plateau

[bda2424]

Like any dedicated individual i can make headway for a while gaining some size and strength, but for the longest time i have plateaued on alot of exercises and can't get over it. So far any previous attempts to gain have resulted in either less production, bad form, or just a plain bad attitude.

[chest6]

#1 thing to look at. Diet. Are you consuming enough calories for growth?

[helium3]

you may need to look into a new routine,i would also try having a few weeks using high reps to get blood flow and some extra endurance and stamina in the muscles to get ready for the heavy lifts to come and then spend a few weeks carefully maxing out with very low reps to push your strength up,this might help it did me.but yes diet can make all the difference.

[bda2424]

I have not maxed out in about 2 years because in my profession it is an absolute requirement that i can not be injured. But do you find that it seriously helps? Also with the calories.........are you talking on the basis of energy through the workout? It is quite possible i'm not meeting my need there but then again i haven't done too much homework on the calories i personally need nor the best way to acheive getting them for me.

[URMaster]

Something that has always worked for me is taking a break from that particular excercise. I usually try negatives for a few weeks, alowing more rest than normal. Change in routine is always good. More weight is not the only measurment of gaining strength. Performing more reps, perfecting form, lifting the weight more slowly than normal are also good indicators. Try improving your stamina with weights rather than your concentrating on lbs. You'll be over it before you know it.

[TADOLFI]

When you speak of absolute requirement of not getting injured - do you think you may hold yourself back mentally because of this?

Not trying to be an arse - but your mental state, in my opinion, makes up a big part of your workout.

[stayinstacked]

you dont need to do 1 rep max's to get big. I havent done a 1 rep max in probably 6-7 yrs, it's nothing but egomaniac bullshit that often results in bad form and/or injury. And yes, the calories will help you have more energy in the gym, but also give you more energy throughout the rest of the day so your not exerting yourself with energy you need for good workouts.

[stayinstacked]

Also, if you warm up properly, and do weight that you can handle and have a good spotter, injury shouldnt be a problem

[helium3]

put it this way i spent (years ago)some time stuck on 2 plates 225lbs and all i did was adjusted my diet again and with the help of a spotter did heavy negatives(265lbs) for a week and the week after went to my 225 and pissed it,its what ever works,maxing out should never be done for long periods but can be usefull in some cases.

[Logan13]

Like any dedicated individual i can make headway for a while gaining some size and strength, but for the longest time i have plateaued on alot of exercises and can't get over it. So far any previous attempts to gain have resulted in either less production, bad form, or just a plain bad attitude.

Every 2 months or so I take one week off from lifting, just to take a step back and look at how things are progressing. While doing so, look at what other aspects of your training you can better. Look at diet, rest, your workout routines, and also look at your body with honesty-what is lagging and what is growing. Good luck.