OHP stuck at 185lbs

[rjm522]

I am in the final week of the 12 week Shortcut to Size from Jim Stoppani. In week 10 I did 185lbs in an overhead press for 2 sets of 4. I know the rep range for that week is more then that but I only got 4. In week 11 it was 185lbs x 2 and the same this week...185lbs x 2. The rep range for this week is 3 to 5 and I still missed it. I did 175lbs x 5 and just fizzled on the 185lbs press. I seem to have stalled out and am stuck at the 185 mark. Since the program is over tomorrow I plan on starting a lower weight routine for 5 to 8 reps for 2 weeks on Monday and them take the entire week of Thanksgiving off. When I start again I think I'll do the Madcow 5x5 and see if I can break the plateau. My goal weight in the OHP is 225lbs for at least one set of five.

Any ideas if my proposed plan will help me break through the plateau?

BTW, I liked the S2S program and will likely run it again. I like the 5 rep max of the Madcow though.

[drudixon]

I'm unaware of the program. Is there flexibility to substitute a similar exercise? If not, most of the programs I've run state if you fail consecutive weeks, you're supposed to reset the lift.

[Karl_Hungus]

Is your OHP standing or seated?

Standing OHP has been one of the most difficult lifts for me to progress on .... Tried 5/3/1 to no avail, tried various rep ranges to no avail, but finally, through a good 2 years of solid experimentation, I found something that works for me and I am making steady progress. Keep experimenting with different protocols until you find something that works for you -- Just remember to give each one enough time for you to judge its effectiveness.

[Rocky3540]

Rest for two weeks and then hit a 5x5 or even a 3x10 rep range. Worked for me. Presses 275 a few weeks ago sfter a couple werks rest.

[rjm522]

Is your OHP standing or seated?

Standing OHP has been one of the most difficult lifts for me to progress on .... Tried 5/3/1 to no avail, tried various rep ranges to no avail, but finally, through a good 2 years of solid experimentation, I found something that works for me and I am making steady progress. Keep experimenting with different protocols until you find something that works for you -- Just remember to give each one enough time for you to judge its effectiveness.

I do mine standing at the squat rack. I thought about doing 5/3/1 but haven't done it yet.

[rjm522]

Rest for two weeks and then hit a 5x5 or even a 3x10 rep range. Worked for me. Presses 275 a few weeks ago sfter a couple werks rest.

275 is strong...I hope to hit that number one day...especially for reps. I really like the 5x5 plan. I have read a lot about Bill Starr and Reg Parks and sometimes Occams Razor is correct.....the simplest answer is the correct answer. I will take a few weeks to deload and then start again after Thanksgiving on a 5x5.