THE ULTIMATE MUSCLE WORKOUT!

It is not just laboratory stuff but lifelong observation and experience, the art and science of gaining muscle, everything from tried and true basic methods to the most complex scientific training methods. The bottom line is that almost everything works to a degree, some methods better than others. But even that depends on the stage of training and development your body is at. One thing for sure – if you don’t work out properly, get proper nutrition, and enough rest and sleep, you will not get maximum muscle growth!

The rationale behind the Ultimate Muscle Training System is that you first must lay down a foundation of size and strength. This can best be accomplished through basic exercises, heavy (for you) weights, and an increased focus on nutrition with an emphasis on frequent use of very high-quality protein and a slight overload of calories.

The first phase of our Ultimate Muscle Training System is the Mass & Power phase! The training program will last for six-eight weeks, training 3 days per week. (The second phase will continue with power exercises with a few more refinement exercises to increase muscularity. Dietary adjustments will reflect an even greater emphasis on improving muscularity by adding lean mass and more effort to cut fat. This phase will also last six weeks but with a 2 days on, 1-day off workout split.

Mass and Power Training Rules

Train 3 days per week. No extras!
Do only the exercises listed. Do not add anything.
Do 3-8 reps on each work set. (On isolation exercises, go up to 12 reps.) All sets should be taken to the final rep that you can do in good form but not to absolute failure.
Over and above warm-ups, do 3-5 work sets on each exercise.
Rest 2 to 3 minutes between each work set.

Monday: Chest, Biceps & Triceps

Bench Press 4x5-6 (same weight after warm-up, when you get 6 reps on all 4 sets, increase the weight your next workout)
Incline Press 3x8-4
Barbell Or EZ Bar Curls 4x6
(Alternate Sets – 1 biceps, then 1 triceps)
Close-Grip Bench Presses 4x6
Alternate DB Curls or Preacher Curls 3x8-6 (use the same weight on all three sets; when you can get 8 reps on all three sets, increase your next workout's weight.)
Lying Triceps Extensions 3x8-6

Wednesday: Legs

Squats 5x4-6 (Begin with a couple of warm-up sets. Now select a weight that will allow you to squat in perfect form for five sets of 4-6 reps. When you can get 6 reps on every set – add weight!)
Semi-Straight-Leg Deadlifts
4 sets; 6-8 reps
Leg Curls 3x12-8
Standing Calf Raises 3x20-10
(Alternate Sets – 1 set standing, then 1 set seated.)
Seated Calf Raises 3x20-10

Saturday: Back and Shoulders

Deadlifts 5 work sets; 3-5 reps.
(Use an overhand grip and straps if needed. Add weight to each set, staying in the 3-5 rep range. Add weight to the bar each week.)
Bent Barbell Rows or Cable Rows 4x5-6
Pulldowns 3x8-4
Shrugs 3x8-4
Seated Military Press 4x5-6
Lateral Raises 3x12-8

Your Mass and Power Guaranteed - Nutrition Plan

Your goal during this phase is to add thick, powerful muscle. There are two nutritional prerequisites. You’ll need extra protein and more calories than you are currently ingesting. To get the greatest results during this first six-eight-week phase meeting your nutritional requirements will not be enough. You’ll need an overabundance of protein, calories, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and essential fatty acids. Your nutrition should build throughout the program. Add 300-500 calories each week to your previous week’s caloric intake.

Here’s how you can do that easily and cost-effectively by concentrating on some very good stuff! If you are already taking UMP (Ultimate Muscle Protein), make sure that by Week 2, you are taking 2 scoops 3 times daily.

Week 1
Add just 1 scoop of the UMP three times daily to your current diet. This means three extra scoops per day to what you are already consuming. UMP is an EXTREMELY powerful mixture of fast and slow proteins that will facilitate muscle growth 24/7.

Week 2
Now your three daily Ultimate Protein shakes should contain 2 scoops for each shake. In two weeks, you have just increased your daily baseline nutrition by over 700 calories per day (that’s one pound of muscle each week) and 120 grams of the ultimate protein for muscle building.

Week 3
Add one-half serving (1 scoop) of Beverly’s Mass Maker Ultra to each of your UMP shakes during week three.

Week 4
Now take a full serving (2 scoops) of Mass Maker Ultra and two scoops of UMP three times daily. You are now ingesting more than 1500 calories daily over your baseline nutrition. That translates to 2 lbs of muscle each week!

Week 5/6
Your three shakes remain the same – two scoops of Mass Maker Ultra and two scoops of UMP. To volumize your muscles and wring out the greatest strength gains possible, add Beverly’s Creatine Select – with phosphates and beta-alanine for the final two weeks.

Other essentials you should include in your nutrition program are very high-potency vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and essential fatty acids. You can get all of these from just two supplements - Beverly’s Super Pak and EFA Gold.

If you follow this supplement program faithfully and continue eating your current baseline diet, you will add ten pounds of muscular mass to your frame over this six-week program.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Breaking Records to Compete

Age: 37

Occupation: Business owner operator- Helton Home Services, Wolverine Fight System, Woodsman Coffee Co, and Fitness & Health Coach at Xcel Performance Fitness, Certified Personal Trainer, Functional Fitness Specialist and Fitness Nutrition Specialist

Family: Wife- Julie, 3-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son

Current Residence: Ellettsville, IN

Years training: 18

Height: 5'6"

Weight: Off-Season: 152-170, Contest: 148 or 165 weight class

Favorite Muscle Building Meal: Deer steaks, roasted potatoes and veggies with leafy green salad

Favorite Supplements: Muscle Synergy, Creatine Select, and PBP (Plant-Based Protein)

What would you recommend to someone who has never used Beverly supplements? Glutamine Select and UMP/PBP - tastes great and both help with soreness and recovery.

Music: Rock and Disciple (Skillet, 12 Stones, We as Human)

Most inspiring book: The Bible

Other Hobbies: Hunting and fishing, martial arts and auto performance

Words to live by: Don’t be disappointed with the results of the work you did not do.

My passion for strength training starts in the weight room at Owen Valley High School in Spencer, IN. As a multi-sport athlete, I knew I needed to gain size and strength to be competitive. In the 8th grade, I began reading as much as I could about strength training. When I started lifting with the high school football team in January of 2000, the coaches and older guys on the football team were serious about strength training. When I saw the record board for lifting, I knew I wanted to be on there one day. I dove hard into my training and, after 4 years, had gained 45 pounds of muscle. I did make it on that board for my high school's current and all-time lifting records.

I met my wife Julie in 2008 when she was an Indiana University strength and conditioning coach. At the time, I was still soaking up everything I could about strength training and dividing my spare time between MMA and lifting. Julie launched Xcel Performance Fitness in 2009, and a couple of years later, I opened Wolverine Fight System martial arts training.

After competing in 85 BJJ and grappling matches, I decided to get back into serious strength training. In December of 2021, I began training with Drew and Stacey Heckman. Drew has totaled 2000 pounds, raw, in the 275-lb class. I was embarrassed my first few sessions lifting at “Sweet Owen Barbell” (that’s what we call the garage gym). Over the winter, everyone started talking about competing. By now, I also had the lifting bug and said I was in. My first two competitions were in the raw division of the American Powerlifting Federation (APF). I set state records for my age group and the open. I also set APF national age group records in the squat and deadlift in the 148-lb class.

My next challenge was to go up to the 165-lb class and compete in the division, which allowed powerlifting gear (squat suit, knee wraps, bench shirt, and deadlift suit). It took me weeks to get used to the equipment and use it to its full advantage. I remember the first time I got into a squat suit with straps down. I was amazed at how the weight moved. I couldn’t get the suit fully on (straps up) until my 3rd session with it. But when I did, I was able to squat 5 lbs over my raw 1RM easily for 3 solid reps. Drew, Stacy, and I used a “linear progression” powerlifting to prepare for our next meet.

The meet was on November 13, 2022, in Dubuque, Iowa, during the United Power Lifting Power Weekend. I competed in the drug-tested division for my age group (33-39). Stacey competed in the raw division and Doug who was coming off an injury in the deadlift only. We all placed first in our divisions. Stacey set new PRs; Dave hit a new PR with a 529-pound deadlift.
I set PRs with a 385-lb squat and 440-lb deadlift, and a 1080-lb total.

Here are a few tips for beginning powerlifting.

Get the form right before going heavy - have “pretty lifts.”
Bulletproof your body before going heavy. If not, you will find weak links and possibly injure yourself.
Recovery is key. Use gel iced knee and elbow sleeves post-workout, and work on tight spots when resting or watching TV via foam roller or massager. Hot tub or Epsom salt baths, ice baths, sleep 7-9 hrs a night and take a 20–30-minute nap if possible. Beverly Supplements help me recover and give me the energy to get through the day.
Gym lifts do matter but are different from competition numbers. You can’t control the variables in a meet like you can in the gym.
Don’t wait until you’re breaking records to compete. That’s the reason I waited so long. I received terrible advice years ago and was told I needed to lift “x” pounds to compete, which is untrue. If your technique is solid, get in there, get the experience, and have fun.

Sample linear progression powerlifting schedule

Weeks 1-4

During weeks 1-4 you’ll do 2 sets of 4 reps on each of the main lifts (Squat, Bench, and Deadlift). Start week 1 with 67.5% of your current max. Add 2.5% each week for week 2 & 3, then deload on week 4 to 55%. If your starting max is 200-lbs, your workout weights would be 135 for week 1, 140 for week 2, and 145 for week 3. Week 4 deload to 110. Jeremy’s competition dead lift was 420, so on his next linear progression cycle he would start with 285.

The second and third exercises listed for each day are “assistance lifts.” For the exercises listed 2nd (leg press, shoulder press, and bent-over row) do 2 sets for 5 reps, then on the 3rd set go for 7 reps in perfect form. If you make it, add 10lbs the following week on the leg press and 5lbs on the shoulder press and bent-over row. Use the same progression scheme for the leg curl, skull crushers and barbell curl –
2 sets of 8, then go for 10 on the 3rd set.

Weeks 5-8

Reduce the reps on the main lifts to 2x3 for weeks 5-8. Start at 75% of your max on week 5 and advance 2.5% each week for weeks 6 & 7, then deload again to 57.5% on week 8. Use the same progression as before on the assistance lifts.

Weeks 9-12

Main lifts are 2x2 starting at 82.5%, progressing 2.5% per week up to 87.5% on week 11. Deload week 12 to 60%. Continue to add weight to the assistance lifts whenever you are able to get 7 (or 10) reps on the 3rd set in perfect form.

