“My confidence levels have increased and the results were amazing!”
How many months’ progress do your pictures represent? What were your stats for each picture?
They represent 9 months.
In the before picture I weighed in at 202 pounds and was 22% body fat.
In the middle picture, which was 3 months into the program, I weighed in at 185 pounds and was 12% body fat.
The after picture was after 9 months on the program, and I weighed 188 pounds and got down to 9% body fat.
What has happened so far on the program?
I cut out cardio almost entirely and focused on heavy compound lifting. The weight was falling off fast and I was still making gains in the gym (my garage actually haha). I bought a squat rack and a bunch of plates so I could do everything at home with the family.
After we put the kids to bed, my wife and I would head to the garage and lift together. This was the most quality time we had spent together in years and was a great time to unwind together.
All of my lifts increased during my time on the program. Bench: 155 to 275. Squat: 225 to 320. Deadlift: 155 to 330. Military Press: 95 to 155.
What workout split from the book did you use?
The 5-day split.
What, if anything, almost kept you from buying the book or starting the program?
I am an avid reader and listener. Audible recommended Bigger Leaner Stronger to me and at that time I was ready for a change. I have been in a medical residency for the last 4 years and had let myself get to a terrible place with my health.
The only thing holding me back was time–I was routinely working 100-hour weeks in residency and have 3 kids. I always thought that I wouldn’t have time for a legit workout program and thought my metabolism just wouldn’t allow for a good physique anymore.
Before starting the program, I was jogging 4 miles about 3 days a week for 10 years and only seemed to get fatter every year. I just didn’t think my body would ever be able to get fit.
What do you like most about the program?
The program was so easy. I obviously started out with a cut and watching the pounds come off every week was super motivating.
The diet plan was everything. I didn’t realize how many calories I was snacking on throughout the day. After I started eating only what I had planned to eat, the fat just melted away. Seeing the scale change and my waist change so rapidly was incredibly motivating.
How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?
The program is much easier to follow and the results speak for themselves.
I was jogging for 12 miles a week and my knees were giving me trouble with all the pounding over the last 10 years. Heavy lifting was actually much easier on my knees than all that running.
How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?
At 11 weeks I went to the lake with some buddies and when I took off my shirt the guys were all asking me about what steroids I was taking.
It was the first time I had positive comments about my physique in years and it was super motivating for me.
The program has definitely increased my confidence level and has increased my desire for other types of self improvement.
Who would you recommend this program to and why?
I would and do recommend this program to pretty much everyone I know. Everyone knows I am a raving fan of Mike and Bigger Leaner Stronger.
I have had a trail of people changing their lives behind me on the Bigger Leaner Stronger program.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If you think you are too busy to get on a program like this–think again.
Going through an intense residency program with 3 kids isn’t easy. It honestly got easier with the addition of Bigger Leaner Stronger because of the vitality and energy it added to my mind and life.
Did you use any Legion supplements?
I used Legion Phoenix during my cuts and felt like it really gave me an edge during the duration of my cuts.
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:
Legion Featured Author
Mike Matthews
Mike Matthews is the founder 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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