“There’s no doubt that I’ve experienced more confidence, energy, and happiness.”
How many months’ progress do your pictures represent? What were your stats for each picture?
The first picture was before I started working out. I was about 20% body fat. I weighed around 208 pounds. Very bloated and so-called skinny fat.
The second picture was three months into lifting weights. I was about 12% body fat. I weighed around 187 pounds.
The third picture was about 5-to-6 months of being on the program. I was right around 10% body fat. I weighed right around 170 pounds.
And the last picture was around the 8-month mark right at competition time where I got to 7% body fat measured by a fitness professional. I weighed 159 pounds.
What has happened so far on the program?
I never did a bulk. I was always in a slight caloric deficit. Once or twice a week I would double the amount of carbs I ate in a single day to reset my hormones and keep me sane, to be honest.
What workout split from the book did you use?
Although I followed the exercise routine in Bigger Leaner Stronger, I worked out every other day. I felt this worked best for me personally.
What, if anything, almost kept you from buying the book or starting the program?
There are so many books out there as well as internet articles on fitness it becomes overwhelming and dangerous, to be honest. I tried a very low carb diet from an article I read on the internet that promised me this was the only way. Guess what?
It caused me to have kidney failure. I decided to seek out someone who not only knows how it’s done in a safe manner but also someone who lives the lifestyle. In comes Mike Matthews who disclosed the truths about fitness which he backs up with true scientific research in his book.
What do you like most about the program?
The program is simple but not easy. What I mean by that is you do in fact have to work hard. But the science itself is simple.
Doing progressive overload and hitting a PR is enthralling. Hitting your macros every day becomes fun and doing so gives you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?
I was always too proud in the past to ask for help or to read about how you can get real results. I wanted to do it all myself. This caused tremendous frustration because there’s nothing worse than working your butt off in the gym and not getting the results you expect.
Hard work was never a problem. I never knew how to eat at all to support my goals either. These things are clearly laid out for you among other things in Bigger Leaner Stronger that changed my life, such as foundational exercises that should be implemented in any workout regimen.
How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?
It can change all areas of your life! Most people talk about having more confidence, energy, and happiness. There’s no doubt that I’ve experienced these rewards using this program.
In my case, like tracking your workouts, I started tracking my finances so I can have feedback about where my money is and where it’s going. By having this feedback, I was able to get out of all consumer debt and start accumulating wealth. I used the principles in Bigger Leaner Stronger to build a side business.
Crazy right?? Well, it’s true!!
Who would you recommend this program to and why?
I recommend this book to whoever would like to challenge themselves to feel better, look better, be happier, and accomplish more in life.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’ll tell you some things I did for my personal success.
1.) You must be in the right mindset. What will you do if you don’t feel like going to the gym? What if it’s raining or snowing outside?
What about family and friends who give you crap about measuring your food? Are you willing to sacrifice? Make a commitment that this is absolutely what you want to do, and then become relentless in obtaining it! Believe in yourself!
2.) Trust the science in Mike’s Bigger Leaner Stronger book. Trust the guiding principles backed by real science.
3.) Be patient! I didn’t see results for 3 weeks after starting but I kept going. This is a lifestyle change, not a shortcut to anything.
4.) Work your ass off. Record everything you do and try to beat it the next time around. This lets you know you’re getting somewhere.
Even if it’s one more rep than last time! There will be times when you feel sluggish. Other days you will kill it in the gym and surprise yourself.
5.) It’s okay to ask for help. Mike is available to answer your questions should you have any hang-ups. Find people in your area with the same kind of goals.
Having support is important. You can do this!!!
Did you use any Legion supplements?
I did use Phoenix and I felt it helped in my fitness journey.
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 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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