Weeks 13-16

The main lifts for week 13 will be 2x1 at 90%. Week 14, 2x1 at 92.5%, and week 15, 2x1 at 95%. During this phase do not try to add weight to the assistance exercises, but do 3x5 or 3x8 in perfect form with the same weight throughout. You will work up to a new max on each of the main lifts during week 16.

Sample Nutrition Plan for Building Muscle and Recovery

Weekdays most meals are prepared in advance and stored in a cooler

Pre-Workout (5:30 am) peanut butter and honey sandwich on whole grain toast, 1 cup strawberries, 4oz lean ham or turkey

Post-Workout (7:30 am) 4 eggs, 1 cup quick oats with 1 scoop PBP (Beverly’s Plant-Based Protein) and oat milk, ½ peach or orange

Snack (10 am) granola bar, ¼ cup mixed nuts

Lunch (noon) avocado and turkey sandwich on whole grain bread, bell pepper; on weekends, it’s usually fish or deer steak tacos with greens and avocado

Snack (2 pm) 2 scoops PBP in oat milk, fruit cup

Snack (4 pm) Woodsman Coffee, peanut butter and strawberry jam on wheat bread

Dinner (7 pm) baked cod or salmon fillet, 1 cup stir fry veggies and an orange; on the weekends, I have steak, baked potato, green beans and salad

Supplements

Super Pak with post-workout meal for energy, recovery, and muscle function

Ultra 40 with meals for strength and energy

Muscle Synergy and Up-Lift, pre-workout for focus, intensity, and strength and size gains

Creatine Select, Muscle Mass & Glutamine Select post-workout for recovery, immune support, and muscle building

PBP as a morning and/or evening snack to supply extra protein for recovery

Four Years Twenty Pounds of Muscle

In 2010 I competed in the amateur Universe. I followed the Beverly Contest Workshop Manual to a ‘T’ including taking precise measurements throughout using Beverly’s body fat spreadsheet. I also had lots of photos taken afterward, some purposely from not so flattering angles. I compiled all this data and sat down to analyze it. My thoughts preceding each off season are threefold. First, I look at the big picture, the mile high view to see the most glaring weaknesses in my physique. Secondly, I look in more detailed fashion to determine how those weaknesses are manifested; exactly where am I weak? Third, I create a plan to eliminate them. That’s it, I keep it very simple and go to work.

My analysis of the numbers and pictures told me the following: I needed more overall mass. In particular I needed more muscle in my back. And lastly, I needed to consume more calories to support those goals while following a routine revolving around big, basic movements. In essence, I needed to eat more while doing some power lifting with additional emphasis on back work. Sounds simple enough but…

The trouble is that I am very ectomorphic. If you aren’t familiar with the term it refers to bone structure and metabolism. Ectomorphs are naturally small boned people with fast metabolisms. Endomorphs are the opposite and mesomorphs are your genetic wonders who can gain muscle easily. I have gained a lot of muscle over the years but had hit a wall in terms of caloric consumption. If you have ever had to force feed yourself you know what I mean. It is nauseating and gets old really fast. Most folks are quick to say how lucky I am but that’s only because they have never experienced it. As a bodybuilder I have done both, I have crammed food down my throat in the off season and dieted for shows and I can tell you neither is a picnic. I just didn’t know how I was going to eat any more food on a consistent daily basis.

I needed to find a way to supply my body with additional calories, especially protein, without overly filling my belly or adding to my already extensive food prep. I searched the Beverly website for a day or two and pulled out my old No Nonsense magazines, flipping through hoping to find an article that might pertain to my plight. I found the solution by chance in the form of an old ad for Ultra 40 liver tabs. In that ad it said that by combining Ultra 40 and Mass aminos several times daily a person could gain up to five pounds of muscle yearly. Don’t get me wrong, I was no stranger to either prod-uct. However I had only used them religiously pre contest main-ly to stave off hunger between meals. The thought of using them extensively in the off season sounded really appealing. This way I wouldn’t be bloated and there was no food preparation involved. I don’t believe in doing anything half way so I planned to use 8 of each after each meal. I figured I was approaching my genetic limit so it would be twice as hard to gain that five pounds as for a normal person. What could it hurt? Even at that heightened intake it was cheaper than buying another thousand calories of food daily.

I also cranked up my consumption of the new Mass Maker Ultra. I admit that wasn’t really a conscious decision but just kind of happened because I really like the taste. I followed the meal plan I had in the past from Beverly designed for a 225+lb guy, with a few added calories. Here’s how it broke down:

Meal 1: 6 whole eggs, 8oz ground turkey or beef, small amount of cheese, salsa; 1 cup oatmeal, honey, almond butter and added one scoop of UMP, and some apple juice

Meal 2: 3 scoops of UMP or 4 scoops of Provosyn, 2 tablespoons of flax seed oil. I combined this with one scoop of Mass Maker Ultra and followed it with an apple.

Meal 3: 10oz ground turkey or beef (cooked amount); 1 cup lentils or rice and a large mixed salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Meal 4: Repeated Meal 2. Since this was usually my pre workout meal I would mix in two scoops of Mass Maker Ultra, sometimes three. I wish shaker cups were larger!

Post workout: I would immediately drink another 2-3 scoops of Mass Maker Ultra mixed in juice.

Meal 5: Basically this was a repeat of Meal 3. I often steamed the vegetables and made a large stir fry.

Meal 6: Protein pudding! 3 scoops of UMP, almond butter, honey and a cup of cottage cheese. I added apple juice or kefir and made it into an ice cream type consistency.

In addition to this I always had a Super Pak, Creatine Select, QuadraCarn and Lean Out, which I take in the off season for the cardiovascular benefits, not fat burning. I used two Multiple Enzymes, sometimes three, be-fore meals and used Up-Lift before every workout. I also used Muscle Synergy sporadically, probably every other month.

This did not constitute a change from my former eating habits. The change was from the Ultra 40 and Mass aminos. I took 8 of each before or after each meal and often during workouts. I went through thousands of those little gems. Since the diet was the same as before and this was the only addition I knew this would be a valid experiment to determine their merit. The frustrating part was how slowly it progressed; it is very easy to second guess yourself and want to try something else because the scale is barely moving. Even at the best rate of five pounds yearly it only breaks down to less than half a pound monthly! During those times I would re-mind myself to stay the course and give it a solid chance. Whether it is a meal plan or workout I believe you need to follow it precisely for at least six months before passing judgment. So I toiled on and faithfully observed the plan.

One quick note: I cannot stress enough the value of Beverly’s most economical supplement, the Multiple Enzyme Complex. In my experience ectomorphs like myself often do not secrete sufficient gastric enzymes to allow for the digestion of large quantities of food. This may be why their stomachs tell their brains that they are not hungry. Taking just a couple of these before a big meal makes the difference between being uncomfortably bloated for hours or feeling normal. Remember, it isn’t what you eat, it’s what you absorb that matters. Multiple Enzymes are an absolute must on a weight gaining diet.

I also keep logs in the off season though not as detailed. As I progressed through 2011-2014 I compared my body weight, strength levels and abdominal skin pinch measurement to those from previous off seasons. My body weight had not sky rocketed but was gradually climbing. My strength levels were higher and at a lower body weight than at previous personal bests. And my belly fat was considerably less. Overall I was carrying more lean mass at a lower body weight which brought me some mental comfort. I didn’t get too excited though as I knew that true gains could only be ascertained by comparing contest to contest, when all the fat had been stripped away. I eventually plateaued at 217 and decided it was time to solidify the gains I had made.

Training

Let’s step back and look at the training plan I followed in con-junction with this meal plan. As a competitive power lifter I have always favored strength oriented routines like the periodization plan detailed in an old NNN issue (“A 12 Week Training Cycle for Muscle Size and Strength”, No Nonsense Vol 12, #3). Any one is welcome to contact me for a spreadsheet copy of this excel-lent routine. I have used it many times with great success, gaining lean mass and strength steadily. I went through four full cycles of this then incurred an elbow injury requiring surgery. Rather than lay around and fatten up (or skinny up in my case) I decided to employ the Smolov squat routine since it required no upper body work whatsoever. I wouldn’t wish that program on my worst enemy but man, did it work. I put over 70lb on my best squat over the course of three months and found my upper body had responded as well; proof of the power of systemic growth exercises like the squat. After that I returned to the periodization plan for several more cycles. I was steadily growing and things were going well. Then I got greedy…

A Year Wasted

I became enthralled with a popular training method followed by many elite powerlifters. I thoroughly studied this unique and com-plex methodology and purchased quite a bit of new equipment in order to give the program my best shot. I desperately wanted this to work. I went for it for a full year. Then I compiled my data again and analyzed the results. A year wasted! At the end of the day my lifts had stalled and my lean mass hadn’t budged. And my target body part, the back, had suffered most! I couldn’t afford to lose any more time, I had to return to what worked FAST. So it was back to the periodization routine that had never failed me. The lesson I learned was to stick with what works.

Pre Contest Nutrition & Training

I continued with the Beverly periodization routine until the end of April, 2014. I wanted to compete in the fall and knew I would need to dedicate at least five months to the process. With my me-tabolism crash dieting is a major no-no. I have to go easy or I risk burning up whatever I may have built in the off season. Using the Beverly International Pre Contest Workshop manual as a guide here is what I formulated to bring me into top shape by October:

2 months of the 2 on, 1 off routine while following meal plan 1B.
2 months of the 4 on, 1 off routine while following meal plan 2B.
1 month of 3 on, 1 off routine while following meal plan 2C.

Note: If you are lucky enough to own the Pre Contest manual, you’ll find the nutrition plans referenced on pgs 15, 21, and 22. The training programs can be found on pgs 39-42. If you do not own the Pre Contest manual, you can still use the “Solutions” section of the BeverlyInternational.com website to access the plans. You’ll find the diets in the “Beverly Nutritional Programs” section:

Meal plans 1B and 2B are comparable to the “Gain Muscle and Lose Fat Plan”
Meal plan 1C corresponds to the “Male Bodybuilding Pre Contest Nutrition Plan”

The training programs are illustrated in the “Training” section under the heading PreContest Training Program.

