Stall Early on Bill Starr?

[PumaKrieg]

Okay so I just got through doing week 5 of Bill Starr 5x5 and my first week of new maxes were EXTREMELY hard, as in I barely got all of them. I was thinking they were going to be a lot easier until i got to maybe like week 7.

Is that normal on this program, does each new PR week (even 5 pounds more after a month) feel extremely hard and you just BARELY get it week after week? I definently didn't overestimate my maxes either as I went and attempted them about 2 weeks before starting the program.

Note: I am bulking on this program as well, was hoping that would result in better gains, so I am not having a caloric deficit or anything that would hinder my gains. As a matter of fact, I have gained about 7-10 pounds (i realize most is probably fat) over these 5 weeks as well as making sure to get enough protein in.


Been SERIOUSLY lifting for a little over 2 years and have done Rips as well as 3 day splits and weightlifting team workout.

[SuicideGripMe]

As the weeks progress it gets harder yes. If you find yoursellf unable to add weight one week, deload or try again the next week.

[r_graz]

Overestimating your old maxes can definitely cause you to stall early. Were the 5RM's you plugged in based on actual, recent tests, or just estimates?

[PumaKrieg]

Originally Posted by r_graz

Overestimating your old maxes can definitely cause you to stall early. Were the 5RM's you plugged in based on actual, recent tests, or just estimates?

actual recent ones; i did them took a full week off afterwards and then started the next week.

But yea basically my question as before was that week 5 maxes were REALLY hard, and i dont think there is any way in the world i make it through week 6.

[Shastic]

Originally Posted by PumaKrieg

actual recent ones; i did them took a full week off afterwards and then started the next week.

But yea basically my question as before was that week 5 maxes were REALLY hard, and i dont think there is any way in the world i make it through week 6.

For what it's worth, I'm on the same program, week seven. The maxes are definitely much harder than the first few week maxes, and that's a good thing. I felt the same way last week, and what do ya know, this week I hit the new weight.

Just keep going until you stall two weeks in a row, in my opinion.

[GuyJin]

With the 5x5, it's very easy to overestimate, especially on the starting back part, no matter how experienced you are. I made the same mistake myself a couple of times. FWIW, it's better to actually go a bit lower than usual at the outset of the ramp-up time, in order to make your goals for that week; beneficial not only physically, but psychologically as well--not hitting the poundages you want can really do a number on your mind.

If you have to reset, then reset; it's not the end of your training career if you don't make all the target poundages. You still have to train hard and push for all you're worth, but resetting is part and parcel of the programme.

[PumaKrieg]

Originally Posted by Shastic

For what it's worth, I'm on the same program, week seven. The maxes are definitely much harder than the first few week maxes, and that's a good thing. I felt the same way last week, and what do ya know, this week I hit the new weight.

Just keep going until you stall two weeks in a row, in my opinion.

Thank you...

Yes that was exactly what i was wondering, if i would stall or if other people feel like they just barely got it then get it next week the same exact way...

im Hoping....

225x5 bench attempt monday week 6 i REALLY want to get it

[Shastic]

Originally Posted by PumaKrieg

Thank you...

Yes that was exactly what i was wondering, if i would stall or if other people feel like they just barely got it then get it next week the same exact way...

im Hoping....

225x5 bench attempt monday week 6 i REALLY want to get it

Good luck