Plateau with weights... how to get past?

[michelej]

Hi all

Vegan for 3 years, been on and off weights, but got back into it with enthusiasm 8 weeks ago as soon as the gym reopened! It had been 2 years since my last session and I was a little out of shape.

One of my favourite exercises is bench dumbell chest press. I'm up to 2 x 80lb weights x 8 or 10 x 3. I started at 55lb 8 weeks ago so made great progress but now I'm stuck at this weight! I do flys, different seating position and cables for chest, along with lots of other stuff like dips and pull ups. What can I do to get past this barrier?

Thanks

 

[holiemae27]

@michelej If they have resistance bands use them. Drop the weight you’re using. Use the weight and bands at the same time. When you fully extend your arms hold for a second and control them the way down to a three count. Try super setting with pushups after.

 

[michelej]

@holiemae27 Thanks, I'll try that. I did today without bands, down to 60lb and more reps, then slow control down. I'll do this again regularly! Feels slightly different actually, in a good way!

 

[ai1226]

@michelej Drop the weight and up the reps. Try pause or spotto reps. Plateaus suck but they can be beaten!

 

[michelej]

@ai1226 Thanks!