adding weight (this might be the dumbest question you've seen yet)

[JDid23]

ok guys... i like to think i am somewhat knowledgeable in a general sense. This question seems so stupid, and i feel dumb just thinking about it.

last workout, i squatted

45x5
95x5
115x5
125x5


it was my 3rd workout, and i kind of struggled with the last few reps of the 125. It felt great to get them out with proper form. However, for my next workout, I want to increase to 130. The bar weights 45 pounds, which leaves me with 85 pounds left to put on. At the gym i lift at, the lowest plate they have is 5 pounds... i don't know how to distribute this evenly (it's not possible actually), so should i just have some lower sets working up to doing 135 or try the 135 and see how i do? when people say you should go up like 5 pounds in a lift each workout, i don't know how that works lol. I think i can manage adding 10 pounds for now, but once i go up a lot, i think it will be too hard to add 10 pounds each workout. Maybe i should do it each week? Is my thought process completely illogical? thanks.

 

[SouthernLord]

Go buy two 2.5 pound plates.

 

[joe d]

increase the weight every other time. and increase the reps in between if you dont want to buy the plates like sl said. 5lb increaces may not be ideal for you right now. once you get your form down and used to the movements you should be able to add another 20-30 lbs easy. then the 5lb increaces may be a little easier to get.

just worry about doing the lifts right for now. as it feals lighter or you are able to get 7 or 8 reps add some weight.

forcing overload this early on can be dangerous. all of the heavy explosive movements are what pack on the muscle but if your body isnt ready for it all you will get is injured frequently.

 

[crazyquik]

If this is the third time you've squatted, then your body probably isn't entirely comfortable in the movement yet.

Your muscles are probably strong enough to make the move, but your coordination isn't. You don't feel entirely comfortable banging out the reps yet do you? It feels odd to have a 7ft long pole across your shoulders? You still have to think about it? Luckily, it catches up fast!

Since you struggled on 125x5, shoot for 5 reps with perfect form (which means you might be able to struggle or cheat and get 6 or 7). At that point you can probably move to 130 lbs.

 

[SaiBoT]

Either buy the plates or work your way up to 8 reps then increase by 10lbs.

 

[JDid23]

thx guys.. i will have to do that next time lol. but this time, i grinded out the 135x5 and was damn happy with it

 

[Eric1987]

How much do you weigh? Seems like you should be able to do much more weight.

 

[JDid23]

a little over 150.. i don't want to go up too fast though i have only had 4 workouts.