Why is my bench not progressing?

[FatButWeak]

Help! No matter what I do, I can't improve. I have toned up some, but nowehere near what is satisfacotry.

My stats:

27 yo male; height 5'8"; weight 180 lbs; Former competitive swimmer (3d-5thgrade)

Doing SS since Nov 15, 2010.

My current stats for 3X5 are:

Bench: 87.5 lbs
Press: 22.5
Squat: 365
Dead: 155# (my grip is my limiting factor here)
Power clean: I can't (long story). I'm doing Kroc rows with 15 pound dumbbells.

Diet: I'm at about 3,500 calories per day. I eat like a horse! My diet is what I call "dirty" vegetarian -tofu, tempeh and bean curd, edamame; egg whites; miso; Boca burgers; lots of whole grains and fruit; but some cheese, whey, pizza and chocolate. I drink 1.5 gals of soy milk a day so I am "going mad." I also supplement with essential fatty acids, which I learned about from this article my mom gave me: http://www.livestrong.com/article/25...ginal-dryness/

I only drink Zima and light beer ( and no, "it's not a beer belly - it's a fuel tank for a sex machine!). Speaking of, ever since my gf moved back to Canada, I am abstinent from sex, which is why my legs are so strong!

My gym (Planet Fitness) is supportive of my fitness goals, and even gives us bagels for energy!, which I really need because I usually sneak in my training in the break between my job at Bed, Bath and Beyond and my Brazillian Jiu Jitsu training. For cardio I briskly walk about 45 minutes a day, every day, making sure to recharge my electrolytes with lots and lots of Gatorade and Powerade (I drink a 20 oz of both to recharge and make sure I am getting enough of all electrolytes and critical vitamins and minerals!). I also wear the Skecher's shape ups to activate my core.

What should I do, Rip?


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[Mark Rippetoe]

I just had to post this. Some time was obviously spent for our amusement.

[Steve Hill]

I think bosu-ball presses are in order here. This is obvously a core weakness.

Maybe an aberciser.

[Mark E. Hurling]

You should see the thread for this in Ends and Pieces.

[manisstrong]

Nice Squat man.

[manisstrong]

FatButWeak, in your profile, you posted a visitor message to yourself which says: "Hello, all. I love Starting Strength and cannot believe I had to be forty years old before reaping the benefits of the barbell."

This says you are 40 years old. Now you are apparently 27? CAUGHT YOU OUT MATE!

[vineyardkite]

WTF.... I'll never look at Darth Vader the same way again.

[Roadrogue]

The competitive swimming from 3rd to 5th grade got a chuckle but the link to veggies and herbs for vaginal dryness was a really nice touch.

[Eric K]

I just had to post this. Some time was obviously spent for our amusement.

Are you implying this is not a serious post?

Bravo FBW...

[Jebus]

I can't stop laughing!