@dagill2 Did you get the “Mass Made Simple” book? I’m eyeing it. If so, recommend? Aside from the program, what else is in it.
Shouldn’t Mass Made Simple be a dessert book?
3 Likes
I have it, but haven’t read it since January so take my review with a pinch of salt.
It contains the 14 workout program laid out in excruciating detail (and I mean excruciating). This also includes the dietary and lifestyle tweaks Dan recommends to go with the program which are designed and planned to help you figure out which are of benefit to you. There is also a 2 week (?) “Learn to squat” program which isn’t as well fleshed out, but still detailed enough. Lastly, there’s an intro section that describes all the theories and thoughts behind the program and Dan’s thoughts on bulking in general. If you’ve already read most of Dan’s work, I don’t think there will be anything groundbreaking here but unlike CWS, he’s done a really good job rewriting and focussing it towards the task at hand so it doesn’t read so much like articles stitched together as a cohesive whole.
Should you get it? It’s a pretty easy read, I always enjoy Dan’s writing and it’s a pretty comprehensive work on his approach to gaining lots of mass. Having said that: I don’t think you’ll learn anything new or run the program as written. Its probably also worth noting that the advice is largely geared towards the terminally underfed and under trained teenager. If the price is right: probably worth it but it’s certainly not in the same league as 531 Forever or the like.
1 Like
Much appreciated dude. It sounds like it would be worth the $10 on kindle just for the fun factor. Thanks for the write up!
2 Likes
No worries. For that kind of price, definitely worth it. Its definitely a different approach to training for size than you usually see.
Work for today:
Press:
3 x (5 x 1) @ 60kg (mostly)
Weighted pull ups:
3 x 5 @ some (small) weight
Close grip floor press ss. Barbell rows:
3 x 10 @ 60kg
Giant set (3 rounds):
Trap bar press to failure
Lateral raises to failure
20 x Band pull aparts
Notes:
- Got a bad case of man flu, so lifted at home today.
- 3 x (5 x 1) means a cluster of 5 singles with about 10 seconds rest between, repeated 3 times (with the weighted pull up sets inbetween rounds). 60kg was really, really smooth on the first set, probably easier than the 40kg warm up, so I upped the weight on the first rep to 65kg on the second set (pretty easy, bar speed good), then 70kg on the last (hard fail, but at a different place than normal). Watching the video back, getting the weight up to forehead level was quick, then it just grinds to a complete stop. Probably need to start addressing the new weakness too, maybe some BtN presses should make an appearance.
Edit: rethink: pin presses from slightly below the weakness because BtN presses suck. Anyone smart enough to know what kind of loading parameters would make sense for this kind of work?
4 Likes
I’d probably do it quite heavy following lighter presses. On other days more sets, kinda like speed work to drill the pattern, following heavier presses.
I’m kind of running out of “space” in my program for more pressing. I certainly don’t think I can pin press twice a week, but once a week is doable. Thinking it through, it may have to be pin Z-presses, the racks are too small to press standing in.
Do you have a bench? In this instence I’d prefer back support if standing is no option.
1 Like
Probably, but not always. No idea why my gym decided against real racks.
The overload factor might be better with a bench. You can grind through more. Stability is better without support obv.
1 Like
Bear in mind I’m aiming to work a weak point, am I still aiming to overload?
Probably but need video
Of my fail? Or of me doing pin presses?
Fail
Definitely a mental element there. I was definitely aware this was way above any e1RM I’ve done recently, but its pretty clear where the power stops.
Also: I look really fucking skinny and uncomfortable doing that.
2 Likes
I seem to remeber you have a belt, yet I don’t see it here!
The start position needs work, your base if you will.
The bar rests to low on your chest - shoot for clavicle. Also retract and depress your shoulder blades to “load the spring”. Your lats look inactive . they are your shelf you want to press from. Flex hard!
Basically you are rn pretty much pressing from an ultra dead stop.
Not a huge detail but I would also like to see a bit of a wider stance for a more stable hip base.
2 Likes
Thank you, I’m just picking little man up so i’ll reply later.
1 Like
Same thought I had.
Also, don’t wear hobo sweatpants while pressing. It simply isn’t manly enough, so your testosterone dips slightly.
70 is heavy though. Who else did we give this same advice to? Go lift 67.5 to get the little mental win.
2 Likes
That was @alex_uk