I can't overhead press the bar (45lbs) for 5 reps

[TGI123]

I was practicing the form for starting strength exercises, when I attempted to do the overhead press and couldn't even press the bar more than 3 times. So I did 2 more sets and I did 3 again on the second and only 2 on the third. Should I use dumbbells untill I can do 5 reps with the bar or keep doing each set to failure until i can do 5 reps?

[WatsonS90]

I would keep at it. Maybe try an EZ bar and add a little weight to that and build up to the bar. Your strength will come with rest and food!

[zspottke]

If you can't do it now, work your way up to it man. Dumbbell presses are actually a lot harder because you have to stabilize the weights as you lift. Is 45 lbs. the lowest setting on the machine? If it's not, move lower and get your reps there and build some more strength.

[WatsonS90]

If you can't do it now, work your way up to it man. Dumbbell presses are actually a lot harder because you have to stabilize the weights as you lift. Is 45 lbs. the lowest setting on the machine? If it's not, move lower and get your reps there and build some more strength.

There is no machine. He just means the power rack and lifting the bar freely.

[kronkness]

Keep using the bar, each workout go for another few reps. Once you are able to complete 5x5 with the bar, then you will be able to start adding the weight on there.

If you were unable to do the bar 1 time then I would suggest going to a machine or light DB's. The fact that you can do the bar by itself is a good thing.

[tiTHEking]

Damn man, 5'10 119 lbs? I know kids in Ethiopia healthier than you. In all seriousness, you need to eat to a healthy bodyweight before you'll see strength gains

[Thebeast1223]

maybe you should try this

[chxxrs]

Yeah don't worry about it, overhead press is hard for me too. I can actually bench and squat way more then I can overhead press for some reason. Just work up to it and add weight eventually, and just make sure you don't fall backwards if it's too heavy!

[TGI123]

thanks everyone i'm going to try and get as close as i can to 3x5 with the bar and keep doing it to failure until I can get 5 reps.
I'm eating around 2500 calories now and I'm bloated all the time. This by far the best thing I've ever done for myself and I'm really enjoying it.

[KobiDC]

Eat more, and try doing a seated dumbbell press with lighter dumbbells until you get strong enough to press the bar. Good luck brother!

[TheBeastTyler]

Don't get discouraged, man. I was always super weak as a kid, usually the smallest and weakest in my classes. I lifted a little in high school, and got some gains and then my physique wasn't laughable. When I got serious about weightlifting this year, my strength shot up super quickly. I imagine the same will happen to you.

[Huskarl]

Use your legs

[KS98]

Use your legs

This

Push press it up

[sgttom]

Yea you can try lighter dumbbells until you are strong enough to use the bar. Keep at it bro.

[Dodge4this]

have somebody screaming at you
'rep the bar you pussy i see more go in snails than you have'
'Do they call you one breath cause thats all your lungs can handle before you get tired you pussy rep it!'

sister or mother for added affect

[CupcakeSquats]

I can actually bench and squat way more then I can overhead press for some reason.

[Chillionaire]

Damn man, 5'10 119 lbs? I know kids in Ethiopia healthier than you. In all seriousness, you need to eat to a healthy bodyweight before you'll see strength gains

No you don't. These Ethiopia/Auschwitz jokes aren't funny anymore.

OP, keep at it. Keep pushing yourself and you'll get there.

[Gaate]

Yes, absolutely use dumbbells. I love dumbbell overhead press. Got to start somewhere.

[Patrick1996]

add more weight when you do more than 10 reps