I have a question for you professionals.
I've been playing with my ass on and off for like 15 years, but I've always used plugs and dildos that were roughly like an average human cock in size. Recently, I've become interested in stretching beyond that and my goal is to stretch myself enough to take a fist. I've heard aiming for like 9-10 inch circumference toys is a good goal.

I'm currently at like 7 inch circumference, and using a "stepped" plug to stretch. I feel kinda like I've hit a wall. It's much harder to make progress now and it feels different. It feels almost like I'm stretching the skin around my hole now rather than the muscle, if that makes sense, and it kinda hurts a bit in a way it hasn't before.

Has anyone had a similar experience to this?
Does anyone have tips for the best kind of toy to keep stretching? Would something inflatable be good?

Thank you!