Bodybuilding.net - Bodybuilding Forum

5 years ago I weighed 160 lbs and could easily Bench up to 185 lbs. Then I quit!
Now I have ballooned up to 220 lbs so finally I picked up the weights again last week. NOW I can’t even do 3 sets of 12 with 55 lbs. I know that I am a bit rusty but still? Not to mention, it is extremely embarrassing at the gym.
Is this normal? How long will it take me to get to my previous level?
Thanks guys!

ive had the exact opposite happen for me, i quit for 6 months and lost the 15 or so pounds i had put on. and yah my bench press and everything else became utterly pathetic. and that was after 6months so i cant imagine five years. theres a lot of good information on this site so just read up and figure out a good plan for your goals. and good luck.

You'll get that back in no time. Just eat right and keep going tot he gym.

Just be careful not to over train...