It’s a little-known fact that Bruce Lee’s violent ventriloquist act never caught on. Many attributed its failure to the gruesome throat-chop finale, seen in this photo—and he dragged out the death gurgle way too long… [Read more…]
Stronger to Get Bigger?
Q: Do you think that it’s essential to increase training weights or at least reps on a given exercise over time to increase muscle growth significantly?
A: I do think you need to get stronger to a degree to get bigger—at least from a fast-twitch-growth standpoint, which is known as myofibrillar hypertrophy…
Something in your workout has to change. If everything stays the same, so will your physique. However… [Read more…]
Screw Your Genetics (photo proof inside)
That’s right: Ignore your genetic shortcomings—except when it comes to designing your workout program…
That’s how you’ll do your best to maximize whatever your muscle-building potential may be. Never give up… [Read more…]
Moment of Bodybuilding Zen 169: Bruce Lee’s Electric Ecto Muscle
Bruce Lee was a thin ectomorph who nevertheless built an enviable physique with lats so wide he could glide. In fact, his nickname in China was “Flying Squirrel”… [Read more…]
Frank Zane: Classic Ecto Physique? (rare photos)
Q: Your discussion on body types was on point, but I’m surprised you didn’t mention Frank Zane, a classic ectomorph who won the Mr. Olympia.
A: I wouldn’t call Frank Zane a “classic ectomorph.” He does lean more ecto than most competitive bodybuilders, but he went from broad-shouldered stick to pretty damn thick—which had him hanging out with beauty Betty Weider on the beach… [Read more…]
Hypertrophy Hack for New Mass
Have I mentioned I’m in the “scarecrow” ectomorph category? I know, I know, my story has grown tiresome; however…
There are quite a few skinny dudes out there who could pack more mass on their physiques with some specific workout tweaks, like some sets with high reps…
In case you missed it, [Read more…]
Muscle on a Scarecrow: Ah-ha Mass Moment
I’m a slow-twitch-dominant “scarecrow,” a.k.a, ectomorph. For some reason, though, I’ve never quite understood why I gain more mass with higher reps. Maybe a wizard can help with my brain thing… [Read more…]
Muscle Genes vs. Skinny-Lean Mass Workouts
I was Iron Man magazine’s editor in chief for 27 years, and for 20 of those I worked out with our advertising coordinator Jonathan Lawson, who was about 15 years my junior.
But youth wasn’t the only thing he had over me from a bodybuilding perspective. He was also much more [Read more…]
Recovery and Your Mass-Building Genetics
I mention genetics a lot. It’s not an excuse, but a bodybuilding reality—and an arbiter in other athletic endeavors as well.
I’ve been training for over four decades and tried just about everything. At 5’10 1/2” I never weighed over 200 in fairly ripped condition—190 was my best. [Read more…]
Twig to Big—Putting Muscle Mass on a Flagpole
Q: The after photo of you when you used X-Reps [in your early 40s] is impressive. You look massive. Hard to believe you’re a hardgainer ecto type. Do you really think you’re a true ectomorph? From that photo, I’d say no. [Read more…]