Muscle Memory...How good is it? HELP

[Back2gym]

Well.... I have been off my regiment for a long time...3years to be exact since I was at my peak physical condition....I used to warm up with 225lbs(bench) on the bar..max was 365(always felt I could go about ten more pounds)...

Now, my body has hardley any defintion on it like I used to.. especially in my shoulders and traps.. my gut has got pretty big too... I weighed 213 back then and now I weigh 250...

I tried to bench today.. and I pressed(incline) 155lbs... and it felt pretty heavy.. only could do 4 reps of 10.....

:sigh: is it to late??.. Is 3yrs too long for muscle memory to kick in? will I be able to bounce back or am I going have to start over completely..


Im currently getting my diet straight... not eating nearly as much protein as I used to,, so I can keep the calories down(eating around 150grms of protein a day). Trying to keep my diet around 1500-2000 calories a day...

To tell you the truth this feels alittle devistating...


Looking for input..
Thanks,
B

 

[Gazhole]

Who cares about muscle memory? You're not at the level you were before, so you're gonna need to build back upto that again.

The advantage you have though is the experience of getting to that level before.

Just get a good program going and work hard. At the end of the day, its the work you put in from now on thats what will get you results regardless of your past.

 

[TexanTA1996]

If your body has taken on that much of a change, I'd worry more about getting back into shape than getting back to a 365 bench. Are you a power lifter or a bodybuilder? If you want a great physique, I'd be more focused on that than hitting a big bench.

 

[Back2gym]

If your body has taken on that much of a change, I'd worry more about getting back into shape than getting back to a 365 bench. Are you a power lifter or a bodybuilder? If you want a great physique, I'd be more focused on that than hitting a big bench.

Bodybuilder.. Definately need to get back in shape.. Looks like I just better bust my ass. just soo depressing to get on that bench and struggle with what I always was able to do soo easily before.. I guess time will tell. I will keep yall posted,, to see if my strength gains shoot up.

B

 

[CowPimp]

You will notice that you bounce back quickly. Just start doing the program and don't try and predict progress. It depends on a lot of factors, but compared to a more experienced lifter, you will make gains quickly.

 

[Protheus]

I know how you are feeling - I am in the same boat, but for me its been over 10 years !!

I think your gains will come rapidly to be honest but be patient. In a way you are starting over - but you have many advantages over a proper newbie which will speed your gains - muscle memory is just one of these.

Above all train wisely - give your body the time it needs to readjust to lifting again. Stick to higher rep ranges and avoid using too intense techniques eg. failure, forced reps etc. until you are ready.

Is it too late ?? Of course not

Now, chin up, deep breath, and first step on the road, then another, and another...

Good Luck !

 

[Back2gym]

Man....Thanks guys, i felt soo depressed lately about this. But Im going to get back into it. gonna start my old routine, lighter weight. Hopefully by the end of summer I will have seen some decent results.

Thanks again!
B