubber, squats and bench progress slowly.
Actually I've been lifting 2 years but spent about 9 months not barbell benching (because it was progressing too fast relatively) so come at me bro
Not bothered about adding a wee bit of blubber..just as long as I don't look fat with clothes on haha
Plan on bulking until February/May 2015 then eating 200/300 under maintenance for a few months
Once I have 5x5 I try the next weight up. I'll probably only manage 1 or 2 sets of 5 with them at the first attempt, then drop down to the previous weight to complete 5 working sets.
Working up to 4x8 takes too long when you can just try and progress quicker.
eg A few workouts ago I was like 26 2x5, 24 3x5 Then got 26 5x5 then 28 1x5, 1x4+f, 26 4x5 Then today 28 3x5, 4+f, 26x5
I think you're better off trying to up the weight and only managing a set or two than increasing the volume massively before trying. Perhaps do one session where you try and get 6 reps out after the 5x5 but no more. You're just making it take longer.
I like how I advised someone this this ages ago (I think it was you but my memory fails me) and now you're advising it
I don't think it was me. I've been doing it since day 1 when I was pressing like 30kg and couldn't move up to the 35kg barbell (we have light set weight ones) for 5x5 so alternated sets between the two until I could do 5x5 with 35. Then same again with the 40.
It just seemed logical to me. Can't do 5x5 but do as much as you can.