I figured I would start this journal to keep me honest as far as training progress goes.
I'll start with some background:
I've been lifting weights since 2010, focusing primarily on bodybuilding. After 3+ years and becoming disillusioned with bodybuilding by the end, I took Jan-April 2014 off and focused on some other things in my life.
In early May, I felt the need to get back in the gym. I took my old numbers, subtracted 20% off of them and went on my way. My strength came back quickly and I found myself only interested in doing my first lift for each muscle group, since I always liked to start a workout with a big compound lift for 5 reps or less per set. I spent two weeks lifting heavy for lower volume than I was previously used to and was loving it. High intensity for low volume kept me from being overly fatigued and I was always looking forward to my next workout.
A friend told me that the 'routine' I was doing was close to powerlifting/strength training (although with not much structure). I looked into it and had a bit of a love at first sight once I understood exactly what powerlifting entailed. And so here I am, two weeks into the Madcow 5x5 program.