225 x 5 bench - EASY!!!!

I just finished SS last week.  I had pretty much realized that I was unable to recover anymore doing 3 heavy days a week.  I needed to start periodization if I were to continue to make progress.   I ended SS with a bench press of 220 x 5, and I was a little upset that I never got to get the 2 plates for 5.
 
But yesterday, I started training the Texas Method, where Monday is volume day.  I had planned to do 5 sets of bench with only 200 lbs., but I couldn't help myself, I had to try 225 x 5 before I did my programmed benching. 
 
I banged out 5 EASY reps of 225 like nothing!!!!  And I then completed the rest of my volume with 4 sets at 205.
 
I remember a few months ago, I would struggle on my 5th rep using 215 lbs.  Now, I can EASILY do 225 for 5 reps.  It doesn't sound like much, but I really was never able to improve my bench strength before and I now know that it is possible. 
 
Squat heavy, deadlift heavy, eat a lot, and stick with it, and the bench improves along with it. 
 
275 x 5 is my next short term goal.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

Squat heavy, deadlift heavy, eat a lot, and stick with it, and the bench improves along with it. 

Not true of all people lol

Congrats man! but one question

If 5 was easy why for the love of eating didnt you do 6-7 reps?!?!?!

You didnt care obviously for not starting the program 100% properly as you did the 225 anyway, so why stop at 5 reps if they were easy?

whyyyy?!?!?! lol

Because first of all I was contemplating even doing the 225 at all simply because I've learned that with these strength programs, it's always a very smart idea to start conservatively so that progress can go on for as long as possible.

I have been doing 5's for so long on the SS program, and I just wanted to see if I could get the 2 plates for 5.  I f***ed with the program, but not too much that it will negatively affect my progress.  My lifting buddies at the gym told me that I should do a few more sets, more reps, etc.... blah blah all that crap.  But they don't lift like I do.  I have very specific ways of doing things, and if a PR is not part of my plan, then I don't do it.  Maybe that type of thinking is holding me back, or maybe it's helping me to continuously progress without stalling.  I dunno.  Personally, I feel that it takes DISCIPLINE to stick with the program, and not let my ego get in the way.  If I trained for my ego, I would have attempted a 405 lb. deadlift and a 315 lb. squat by now, but I stick to the program.  But going for the 225 went against my plan, which is something I NEVER do.

It's just my mentality.

The good thing about this new program I'm on, the Texas Method (one of Rippetoe's intermediate programs), is that each of the 3 days during the week is different -  Monday is Volume day (lots of sets, moderate weight, goal is to disrupt homeostasis and produce adaptations), Wednesday is Recovery day (light weight, less sets, keep the blood flowing, reducing soreness, keeping the muscles active so they don't forget how to perform the movements), Friday is intensity day (HEAVY weight, shoot for a new PR for one single set of 5, 3, 2, or 1 totally the trainee's decision).

Technically, I should've waited until Friday for the PR day, but I let my ego get in the way, and I did it Monday.  I'll shoot for a 3RM on friday instead now.

I'm weird and obsessed at the same time.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

But thats what im getting at, you dont like going against the program but you did, so surely an extra 1-2 reps wont hurt considering youd already broke the rules?

Its kind of like the "if youre going to do something do it properly" mentality.

If youre going to cheat on a program, at least cheat on it to your best potential LOL

If anything I would have done it for 3 sets of 5 instead of just one set.  7 reps really wouldn't have meant anything to me. 

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

grats man. going up always feels great, especially reaching milestones like 2 plates.

Last week I did 225x5x5, and it felt good just knowing i can do 2 plates like that. Its just something about it, cant wait to get to 3 plates...ha

current 5rm On the texas method
Squat:340
Deadlift:380
Bench:265

currently 233 lb's
goal is eventually a lean 220 play some kind of pro football
Target 40yd time: 4.5

Thanks man.

Ya, it's really the 2 plate thing that was nice, not just the 5lb. increase.

Like when I hit 405 x 5 for a deadlift, and 315 x 5 for squat.  Those will be some awesome milestones for me too. 

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

congrats man, but a big man like you should aim for bigger numbers !

it's 50% in your head man, you should not think about doin it, you should just do it.
The first time I benched 225, I was not even aware my friend added weight and I gave 6 reps and was disapointed because I tought I was pushing 205...

Have a spotter and push your soul out man...

Still, 225 is such a motivation, 2 plates sounds great and looks great !

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

Thanks Nic.  I know I'm capable of lifting more then I do, but like I said it's all about building the foundation and not letting my ego get in the way.  I'd rather take my time, and lift smart rather then just keep pushing until I get hurt.

Then again, maybe I'm just being a p***y, and a hardcore powerlifter would smack the s*** out of me for not attempting a 275 lb. bench by now.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

not being a pussy but challenging my body is MY way to get stronger.

It's your body, your way, don't let other people tell you what to do. Do it your way.

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

I don't let others tell me what to do, but an extra 5 lbs. per week is challenging.  Every single workout is very challenging.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

wow im gna start measuring all my lifts in pounds
just sounds way cooler
 
 

My 5x5s as of November 2nd 2008.
Bench 150
Squat 150
Deadlift 175
Connelly's 5x5s as November 2nd 2008
Bench 115
Squat 145
Deadlift 165
BodybuildingNovice's 5x5 as November 2nd 2008
Squat 155lbs
Bench 155lbs
Deadlift 155l

Nah, F*** that.  America's units of measurement are ridiculously stupid.  1 ft = 12 inchs, wtf is that?????  1 mile = 5280 ft. , stupid!!!!

1 lb = 16 oz = 448 grams, WTF!!!????

The rest of the world uses multiples of 10 for everything.  That makes sense.  Don't convert to the darkside it's ridiculous.

"True genius, in many fields of human endeavor, is often revealed in elegant simplicity."

- A smart man

Journal: http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=117358

haha yeah but my bench of 80kg sounds much better as 200lbs

totally agree with you though was just bored

My 5x5s as of November 2nd 2008.
Bench 150
Squat 150
Deadlift 175
Connelly's 5x5s as November 2nd 2008
Bench 115
Squat 145
Deadlift 165
BodybuildingNovice's 5x5 as November 2nd 2008
Squat 155lbs
Bench 155lbs
Deadlift 155l

Congrats Bri, hope you keep improving your PR... I definetely agree with you on leaving your ego at the door.. I am on my third week of the 5X5 and it´s been tough on occations to go with lighter than usual weight, but it has allowed me to improve my form in all exercises...
 I remembered on HST when I went for the 5X5 with 225, it just feels great seeing those two plates and knowing you can master them.