The only change I made to the meal plans was the frequency of Carb Up meals. I know my metabolism pretty well and I know when it is telling me to eat. The meal plans called for Monday/Thursday Carb Up Meals but I added a third and often would have Saturday as a ‘free day’ where I would re-ally stuff in the calories. This wasn’t lack of discipline, this was twenty years of experience of listening to my body. At the end of the day (or the contest) it isn’t who deprived them-selves the most who wins, it’s who looks the best. And I knew that if I pushed it too hard too soon I would burn muscle.

I followed the workouts precisely. I added a pulley set up to my home gym so that I could do smaller moves like pushdowns and cable rows and even got a set of Power Block dumbbells for curls, laterals, etc. I kept an eye on my strength levels and pushed for PR’s up til the last month. On the days that I had more energy I would employ five sets of five on the big moves and supersets on the days I didn’t. I kept it very simple and just trained hard.

As for cardio, I didn’t do it. I am not a fan in general especially for ectomorphs like myself. I really proved this to myself in the off season. To go with the “elite” powerlifting training program that I mentioned earlier, I bought a sled, prowler, wheelbarrow and tire and performed the recommended HIIT workouts faith-fully. Like I said, if I sign up to do something I go all-in. And I watched my lifts drop as my frustration climbed. Maybe it works as a conditioning tool for some but in terms of fat loss for me I will take proper dieting over cardio any day.

Final Results

So the day of the contest, the WPAA Troy Alves Classic, finally rolled around and I won my class. A judge said I was the most conditioned guy in the whole show, a testament to Beverly’s con-test prep wisdom. Just as importantly, I had new measurements and photos to analyze. Here is the hard data from the day before the show in 2010 and again in 2014:

2010: 154.4 lb of lean mass, 8.6 lb of fat
2014: 175.9 lb of lean mass, 8.1 lb. of fat
Net result: 21.5 pounds of muscle gained, .5 lb. of fat lost

Now that is what I call progress! Since the training was largely the same as before (I even lost a year) and the meal plans were identical I can safely assume the difference was due to the addition of Ultra 40 and Mass Aminos. I felt this was a very valid study under controlled circumstances with minimal variables, at-testing to the worth of these products.

In my opinion an average of five pounds of muscle gained yearly for the average lifter is a best case scenario. The genetically gifted or chemically enhanced might scoff at these numbers but I am truly pleased. I highly recommend employing this tactic to anyone interested in gaining lean mass with minimal investment. I also feel they are key to maintaining that mass while dieting. To those who may shirk at the thought of ingesting so many pills daily, allow me to briefly toot my own horn: I suffer from dysphagia, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing and frequent choking. Therefore I must chew each and every one of these tablets. If you truly want progress you will find a way.

I am hardly the first person to discover the power of this combination nor am I the first to reap its benefits to this degree. I hope others will read this and decide to give it an honest try. As hard as we work in the weight room I feel that taking a few dozen of these pills daily is a minor inconvenience at most. Take 4 of the Ultra 40 and 4 of the Mass Aminos with each meal this off season and note the impact it has on your own physique. I believe you will be very pleased with the results.

PostScript

I was very pleased with my conditioning and knew that Beverly had contest prep down to a science. Boy was it nice to be working with a tried-and-true outfit instead the many self-proclaimed gurus in the area. I listened to the insanity that other competitors went through at the instruction of their local wizards and knew they had compromised their conditioning. I tried to keep to myself but eventually some fellow competitors asked about my own prep. When I told them how simply I had done things, like not even doing a ‘peak week’ they scoffed. However when my clothes came off a little later they were suddenly silent. Eventually they all asked me who I trained under and how much it cost. When I told them of Beverly’s free information and programs on their website, I thought they might cry! Again the moral here is to stick with what really works, in this case a company with nearly half a century’s experience working with thousands of bodybuilders. A company that cares about more than just their bottom line. What ‘team’ am I on? Beverly!!!

Classic Physique – Training

There are three parameters of progress that you should be concerned with during both Phase 1 and Phase 2 training:

• Increase reps with same weight

• Increase weight for the same rep range

• Decrease rest intervals between sets – if your strength seems to have plateaued as you get closer to your contest, performing the same number of sets in less time becomes a very valuable form of progress.

It is very important to work each muscle through its fullest range of motion using complete extension and contraction on each exercise.

Use a workout journal to keep your progress on track. It can be a spiral notebook or as fancy as you like. Keep track of every training session. Use the “star method” to track your progress. Every time you use a heavier weight than before on a set, get more reps with a particular weight, or complete a series of sets in less time give yourself a star in your journal. A 10 Star workout means you did an extra rep or used more weight on at least ten sets during your workout. Finish a bodypart in record time and you get another star.

1. Pyramid Training:

Add weight lower the reps each set.

Set 1: 12 reps with a very easy warm-up weight – not all you can do for 12 reps

Set 2: 10 reps still pretty easy

Set 3: 8 reps – use a weight you could get for 9 – 12 here but stop at 8

Set 4: 6 reps – use a weight you could get 6 – 8 reps with but stop at 6

Set 5: 4 – 6 reps - a max set. Here’s where you can earn stars in your training journal. Once you reach 6 reps add weight to the final 3 sets (which will earn a star on each of these sets next time) and start back at 4 reps on set #5. Exercises using the Pyramid system are marked with *.

2. Double Progressive System:

Use the same weight for all sets. Start at the low end of the suggested rep range. Gradually increase the repetitions, usually adding one rep each week until you reach the top number of suggested reps for each set of a particular exercise. Then add weight and start over at the lower end of the rep scheme. Exercises where you should use the Double Progressive System are marked **.

3. Feeder Workouts:

A feeder workout is performed two days after your primary workout for a specific bodypart. We have included feeder workouts for the shoulders, lats, and calves – full development of these body parts are essential in developing a classic physique. The feeder workout is a single all out rest-pause set where you complete a set of 6-10 reps taken to failure, followed by a short break (just long enough for you to take three to four slow, deep breaths), and immediately continue on to failure a second time (you should get somewhere between three and six additional reps, depending on the level of muscular endurance and the muscle fiber composition of the particular bodypart). At this point, take another short pause before going for one to four more (as many as you can get) reps. This will not only provide a nutrient-rich flush of fresh blood but will provide maximal muscle cell activation in minimum time.

DB or BB Bench Press* (pyramid) 5x12/10/8/6/4-6 - Dumbbells are preferred if you can give up the barbell bench press in developing squared off “gladiator pecs” preferred in the classic physique

Incline DB Press (double progressive) ** 3x6–8 reps constant weight. First session do 6 – 6 – 6 and gradually add reps and earn stars until you get to 8 – 8 – 8 then add weight and start back at 6. If you get bored adding reps, reduce rest time between sets to earn additional “stars.”

DB Flyes** 3x8–12

DB Pullovers** 3x8–12 (These work the serratus muscles. “The serratus magnus muscles are the ‘jewel-like’ muscles of your chest … they add width to the chest, shape, muscular definition – as well as classic beauty.” ~ Vince Gironda)

Close Grip Bench Press* (pyramid) 4x12/10/8/5–7

Start your Phase 2 training program eight weeks out from your contest. During Phase 2 training you’ll be doing a lot of supersets. Supersets allow you to get more work done in less time. Remember, less rest between sets is one of the parameters of progress. Your Phase 2 training will be more focused on improving your proportions and increasing your chest to waist ratio. Note: Steve Reeves, one of the all-time best examples of the “classic physique”, is reported to have attained a 23” differential between his chest and waist measurement. A good goal for you is 15” or more. If your expanded chest measures 45”, your waist would measure 30” or less. As your diet becomes stricter during phase 2, it will become harder and harder to increase reps or poundage, so reducing the time between sets becomes more and more important. You’ll be supersetting antagonistic muscle groups to improve balance and proportion as well as to add a fat burning aspect to your training.

It’s not necessary to “run” from one exercise to the next when supersetting. After you complete a superset rest 60-90 seconds and then start your next set. Since you will be working each bodypart twice every eight days, we will no longer be performing feeder workouts.

Train three days on – one day off:

Day 1: Chest and Back

Day 2: Legs

Day 3: Shoulders and Arms

Day 4: Off; Repeat

One Saturday Morning

No School Like the Old School

I’ve always liked the saying, “There’s no school like the old school”. It’s long been the foundation of my training philosophy and mindset. As I was preparing to write this article, I was reflecting on my training leading up to the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia. My goal was to put those thoughts onto paper, but it wasn’t going to be an easy task given the amount of time that had passed, 25 years to be exact.

Then, one Saturday morning, something unexpected happened. I was going through some old storage crates with my wife, and to my surprise I ran across my old training records that had been tucked away for decades! I had everything written down - what I trained that day, every ounce of food I ate, doctor’s appointments, travel schedules, guest posings, photo shoots, phone calls to return… everything. I then came across photos from my beginning days in local competitions all the way through to the Arnold and Olympia stage. Wow, you talk about memories flooding back, not to mention the reminder of what it took to go from a local show to the pinnacle of the sport.

I kept digging and digging and eventually came across a very special folder that was simply labeled “Arnold”. Inside was my detailed records leading up to the 1995 Arnold Classic, the year I won. I started analyzing everything and realized I had recorded all the workouts I used from the offseason all the way through the show. I particularly was intrigued by the back training and the plan I had implemented to improve this bodypart leading into that year’s Arnold Classic. I remember knowing I needed to make drastic gains in order to compete against the likes of Flex Wheeler, Andreas Munzer, Lee Labrada and many others. I had to be honest with myself and address my weaknesses and so I did just that.

It isn’t pleasant for anyone to admit their weaknesses, but that is exactly what you must do if you truly want to improve your physique. This applies to all competitors at every level of bodybuilding. Whether you are competing at the pro level, beginner level or somewhere in between, turning your weaknesses into strengths is the key to achieving success. If you keep putting all your efforts into your 21-inch arms, what good will that do you if your quads are that same 21 inches! We’ve all seen “that guy” in the gym - phenomenal arms, but no legs. But what body part is he training every day, you got it… ARMS!

Like “that guy”, I too had to analyze my physique. I quickly realized that my back wasn’t where it needed to be, and I had to bring it up if I ever wanted to reach my goals. My dream wasn’t to just get better, I wanted to be the best I could be on stage. In order to do this, I had to devise a plan of attack that would allow me the best opportunity to achieve the aggressive goals I had set for myself. I was never the type who would say much about what my aspirations were. Instead, I would just do the homework needed and keep pushing and quietly do whatever it took to improve. I knew what needed to be done and the only thing left to do was work!

