My Bodybuilding Manifesto

Here are some random thoughts on bodybuilding/weightlifting, based on 20 years of training and research.  I may ad to this (or write another one) as new things come to mind. 

*Bodybuilding supplement companies exist to make profit—not to make you bigger and stronger. Be careful what you believe and more careful in what you buy.

*There’s only one thing that works like steroids—steroids! Don’t fall for idiotic buzz phrases such as “steroid alternative,” “steroid-like gains,” etc.

*Don’t plan to make a living by bodybuilding. They are probably the lowest paid professional athletes in the world.

*Most people could care less how much you bench press, squat, or any other lift (especially women). Just do it because you love it.

*Spotters are there to ensure your safety, and in a few cases, help you get through the very last rep. They are not co-lifters.

*Three to four gym sessions per week should be plenty for most natural trainees.

*Cut back on your time in the gym if you need to get other aspects of your life in order (getting out of debt, starting a business, family time, etc). Big biceps don’t matter much if you are failing at life.

*There are good programs (5x5, 5x3, Peroidization) and nonsense programs. There is not a magical set/rep scheme that will ad 200 lb to your bench press in six weeks.

*The human body is not a catabolic time bomb. We are designed to experience an eight hour fast every 24 hours (it’s called sleep). If you are terrified of being an hour late on a meal, that’s not dedication--it’s neurosis.

*You do not need a perfect diet to get big and strong. If this were necessary, there wouldn’t be any strong guys in prison gyms.

*Anabolic steroids are not necessarily good or evil. They are drugs with benefits and risks.

*If you are really serious about gaining mass or fat loss, count your calories. You may be surprised by how many (or how few) you are actually consuming.

*Diet is the primary strategy for losing fat. Start there before you even bother to ask about “fat burning” supplements. When it comes to fat loss, most cannot out-exercise a bad diet.

*Genetics matter--they determine how big, fast, and strong you can get (among other things).