I interviewed Mr. America Doug Brignole for Iron Man magazine back in the early 2000s. The interview and his workout at that time was reprinted in the The Ultimate Power-Density Mass Workout 2.0 ebook in 2008. He was 53 at that time (Michael Neveux photo)… [Read more…]
Ideal Occlusion Tip for Fast Mass
In yesterday’s newsletter, I discussed blocking blood flow to the target muscle by doing a continuous-tension exercise first for high reps, then following with the ideal exercise…
For example, you could do a high-rep set of leg extensions before sissy squats, the ideal exercise. Or cable flyes before dumbbell decline presses for chest… [Read more…]
Limited-Equipment Supersets for Leg Mass
Yesterday I went over an upper-body workout in a bare-bones home gym using Doug “Mr. Universe” Brignole’s superset method.
Keep in mind that Doug usually performs four supersets, or rounds, of two exercises back to back, with reps falling like this: 30, 20, 15, 10. [Read more…]
New Mr. America Mass-Training Experiment
I’m writing this fresh off of my first upper-body workout using Mr. America Doug Brignole’s superset method, which I outlined a few newsletters back…
In case you missed my update on Doug’s training, he’s now doing four sets per muscle and supersetting—moving back and forth between exercises for two different body parts… [Read more…]
Mr. America’s Mass-Building See-Saw
A few newsletter ago, I discussed biomechanics expert and Mr. America/Mr. Universe Doug Brignole’s latest training. To review…
He’s still using only the ideal exercises; however, he’s pulled back his volume and trains each muscle more often—twice a week. Previously, It was once every nine days with 10+ sets… [Read more…]
Mass Jack Surprise Attack
Q: The 4X Mass Workout is filling out my muscles faster than anything I’ve ever tried. Thank you! I’m wondering what you think about doing something weird on the last set. Like I’ve been doing a drop set on the last set every so often or a superset with another exercise just on that last set. Is that okay, or should I only stick to straight sets with 4X?
A: If you’ve been reading this newsletter for any length of time, you should know that we encourage any and all types of training experimentation. Always remember that what packs on new mass for one person may not work well for another, so be innovative and open-minded… [Read more…]
One Simple Change for New Mass Gains
Q: I love 4X training. It’s gotten me bigger than I’ve ever been, but my gains have leveled off. I’m thinking about doing the last set in stage style for more intensity. Do you think that will work? Any tips if I try it?
A: We love experimentation. It can make good gains great, so we say try it on for SIZE…
Let’s start by explaining the 4X method for our new readers who aren’t familiar: You pick a weight with which you can get 15 reps, but you only do 10; rest 30 to 45 seconds, then do 10 more—and so on until you complete four sets. If you get 10 reps on your last set, you add weight to that exercise at your next workout…. [Read more…]
Five Pounds of New Muscle Fast
Q: I’ve been reading about the fascia-expansion supersets, and it makes a lot of sense. A friend of mine is using it, and he’s added five pounds of new muscle fast—in a month! He looks more ripped too, with veins everywhere. I want to try it, but I train after work at my gym, and it’s pretty crowded. I don’t think I can superset. Should I just give up on the idea of fascia expansion for now?
A: In our X-Rep Update #1 e-book we provide a solution. The key to fascia expansion and building new muscle fast is a big-pump exercise followed by a full-stretch movement. That allows you to stretch the muscle encasement, the fascia, due to elongating the muscle after it’s full of blood… [Read more…]
High Reps, Supersets, and Super-Size Success (un-TORQ-ing-believable)
Q: I just started the first workouts from The Ultimate Super-Size Crash Course after reading yesterday’s newsletter. First
A: Don’t be a wuss; grit your teeth and tough it out, Gertrude. LOL! Seriously, higher-rep supersets could work, but there are two glitches that might prevent full-on success…
[Read more…]Try This Odd Mass Attack for Wide Delts and a Broad Back
One of Arnold’s favorite mass-building methods was antagonist-muscle supersets—chest/
Alternating two opposing muscle groups can do good things for anabolic drive, muscle stimulation, and even fat-burning metabolism. The problem is, it’s hard to superset in a crowded gym.
[Read more…]