Back training is hard! Let’s face it, training your back can be painful…single-arm 200-lb dumbbell rows, 400-lb reverse grip rows, 800-lb rack pulls, etc. I personally loved it and training my back was probably my favorite, however that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt. The brutal training is what led to results, which in turn created the motivation to push harder and get even better.

Now it’s time to get to it! Below I have outlined my 9-week mass-building back training that helped me win the 1995 Arnold Classic:

9 Week Back Program

A FEW THINGS TO NOTE:

I trained my back (and all bodyparts) one time per week.
Any weights listed are for demonstration purposes only, and you will need to adjust accordingly.
Rest approximately 2 minutes between rack pulls and deadlifts for weeks 1-6.
Rest approximately 1 minute between deficit deadlifts for weeks 7-9.
Rest approximately 45-90 seconds between auxiliary exercises.
Warm up properly before beginning.

WEEKS 1-3

Must haves:

In order to train this intensely and still recover in time to hit your other bodyparts with the same ferocity, these supplements are a must:

Glutamine Select: This product contains the BCAAs and Glutamine at the levels necessary to aid in muscle recovery.
UMP: A great way to get in the extra protein and calories you need when training intensely. Mix it with fruit and ice and blend into a high protein smoothie! But, honestly this high quality protein powder tastes phenomenal right out of the jug!
FitTabs: FitTabs are vitally important to make sure all your bases are covered nutrient wise.

Other supplements to consider

If you are on a calorie restricted diet, here are a few additional supplements that will aid in your recovery, metabolism and fat burning. These scientifically designed and researched supplements are specifically manufactured for those in contest prep and/or are on calorie restricted nutrition plans.

7-Keto MuscLean
Muscularity
Quadracarn
Lean Out

In Closing

There is nothing glamorous about this back-training workout. Given our high-tech environment, I realize everyone has access to a plethora of training information on the internet (some good, some not so good). However, in the end, it still comes down to ‘old school’ basics.

I can’t guarantee I will be around in another 25 years to open that storage container back up, but I can confidently say that this back workout will stand the test of time. I challenge you to give it a try.

Contact Info: mikefrancois.com

Instagram: michaelfrancois33

Six Weeks to Mass and Power

DAY 1: MONDAY	Amount
Incline Bench Press	6 x 6
Flat DB Press	6 x 6
High Pulls	4 x 4 or Upright Row – 6 x 6
Dumbbell Laterals	2 x 6-8 each way (front/side/rear)
Triceps Pressdown	4 x 6-8

DAY 3: THURSDAY	Amount
Incline Bench Press	6 x 6 (use 85% of heavy day)
Flat DB Press	6 x 6 (85% of heavy day)
Shoulder Press	6 x 6
Lying Triceps Press	6 x 6

DAY 2: TUESDAY	Amount
Leg Press	6 x 6
Squats	6 x 6
Leg Curl	4 x 6-8
Leg Extension	4 x 6-8

DAY 4: FRIDAY	Amount
Dead Lift	6 x 3 (increase weight each set)
Barbell Row	6 x 6
Curl Grip Pulldown	6 x 6
Barbell Curl	6 x 6
Dumbbell Curl	6 x 6

Note: Use the same weight for all sets of a particular exercise except the dead lift. On the dead lift add 20lbs or so each set, so that only your final set will be with your working weight.

The most important factor to the success of this program is that you DO NOT start too heavy. On 6 x 6 exercises start week one with a weight you could perform 12 reps if you had to, but
only do the prescribed six reps. Progress at a pace that allows you to get all 6 reps on all 6 sets each workout throughout the first five weeks. Your goal should be to complete every rep
(Unassisted!) each workout. Only go for an all-out, max effort during the final week!

Mass Maker Ultra: add 2 servings (2 scoops each) per day mixed in 12-14oz water or milk to your regular meal plan.

1 Super Pak with breakfast for nutritional micronutrients and muscle building co factors

4 Ultra 40, 4 Mass Aminos, 1 Multiple Enzyme Complex with each meal and shake

Muscle Synergy: 1 serving (8 tablets or 1 scoop) first thing in the morning; another serving 30 minutes prior to workout; and a final serving immediately following your workout. On non-training days, take Muscle Synergy twice – one serving in the morning and another mid-afternoon.

Add one additional Ultra 40 tablet and one Mass Amino tablet to each meal on week 4, then another on week 5, and a third additional Mass and Ultra 40 to each meal or shake during week 6. This will end up as 7 Mass tablets and 7 Ultra 40 tablets with each meal during week 6 (about 35-42 tablets each for the day).

For even greater gains add Glutamine Select and Creatine Select to the core supplements as follows:

Glutamine Select: Sip 3-4 scoops mixed in water during training

Creatine Select: Load during week 1 by taking 1 scoop with each meal. For the next 5 weeks take 1-2 scoops daily. On training days, take 2 scoops pre-workout (with Muscle Synergy). Non training days – 1 scoop.

BEVERLY’S BEST Gain Muscle & Lose Fat Nutrition & Training Plan

Meal #1: 1 whole egg + 3 egg whites, 5oz lean meat, ½ cup oatmeal

Meal #2: Protein Drink: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein, 2 tbsp healthy fat (almond butter, flax oil, olive oil or heavy whipping cream), add enough water to make a shake the consistency you desire.

Whole food option: 8oz lean beef, 1 apple

Meal #3: 8oz lean meat, 6oz sweet potato or 2/3 cup cooked brown rice, 2 cups vegetables (broccoli, etc.), salad with 2 tbsp dressing

Meal #4: (same as meal #2)

Meal #5: 8oz lean meat, 2 cups vegetables, salad with 2 tbsp Newman’s Own vinegar and oil dressing

Meal #6: (if you weigh 185lb or more): Protein pudding – mix two scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein in a bowl with just enough water to make a pudding texture. Add 1 tbsp of almond butter, walnuts, or heavy cream.

Beverages: Make sure that you drink at least six to eight 8oz glasses of water each day (that’s four 16oz bottles). Watch out for empty calories in the liquids you drink, juices and regular soft drinks will sabotage your progress. Limit beverages to water, coffee, unsweetened tea, diet sodas, and Crystal Light.

UMP: Start with two containers (stick with your favorite flavor or mix it up for variety) and take it as recommended in the meal plan.

Mass Aminos and Ultra 40: Start with one bottle each of Mass Aminos and Ultra 40. (Note: see how Aaron Whitten added 20lbs of muscle naturally using this time tested, proven effective muscle building stack in the “Article” section of BeverlyInternational. com.) You should take 1 tablet each of Mass Aminos and Ultra 40 for every 10 pounds of bodyweight. If you weigh 180lbs that equates to 18 tablets each per day or 3 or 4 with each meal or shake.

DAY ONE: CHEST, TRICEPS
• Bench Press: (3 warm up sets of 20,12, and then 6-8 reps); work sets: 2x6 with 80% of your 1-rep max (1RM); 2x3 (90% 1RM); rep out for 1 set of 8-15 (60-70% 1RM)
• Low Incline DB Press: 1x12-15 (warm up); 2x6-9 (enough weight to fail before 10)
• High Incline DB Press: 3x6-9
• Triceps Pushdown: 1x10 (warm up); 2-3 sets of 6-8 reps
• Pullover and Press: 1x10 (warm up); 2x8-12
• Alternate DB Curl: 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Crunches: 3-4 sets of 15-25 reps

DAY TWO: REST

DAY THREE: LEGS, BACK
• Squats: (2 warm up sets of 15 and then 10 reps); work sets: 3x6-8 (75% 1RM); 1x10-15 (65% 1RM and add 5 half squats at the end of the set); 1x15-25 (50% 1RM and again, add 5 half squats at the end of the set)
• Leg Press: (2 warm up sets of 20 and then 10 reps); 3-4 sets of 6-10 reps (add weight each set and go to failure)
• Bent-Over BB Row or DB Row: 1x12 (warm up); 3x6-10
• Lat Pulldown: 1x15 (warm up); 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps, to failure

DAYS FOUR AND FIVE: REST

DAY SIX: CHEST, SHOULDERS, BICEPS
• DB Bench Press: 1x15 (warm up); 3-4 sets of 6-8 reps to failure each set; 1x15 (for pump)
• Front DB Raises: 1x15 (warm up); 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps
• Shrugs: 1x20 (warm up); 3x8-15 (increase weight each set)
• Straight Bar Curls: 1x20 (warm up); 1x10-15 (to failure); 3x8-12 (to failure)
• Hyperextensions: 2 sets-max reps
• Crunches: 2 sets-max reps

DAY SEVEN: REST

DAY EIGHT: LEGS, LOWER BACK
• Leg Extension: 5x12-16, superset with Front or Smith Machine Squats: 5x8-12
• Leg Curls: 3x10-15, superset with Deadlift: 3x8-12
• Seated Calf Raise: 3x10-15 (add partials at the end of each set)

DAYS NINE AND TEN: REST, AND THEN START OVER WITH DAY 1 WORKOUT

A Note about Poundage Progression:

Here are some guidelines you can use to get the most out of your “Muscle Size” workout. Increase the poundage a small amount (and don’t be afraid to use the 2.5lb plates) the next workout if:

• A. Rep range is 2x6 or 2x3 –and you can successfully get 6 reps (or 3 reps) on both sets
• B. Rep range is 6-8 or 6-9 – and you can get the top number on the 1st set, and 6 or more on each of the remaining sets. Ex: 9,7,6.
• C. Rep range is 8-12 and you can get 12 on the 1st set; or rep range is 10-15 and you get 15 on 1st set, etc.

If you want to gain muscle and strength, while losing fat give this program a try for 16 weeks. If the workout is more than you are accustomed to, start with 1 or 2 less work sets on each exercise. Then gradually work into the full routine. But, even if you are used to training more often or with more volume, please don’t add anything to the routine. It is tested and proven to be one of the most effective workout plans ever. Combine the “Best Muscle Size Workout Plan for Naturals” with the “Gain Muscle and Lose Fat” nutrition and supplement plan for the next 4 months and be ready to see a dramatic positive change in your physique, body composition, and strength.

Beverly’s Natural Muscle Size Supplement, Workout, and Diet Program

NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM

Here’s what this program can do for your muscles.

