I am a newer lifter, having only lifted for a few months. I did 8 or so weeks earlier in the year and I strarted again after a lay off 10 weeks ago. I am doing 5x5 which is the program that my group fitness class trainer gives to those who show interest in doing some strength training. I am 172cm tall and weigh 77kg (5 foot 7 inches and 170 pounds). Two workouts ago I hit the 100kg (220 pound) mark for my squats and 95kg (210 pounds) for my deadlift and it felt good, not a grind at all. In the two workouts since my squats have felt heavy and, while I finished the sets I don’t think I could have done another set. My overhead press has done the same thing with 42.5kg (93 pounds) feeling super easy and then not being able to complete 5x5 at 45kg (100 pounds).
What I am trying to work out is why the small weight jump makes such a huge difference to the success of failure of the set. From listening to the podcast (which I found recently) i seems that, on average, I should not be hitting a wall quite this light but am I hitting the end of being able to add weight every workout to my squats, deadlift and overheads?
It could be time to change it up programming wise depending on how long you have been doing the current program and if you have tried any kind of resets at all. I once did something similar and after trying to reset weights once, which I didn’t want to do, I knew it was time to move on to which I then continued to make progress. Your diet could be something else to look at as well.
There are a ton of variables that could influence this. BBM has also kind of moved beyond the idea of linear progression as a whole. I wouldn’t put any thought into when you should/should not be hitting a wall. If you hit a wall, you simply hit a wall. It’s bound to happen sooner rather than later.
To echo, it is likely that the programming doled out by your fitness instructor does not take into account progressive overload, fatigue management, or basic elements of physiology for that matter. If you are interested in getting stronger, download “the bridge”. It’s free and takes all of these elements into account. If hanging out with folks while you train is critical to your compliance and success, BBM also has group programming. Also, “To Be A Beast” by Doctor Jordan Feigenbaum is a good read regardless of your goals and will aid in your gainz
Thanks for the input everyone. I have The Bridge and will read it over the weekend. I have read To Be A Beast a few times and each time I get a little more out of it. Just slowly gathering information and resources at beginner levels.