-
As TGR said, failure is built into StrongLifts (and pretty much any linear progression program. if you add weight to the bar every session, eventually you're not going to be able to move that weight for the intended reps), so you take weight off the bar and build back up again.
Things to consider include all of the factors outside of your workouts, particularly, are you sleeping enough, are you eating right, basically are you recovering properly. These things will influence your ability to progress.
I would say if those things are in check, if I remember correctly, generally it's when you have to deload a movement 3 times that the linear progression may no longer be the best way to progress that movement, and moving onto a more intermediate program may be the way.
Just because StrongLifts doesn't work for you anymore doesn't mean strength training is over. Stronglifts is kind of a bastardised version of the Starting Strength program, which is very much positioned to get you started in barbell training, with the idea that when you're done with that you move to a different program.
If you're not as bothered about progressing anymore, of course you could just get in the gym and move some weight. You could also try a totally different style of training. PPL, PHUL, higher reps, lower reps, whatever.
You are reading a single comment by @zooeyzooey and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
zooeyzooey
At what point do I stop StrongLifts?
I’ve been going it a few months , definitely stronger , but failing at OHP and bench now.
Not sure I really need to be stronger at 59 , can you adapt it to lean up a bit ?
I’ll still carry on the squats and DL because I like them , but maybe not at the higher weights