Beverly has been building natural muscle since 1967. Natural Muscle Size is one of our most popular supplement programs for three main reasons:

1. Based on client feedback, it is possible to gain 3-8 pounds or more of muscle and measurable increases in muscle girth (e.g. chest and arm circumference) by the time you’ve completed
Levels 1 and 2, and a total of 10-12 pounds of muscle by the time you’ve completed Level 3. (This is natural muscle - not the kind that begins to “deflate” in a matter of days.)

2. It works for everyone from hard gainers to 55-year-olds and beyond.

3. Every supplement in the program is backed by our zero-risk, 60-day, 100%-satisfaction guarantee.

Add it all up, and Natural Muscle Size is about as close to a muscle-building “slam dunk” as you can get. So make a copy today, tape it to your fridge, and follow it level by level, step by step. You can’t help but grow.

Who Is It For?

The Natural Muscle Size program is designed for any healthy man who wants to increase the size of his muscles.

How Does It Work?

Start at Level 1 and work your way up to Level 3. Follow the instructions for each level exactly as described.

How Should I Train And Eat During This Program?

Training and diet are critical determinants of your success with any supplement program, of course. You’ll find a training routine and meal plan following this article which will work
fantastic when used in conjunction with the Natural Muscle Size Supplement program.

How Will I Know How Much To Order Of Each Supplement In The Program?

Your needs will vary according to your bodyweight and training routine, among other factors. Simply call or email us and a Beverly Supplement Advisor will help you figure out exactly how much to order of each product so that you don’t interrupt your program by running out.

Start by taking 6 tablets of each product daily for the first week. Each week thereafter, increase your daily allotment of tablets by 2 until you reach the ultimate dose of 1 tablet per 10 pounds of bodyweight. (Refer to the example below.) Upon reaching your ultimate dose, proceed to Level 2. Spread your daily allotment of tablets across the day in smaller doses (e.g. 2-4 tablets each).

Example: To calculate your ultimate daily dose, divide your bodyweight by 10. If the number you get is odd, round it up to the next even number. For example, let’s say you weigh 170 pounds. 170 divided by 10 equals 17, an odd number. Round this up to the next even number, which is 18. This is your ultimate daily dose of tablets for each of Ultra 40 and Mass Amino Acids. Here’s how you would build up to this dose:

Week 1: 6 tablets of Ultra 40, 6 tablets of Mass Amino Acids daily.
Week 2: 8 tablets of Ultra 40, 8 tablets of Mass Amino Acids daily.
Week 3: 10 tablets of Ultra 40, 10 tablets of Mass Amino Acids daily.
Week 4: 12 tablets of Ultra 40, 12 tablets of Mass Amino Acids daily.
Week 5: 14 tablets of Ultra 40, 14 tablets of Mass Amino Acids daily.
Week 6: 16 tablets of Ultra 40, 16 tablets of Mass Amino Acids daily.
Week 7: 18 tablets of Ultra 40, 18 tablets of Mass Amino Acids daily.

Start by taking 1 serving, 4 times daily, for 5 days. This is the loading phase, during which your muscles will become saturated with creatine. Mix each serving with 10 oz (1 1/4 cups) of water and make sure to drink one of the servings 15 minutes before your workout and another 15 minutes after your post-workout meal. After the loading phase, take 1 serving of Creatine Select daily (either before your workout or after your post-workout meal) until you have used up your entire bottle. Then proceed to Level 3.

(tablets or powder -your choice). If you weigh less than 200 pounds, take 16 tablets or 2 scoops daily. If you weigh 200 pounds or more, take 24 tablets or 3 scoops daily. Divide your daily allotment of tablets/scoops into smaller doses and take them throughout the day, ideally upon awakening in the morning and before working out. For instance, a 170-lb male would take 2 scoops or 16 tablets daily, divided into two equal doses of 1 scoop or 8 tablets each. Swallow each tablet one at a time with water.

WHAT DO THE PRODUCTS IN NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE DO?

UMP is our “gateway” protein supplement. Its unique blend of sustained-release casein and fast-acting whey enhances muscle building (anabolism) and prevents muscle breakdown (catabolism) for hours at a time. You can use it to make delicious shakes and an endless variety of guilt-free, hunger-quenching treats. (Recipes are available on our website, BeverlyInternational.com.)

Derived from 100% Argentinean beef liver, ULTRA 40 is rich in an array of blood- and muscle-building factors. This nutritional powerhouse from the pre-steroid era of bodybuilding boosts stamina, pumps, recovery, and strength unlike anything else.

MASS AMINO ACIDS contains high levels of peptide-bonded amino acids, which studies suggest have up to double the anabolic potency of regular food. This may explain why so many of our male clients count on it to increase and preserve muscle size, especially during periods of hard training or when rehabilitating an injury.

CREATINE SELECT contains the most proven type of creatine, plus beta-alanine, phosphates, and electrolytes. Unlike other creatine products, Creatine Select is easy on the stomach and produces rapid increases in muscle mass and performance without bloating or puffiness. It really is a hard gainer’s dream. As one Beverly client reports, “[Creatine Select] produces results almost immediately. It’s pretty crazy.”

You’ll feel the impact of QUADRACARN (pronounced “kwa-dra-carn”) on your physique from head to toe, with benefits including energy, testosterone, mood, anti-aging, cognitive performance, sexual health, vascularity, pumps, and more. Men 35 years of age and up use it to optimize testosterone safely and naturally.

MUSCLE SYNERGY is another great supplement for the 35+ athlete. It contains a synergistic combination of nutraceuticals that help you build and preserve muscle size and strength, among other benefits. It is available in tablet or powder form.

GET IMMEDIATE HELP WITH YOUR NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE PROGRAM!

Phone calls may seem "old school", but sometimes a few moments on the phone can help you solve a problem faster than anything else.

If you've got a question about the Natural Muscle Size program, or just want to find out how much of each product you need to order, simply call the phone number shown below Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET and speak to a Beverly Supplement Advisor. Each Advisor is hired and trained by Beverly and personally uses our products.

CALL 1-800-781-3475...

Or email...

BEVNUT@BEVERLYINTERNATIONAL.NET

NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE WORKOUT & DIET

The rationale behind our Natural Muscle Size Workout and Diet is that you first must lay down a foundation of size and strength. Whether you’ve been working out for decades and just need to “reinforce” your foundation, or are relatively new to the weights, this can best be accomplished through basic exercises, heavy (for you) weights, systematic progression, and an increased focus on nutrition with an emphasis on frequent use of very high quality protein and a slight overload of calories.

BENCH PRESS: 4 work sets; 5-6 reps, but no more than 6 reps per set. Warm up, then do 4 sets of benches with the same weight. You should be able to get 6 reps your first set or two, but may fall to 5 reps on your final 2 sets, with or without a slight spot. As soon as you can get 6 reps on all 4 sets without a spot in a workout, add ten pounds your next workout and start over!

INCLINE PRESS: 3 work sets; 8, down to 4 reps. Use a barbell or dumbbells. Do one warm-up set of 12 reps, then put on a weight that you think you can get for 8 reps. If you make 8 – stop! For the second set, add 10-20 pounds and go for 6 reps. Add 10-20 more pounds for your final work set and try to get 4 reps. If you successfully get 8 – 6 – 4 on your consecutive three sets, 2 workouts in a row, then add 10-pounds to each set your next (3rd) workout.

BARBELL CURLS / CLOSE-GRIP BENCH PRESS: (Alternate Sets – 1 biceps set rest, then 1 triceps set, rest and repeat.) 4 sets, 5-6 reps (Use the same set and rep scheme as bench press.)

ALTERNATE DB CURLS alternate with LYING TRICEP EXTENSIONS: 3 work sets; 8 to 6 reps (Use the same weight all three sets, when you can get 8 reps on all three sets, increase the weight your next workout.)

SQUATS: 5 work sets; 4-6 reps. Use a foot position that’s shoulder width apart. As you descend imagine there is a marble on the center of your quad. Keep going down until the marble would start rolling toward your hips. This will guarantee that you’ve broken parallel and will reap the maximum benefits from your squats. Begin with a couple of warm-up sets. Then do one more warm-up set of 6 reps with a weight that is 25-50 lbs below your 6-rep max. Now select a weight that will allow you to squat in perfect form for five sets of 4-6 reps. When you can get 6 reps on every set – add weight! It’s ok to take up to 5 minutes rest between each set!

STRAIGHT LEG DEADLIFTS: 4 sets; 6-8 reps.

LEG CURLS: 3 sets; pyramid from 12 reps down to 8 reps on the final set.

STANDING CALF RAISES alternate with SEATED CALF RAISES: 3 sets; pyramid 20 reps down to 10 reps. For both exercises go all the way up, hold for a two-count, then lower slowly as far as your range of motion will comfortably allow.

DEADLIFTS: 5 work sets; 3-5 reps. Keep the bar close to your body as you pull. Warm-up with a couple of light sets and stretch between warmups. Then add weight each set staying in the 3-5 rep range. For example: Week One you might do 135x5, 185x5, 225x5, 255x5, 275x3. As soon as you get 5 reps on the final set, add 10 lbs to each set listed your next deadlift workout.

BENT BARBELL ROWS or CABLE ROWS: 4 work sets; 5-6 reps. (Same sets and reps as Monday’s bench press workout).

REVERSE GRIP PULLDOWNS: 3 work sets; 8-4 reps (same as Monday’s incline press.) Use an underhand (palms facing) grip. Try to make your elbows follow an arced path as you pull them down and back. This is a lat builder – think lats and let your biceps just go along for the ride.

SHOULDER SHRUGS: 3 sets; pyramid from 8 reps down to 4 reps. Shrug straight upwards. Try to touch your shoulders to your ears. Squeeze at the top. Don’t roll your shoulders either.

SHOULDER PRESS: 4 sets; 5-6 reps (same set and rep scheme as bench press). You can use a barbell, dumbbell, or Smith Machine for this exercise.

LATERAL RAISES: 3 sets; 12-10-8 reps (use the same weight for all sets).

