I Started madcows 5x5 in april hoping to increase my lifts after my cut.
My lifts pre cut were:
bench press:77.5kg for a 5x5
Squat: 155kg 1RM belted and 122.5kg for a 5x5
Deadlift 125kg x5
After my cut from 170lbs to 147lbs in 12 weeks my lifts dropped from the above to:
Bench: 75kg 5x3
Squat: 140kg(guess. maybe lower)
Deadlift: 110kg x 5
On my cut i decided to modify my form on the deadlift and squat. For the squat i got a pair of adipowers, as i had been doing it in socks for 12 months before. I modified my form and dropped the weight a little. It came out improved in the end to a reasonable amount.
I started madcows at this point. My llifts went up on the program(but maybe not my 1rm), and i managed about 16 weeks before i reset. there was 1 week i took off around week 11.
After the reset i started again hoping to make more progress.
I generally stalled around:
Squat 122.5kg for 3
Bench:85kgx5
Row:80kg
Deadlift(unknown. still progressing slowly. at 117kg for 5 atm with vastly improved form.)
I tested my 1rm on squat and bench today also.
Bench: 95kg
Squat:140kg belted.
Now it seems i have lost strength. I have not gained as much as i thought i would either. Im dubious to whether i’ve gained any muscle since april either. i think it is all fat. Currently 162lbs.
I would love some insight. Maybe i just respond awfully to this program? I’m starting to think i need more volume due to my genetics.