Question for you Needsize...

[BlkWS6]

I like many others it seems are trying your 5x5 routine. So far I think it is really awesome, but I have a quick question for you. Do you switch up your compound movement if you are stuck at the same weight for 5x5 over an extended period of time. For instance, lets say that Im stuck at 315lbs 5x5 on bench for 3 weeks or something along those lines. Would it be beneficial for me to go ahead and try another compound movement (ie. incline barbell) for 5x5, or do I just continue to tough it out until I can make the next jump up in weight and handle it for 5x5? Thanks man!

 

[BlkWS6]

bump

 

[needsize]

There are few compound exercises that work for building mass, so I don't change them very often. What I will do if I'm stuck on a weight, is the next week add maybe 2 1/2lb plates to the bar for the next week, and go for say 5 sets of 3 reps instead. This way I can usually keep adding weight for a bunch more weeks. And when you go back to 5x5, you'll probably find your past the sticking point.
I'll use your example, your stuck on 315lbs for 5's on bench
week 1 320lbs 5 sets of 3
week 2 325lbs 5 sets of 3
week 3 330lbs 5 sets of 3
week 5 335lbs 5 sets of 3
Continue that for as long as you can keep adding weight for triples, when you get stuck on that, drop the weight and go back to 5's, you'll more than likely find the old weight(315) a joke. This always seems to work for me. I'm in the middle of this myself and am making awesome strength gains

 

[BlkWS6]

That sounds like a good plan. Thanks for the help bro.

 

[needsize]

Let us know how it works for you