MONDAY: Chest, Biceps & Triceps	Amount
Bench Press	(2-3 warmup sets) then 4x5-6
Incline Press	1x12 (warmup), then 3x8-6-4
Barbell Curls	4x5-6 alternate with
Close Grip Bench Press	4x5-6
DB Curls	3x6-8 alternate with
Lying Tricep Extension	3x6-8

WEDNESDAY: Legs	Amount
Squat	(3 warmup sets) then 5x4-6
Straight Leg Deadlift	4x6-8
Leg Curls	3x12-10-8
Standing Calf Raises	3x20-15-10 alternate with
Seated Calf Raises	3x20-15-10

SATURDAY: Back and Shoulders	Amount
Deadlift	5x3-5 (add weight each set)
Barbell or Cable Row	4x5-6
Reverse Grip Pulldown	3x8-6-4
Shrugs	3x8-6-4
Shoulder Press (BB, DB, or Machine)	4x5-6
DB Laterals	3x12-10-8

Adding muscle size and strength requires more than just training. Another key component of your Natural Muscle Size program is a balanced nutrition program with the emphasis on protein. A proper nutritional regimen aimed at increasing muscle size should consist of the three major macronutrients that the human body needs in order to function properly in the following proportions: 35%-50% protein, 20%-40% carbohydrate, 20%-35% fat; the lower your carbohydrate intake, the higher your fat intake should be.

How to Utilize the Natural Muscle Size Nutrition Programs

We’ve listed two nutrition plans to go with your Natural Muscle Size Supplement program. Depending on your goal, choose either of the diets listed, or you could alternate them in 4 to 6 week intervals. Here are 4 options you could follow to maximize gains during the next 12-16 weeks.

1. Follow the Maximum Size and Strength plan for the entire 12-16 week period.

2. Follow the Gain Muscle Lose Fat plan for the entire 12-16 week period.

3. Follow the Maximum Size and Strength plan for 6-8 weeks, then harden up by following the Gain Muscle Lose Fat plan for the remaining 6-8 weeks.

4. Follow the Gain Muscle Lose Fat plan for the first 4-6 weeks, then the Maximum Size and Strength Plan for 4 weeks, and then finish out the program with the Gain Muscle Lose Fat plan for the final 4-6 weeks.

As you work into either of the two nutrition plans listed below, it’s okay to adjust portions or add or decrease a meal as needed to maintain progress. Do not worry about the particular order of your meals, if you want to eat Meal #1 as your last meal of the day, go ahead, it’s OK. The most important thing for you to do is make sure you have a minimum of 3 of the food meals listed below in addition to at least 2 UMP shakes (or puddings) each day. In a couple of cases we’ve indicated a particular flavor of UMP, these are just suggestions, go with the flavor you enjoy most.

Meal 1:
Option A: 3 whole eggs, 5oz lean beef or 1 cup cottage cheese, ¾ cup oatmeal (before cooking)

Option B: 3 egg omelet, 2oz cheese, 2 slices whole-grain toast with peanut butter or almond butter, 1 apple

Meal 2:
Protein Shake Option: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein, 2 tablespoons healthy fat source (olive oil, fl ax oil, almond butter) or heavy cream. Add strawberries, blueberries, or a banana if desired.

Whole Food Option: 6oz beef patty, 1 cup cottage cheese and ½ cup pineapple

Meal 3:
Option A: 8oz roast beef or turkey breast (or other protein source), ¾ cup cooked brown rice (or other complex carbohydrate source), Optional: 1 or 2 servings of low carb fruit or vegetables

Option B: 5oz roast beef, 2oz Swiss cheese, 2 slices rye bread, 1 apple, 1-2 cups salad

Meal 4 (post workout):
Protein Shake Option: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein, 1 tablespoon healthy fat source (olive oil, flax oil, almond butter) or heavy cream, 1 banana

Mass Maker Ultra Option: If you are a hard gainer, you can replace your post-workout UMP shake with Mass Maker Ultra - 2 scoops Mass Maker Ultra, 12oz vitamin D milk or water, 1 banana.

Whole Food Option (optional on nonworkout days): 6-8oz ground beef, ½ cup cottage cheese, ½ cup pineapple or ½ cantaloupe

Meal 5:
8oz serving of protein (steak, pork, chicken, turkey or fish), 8-10oz baked potato or sweet potato, 1-2 cups low carb vegetables or salad

Meal 6 (before bed):
UMP Shake (same as meal #4) or protein pudding – mix two scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein in a bowl with just enough water to make a pudding texture. Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or heavy cream.

Meal 1:
2 whole eggs plus 4 egg whites, 5oz lean meat, ½ cup oatmeal (measured before cooking)

Meal 2:
Protein Shake Option: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein (chocolate flavor), 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream, 12-14oz water

Whole Food Option: 8oz sliced roast beef or other protein source, 1 apple or other fruit

Meal 3:
6-8oz lean meat, 6oz sweet potato or 2/3 cup cooked brown rice, 2 cups vegetables (broccoli, etc.) and/or salad with 2 tablespoons dressing

Meal 4 (post workout):
Protein Shake Option: 2 scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein (vanilla flavor), 1 tablespoon healthy fat source (olive oil, flax oil, almond butter) or heavy cream. Add banana or berries if desired.

Whole Food Option (optional on non-workout days): 6oz turkey breast, ½ cup cottage cheese, ½ cup pineapple (unsweetened) or ½ cantaloupe

Meal 5:
8-10oz lean meat, 2 cups vegetables, salad with 2 tablespoons dressing

Meal 6 (before bed):
Protein Shake Option: Shake (same as meal #2) or protein pudding – mix two scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein (cookies & crème) in a bowl with just enough water to make a pudding texture. Add 1 tablespoon of almond butter, walnuts, or heavy cream if desired.

Whole Food Option: 4oz chicken or turkey breast, 6 egg whites, 1 cup omelet vegetables

Beverages: Make sure that you drink at least six to eight 8oz glasses of water each day (that’s four 16oz bottles). Watch out for sugars in the liquids you drink, juices and regular soft drinks will sabotage your progress. Limit your beverages to water, coffee, tea, diet sodas, and Crystal Light.

Free Foods: You can eat any of the following at any time, without jeopardizing your results: Sugar free gum, sugar-free Jell-O, Splenda, Equal, seasonings, mustard, vinegar, hot sauce, salt and pepper.

A QUICK SUMMARY OF THE NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE SUPPLEMENT PLAN

Regardless of which nutrition plan you choose, the Natural Muscle Size Supplement plan is a key component. Be sure to go back to page 4 and carefully reread the full instructions so that you set yourself up correctly to achieve the greatest gains. Here’s a summary:

Level 1 (6-8 weeks): UMP – 2 shakes daily, 6-18 Mass Aminos daily, 6-18 Ultra 40 daily.

Level 2 (4 weeks): UMP (same as level 1), Mass Aminos and Ultra 40 (1 tablet each per 10 lbs of your bodyweight, if you weigh 175, that would be 18 per day), Creatine Select - load 4 scoops daily for 5 days, then one serving daily until the bottle runs out.

Level 3 (4 weeks): UMP, Mass Aminos, Ultra 40 (same as level 2). Add 2 servings of Muscle Synergy daily, and Quadracarn (to optimize your testosterone production) 9 tablets on workout days and 6 on nonworkout days.

Bev Solutions – The Best of Beverly Best Muscle Gain Workout, Nutrition, and Supplement Program

Best Muscle Gain Nutrition Plan

Meal 1:
1-2 whole eggs + 3 egg whites, 5-8oz lean meat, ½ cup oatmeal (measured before cooking)

Meal 2:
Protein Drink: 2 Scoops Ultimate Muscle Protein (UMP), 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or 2 tablespoons healthy fat - almond butter, flax oil, ect., 14oz ice cold water; optional add ½ cup strawberries, peaches, or ½ banana to your shake for added flavor

Meal 3:
8-10oz lean meat, 6oz sweet potato or 2/3 cup cooked brown rice, vegetables (broccoli, etc.) and/or salad

Meal 4:
Protein Drink (same as meal #2)

Meal 5:
8-10oz lean meat, 2 cups vegetables, salad

Meal 6:
(Optional): Protein Drink or 6-8oz roast beef, 1-2oz Swiss cheese

Note:
It’s okay to adjust portions or add or decrease a meal as needed to maintain progress. Do not worry about the particular order of your meals, if you want to eat Meal #1 as your last meal of the day, go ahead, it’s OK. Make sure all your beverages are non-caloric: water, Crystal Light, diet sodas, coffee, and tea.

For more Training, Nutrition, and Fat Loss solutions, visit BeverlyInternational.com and click on the BevSolutions button.

Driven Part 2 Maximum Progress as an Intermediate Bodybuilder

“Cycle Training? What's That?”, asks three-time Mr. Olympia Frank Zane. “A way to ride bicycles more effectively? Well, not quite. It's just a new method to achieve your bodybuilding goals.”1

Zane was obviously decades ahead of other bodybuilders, discussing periodization when only Fred “Dr. Squat” Hatfield and Soviet/Eastern Bloc strength coaches were even familiar with the concept. It is the advancement of training and nutrition science, combined with hard work and commitment, that has taken local and state level bodybuilders to a level similar to the champions of these earlier decades.

If you followed the beginner program covered in Driven (Part 1), that was the introduction to a periodization program with two phases to help you make it to intermediate. Hopefully you feel driven to bump it up to the next level.

According to bodybuilding legend Bill Pearl,2 “An intermediate is a trainee who has been training with a beginner's routine for six months to one year and whose gains have slowed on these routines.” If you followed part one of this series, this Intermediate Program should save you before your gains stall out.

SO WHAT CHANGES SHOULD YOU EXPECT WITH THE INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM?

1. Increased training volume
2. A three-way bodypart split
3. Stick to an exercise (but not forever)
4. Training that focuses on both strength and muscle growth
5. A more serious diet

The Beginner Program gave specific exercises, sets and reps. This Intermediate Program provides the basics to diet and training but guides you in learning how to wisely personalize it to your needs.

“I have always believed that to develop each bodypart thoroughly the section must receive a complete workout,” says early Mr. America winner Jack Delinger,3 who was ahead of his time. “Obviously, a single exercise cannot accomplish this.”

Bumping your training from the beginner level involves heavier weights and an increase in the number of exercises, sets and reps. I have no doubt your strength has made some impressive gains since you started. I recommend that you keep track of your training in a notebook. Being able to look back at previous months (and eventually years) not only shows which areas have not progressed as much as others, but if you ever question your progress, comparing this week to 3, 6, 12, or 24 months ago will fill you with much deserved pride.

With each advancement with the Driven Program, we will have gradual increases in volume and frequency. By gradual, this means when glancing at the program it may be barely noticeable. The number of sets does not bounce from 19-20 per workout to 45-48. The frequency does not change from three sessions a week to “six days on/ Sundays off.” It includes small, gradual increases

You will notice some variance in the number of sets listed (2-3 sets; 3-4 sets). Since this is included on many of the sets, it provides a significant adjustment range of the number of sets per workout (25-33, 28-34, 23-29).

