• X Shop
  • Checkout

X-REP.COM

Dedicated to Your Physical Transformation

  • Home
  • About Us
  • X Shop
  • X Files
    • Latest Articles
    • FAQ
    • Ezine Archive
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Gallery
  • Subscribe

Mass Mantra #84

Here’s a quote on intensity from Canadian trainer Christian Thibaudeau (@christian.thibaudeau.thibarmy):

It’s not that failure is necessary for growth, but it’s the only point in a set where you can be 100% sure of your effort level.

Christian Thieaudeau doing rope hammer curls

That 100 percent effort is why I recommend that you go to failure on the first higher-rep phase in the STX sequence…

As research shows, the first set is the most productive set for hypertrophy. In fact, data suggests that it takes at least four more sets to equal the stimulus of that one set.

The first set is the ultimate growth stimulus.

That’s why you should take phase 1 to the brink—to get the most hypertrophy possible…

You engage the fast-twitch growth fibers on the last few reps…

Type-1 (endurance) —> 2a (endurance/power) —> 2b (power)

And that sets up the Speed phase that follows to engage fast-twitch fibers from the very first rep.

Till next time, train hard—and smart—for BIG results.

Steve Holman
Former Editor in Chief, Iron Man Magazine
www.X-Rep.com

Make EYE-OPENING GAINS
with Research-proven Training.

Old Man, Young Muscle 2 and The Ultimate-Mass Exercise Guide covers

Whether you train at home or in a commercial gym, Old Man, Young Muscle 2 is your big GAIN changer. And it’s available at a discounted price for a limited time with a FREE copy of The Ultimate-Mass Exercise Guide.

OMYM2 makes every workout more hypertrophic, so you’ll make massive gains with no wasted effort, and no mega-heavy weights are required on any of the joint-safe exercises.

You get science-backed training to build muscle faster than ever PLUS a 60-page exercise guide with unique mass moves and more.

Check out all the info HERE.

Filed Under: X Files Tagged With: Christian Thibaudeau, mass mantra

:: Get the latest news and specials :: Sign Up for our Ezine!

Shopping Cart

Number of items in cart: 0

  • Your cart is empty.
  • Total: $0.00
  • Checkout

Log In

Copyright © 2026 · X-Rep.com