March 16, 2001
Issue # 38

DESTROYING BODYBUILDING MYTHS
by Brian Nassar

THIS ARTICLE CONTRADICTS SOME OF THE INFORMATION I MYSELF HAVE INTRODUCED IN THE PAST.  SO WHY AM I PRINTING IT?  BASICALLY BECAUSE I DON’T WANT A BUNCH OF MEULLER YES MEN WORKING FOR ME.  I DON’T WANT TO PRESENT INFORMATION TO CONFUSE READERS, BUT I ALSO DON’T WANT TO HAVE ONLY ONE LINE OF THOUGHT APPEARING ON ANABOLIC EXTREME.  IT’S UP TO YOU TO DECIDE WHAT’S FOR YOU AND WHAT’S NOT….

Hey, it’s the natural strength trainer with the bad attitude back for some more natural truth! I will outline my current training program that has produced more muscle on my skinny frame than any other program. Will it sound crazy to most of you? Yes. Will any one try it? Only those of with some serious bravado and guts! Before we get to specifics, let me dispel some bodybuilding myths that have about as much credibility as the Weekly World News.

Myth 1: Muscle takes 3 days to recover- Muscle takes a week to recover- Muscle takes 6 weeks to recover (for all you Mentzer nuts). Bottom Line: Everyone is different, period. This is not new earth shattering news to most of you, I know. Even though most natural lifters know they should be training less, they are afraid to for some reason. If a total genetic freak like Dorian only trained 4 days a week, how do you think you can handle training more consistently and still make gains?  Think about it for a minute….

Myth 2:  You must hit the muscle from different angles to stimulate growth. Bottom Line: What a load of bullshit! Since powerlifting is more of a cult sport than bodybuilding, many of you have not seen the quality of some of the physiques in that sport. I’ve seen some powerlifters that could step onstage at a state level show and blow most of you away. They look better than many bodybuilders without even touching a cable or machine!! I’m not bashing bodybuilders here, because I still consider myself one too. 

Myth 3:  Your body will adapt to almost any training routine. Bottom Line: You know my answer, bull shit again! Who comes up with this stuff anyway? Usually someone trying to sell you their book on some “new” form of lifting. I’ll also use a personal example about this one. My best friend for years is obsessed with training. He attributes all my gains on genetics, instead of giving me credit on the way in which I workout. Now my friend has been to the doctor more times in the last 2 years than anyone I know. He is constantly complaining about some new ailment. When I bring up the fact that he trains 5 days a week even when he is sick, he just blows me off. This guy is so blind to his own over training, that it will probably kill him someday!

Myth 4:  There is no such thing as over training just under eating. Bottom Line: This is a supplement manufacturers dream! This one is my favorites! You know what, I’m not even going to address this load of crap.

My Current Program

Day 1: Chest, Shoulders, and Tri’s

This workout usually takes me about an hour to complete, and I am whipped afterward.

Day 2: Back and Legs

On this one I usually only hit one of the exercises very hard. I alternate them. I do these 2 exercises together to give my lower back time to recover. Some of you might be able to split these 2 lifts, I don’t. I’m far from a genetic freak believe me!! I weighed 165 out of high school. 10 years later I’m a pretty lean 220 pounds.

I will hit a workout about once every 5 days. That is 10 days between body parts; shouldn’t I be losing muscle?? Guess what, I’m gaining muscle!! 

This is me on Feb. 9^th. I only did the above program for my back. DRUG FREE

This is not the be-all end-all of training routines. I just wanted to show you that you don’t have to live in the gym to grow. You will not lose muscle if you don’t train it every 3 days!! Most bodybuilding myths are all built around nothing.

Now all this information changes if you use drugs. I’m not condemning drug users, far from it. What I’m trying to get across here is that if you’re not chemically enhanced you have to train different!

I don’t train this way just to be different. I’ve found this particular workout through trial and much error. I’ll take a break from heavy training after the powerlifting season is over this year. I’m still learning all the time, and you should be too!

I’ve said this in the past but it so important it deserves repeating. Nothing, and I mean nothing can compare to an all out sets of squats or deadlifts! After I complete my squat workout, all the muscles in my legs and glutes are sore. Many times when I competed in bodybuilding I had the most deeply cut legs on stage. I got those cuts from squatting! Leg extensions no matter how “intense” they are will not do the job. Doing squats and deadlifts also keep your metabolism raging. Remember I’m talking about drug-free lifters here. All the above can be replaced by a drug, I know. Even the most intelligent users have to respect their drug use and monitor themselves. DNP comes to mind. Yeah I’m a pussy when it comes to using drugs, I just don’t want to risk it. More power to the guys who do I guess, I just don’t want to use them now.

Here a few things for the natural lifter:

Syntrabol – I’m telling you guys this stuff works! I was also skeptical, but after talking with Derek of Syntrax Innovations my attitude quickly changed. I definitely think it has helped me maintain strength while I was dieting down to 220 pounds.

Flax/Fish Oil – These 2 oils have helped in protecting my joints from all the years of heavy lifting.

Antioxidants/vitamins - This one is a given for any athlete.

Quality Protein Powder – Protein Factory has some incredible mixtures. Also lactoferrin is starting to be empirically proven to help in overall health and recovery.

I also believe that a protein drink with peanut butter or flax oil before bed helps the body recover big time. (Cheesy word I know)

Sleep - You should never underestimate sleep. Sure you can get by with little sleep, but over long periods of time is where the damage is done and your system as a whole can crash.

Stimulants (Fat-burners) – These are excellent for short-term use. I like to compare ephedrine to using nitrous oxide in a car’s engine. Sure that car will be faster than the others and win more races etc, but then inevitably the engine is destroyed from overwork. This goes the same for your adrenal glands; Give them a break!

By adopting some or all of the above methods, you to can improve your gains in the gym. We are far from finding an empirically proven style of training, so experiment! Remember there is no one-way to train. We are all built different with different lifestyles.

You can check out my training and opinions on my web site: http://www.briannassar.com

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