Hey, question about using a structured program like Starting Fitness or Bigger, Leaner, Stronger. I’ve been working out for just under 6 months now and have a pretty standard routine (I’ll post it below for feedback), but I’m looking at all these programs and the upper routines always center around bench presses.

My problem is that I don’t feel like I can do a bench press routine. Last time I tried (mid-February), I was able to do 2 sets of 10 @ 90, and only got to around 4 reps on the third set before failure.

Looking at the programs, and the progression plan for each of them, I don’t see how any kind of progression like what is described there is viable for me. Should I just start doing one anyway, or should I at least try to do a full 3x10 @ 90 before starting?

I mentioned I would post what my current routine is, so here it is. All exercises are 3 sets of 10, with 1-2 minute rest between sets and 3-4 minutes rest between exercises. No warmups. Progression is a 4th set until failure, and once I can do 4 sets of 10 for two weeks, I up the weights one step (5lbs for free weights, the machines go up in either 5, 10, or 15lb increments)

Day 1 (Upper): Incline Dumbell Bench Press @ 50 (25lb each arm) Seated Cable Row @ 60 Chest Fly @ 75 Lat Pulldown @ 80 Concentration Curls @ 20 per arm Tricep extension @ 40

Day 2 (Lower): Leg Curl @ 50 Leg Extensions @ 50 Leg Press @ 240 Squats @ 115

2 days cardio, usually 30-60 minutes running or cycling outdoors (weather permitting) or using treadmill/stationary bike using HR targets on my watch. Sundays I hike 1-5 miles depending on where I decide to go that week.