First time poster. 5/3/1 beginner.
I graduated college in 2008 at mere 130lbs and was tired of being depressed, sickly, skinny, and not having a girlfriend. I picked up a muscle magazine at the grocery store and several years later weighed 185lbs and had all the confidence in the world.
Now I’m battling a dad-bod, have pants I can hardly fit into, and dink around in the gym without a lot of motivation. I recently got out of breath playing frisbee and have had off an on injuries lifting weights. Did I mention I’m a lot weaker than I used to be? I also don’t have the energy I used to.
Although I’m a few years past this, I think Dave Tate’s quote sums me up: “Once a lifter has been training seriously for 3-5 years, they enter the most challenging period of their career. Progress slows, injuries mount, and career and family demands all take their toll.”
I found T Nation a while ago, and I have been reading any and every article by Jim Wendler and Dave Tate I can make time for. I also bought 5/3/1: The Simplest and Most Effective Training System for Raw Strength. I’ve been watching video and reading articles to get better at my squat, deadlift, bench and standing military press. I also created a google doc chart for my 5/3/1 programming. Phrases and words like “5/3/1,” “Periodization,” “Press,” and “Progressive Overload” have become commonplace in conversation between me and my wife.
This has been my first week doing 5/3/1. I’m following “Assistance Work #4: Periodization Bible by Dave Tate.” My workouts felt great. I had a purpose when I hit the gym, and it was a very refreshing week. I also hit 7-8 reps on my 85% sets, which feel badass.
I just want to say thank you Mr. Wendler for the information you have put out on T Nation. I’ve gotten re-motivated, and I hope I turn out to be one your success stories. Looking forward to getting strong again.
-Beastmode (Hopefully turning back into a beast 
)