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Getbig Bodybuilding Boards => Training Q&A => Topic started by: getbig105 on October 03, 2008, 07:34:37 PM

Title: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: getbig105 on October 03, 2008, 07:34:37 PM
If I am stuck with a weight on an exercise for a few weeks (considered that my diet and rest have no problem), does that mean I have reached a plateau? If so, how to break this plateau?

For example, for incline dumbbell press, I can do 12 reps with 20lbs, 30 and 35, I can do 8-9 with 40, and 5-6 with 45. I do all those by myself. I know that, for every next work out, I should increase a little bit weight or do a few more reps that what I did last time. But for a few weeks, I can neither add more weight nor do more reps. What should I do?

If I ask someone to spot me to do 1-2 more reps than the last time, does that work?

Thank you for any idea.

W.
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: 2ND COMING on October 03, 2008, 09:26:40 PM
take a break from lifting.
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: garebear on October 04, 2008, 07:35:38 AM
hey man, i always lift alone, no help either.

here is one thing you can do

after you get to failure, or close...

immediately drop to the ground and start doing push ups, you should be able to knock out a few.

the resistance is less and you will never need a spot, but you still will push past your limit

but you HAVE to go until muscle failure

it's a little embarassing rolling yourself back up (your arms should not be able to lift your body weight at this point) but it is a good way to break a plateau
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: getbig105 on October 04, 2008, 08:18:11 AM
hey man, i always lift alone, no help either.

here is one thing you can do

after you get to failure, or close...

immediately drop to the ground and start doing push ups, you should be able to knock out a few.

the resistance is less and you will never need a spot, but you still will push past your limit

but you HAVE to go until muscle failure

it's a little embarassing rolling yourself back up (your arms should not be able to lift your body weight at this point) but it is a good way to break a plateau
hey, garebear, thank you for your reply.

I see what you mean, what you said is a good way to push us beyond the limit.
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: PANDAEMONIUM on October 04, 2008, 07:41:19 PM
for incline dumbbell press, I can do 12 reps with 20lbs, 30 and 35, I can do 8-9 with 40, and 5-6 with 45.

Not trying to be a dick here, but you aren't a non-anorexic guy, are you???
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: Zach Trowbridge on October 04, 2008, 09:54:04 PM
Change exercises.
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: elite_lifter on October 05, 2008, 08:55:23 AM
5 x 5's
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: Painlayer69 on October 05, 2008, 12:13:13 PM
Change exercises, change order of exercises every other workout,change little thing's like the angle that you do the exercises such as incline/decline bench press ( With a smith machine ) and........

EAT ALOT MORE
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: d0nny2600 on October 05, 2008, 01:39:38 PM
Take a bunch of dianabol
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: Royalty on October 13, 2008, 11:44:52 AM
bump up the carbs and fats and gain some weight dude
Title: Re: how to break the strength plateau?
Post by: DK II on October 14, 2008, 06:17:03 AM
Start training your legs.