How can I lift more?

[Anonymous]

So today I hit a roadblock at the gym. I was doing this program where I do five sets of five reps and each time I do a workout I add 5 pounds (5X5 program). Today I was trying to bench 85 pounds and failed. I feel really shitty because everyone I know is benching 120 and 130 and I'm out here failing to bench 85 pounds. I was doing well before that and then BOOM I failed. Any tips on how I can overcome this and succeed in benching 85 pounds so I can up the weight the next time?

[SlimBad]

First of all don't focus on the weight. Focus on how you feel lifting that weight.
When you do 5x5 it's not that you pick a fixed weight do 5 sets of 5 reps.
You make it so that you are just barely able to do 5 reps then repeat for 5 sets. Take 3-5 minutes of rest between sets if need be. Yes, preferably you lift about the same weight throughout, that's why you take longer rest periods. Also, with a 5x5 program which is primarily strength, you need to give yourself a couple days of recovery, so if you train Monday, then next time you train should be Wednesday.

[Asker]

I always thought that you add more weight the next time you do your workout if you succeed doing your previous workout. If I fail I take a 5 minute break and I do my workouts every other day.

[SlimBad]

There's a lot of factors that come into play than just upping the weight.
If you're training at the intensity you should be then you should be training every other day to give your CNS (central nervous system) time to recover.
Also take into account how much weight you're increasing. Sure, 5 lb. ain't a lot but think of it like this. You're adding 5 pounds to every rep. For a 5x5 that's 25 lb. more total of stress you're introducing.
That's where Rep Ranges come in.
For strength training what you're doing, you're looking at
5-10 sets
1-5 reps
You won't always get to 5 reps when you're increasing the weight so in turn you do more sets.

[AdamThomas]

Do you eat well? Are you smaller than the other guys? Maybe you need to build more muscle before you can lift heavier.

Also, do you. lift to failure? You shouldn't lift to failure when training for strength as that can actually be detrimental to your goals, you should stop a rep short.

[_lululemonxx]

lift more

[Anonymous]

How big are these other people compared to you? I always say you wouldn't expect a lineman to run as fast as a cornerback, therefore the cornerback isn't going to be able to lift as much as a lineman.
Stay the course, eat right & as hard as it is to do, give it time.

[Anonymous]

Stop doing the add 5 style and focus on doing all 5 sets with the same high weight. Also, do different chest exercises.

[Gameboy4]

Progressive overload!