5x5 what happens when...

[superqt4u2nv]

What happens when you can't keep adding weight? Should you try another routine? I have only been doing it for 2 months but some of my compounds I am wondering how long can I really keep adding weight before I just can't lift it?

 

[leatherface]

Switch it up to 5x3 and drop the weight back down. That should work. Maybe even take a week off first, get some extra rest.

 

[needsize]

when you cant add weight doing 5x5, switch to 5 sets of 3 reps, you;ll be able to keep adding weight again. Once you plateau on 5x5, go back to 5x5 on the weight you were stuck on before and it should go up easy

 

[superqt4u2nv]

How long should a 5x5 cycle be I did it mostly to build strength cause I had not lifted for a while. My long term goals a to lose 20-30lbs and lower bf%. I have been doing CKD for a few weeks seeing some good results with the diet.

 

[leatherface]

"How long should a 5x5 cycle be"
Probably like 8-12 weeks..whenever you start to plateau

 

[superqt4u2nv]

Ok think I will got tell the end of this month then change it up. Thanks green coming your way as soon as I recharge.

 

[CobraUTAH]

My recent experience with flat barbell bench. I started again at 225 for 5x5 and went up to 245 5x5, then I got stuck doing 5x5 with 250 because of the flu and time off. I did it two weeks in a row and fell short both times of getting all 5 sets of 5 reps. The following week I did 5x3 with 255 and it flew up, with the last set getting 4 reps. The next week again with 5x3 for 260 which was great again and again the last set I got 4 reps. It really is funny that you can fail at 5x5 and switch to 5x3 and keep going up. This routine is terrific, just follow the rules it WORKS!

 

[FatRat]

The advice above is good, but dont be afraid to try something new for a change of pace...

 

[lucidblue]

dayna, I've been doing 5x5 since August and I'm at a point where I can't go any higher on chest/arms/shoulders. I'm still good with GMs and squats though. I need to start dropping some lifts to 5x3 next week and see if that works.

 

[Island Son]

good question; i did 5x5 for a long time (maybe too long) and got stuck, then started going backwards... then dropped to 3x3 for higher weight, but still stuck at the same 5x5... then tried 10x2 for some endurance but still at the 5x5 weight... that's not a plateau, it's a wall so i'm taking small steps up with the 2.5 lb instead of the 10's. I've just neared the wall again so we'll see if it works.

 

[Island Son]

Forgot to post this link
http://www.charlespoliquin.net/articles/maximal-weights.html
Even Poliquin's 5x5 routine only lasts 3 weeks.

 

[Shak]

dayna -

what size increments are you using? i bought platemates to help me increase by smaller increments. they are 1 1/4 lbs magnetic plates that can stick to the BB, plates, or even DB. they are great to have and perfect for 5X5.

 

[thumpcbd]

dayna -

what size increments are you using? i bought platemates to help me increase by smaller increments. they are 1 1/4 lbs magnetic plates that can stick to the BB, plates, or even DB. they are great to have and perfect for 5X5.

Where did you find these? I need some of those for the DB at my gym. 5lb/DB is too much of a jump.

Casey

 

[superqt4u2nv]

I add 5lbs a week.

 

[from zero]

Lower the weight, use a 5x3 method, as needsize said.