Time to cut is done… Time to bulk is now!

[unleashthelion]

So, I'm left with very little fat but I'm also left with no test (200's) and no strength (Squat: 95x5, DL: 135x5, Bench: 95x5).

Wanted to do Lyle's Generic, but with my noob gains gone and my strength so low… it almost feels like I should treat myself like a total beginner.

Planning on doing Jason's 5x5, but I wanted to put this out there in case someone thought I'd be better off doing SS/SL/AllPros instead.

My form is good and I have experience lifting, my body is just shot and it feels prudent to treat myself as totally untrained.

As for my goals, I am looking to increase my strength to intermediate numbers (at some point), putting on 10+ lbs of muscle, and improving those aesthetics.

Much love, brahs. Hope everyone is looking forward to having a wonderful celebration tomorrow!

[csb5731]

Why do you figure that your newb gains are gone? A 95 lb 5rm squat for a former 400 lb guy sounds a little off, unless there is some sort of injury or real awkwardness in form (I mean, could you manage a body weight squat at any point along your journey)? I would think that a little time at surplus and consistently trying for progression should result in newb gains.

I do agree that at this point treating yourself as a newb IRT training program selection makes sense.

[vismal]

Congrats bro! Enjoy the bulk. As far as routines go I think Jason's is the best of the beginner 5x5's. When you do move on to intermediate GBR is my favorite too. Since it's generic you can basically do it forever. When you get bored just change the lifts but keep the basic programming.

[unleashthelion]

Why do you figure that your newb gains are gone? A 95 lb 5rm squat for a former 400 lb guy sounds a little off, unless there is some sort of injury or real awkwardness in form (I mean, could you manage a body weight squat at any point along your journey)? I would think that a little time at surplus and consistently trying for progression should result in newb gains.

I do agree that at this point treating yourself as a newb IRT training program selection makes sense.

About a year ago, my lifts were: Bench-155, Squat-255, Deadlift-275. No injury or issues with form… it is a combination of crazy low energy, uncoordinated CNS due to inconsistent lifting for the past few months, and a total bottoming out of hormones.

Thanks, I was thinking that would be best.

Hey visual, thanks man! Yeah, so looking forward to doing the bulking version of Jason's (did the cutting version over the summer). Just gonna ride this sumbish until the wheels fall off and move on. I've been lucky to take the weight off, but if I can build anywhere near as aesthetic a physique as some forum greats like yourself, Serp, mat, former, and our favorite viking (as well as other guys who've gone from obese to aesthetic) I am going to count myself as one fortunate former fatty!

[csb5731]

About a year ago, my lifts were: Bench-155, Squat-255, Deadlift-275. No injury or issues with form… it is a combination of crazy low energy, uncoordinated CNS due to inconsistent lifting for the past few months, and a total bottoming out of hormones.

I think newb gains/muscle memory are well within the realm of likelihood once (hopefully) hormones normalize somewhat.