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Given the additional information you've posted, it sounds like you are simply hitting a wall. Those are good numbers on the squats and deadlifts, so it's possible that you're not recovering (perhaps from too little sleep?), but it doesn't sound like that's the case. I would see if switching to 3x5 instead of 5x5 allows you to progress. When I started with ...

Between this post and the prior one asking for 5x5 squat help, I strongly recommend seeing a qualified personal trainer and also your Dr. for a physical prior to any more exercising. Based on your posts, you're overweight, out of shape and do not have a background in weightlifting, this is a combination that could get you SERIOUSLY injured. Stop, get a ...

Keep in mind that the bench and rows are using smaller muscles than the squats and deads. However for the rows to be that far behind the bench tells me you started the bench higher than the program would otherwise specify. In truth your rows should be another 20lbs heavier than your bench. There are usually two reasons why you can't make a lift: The ...

In my opinion, the dumbbell bent over row is a superior exercise for the following reasons: Your body is better supported--making this more desirable if you have chronic back problems It builds your grip much better than the barbell variation It keeps the shoulders, elbows, etc. in a more natural position. Now, in order to perform the dumbbell row ...

1) It's safe, but you need to be a bit more careful about form/technique. You can pretend that there is an imaginary bar that keeps the dumb-bells at a constant distance apart as you do the exercise. 2a) Bent-over Row with dumb-bell Keeping good form is a little more difficult. You activate the secondary stabilizing muscle groups more (which is good). As ...

The only real difference is that the Pendlay row is a stricter version of the bent-over row. Important: the assumption is that you are not doing what's referred to a "Yate's Row" where you body is at an angle to the ground instead of parallel with it. Main distinction: Bar returns to the floor every rep. (lifting from a dead stop)

@Joshua - I read your question, your updates, the response (I completely agree with Dave and Berin) and kept coming back to your #'s. It seems your out of balance between the different lifts and being 200lbs + the bench is far below where it should be - especially based on your systematic approach, focused diet, etc. What is missing from your information ...

I'll bet anything you have long arms and a fairly small chest. As a result, both the bench press and the row are a lot harder for you than for someone with shorter arms. Just set lower goals for those two movements, you'll never push/pull as much as a guy with T-Rex arms and a Donkey Kong chest.