There was a period in competitive bodybuilding when art and aesthetics ruled. The gargoyles were not winning, and Frank Zane, pictured below was more than okay with that… [Read more…]
Double Up for More Mass: Pyramids + Progressive Speed
Q: In Chapter 6 of The Super-Size Crash Course, you outline an alternate Phase 1 with Progressive-Speed 4X at one workout followed by Downward-Progression 4X+ at the next. Can I do both methods at the same workout?
A: Before we answer, let’s describe both mass tactics for those who aren’t familiar with them: [Read more…]
Moment of Bodybuilding Zen 28: Ronnie Coleman vs. Jay Cutler
Two legendary Mr. Olympias of the past couple of decades are pictured below, Ronnie Coleman (left) and Jay Cutler (right). (Bill Comstock photo). [Read more…]
Moment of Bodybuilding Zen 27: Arnold’s Secret
In our Zen 3 newsletter, we talked about Arnold’s biceps peak and his full-range workout (POF: standing curls, incline curls, concentration curls).
But Arnold’s secret to eye-popping bi’s: He trained his brachialis muscles directly. Those lengthy muscles snake under the biceps and connect down on the forearm. When the brachialis are beefed up underneath, they push the biceps higher when flexed—sky-high peaks. [Read more…]
Moment of Bodybuilding Zen 26: Doug Brignole, 59-year-old Mr. Universe
Our friend and colleague Doug Brignole just won the 2019 Drug-Free Mr. Universe Open division at age 59. Very impressive [photo courtesy of Doug Brignole ]… [Read more…]
Moment of Bodybuilding Zen 25: Arnold’s Comeback
Arnold was arguably the greatest bodybuilder ever, but when he came out of retirement in 1980 to enter the Mr. Olympia in Australia, many thought he tarnished his legend status… [Read more…]
Moment of Bodybuilding Zen 24: Mike Mentzer’s Triceps
In a previous newsletter, we talked about Mentzer’s incredible overall mass and his Heavy Duty training style. But Mike Mentzer’s triceps were one of his most impressive muscle groups… [Read more…]
Moment of Bodybuilding Zen 23: Don Howorth
Our biggest training influence as we got older—and wiser—was Vince Gironda. In our last Moment of Bodybuilding Zen, we featured Larry Scott and Freddy Ortiz, a photo from the ’60s taken in front of Vince’s Gym in Studio City, California. [Read more…]
Moment of Bodybuilding Zen 22: Freddy Ortiz & Larry Scott
The photo below of Larry Scott and Freddy Ortiz was taken circa 1962 in front of Vince’s Gym in Studio City, California. [Read more…]
Get More Muscle Size From One Set
Q: I’m using the Basic Workout in the X-traordinary X-Rep Workout e-book with great success. Using the single best Ultimate Exercise for each bodypart is just what I need because I’m short on time. Gains are excellent, but I have a problem is with chest. I use decline presses, but I can’t feel my pecs at all on the heavy pyramid. I don’t feel my chest working till the drop set I do last, and I really want to get more muscle size. Any suggestions?
A: It sounds like you have low neuromuscular efficiency, or nerve force, in your pectoral muscles. When you do a big compound exercise for a bodypart with low nerve response, the ancillary muscles take over, so it can be tough to build more muscle size. We would guess you’re feeling decline presses in your triceps and/or front delts on the power pyramid—but there is a solution… [Read more…]