Realistic 5x5 Bench....

[callthedoctor]

I'm using 5x5 for my bench and squat and just completed my first two weeks....

My bench is as follows:
135xwhatever
175x6-8
5x225x5 to start, now I'm at 5x235x5....(adding 5lbs a week)

Today's bench workout was decent...the last rep of my 4th/5th set was not easy but not hard...didn't use a spot, didn't think I needed one...

My question is this...if not next week at 240, then the following week at 245x5, these last reps will probably be a struggle...

Should I not increase weight utill I hit all 5 reps or do I continue with forced reps? IOW, at what point do I stop adding weight? Do I drop down in weight?

I'm not sure what my ORM is (kinda worried about a shoulder injury)...I'd guess around 300....my goal is the mighty 3 plated 315.

Thanks.

 

[tzan]

It's good when your last couple of sets are difficult. Keep adding weight until you NEED assistance in order to complete the lift. If you can't lift it on your own, stay at the same weight and bang it up in the next week.

 

[westsnoop]

When I feel I'm getting close to failure on the fourth or fifth set, I progress at 2 1/2 lbs. per week (instead of 5 lbs). I use some magnetic "chips" I bought off the net.
When I do hit failure, I'll stay at that weight for another week. If I fail again, I'll move on to the 5 x 3 phase the next week using the same weight, then start progression with the chips.
That's my own twist on the 5 x 5.