Originally posted by austintwo: Is the the workout by Berardi in the current Mens Fitness?
The just-hit-the-newsstands, edited by Lou Schuler, second issue of MH Muscle.
It's essentially a 12 weeks program that mixes (would periodizes we a proper term here?) training for maximum strength, power, and size. So, of course, it's the "perfect workout."
After picking up the new issue (which looks awesome Lou) I read through the workout and think it looks pretty awesome. I would try it out if it fit a bit better with my goals right now.
Danny
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Originally posted by DKing: After picking up the new issue (which looks awesome Lou) I read through the workout and think it looks pretty awesome. I would try it out if it fit a bit better with my goals right now.
Danny
I just ordered the issue because all the book stores I went to didn't even have a copy. What does the workout look like? I'm just a little curious about what I payed for.
I bought the book today. I was expecting a rewrite of old MH articles. I've got to say that I think Lou has hit a home run. I've only skimmed through it, but it seems to be everything you wish Men's Health was. Congratulations on a very good product.
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I started week 2 of phase 1 this morning. I really enjoy this workout. There's something - I don't know if "primal" is the right word - about lifting really heavy, very close to your 1RM.
And workout 4 from last week - I'm *still* feeling it. That's the first time I think I've ever done bulgarian split squats, and my ass is still sore from three days ago!
I'm game for this one. I just completed my home gym 4 days ago and have been getting back into it from my 2 month break. I showed my lifting partner and he thought it was great too. Thumbs up to the new MH Muscle. I am amazed at how on target the mag is and it's not a repeated info.
Yeah I would be on the workout right now if I would ever get my magazine. I couldn't find it at any bookstores so I ordered it online. I't been 9 days and I still don't have shit! Ughh anticipation.
I have completed two weeks of this workout ("TGWE", anyone? ), and I really like it. Some random thoughts so far:
There's another thread on here stating that lunges are the most satanic exercise ever, but I have to believe that bulgarian split-squats are right up there. Or right down there, depending on your perspective.
I've never done front squats before, and I think I must be doing them wrong, because they are pretty painful. Not on my legs, though - on my shoulders. If I hold the bar up as far as I can, then I'm choking myself. But if I hold it down a little bit, I feel like my arms are going to give out, or my shoulders are going to come out of their socket or something (and that was with only 135 pounds - I know I can do more, but don't want to hurt my shoulders in the process). Can anyone help?
I've also decided that I need some serious padding on the bar when I go heavy with regular squats. My day 2 squats were with 225/245/245/265/265, which may not be much for some, but I was working pretty damn hard to get those out.
I don't use a spotter, since I work out at home, so I've never pushed to determine my 1RM for bench (although I squeaked out 225 once a few months ago). But last week's day 1 bench was 195/210/210/220/220, and I'm thinking I might try 225 for the last two sets tomorrow when I lift again. I'll keep you posted.
It would seem, in looking at the above numbers, that my strengths are a little out of whack (bench = 225, squat = 265). That's probably true. It took quite a while for me to really appreciate the necessity for a lower body workout. My lower body has improved dramatically in the last two years, but I've still got a ways to go.
I sometimes end up putting the pad on the bar, then holding the bar in the crook of my arms, clasping my hands together. It's still hard.
If you have wrist/lifting straps, you can loop them around the wrist, then flip them over the bar, gripping the strap end in your hand like a handle. You can even tie a knot in the end for extra gripping ability. Now, the bar is rested on the chest, but cradled and stabilized by the strap that's looped around it.
Alternately, you can just loop the straps to the bar where your hands normally go and use them as handles. You can even tie a knot in the end for extra gripping ability.
Originally posted by jc228: [*]I've never done front squats before, and I think I must be doing them wrong, because they are pretty painful. Not on my legs, though - on my shoulders. If I hold the bar up as far as I can, then I'm choking myself. But if I hold it down a little bit, I feel like my arms are going to give out, or my shoulders are going to come out of their socket or something (and that was with only 135 pounds - I know I can do more, but don't want to hurt my shoulders in the process). Can anyone help?
~jc228
Hi,
try putting the bar on your delts then crossing your arms underneath and over so that your left hand is on top of the bar pressing it into your right shoulder and your right hand is pressing the bar into your left shoulder.
To keep the bar high and locked, simply raise your elbows.
I bought the mag yesterday. Read it all and I like this workout but was disappointed in the other article Berardi had in it. Basically it was just a bunch of kitchen tools that he liked, that if I were to purchase then I probably wouldnt eat for a few months (recent graduate).
I thought the mag was overall not too bad but not really much new info. It was cool to have it in a real mag other than on my computer screen.
Originally posted by davidodavid: To keep the bar high and locked, simply raise your elbows.
That's what I try to do, but then I end up half choking myself. I'm hoping that, once I perform the exercise a little more, I'll figure out what is most comfortable for me. Padding and straps will help alot, I hope.
This morning (Day 1), I was able to get 225 up for the last two sets of bench - 200/215/215/225/225. Not sure if I could've squeaked out a second rep on the last two, though. 225 may still be my max. But I'm happy with that, for now.
Tomorrow is Day 2. Heavy squats, heavy deads, good mornings, and the dreaded front squats again. Yuck! [img]smile.gif[/img]
First, if i am unable to perform dumbell lying one-arm row would bent over one-arm row be the best alternative? I don't think I'll have a set up that allows for me to fully extend my arms while lying down.
Second, as an athlete I am tested in several different lifts before the start of the season. My weakest lift is the bench press. I like this workout very much since it addresses many other concerns of mine. However, I was wondering what type of progress could be expected in one's three rep bench max. Would it be too much to in phase three day one add bench press as one of the exercises?
Also, while following this workout I did good mornings and front squats for the first time. Both great lifts!
Thanks.
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