Can't lift more than 30lbs. WTF.

[net1994]

Hi Guys - This is pretty embarrassing. I'm a guy and have been going to the gym off an on for several years, sound familiar. In the last two months I have been going at it about 3-4 times a week. I have been able to steadily increase the weights I lift on each movement in the morning on all body parts. However when I do biceps, I just can't get past 30lb dumbbells. I'll do say a 5x5 routine. After the second or third set, I just fail and can't get my arms up all the way. Can you think of a way to get beyond this? More reps with less weight? Or just see how many reps I can do at 30lb and increase the reps for some time and then try going back up on the weight again? I've tried using the 60lb curl barbells and I quickly hit fail point on those as well. Not being able to lift more than 30lbs isn't normal for the amount of time I've been doing this. To state the obvious.

[GA1N5]

When you say you're doing 5x5, are you also doing curls for 5 sets, 5 reps? I don't think that's optimal for biceps.

[net1994]

When you say you're doing 5x5, are you also doing curls for 5 sets, 5 reps? I don't think that's optimal for biceps.

Yes. If not optimal, any suggestions?

[Wlindqu1]

Yes. If not optimal, any suggestions?

3 sets of 10-12

[hamstring44]

try higher reps, for example, 15 lbs for 50 reps or more

[Ghawk21]

try higher reps, for example, 15 lbs for 50 reps or more

Yea don't waste your time with this^. What program are you following? What are your 1RMs for the squat bench and deadlift?

[BushMeat]

1.Search up an arms routine from Google, preferably one on Bodybuilding.com
2. Do the workout
3. ????
4. Profit


Srs, 5x5 is almost only for compound lifts

[radrd]

There are 101 different types of curls and set variations you can try. I would do some googling and mix it up.

I seem to get my best bicep pump doing chin-ups (reverse grip pull ups), so that's an option. Use a chair or assistance band if needed. Plus, you work your back, so it's a great two-fer exercise.

Look at your equipment too. Bands, straight bar, and EZ Curl bar are other options to change your approach that might help you increase. Moving to a bar also makes micro-loading easier.

[DCSpartan]

OP, quit doing DB curls for 3 months and do a high volume of strict pullups.

Then try it.

[dski79]

OP, quit doing DB curls for 3 months and do a high volume of strict pullups.

Then try it.

this

[davisj3537]

Stop caring about curls

[R0nald0]

30lbs is pretty reasonable for 5 reps to me. I currently do curls with 22lbs for around 10 reps.