Loading increments

[mohiz]

Hello, Rip. My question today is about when to reduce the loading increments in the press and bench press. I've been increasing both at 3lbs per workout, and it's getting very hard to get the sets completed even with 10 mins of rest between sets. Does this mean I should switch to 1.5 pound increases per workout? I would say yes, but at the same time I'd like to keep progressing faster.

The squats are going up at 5lbs/workout, and deadlift 10lbs/about every week.

My press is at 102lbs, and bench is at 154lbs for three sets of five.

Thanks!

[Mark Rippetoe]

How much do you weigh, and how much weight have you gained in the past 2 months?

[mohiz]

I now weigh 171lbs. I already had some barbell experience before starting the program, which means that I've already used up some of the novice gains. My weight gain is 15lbs in the last six weeks or so. I'm not eating enough, and don't I know it.... but that's because of mental reasons. Considering this handicap, what would your suggestion be?

I also had to reset my squats quite low, because I increased weight on the bar too greedily which resulted in massive stalling and strength loss. This is probably hindering my progress right now. I'm working my way back up, though.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Considering this handicap, what would your suggestion be?

Overcome it, you moron.