x-centric sets Archives

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…]

Elbow Problems: Solution

Q: Do you know a good workout that I can use to add size to my triceps without aggravating elbow tendonitis? I’m over 50 and I’m having elbow problems that are really ruining some of my workouts.

A: Join the club! Steve sometimes battles minor elbow problems in his left arm, more on the inner elbow. That’s known as golfer’s elbow (even though he doesn’t play golf). Pain on the outer elbow is commonly known as tennis elbow.

You’ll have to experiment to find exercises that don’t aggravate it. Steve found that bench presses were his prime elbow antagonist; however, he can do declines. So he’ll sometimes start triceps with decline close-grip bench presses. [Read more…]

Mass Tip: Change each set to fire your size-building jets

Do you do every set the same way? You know, same rep tempo, same hand spacing same rest between sets?

Our motto is “change to gain” because it takes something unique to add more mass to your physique. Here’s a good example of making a change on each set. On seated biceps concentration curls…

[Read more…]

Too Much Muscle Too Fast

Q: I’m a competitive powerlifter, so I haven’t tried your 4X method. It requires moderate weights, and that’s not me. I need to train heavy. But I have been using your X-centric sets, usually only one or two at the end of each heavy compound exercise, like bench presses and squats. My problem is that I’ve been using X-centric sets for a month, but I’m five pounds heavier. I’m worried because I don’t want to jump a weight class at my next lifting meet. I’m pretty sure it’s all muscle because I’m seeing more striations in my chest, legs, and even shoulders, and many of my bodyparts look rounder. Should I stop using X-centrics? Is this happening because of the extra fiber trauma I’m getting from those sets?

A: The extra fiber trauma from emphasizing the negative stroke on your negative-accentuated (NA) sets is no doubt part of the reason you’ve added new muscle quickly—that causes fiber remodeling, or growth; X-centric sets also cause more fiber inflammation, which can make you look bigger and rounder. But there’s more to it than that (exciting stuff for those of us who want to pack on maximum muscle size)… [Read more…]