1x5 can actually mean either. People say 1x5 as a shorthand for the difference between a ramped set of 5 and 5 sets accross. But a ramped set of 5 is still technically 5x5. So 1x5 could mean a "top" set of 5 but you get into gray territory because even for a top set you still have to work up to it somehow so it's not really just one set. Most of the time people mean ramped sets when they say this, I'm pretty sure.
Since it seems like you are simply trying to progress on this for as long as possible instead of making specific suggestions as to what you could change why don't you look at Sentinel's post about the "Texas Method" that is in the Powerlifting section and read his journal. Judging be what you've said and the weights your using that is a set up that will ensure longer progression and probably much better results in the long run.
Look it over and let us know what you think. If everything is progressing except for bench then you can make some simple changes that may help get your bench going to but generally what you have hear is three "heavy volume" days a week and they are all basically of the same character. So that is not something you can expect to keep up very long. So yeah, like Kane is suggesting and like you said, you would need some kind of intensity variation within the week.
Just remember that the main key is progression over time. If you want to train this way it is based on progressing the big three. So it's not whether any one day is "enough". It is whether one week is enough if you are loading weekly or whether 3 to 4 weeks is enough if you are loading longer (which you do not need to do, imho).
On switching to a 5x3 when you get stuck that is not generally the best way in my experience. It is an option but it is not really what you are "supposed" to do. You can do all sorts of things. What I have found is that switching to something like a 5x3 gets you moving again but when you go back to the 5x5 I tend to get stuck again very quickly. But yes, raising the intensity and lowering the volume is definitely an option but usually it is more a thing of switching and seeing how long you can progress on it rather than a way to get "unstuck".
What I mean by that is just doing 5x3 for a couple of workouts is not necessarily going to unstick an exercise. Whereas if you lower the volume this way for a longer period untill you get stuck on that, going back and raising the volume and lowering the intensity (i.e. 5x5 again) will probalby ensure some more progression.
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Originally Posted by Triggey
Maybe I got the wrong idea somewhere, but if you get stuck on a lift aren't you supposed to then switch to a 5x3 and progress until you can progress no further, then go back to the weight on the 5x5 you got stuck on?
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Sorry Triggey, I misread what you said. We're both saying the same thing. Yes it's definitely an option but not the only one.
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