Muscle Gain Forum

Great - filming it, cueing bar back/head through, and switching to tiny plates. Thanks all, this gives me a clear plan.

Stall mats over the whole training area, platform under the bar for pulls and Olympic stuff. Don't deadlift straight on concrete - you'll chip the floor and crack plates the first time you miss a rep. The rubber pays for itself instantly.

I've been trying to add 2.5kg each time, which is probably too much for OHP.

The bar definitely drifts forward on my grinders.

My OHP has been stuck at the same weight for over a month while everything else moves. Is it usually a technique problem or do some people just have a naturally weak press that needs extra work?

Had adjustables for years in a small flat - zero regrets, the space saving is unreal. Changing weight takes a few seconds. Unless you're routinely dropping heavy dumbbells, they do everything a rack does at a fraction of the footprint.

Make sure it's tall enough for your overhead press and pull-ups with your ceiling, and bolt it down or get one heavy/wide enough to be stable. A wobbly rack is a scary rack. Measure your garage height before buying.

In at 12. Going to chase 18-20. Love a bit of accountability, keeps me honest on the days I'd skip.

Second-hand is your friend for plates and even racks - people sell barely-used setups constantly. Iron doesn't wear out. I kitted most of my garage from marketplace listings for half retail. Be patient and watch local ads.

Stuck at 225 lbs Bench – Help!

No matter what I do, my bench press is stuck at 225 lbs for 3 reps. I’ve tried increasing volume, working on triceps, but progress is slow. Any tips?