How should you determine what works best for you? You need to see how your body responds. During the first two times through the three sessions, train with the low range of sets and check out how sore and rundown you feel. I say two times because this program is a major advancement, so it should pound your body pretty good. If you find yourself too tired, sore and unenthusiastic during your third run through the three sessions, then stay at the lowest number in the set range. After six to eight times through, attempt another increase in sets, as you should be ready to advance in volume at this point. If you are not ready, then perhaps your nutrition and rest is not being optimized enough for you to properly recuperate from gym battles.

How should you make a volume increase? Add a set in the first exercise per bodypart. For example, in the lower body session, simply increase the first exercise (leg curl), the third movement (a compound leg exercise), and the seventh (calf exercise). In the upper body — push workout, you would go up one set in the second (chest) exercise, the fourth (delt press) and the seventh (triceps) exercise. For the upper body — pull workout increase a single set for the second (back), fourth (rear delt), fifth (trapezius) and sixth (biceps) exercises.

After going through the sessions three or four more times, consider adding a set to each of the remaining exercises. Go by feel on this. You should have had the basic adaptation to the program at this point and your enthusiasm for progress should be the primary gauge for volume increase.

In the Beginners Program, we had three training sessions a week, followed by four sessions a week.

The four-days-a-week program in the second phase split the body into two groups, with them each being trained twice weekly. This is a quality program but the volume of training is limited when you are training half of your body in the session. This is why we will be splitting the body into three sections for the intermediate program. We will be utilizing the “lower body/push/pull” split in phase 1.

LOWER BODY / PUSH / PULL

1. Lower Body
2. Upper Body — Push (Chest, Front and Side Deltoid, Triceps)
3. Upper Body — Pull (Back, Rear Delt, Biceps)

Your body has been split into three training segments, and you will be training on a two days on/ one-day off routine. This works out like this on a calendar:

Training Segments
Monday	Lower Body
Tuesday	Upper Body — Push
Wednesday	Off
Thursday	Upper Body — Pull
Friday	Lower Body
Saturday	Off
Sunday	Upper Body — Push
Monday	Upper Body — Pull
Tuesday	Off
Repeat

So you won't be training chest and arms every Monday like all those guys in tank tops fighting over the bench or who gets to do some sloppy form barbell curls in the power rack. With this new schedule, each bodypart is trained seven times in a 31-day period.

You probably notice that with this new bodypart split, we are training each bodypart every 4-5 days. This differs dramatically from some of the pro bodybuilders that divide the body into 5-6 sections and train each segment once a week (chest on Monday, quads on Tuesday, etc...).

A study by respected researcher Brad Schoenfeld compared once to two times a week training frequencies of muscle groups.4 “Frequencies of training twice a week promote superior hypertrophic outcomes to once a week,” says Schoenfeld's study. “It can therefore be inferred that the major muscle groups should be trained at least twice a week to maximize muscle growth.” Also, it is mentioned, “whether training a muscle group three times per week is superior to a twice-per-week protocol remains to be determined.”

Even if we separate body parts distinctly into separate training sessions, they get brought into play as synergistic or support muscles to assist when training other body parts (especially in compound exercises). The biceps tend to assist when doing rows, chins or other back exercises. The triceps help in shoulder and chest pressing movements.

You'll find that we often do not list specific exercises in the program to follow. This allows you to personalize your program based on what equipment you have available and which movements you prefer. Do not change your choices regularly. Use the same exercise for at least five training sessions before changing it. You need to improve the reps and poundages capable and that will not happen if you continually change exercises. Focus on improvement, not “muscle confusion.”

As you can see with these workouts, we have a basic low-rep strength exercise towards the beginning of the session (some 1-6 rep power sets for legs, chest and back, with 6-10 reps on most other exercises). Increasing your strength in this exercise should be your primary goal for each workout. This is followed by a basic 8-12 rep range driving hypertrophy through either compound or isolation exercises. We also include some fairly high-reps (10-15 or more) for our finishing pump-based movements. Stay with this Phase 1 program for eighteen weeks (about four-and-a-half months).

THREE HARDCORE INTENSIFICATION TECHNIQUES

“It takes variation to force your body to keep responding to workouts,” says female bodybuilding legend Bev Francis 5, “and even more importantly, it keeps you fresh and stimulated mentally.” Our variation in the Intermediate Driven Program includes some hardcore training techniques that will be mixed into the program. To kick this off, we will include cheat reps, forced reps, and drop sets.

These are hardcore training programs for an intermediate lifter, even without adding intensification techniques. Only include these in sessions where you feel good, energetic and driven to bump it up a notch. Add these intensification techniques to NO MORE THAN ONE set per workout. We do not add these to our low-rep compound movements. The heavy squats, chest presses and back rows do not require added intensity. Those strength-building movements are incorporating heavy weight and pushed hard in strict form, and that is plenty to drive growth. These will be added more to the final higher-rep (8-12 or 10-15) exercises.

Cheat Reps. Cheat reps are the most overused movement in the gym. Those that do not value strict form cheat up their weights on most reps and reduce their progress just because they think they might impress other people. The truth is, experienced lifters are not impressed by how much weight you sloppily lift, they are impressed by how much effort you put into strict form to get every fiber in the targeted muscle group to exert a strong contraction.

For cheat reps, there are just a couple of exercises that we will work them in...bicep curls and lateral raises (with dumbbell or cables) are the two that come to mind. This involves a slight
movement in the shoulder during a curl (a 5-10% arch in the spine and lifting of the elbows) to help you finish that rep that was stalling on the way up, but then lower very strictly and slowly, emphasize the negative portion of the curl. Finish the rep that was only making it a third of the way up and then perform a second cheat rep. The trick is cheating as little as possible to finish and feel the lowering.

In the side laterals, there may be a slight squeeze by the trapezius or assist by the front delts. While those are two things you want to eliminate for 98% of your lateral raise reps, when using them to finish the upward rotation, follow with a PERFECT slow lowering of the resistance.

Forced Reps. Forced reps are a superior option to cheat reps, but require a training partner or spotter. A forced rep refers to being able to complete a rep in strict form when your muscles were unable to do so on their own, thanks to a very minor assistance from someone. On an incline barbell press, you may have stalled on the eleventh repetition, but your spotter (who just had a couple of fingers from each hand resting underneath the bar) lifted just 10-15 pounds, reducing the poundage near your weak point (which might be a couple inches when you are just over halfway to lockout). Once again, this is just for the last two reps. We are not going to include these on our heavy low-rep sets, but just our higher rep movements.

Drop Sets. The third intensification technique is drop sets. Imagine you are doing an incline press on a machine for 14 reps with 100 pounds. It is your final set of a high-rep exercise for
pectorals. On this particular machine, you would not currently be able to complete a fifteenth rep with that weight. But what if you started out with 120 pounds on there, and only got ten
reps until failure, immediately dropped the pin in the weight stack to 100 pounds, and got three more reps (with no rest), dropped the pin down to 80 pounds, and got three more...was that a superior manner to hit some added muscle fibers? Hell yes, it is!

Drop sets are a great intensification strategy, but must be used minimally. Doing this on a heavy compound leg exercise (like squats, leg presses, belt squats) is intense, and you may need to take a nap after you get home from the gym because it can take a lot out of you.

Drop sets are very useful (and less crushing of your recuperative system) for dumbbell side laterals. Mr. Olympia Larry Scott would go “down the rack.” For instance, let's say that you find 20-pound dumbbells are your 8-12 rep poundage. We start out with 25-pound dumbbells and do as many perfectly strict reps as possible (maybe just 6-7). Then you immediately switch to the 20-pound weights and get as many reps as possible. Then you step down to the 15-pound dumbbells, and get as many reps as possible. You should have gotten a great pump from this exercise and Larry Scott built amazing cannonball delts on his once narrow shoulder structure. You can also try this drop set technique on dumbbell shrugs, upright rows, calf presses, leg extensions, leg curls, overhead presses, and many other exercises. Keep in mind, just use one of these intensification techniques per workout.

PHASE 1 - SESSION 1
For the first lower body session:	6/5/4/6/5/4	230x6 / 245x5 / 265x4 / 230x6 / 245x5 / 265x4
Second training session:	5/4/3/5/4/3	245x5 / 265x4 / 285x3 / 245x5 / 270x4 / 295x3
Third training session:	4/3/2/4/3/2	275x4 / 295x3 / 315x2 / 275x4 / 295x3 / 315x2
Fourth training session:	3/2/1/3/2/1	305x3 / 325x2 / 355x1 / 315x3 / 335x2 / 370x1
Fifth training session:	6/5/4/6/5/4 (stronger)	250x6 / 270x5 / 295x4 / 260x6 / 275x5 / 305x4
continue...

This rep scheme is considered multi-level double wave loading.

3. Following your leg strength exercise, we want to do a second exercise for moderate reps. Good choices are leg presses, belt squats, and machine squats (such as Tru-Squats, or hack squats.) This would be where we might include some forced reps on the final set of the exercises. This would involve having a training partner or spotter help just enough by pushing against the carriage or lifting the plate-loading bar for a Tru-Squat or hack squat machine to keep the weight moving when you take it to failure. They can help you get one or two added reps in that final set. On the leg press, you can press gently against your knees to help yourself do it.

4. Your finishing leg exercise is a higher rep pumping movement, such as leg extensions, or a single leg movement (such as lunges, single-legged leg press, or step-ups).

5. To hit your posterior chain (lower back, glutes, hamstrings) use Romanian deadlift, glute-ham raise, reverse hyperextension, stiff-legged deadlift, or good morning. Focus on a strong contraction.

6. Going heavy and for a full range-of-motion, choose 45° Calf Press, Standing Calf, Donkey Calf Raise or any calf machines available. Get a slight pause at both stretch and contraction on all of your sets of both exercises.

7. Seated Calf Raises should be your choice (about half of the time) for the second calf exercise. You can also do any of the available calf exercises for a slightly higher rep range and shorter rest periods. Once again, go for the stretch pause at the bottom and the contraction pause at the top.

