Too Heavy On 5x5?

[The Red Dragon]

Seems like a simple program but there's no line between my ego and safety/progress.

For flat bench press, I think I started with the bar a month ago, but I started 5x5 and I've only finished 80 lbs succesfully (including 45 lbs from oly bar). I couldn't get 5x5 beyond 80 lbs, I was stuck at 85 for 2 chest workouts, the first one was. 5x5x4x3x3, then the second one, 5x5x5x5x2 =/.

With benching I think it's my triceps that burn out first. Most of the force is on the triceps, however when I do dumbell bench press I can take a lot of pressure off my triceps and feel the burn in my chest. The dumbells were lighter though, 25 and 25.

Squats I'm at 170 lbs now. I can squat with that weight but as for stability...I struggle stabilizing/racking/unracking the weight. My legs are stronger than my back/abs. I feel as though I'm going to tip over/fall. I can complete the 5x5 with that weight though. Should I move it down?

Deads are fine.

I just want the numbers to increase because they seem rather low and pathetic =/. Perhaps I should just swallow my pride.

 

[PolishHammer1977]

Yes. Move down.

 

[The Red Dragon]

Are squats comfortable for you? lol stupid question but how do I know what to move it down to? If I can stabilize it, it'll be comfortable for me and I'd be able to do like 20.

 

[Legion Kreinak2]

Drop all your weights to weights which you can complete 5x5 for easily for, let's say, the first two training sessions. The key is to start easy and progress slightly every training session. Stability, balance, and coordination is important. Make sure you're doing squats correctly, and with good form.

Don't worry about numbers. Don't compare yourself to others.

The reason you feel it more in the chest with dumbbells is because they tend to recruit more stabilizer muscles, and stimulate the chest more. If you can get heavier dumbbells, do so. It will help in building the chest greatly. At least, I think so.

 

[bigstve12]

Sart lighter with your weights...think of it as a running start, so once the weights get heavier, you'll have a momentum going. Does that make sense? Im not good at explaining things. Don't get frustrated with your weights, as long as your going up, who cares...progress is the only thing that matters.

 

[The Red Dragon]

Thanks man (gotta wait a few more hours for karma to come back)

 

[Zander1983]

Pick weights that allow you to progress at a steady rate. If this means starting off a training cycle on a relatively low weight, then that's okay. Its a solid principle.