Prior to taking three months off due to the coronavirus, during which I did little physical activity, I was nearly at two years of mostly consistent training. My numbers were as follows:
Bench - 250
Squat - 420
Deadlift - 600
Press - 190
I was working out six days a week and switched more to a powerbuilding prescription via my coach at the time. While the progress was excellent, it was hard for me to keep up the six day a week cycle, especially when training volume was at a point where I was in the gym for at least two hours each day. I felt fatigued and beat up all the time, but I can’t deny how proud I was to hit that 600 lb deadlift.
Now I’m finally back to my gym and I’m following the returnee template you provided in a recent newsletter. I’m on week two and my strength took a pretty massive hit, especially in the deadlift. My gym currently allows us to schedule only two hours a day, but I live with an immunocompromised individual, so I can only go when there’s absolutely nobody there. This means my training is inconsistent, and I usually only get a single hour a day, if I’m lucky.
My question is, where do I go after doing the mini returnee template? I’m not sure what my level was prior… intermediate maybe? Is the beginner template the way to go? Should I dive straight into your Powerbuilding template? After listening to your podcasts and reading your articles I’ve switched my mindset from “get as strong as possible” to “lift for the rest of my life, in a sustainable fashion,” so I’m not sure what direction I really want to head in. At one point I was considering competition but that’s shifted to such a low priority that I’m not sure I’ll ever pursue it.
I also have a lot of weight to lose. I gained a solid amount of fat during the time away, and I’m currently at 245 lb with a 40 inch waist. I’m trying to get over the frustration that losing weight while simultaneously working back up to my old strength might be impossible. Two years ago I was 285 lb and sedentary. I feel like I never “finished” losing the weight and ended up getting trapped in that strength over everything attitude. I’m terrified of loose skin as well, but that’s a whole other topic.
Anyway, that was more long winded than I intended, but I truly value your opinions and the work you do with BBM. Any input/direction would be greatly appreciated.