how to handle lack of incremental weights in the gym?

So, at my gym, the free weights go 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, and by 5s after that.  I'm at a point where jumping 5 pounds each workout is too much and need to figure out how to compensate for the lack of middle-weights.  What I did today was start out with the "next" weight that is a bit too heavy, and do as much as possible, before knocking down 5 pounds.

So shoulder press:

1st set: 10 reps at 25

2nd set: 6 reps regular at 25, then using my legs in push-press style to help get them up there for the last couple of reps

3rd set: 5 at 25, 5 at 20; If I'd done another set, it would likely have been at 20.

I'm hoping that this way, I'll eventually end up being able to complete all my sets at the upper weight, but am not sure how to get there.  Any ideas/strategies that have worked for you?

Not sure if you gym has ankle/wrist weights or not.   At home I have 2 pound wrist weights (the kind that have velcro and wrap around your wrist or ankle.  If you can wrap these around the barbell (or dumbbells) you can increase the weight by a smaller amount.

But otherwise I think what you are doing is fine.

I'm so glad you asked this; I've been wondering the same thing!

yeeha, i've run into this problem as well.  there are several things you can do.  you can switch to different lifts in your next program that would continue to strengthen your shoulders, so that when you return to this same dumbbell lift, you are able to move up the 10lbs. 

or you can change your reps.  you can do three reps at the higher weight, say 3 reps w/30lb dumbbells instead of 5 w/25lb dumbbells.  w/in a couple weeks, you'll be able to do five w/the 30s. 

i've considered the wrist weight thing too (and think it would be the best solution), but can't really deal w/"props" at the gym, bec i'm always short on time.

also, your method sounds like it might work.  basically, anything to increase the work performed in as short a period of time as possible will increase strength.

 Another option that may make some sense is to get your own set of Platemates and bring to your gym, if you can't persuade your gym manager to get a few. Platemates are very, very handy for increasing the weight in small increments, I'm thinking of getting a few.

what a cool option, melkor.  thanks.

yes, those are really cool.  i'd never heard of or seen them.  maybe i'll put those on my amazon christmas wish-list

You're going to have to take these suggestions with a note of caution and perform them at your own risk.

1) I have actually done this before in gyms where I needed to get a set done and the dumbells I wanted were tied up.  This only works if you can fit them into your hands correctly.  I've taken a 25 and a 5 to make a 30 before.  Based on this experience, for your smaller increment you could hook a 2.5 lb plate around your thumb then grab a dumbell for (Weight + 2.5 lbs).  Risks are that you drop one component on your head.

2) I've never tried this, but could you do true negatives on a heavier weight by doing one shoulder at a time and using your other arm to help you raise the weight?  Down-side to this is that you're assymetrically stressing your body.  I'm not sure this would be good for you - take this suggestion with a grain of salt. 

3) Rather than work with dumbells, try a barbell for a while.  This way you can increase weight by 2.5 lbs per side (5 lbs total for both arms) rather than 5 lbs per side (10 lbs total for both arms).  Drawbacks are: You can probably press more with a barbell than with dumbells since the stronger arm helps stabilize the weaker one - you'll have to experiment to find the new weight.  Your range of motion and stability componentn will not translate so you'll probably have to get much stronger with the barbell (> 5 lbs per arm) in order to see a 5 lb per arm improvement with dumbells.