“I’ve found that discipline has become a core practice of my lifestyle.”
How many months’ progress do your pictures represent? What were your stats for each picture?
My pictures represent 3 years of progress on Bigger Leaner Stronger. In my original photo, I am around 12% body fat with a body weight of 138 lbs. In my later photo, I am also around 12% and 177 lbs.
What has happened so far on the program?
Out of a given year I typically in a calorie surplus for 9 months and deficit for 3 depending on where my body fat percentages hover at. Since I started at 138, I have progressively bulked and cut up to 177. My all-time high for bodyweight came from my most recent bulk where I ended it at 192 lbs.
In terms of strength gains, I’ve gained a tremendous amount. At the end of my most recent bulk, I broke the 1,000 lb club with my big three, clocking in at 245 bench press, 365 squat, and 395 deadlift (1,005 lbs). Additionally, I 1rm’d on shoulder press and got 195.
In comparison to my starting numbers which are: 125×5 bench press, 185×6 deadlift, 165×5 squat, and 105×5 shoulder press, I would never have imagined I could build my body to the point where I’m moving this much weight. Its been an incredible journey so far, but it’s far from over.
At this point, I am transitioning into the Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger program and excited to see how much further I can go.
What workout split from the book did you use?
I have been using the 5 day split for 3 years.
What, if anything, almost kept you from buying the book or starting the program?
I didn’t really have any hesitation in buying the Bigger Leaner Stronger book. I happened to stumble across the Muscle For Life website and decided to take a leap of faith on the program, since what I had been doing for workouts before that point were yielding poor results.
What do you like most about the program?
When I read Bigger Leaner Stronger it took me 2 days. I was completely engrossed in the material, which made it fairly easy to transition into the program. Between tracking my lifts, body weight, and my food macros it came fairly easy to me. In a sense, it became a lifestyle that I still wholly embrace to this day.
How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?
The Bigger Leaner Stronger program is far superior to any other program I’ve tried. Most of my weightlifting experience prior to Bigger Leaner Stronger came from my water polo coach in high school. Needless to say, the program yielded poor results and left me frustrated with the lack of progress I was experiencing.
When first starting Bigger Leaner Stronger it blew my mind that I could gain 2 reps or 10 lbs a week on the exercises, when in 3 years of lifting for water polo barely lead to anything.
How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?
Adding 39 pounds of lean mass to my frame has made a huge impact on my confidence. I’ve found that I am a much more outgoing person and sure of myself. I’ve also found that discipline has become a core practice of my lifestyle.
Who would you recommend this program to and why?
I would recommend this program to quite literally any guy who has access to a gym. The Bigger Leaner Stronger program is simply THE program to use for weightlifting and improving your physique. I have already gotten some of my friends on the program, and they have also seen results they are happy with.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to thank Mike for producing content that has literally been life-changing for me and countless others. I am grateful I happened upon your program when I did and am excited to see where it takes me in the future.
Did you use any Legion supplements?
When I was first starting out I took Pulse, Whey+, Recharge, and Triumph. Due to budgetary restrictions from attending college, I have reduced my “stack” to Pulse and Recharge. All-in-all I think that they are excellent to take assuming you have the budget for them.
Want to become a success story too? Here’s how he did it
The program that made this transformation possible:
The meal plan that makes building muscle and losing fat easy and enjoyable:
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Mike Matthews
Mike Matthews is the founder and CEO of Legion as well as the author of several award-winning fitness books, including Bigger Leaner Stronger, Muscle for Life, and The Shredded Chef.
His simple and science-based approach to building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy has sold over a million books and helped thousands of people build their best bodies ever, and his work has been featured in many popular outlets including Esquire, Men’s Health, Elle, Women’s Health, Muscle & Strength, and more, as well as on FOX and ABC.
You can find Mike on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
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