EP 97: Stuck Between Weights in the Gym? Here’s How to Progress episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 19, 2026 · 6 MIN

EP 97: Stuck Between Weights in the Gym? Here’s How to Progress

from The Hybrid Lab with Dr. Alyssa Olenick · host Dr. Alyssa Olenick

📲 Get my free lifting calculator & RPE guide to start actually training hard enough in the gym: https://bit.ly/4mtleF5→ This video is a podcast version of a full YouTube video! Watch it here on Spotify (video edition) or YouTube: https://youtu.be/BbT4XGUwGXsGet $20 off your first month with code PODCAST:→ https://www.thelyssmethod.com/ Do you struggle when the next dumbbell or barbell jump feels way too heavy? You’re not alone — this is one of the most common lifting frustrations, especially in commercial gyms where weights only increase in 5–10 lb jumps.In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly what to do when you’re stuck between weights so you can still progress, get stronger, and apply progressive overload without stalling.What you’ll learn:- How to progress if the next dumbbell jump is too heavy- Smart ways to increase reps instead of weights- How to use cluster sets and partial sets to bridge the gap- Why change plates (even fractional plates) are a game-changer- How to use top sets and back-off sets for continued progressThese strategies work whether you’re training with dumbbells, barbells, or machines — and are especially useful for women, beginners, and anyone lifting in a gym without smaller increments.🤘🏻 TRAIN WITH ME HERE → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/programs🤘🏻 FOLLOW LYSS ON IG → https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/🤘🏻 LEARN MORE + FREE RESOURCES → https://doclyssfitness.com/Time Stamps:0:00 - Introduction0:30 - What to do with dumbbells1:00 - Increasing reps/matching RPE2:00 - 1/2 heavier sets2:30 - Break up your sets4:00 - Increasing barbell movements4:25 - Change plates5:20 - Backoff sets#StrengthTraining #ProgressiveOverload #WeightLiftingTips #GymProgress #DumbbellWorkout #LiftingTips #GetStronger #BarbellTraining #BeginnerLifting #HybridTraining

📲 Get my free lifting calculator & RPE guide to start actually training hard enough in the gym: https://bit.ly/4mtleF5→ This video is a podcast version of a full YouTube video! Watch it here on Spotify (video edition) or YouTube: https://youtu.be/BbT4XGUwGXsGet $20 off your first month with code PODCAST:→ https://www.thelyssmethod.com/ Do you struggle when the next dumbbell or barbell jump feels way too heavy? You’re not alone — this is one of the most common lifting frustrations, especially in commercial gyms where weights only increase in 5–10 lb jumps.In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly what to do when you’re stuck between weights so you can still progress, get stronger, and apply progressive overload without stalling.What you’ll learn:- How to progress if the next dumbbell jump is too heavy- Smart ways to increase reps instead of weights- How to use cluster sets and partial sets to bridge the gap- Why change plates (even fractional plates) are a game-changer- How to use top sets and back-off sets for continued progressThese strategies work whether you’re training with dumbbells, barbells, or machines — and are especially useful for women, beginners, and anyone lifting in a gym without smaller increments.🤘🏻 TRAIN WITH ME HERE → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/programs🤘🏻 FOLLOW LYSS ON IG → https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/🤘🏻 LEARN MORE + FREE RESOURCES → https://doclyssfitness.com/Time Stamps:0:00 - Introduction0:30 - What to do with dumbbells1:00 - Increasing reps/matching RPE2:00 - 1/2 heavier sets2:30 - Break up your sets4:00 - Increasing barbell movements4:25 - Change plates5:20 - Backoff sets#StrengthTraining #ProgressiveOverload #WeightLiftingTips #GymProgress #DumbbellWorkout #LiftingTips #GetStronger #BarbellTraining #BeginnerLifting #HybridTraining

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EP 97: Stuck Between Weights in the Gym? Here’s How to Progress

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This episode is 6 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 19, 2026.

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📲 Get my free lifting calculator & RPE guide to start actually training hard enough in the gym: https://bit.ly/4mtleF5→ This video is a podcast version of a full YouTube video! Watch it here on Spotify (video edition) or YouTube:...

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