I posted a while back about beginning to use the “beginer blast off” program along with the T-Dawg diet and after 16 weeks with variation every 4. … I have lost 35 pounds (mirror says of the spare tire kind) and have made some fairly big strength gains. I have not yet gotten up the quiones to actually measure the % body fat though. Anyway, my main objective is to (no sh!t) look good nekkid and to gain strength primarily for martial arts. In my latest phase, still using the beginer blast off program, I am using some of Pavel’s principles. I have increased the number of sets to 5, increased the weight significantly and have decreased the number of reps to 5 as well (pumping out a few extra on the last set if possible). What do y’all think about using this type of variation on the beginer blast off program?
Good job, man. There’s nothing like looking in the mirror and seeing progress.
If you're not using them now, might I suggest trying MD6 and T2-Pro? They've made a big difference for me.
I haven't lost many pounds, but I've lost a shitload of fat. I now wear an extra-large t-shirt comfortably, something I haven't done in shit, 7 or 8 years? The fat really started falling off when I got on MD6 and T2, and I haven't even been on them a month...
Again, congratulations.
Congrats on your great progress.
That Pavel thing sounds like 5x5 to me. Do search on Joel Marion's 5x5 routine, and you'll find the article he wrote. It may be beneficial to use his routine.
First, congratulations on your progress. You can now count yourself ahead of about 98% of the people on the planet, since you have taken control of your physical destiny! (Not that anyone’s being competitive about this or anything…)
As for your question, "What do y’all think about using this type of variation on the beginer blast off program? ", I think that if it’s working for you it’s a good variation. I know you’re just starting out, but remember, this is the ultimate yardstick: does it work for you?
I have to also respectfully disagree with the advice to start supps given above. After only four months you should still be seeing rapid progress without resorting to any sort of supplementation (except perhaps for a protein drink or two). It is far more important to get your diet in order and understand how to manipulate it for best effect first. After you’ve stopped seeing gains for a while but have gotten an understanding of what to do with your macronutrients and so on, THEN start adding supps for that extra edge. But at this point you don’t need them. Believe me.
I would say that you wouldn’t really be doing the “beginner’s blast off program” at that point. Which is fine. 5x5 worked very well for me, and that was probably because I’d just come off a long run of high-rep training (similar to BBO). I think you’ll see some nice strength increases as well as improvements in muscle size. I’d throw some cardio in there too, though.
congrats on your progress so far! Stay motivated. I’d say you got some pretty good advice thrown yourway already. Have to agree with Char that you should hold off on the supps for awhile, but it is an individual choice. It won’t necessarily hurt, and just the sense that you’re doing it for you might also be a motivational boost. Just keep it up and keep up with the questions. People here are more than willing to give a helping hand.
Thanks for the comments. I currently use very little supplementation. Multivit, Omega 3’s, antioxidant, and 2 45g protein shakes per day (one in the a.m. and the other immediately after each workout). I am definately still working on tuning the diet as well. I have to say, that is the most difficult part but well worth it. Thanks again!