STarting training after many years

[TooManyYears]

I wanted to start a tread about the experience of members who started training again after a long time. I don't mean 6 months or 2 years, but longer (5+ years).

In sort my story. I trained 6 times a week from age 18 up till about 25. Did a few cycles and competed in a contest. Started as a skinny, just out of puberty guy and went up to 115 kilo's (about 253 pounds). Then had to stop and didn't train for over 20 years.

Now, at age 48, I started training again. First 4 weeks twice a week full body, then did 4 weeks full body 3 times a week. Next 12 weeks 4 times a week in a upper/lower style.

About 5 weeks ago I switched back to full body 3 times a week, but a bit different then before.
For squad, deadlift and bench I train a 'classic' 5x5 form. Incorporated stiffleg deadlifts, military press and barbell row in a 4x10 form. Basically, every training one compound 5x5, two exercises on major muscles and one on smaller muscles.

I started out at 86 kilo's (189 pounds) with 17% BF. Now, after just over 5 months of training, I am up to 94 kilo's (207 pounds) with 11% BF. So FFM is up around 12 kilo's (26 pounds) .
I was pretty surprised about this gain. I (try to) train, eat (7 times a day) and rest consistently. Rarely miss a meal and only missed one workout so far.

So, any members to started to train again after a long time? How long did you not train? What are your experiences? Please share!

[PeanutbutterDC]

Wow! That's quite an achievement!
I trained regularly from 19-25. Got big enough that people would ask if I was "enhanced." I wasn't.
Pursued other sports and athletic endeavors from 25-48. I did limited resistance training throughout those years. At 48 I started training regularly. At 49 I started dieting on my own. Just before my 50th bday I hired a coach and that's when things got great. Like you, I saw big improvements in the first few months.

[TooManyYears]

PeanutbutterDC
Like you, I saw big improvements in the first few months.

Well, it looks like muscle memory is really true!