Intermediate 5x5 - what to do when gravity catches up?

[Xlajbf]

I've been on the Intermediate 5x5 program for the past 7 weeks (progress here: http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?t=524790). It's my first time on such a program.

Anyway, although we all know that negative thinking is very bad, so is unrealistic thinking. It's inevitable that eventually gravity is going to catch up to me and keep those weights from going up. I've added 40lbs to my bench 5RM and 50 to my squat. This can't last forever; however, I've only added 20 to my DL and 10 to my OH press, so I don't want to drop everything and reset when I start failing on the other lifts.

What should I have planned for the day that I eventually fail to put it up for 5 reps? Stay on the current week's weight scheme for that exercise the following week and advance with the rest? Re-set the planned out weights using my previous week's successful 5RM as the new 5RM to base it on?

Finally, when is it the right time to move on to the Advanced 5x5 routine? I've had awesome gains with the Intermediate and could see myself doing this for a while, but I'd like to get whatever benefit I can from the Advanced (if there is a significant increased benefit). Is there?

Any comments appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Protobuilder]

I've only added 20 to my DL and 10 to my OH press, so I don't want to drop everything and reset when I start failing on the other lifts.

What should I have planned for the day that I eventually fail to put it up for 5 reps? Stay on the current week's weight scheme for that exercise the following week and advance with the rest?

I'd suggest this. Give it one more try and keep moving on everything else. If you still don't get it, try resetting that one lift. Drop back 20 pounds or so and ramp up again. You can probably do this a few times before you'll need a new plan.

Finally, when is it the right time to move on to the Advanced 5x5 routine?

When you can't make progress on the Intermediate scheme. In other words, when you NEED the extra volume in order to make progress.

 

[Cynical Simian]

When you can't make progress on the Intermediate scheme. In other words, when you NEED the extra volume in order to make progress.

Yep. Also, there's a big gap in volume between the Intermediate and Advanced programs, and a lot of progress to be made in that intermediate space. Take a look at AB's new journal for an example; a single set of 5 might not be enough of a stimulus for him anymore, but he's put together a nice string of PRs with 3x5 work sets driving his progress.

 

[anotherbutters]

You just need to reduce the amount you're adding to the bar each week. Progress will naturally get slower and slower over time and you need to take that into account. If you're following the spreadsheet (which you mentioned in post #1), you should appreciate that whilst it's a very useful tool to get you started, it can't possibly predict the points at which people will slow down.

I think the advanced version will likely slow you down at this stage because it's aimed at people that can't make the progress you've been making. Just keep adding to the bar, even if it's only 2lb per week. All those small increases soon add up.