According to Australian strength trainer/writer Ian King,6 “Multiple wave sets are intended for the exposure of the first wave to enhance the second wave, and if there's a third wave, the second wave to enhance the third wave.” I find a mental benefit to this second rep-wave and I look forward to each progressive week in the program. Keep in mind that even though you are trying to build strength, not every set is 100% personal record breaking. That fourth session, with single-rep sets should be the most difficult, but possible...otherwise you chose unrealistic poundages. Go through the series (four leg training sessions building to lower reps waves) two or three times before changing exercises. Build serious strength over time. This exercise should be the most serious goal each lower body session.

1. After general warm-up and a few warm-up sets, we are choosing a compound pressing movement (incline or flat dumbbell presses, flat or incline bench press or barbell or dumbbell floor press) and gradually increase poundages for the final low-rep set.

2. Since we are going for an isolation movement, dumbbell flyes, pec deck, or cable crossovers are excellent examples to give your triceps a break while working your pecs. Incline, flat or decline flye presses are also great options.

3. Pec Dips (elbows wide, deep stretch at bottom, stopping short of locked elbows at top) are an excellent finishing movement. Various machine presses (Hammer Strength and Nautilus have great options) or push-ups with added weight (chains in an X crossing your shoulders/traps) also are a great choice. Flat, incline or decline dumbbell or barbell presses for higher reps also works well.

For variety, every four to six workouts, do 8x8 for chest, using one simple compound movement, such as flat, incline or decline dumbbell presses, incline barbell presses, Smith machine or Hammer Strength presses. This involves moderately heavy weights, fairly short (90-second) rest periods and maximum chest pumps. This is in place of exercises 1-3.

4. Since the shoulder is a delicate ball-and-socket joint, make sure you are thoroughly warmed up. We are trying to train both the front and side deltoid head in this workout. An overhead press, using either dumbbells, a Smith or other machine is a great exercise. Perfect form is more important than heavy reps. The Arnold (or Scott) Press brings in both side and front deltoids quite a bit.

5. For cannonball delts, we need maximum wide lateral delt growth. Go for perfect form (no trapezius assist), with the arm rotated so that the pinky side of your hand is higher than the thumb. Use dumbbells, cables or machine laterals. If standing, leaning slightly forward at the waist will keep the lateral head working (and not letting the front delt take over).

6. For a finishing deltoid movement, consider upright rows (dumbbells, bar, cables), any kind of overhead press, front raise (single-dumbbell, dumbbells, cable, plate, bar or other machine) movement. Make sure you choose an exercise that give you a good pump with the higher reps.

7. Your triceps should be warmed up fairly well. For a basic heavy exercise, consider close-grip benches, lying triceps extensions, dumbbell rolling extensions or any heavy extensions or tricep dips.

8. For the moderate-rep exercise, there are a variety of possible triceps exercises: pushdowns, machine extensions, dumbbell extensions (seated, decline bench, incline),
close-grip presses, dumbbell French press, kickbacks...

9. For a finisher, any of the listed triceps exercises also works well at higher reps. I also recommend fairly close-grip push-ups with hands on a bar (placed at lowest Smith
machine or power rack setting). If you get really high reps, you can add weight with chains or elevate your feet on a bench.

REFERENCES

1. Zane, Frank. “Maximum Gains from Cycle Training,” Muscle Training Illustrated, November/December 1969
2. Pearl, Bill. “Pearls” column, Ironman, November 1988
3. Delinger, Jack. “A Mr. America Thigh Program,” Muscle Builder/Power, January 1954
4. Schoenfeld, Brad. “Effects of Resistance Training Frequency on Measures of Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-016-0543-8
5. Francis, Bev. “Total Lower Body Blowout,” Flex, January 1989
6. King, Ian. “The Wave Loading Manifesto,” https://www.t-nation.com/training/wave-loading-manifesto March 7, 2005
7. Bass, Clarence. “My Training Philosophy,” Ironman, November 1981

1. After a thorough warm-up, you need to choose a basic compound back movement. This could be chin-ups, lat pulldowns, bent-over barbell rows, Hammer Strength rows, or other machine pulldowns or rows. Now the back is a complex muscle group, with chins and pulldowns focusing on lat width while rowing movements focus on mid back and thickness. Every 4-6 weeks switch from width to thickness focus, unless one particular area is a weakness for your body. Even though we are going heavy, keep to strict form and hold each contraction in order to really work the muscles.

2. You may notice that I list “isolation or compound.” If you find that you tend to get a bicep pump and not so much of a feel in your back, go to an isolation movement to give your biceps a break. Good choices include machine pullovers or bent-arm barbell pullovers, straight-arm cable pulldowns, or various machine exercises. Otherwise, choose a different compound movement for a medium rep range (still pausing at the contracted point). Most lifters should do a width lat movement here if they did a rowing exercise for the first movement and vice versa.

3. Finish up with a good compound exercise...seated cable rows, lat pulldowns, chins, one-arm dumbbell rows, chest-supported rows, or any other machine movement you like. Again, hold the contraction for a second and get a hard squeeze.

For variety, every four to six workouts, substitute all three of the above exercises for 8 sets of 8 reps for back, using one simple compound movement, such as bent-over barbell rows, lat pulldowns, seated cable rows, or chest-suspended rows. Just like in the chest version, go for moderately heavy weights and a fairly short (90-seconds) rest period. Squeeze at contraction so that you get a shirt-stretching pump.

4. Why do we train this area when deltoid work is part of another day? Rear delts get more contraction assisting with back training. Keep very good form (and a pause in contraction). Good exercises include bent-over dumbbell (or cable) rows, reverse pec deck or face pulls.

5. To build the trapezius, we can do dumbbell/barbell shrugs, barbell/dumbbell/cable upright rows, or machine shrugs (or done on a standing calf raise, using the shoulder
pads).

6. The back training helped warm up your biceps. You may need a warm-up set though since this is a heavy bicep exercise. This involves a very basic curl (barbell curls, dumbbell curls, incline dumbbell curls) done in strict form for bicep strength.

7. Scott (preacher) curls are a great mass building movement, but do better as a second movement to ensure you are thoroughly warmed up. Other great options are machine curls, cable curls, under-grip chin-ups or barbell drag curls.

8. Any of the exercises listed above are good options, at this slightly higher repetition range. I also recommend that you try to work in Zottman curls, dumbbell hammer or reverse curls fairly often to build your brachialis. On your last set, have your training partner help you complete one or two last reps if you stall on the curl or do a slight hip/lower back drive to cheat up those added two reps (going as minimally out of strict form as necessary).

9. (Optional) If you feel that you need some forearm growth, I recommend that you include 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps of wrist curls.

INTERMEDIATE PHASE 1 PROGRAM WRAP-UP

Once you have completed 18 weeks of the Intermediate Phase 1 program it’s time to switch to Phase 2. In Phase 2 we’ll be using a different workout split consisting of legs/chest and back/shoulders and arms. We will discuss that in the next article. You should take pride in the accomplishment and look through your training records (you better have written them all down!) to see exactly how much strength progress you have accomplished.

The key to success is to never compare yourself to champion lifters nor care how other people assess your build. Appreciate not only the goals that you accomplish, but the journey you are traveling. Retired champion and author Clarence Bass says,7 “If I continue to compete against myself, every workout and every year, I'll succeed in my goal. I will be the best bodybuilder I can be.” Focus on your improvement, enjoy the progress, but do not judge yourself against others. If you enjoy the Intermediate stage in this article, then the upcoming Advanced plan of action may also be part of your successful future.

THE ULTIMATE MUSCLE WORKOUT!

No Nonsense Magazine Volume 25 #2

Here's how to put your Muscle-Building Training on the Right Path

Phase 1: Mass and Power Training

Mass and Power Training Rules

&

Your Mass and Power Guaranteed - Nutrition Plan

Don’t Wait Until You’re Breaking Records to Compete

No Nonsense Magazine Volume 25 #2

Here are a few tips for beginning powerlifting.

Sample linear progression powerlifting schedule

Sample Nutrition Plan for Building Muscle and Recovery

Supplements

Four Years Twenty Pounds of Muscle

No Nonsense Magazine 2015 Collection

Training

A Year Wasted

Pre Contest Nutrition & Training

Final Results

PostScript

Classic Physique - Training

No Nonsense Magazine Collectors Edition 2016

Phase 1 “Classic Physique” Training Program

1. Pyramid Training:

2. Double Progressive System:

3. Feeder Workouts:

Phase 2 “Classic Physique” Training Program

One Saturday Morning

No Nonsense Magazine Vol 24, #1

No School Like the Old School

9 Week Back Program

MAIN EXERCISE

AUXILIARY EXERCISES

MAIN EXERCISE

AUXILIARY EXERCISES

MAIN EXERCISE

AUXILIARY EXERCISES

AUXILIARY EXERCISES

Supplements

In Closing

Six Weeks to Mass and Power

No Nonsense Magazine Collectors Edition 2016

Here’s the basic workout structure.

Six Weeks to Power and Muscle Supplement Plan

BEVERLY’S BEST Gain Muscle & Lose Fat Nutrition & Training Plan

No Nonsense Magazine Collectors Edition 2016

Nutrition

Gain Muscle and Lose Fat Supplement Plan

The Best Muscle Size Workout for Naturals

A Note about Poundage Progression:

Beverly’s Natural Muscle Size Supplement, Workout, and Diet Program

No Nonsense Magazine Vol 21, #2

NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM

Who Is It For?

How Does It Work?

How Should I Train And Eat During This Program?

How Will I Know How Much To Order Of Each Supplement In The Program?

LEVEL 1: (LASTS ROUGHLY 6-8 WEEKS, DEPENDING)

LEVEL 2: (LASTS ROUGHLY 4 WEEKS)

LEVEL 3: (LASTS ROUGHLY 4 WEEKS)

WHAT DO THE PRODUCTS IN NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE DO?

NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE WORKOUT & DIET

NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE WORKOUT

NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE WORKOUT SUMMARY

NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE NUTRITION PROGRAM

A QUICK SUMMARY OF THE NATURAL MUSCLE SIZE SUPPLEMENT PLAN

Bev Solutions – The Best of Beverly

Best Muscle Gain Workout, Nutrition, and Supplement Program

No Nonsense Magazine Vol 21, #4

Best Muscle Gain Workout

Day 1: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps

Day 2: Rest

Day 3: Thighs, Hamstrings & Upper Back

Days 4 & 5: Rest

Day 6: Chest, Shoulders, Biceps & Abs

Day 7: Rest

Day 8: Thighs, Hamstrings & Low Back

Day 9: Rest

Best Muscle Gain Nutrition Plan

Time-Tested Muscle Gain Supplement Plan