a question about increasing weights

[frames]

I'm currently reading the SS book for the second time, but I'm a slow reader and I need the answer to this question quickly, so this is for those of you that know the information in the book.

I've begun to stall or something on bench press and press. I can't increase 2,5 kg every time anymore. Instead I'll get something like this:

35 kg 5 5 5

37.5 kg 5 4 1

37.5 kg 5 5 5

Where I reached failure at the 5th rep of the second set and the 2nd rep of the third set of the second workout.

Or

37.5 kg 5 5 5

40 kg 5 4 2

40 kg 5 4 4

When I reached failure, i.e. couldn't lift 3 sets of 5, I lifted the same weight the following workout.

My question is what are you supposed to do when this happens, according to the SS book?

I explained my situation at another forum, and I got several recommendations, which can be divided into three main categories:

1) keep doing what I'm doing

2) buy micro plates so that I can use increments of 0.5 or 1 kg instead of 2.5 kg as is the case now

3) lower the weight and begin again to move upwards from there

One variant of no. 3 was that I should do three sets of five and increase the weight 2.5 kg every other workout (not every workout) and do this until I reach failure, i.e. can't do 3x5, and then I lower the weight 5 kg and begin again to move upwards from there.

[Brodie Butland]

Age, weight, gender, height. After I know that, I'll have a more specific recommendation.

[cutlet#]

Learn to read faster.

[silachoo]

Learn to read faster.

"I’ve always figured out that there 24 hours a day. You read six hours and have 18 hours left. Now, I know there are some of you out there that say well, wait a minute, I read eight hours or nine hours. Well, then, just read faster, I would recommend."

-Arnold "Hooked on Phonics" Swarzeneggar

[frames]

Age, weight, gender, height. After I know that, I'll have a more specific recommendation.

age: 31
weight: about 77-78 kg (170-172 lbs)
gender: male
height: 188 cm (6'2")

[Satch12879]

The First Three Questions | Mark Rippetoe

[Brodie Butland]

The First Three Questions | Mark Rippetoe

Exactly what I was going to post.

OP, here's your issue...at age 31, and at a reasonable starting weight (albeit still too skinny...but that can be fixed), there's no reason you should be stalling at 40kg on the bench press unless you only have one arm.

So, to go back to The Book--you shouldn't reset at all, you should figure out why you're stalling when you shouldn't be. i.e., The First Three Questions.

[frames]

I have bought two 0.5 kg weights. I plan to buy four 0.25 kg weights.

I sometimes rest about 5 minutes, but I'll try increasing that.

I thought I ate enough because during the month I've done SS I've gained 1.4 kg in body weight.

At first I worked out every other day, not 3 days per week. I changed it later. Not sure if that could have an influence? Also, in the beginning I did a modified version of Practical Programming Novice Program. Below is the original. I did lat pull downs with chin-up and pull-up grip instead of chin-ups and pull-ups.

Monday
3x5 Squat
3x5 Bench press / Press (Alternating)
Chin-ups: 3 sets to failure or add weight if completing more than 15 reps

Wednesday
3x5 Squat
3x5 Press / Bench Press (Alternating)
1x5 Deadlift

Friday
3x5 Squat
3x5 Bench Press / Press (Alternating)
Pull-ups: 3 sets to failure or add weight if completing more than 15 reps

Later I started doing the program where you do

A

squat
press
deadlift

B

squat
bench press
deadlift

Could this have an influence?

[Serack]

Here is some thorough advice on the eating thing.

To Be A Beast | Barbell Medicine

[Brodie Butland]

I have bought two 0.5 kg weights. I plan to buy four 0.25 kg weights.

Save your money...you don't need to microload with .25kg weights for a while.

I sometimes rest about 5 minutes, but I'll try increasing that.

5 minutes minimum between worksets. I rested 9 minutes before the top sets on Sunday.

I thought I ate enough because during the month I've done SS I've gained 1.4 kg.

.35kg/week (.77 lbs/week) is well under what you should be accomplishing as an untrained novice. So no, you're definitely not eating enough.

Do this for me--track your calorie intake for the next three days and post it up here. Don't guess...actually calculate out to the kcal using the nutrition label and measuring. I'll bet you a gallon of milk that your intake is nowhere near what is needed.