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"It's all about balance and the mix of food, sleep, and lifting promotes such a healthier lifestyle. I'm very happy."

Ari's Progress

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How many months’ progress do your pictures represent? What were your stats for each picture?

The first photo was taken in October 2019, but I didn’t read and start Bigger Leaner Stronger until May of 2020. The second photo was taken in February of 2021. So I guess from the photo to photo it was 16 months, but my Bigger Leaner Stronger fitness/macros journey was 9 months from May 2020 to February 2021.

I, unfortunately, did not get body fat measurements before I started Bigger Leaner Stronger. I wish I did! But I was 184 pounds in May 2020 and I was 158 pounds in February 2021. 26 pounds difference!

What has happened so far on the program?

I cut for 9 months from May 2020 to February 2021. I lost 26 pounds going from 184 pounds to 168 pounds. I increased all three of my main power lifts to a 265 pounds bench press, 455 sumo deadlift, and 370 pounds squat – I am so happy to say I am part of the 1,000 club now! I also did “200-mile Squatober” where I squatted every weekday for the month of October along with biking a total of 200 miles.

It was grueling but totally worth it! I am now on a lean bulk as of February 2021 as I’d like to gain some weight back and more strength appropriately.

What workout split from the book did you use?

I used the 5 day split from Bigger Leaner Stronger during my cut. Now I am currently on a novice linear progression training model based on Starting Strength.

What, if anything, almost kept you from buying the book or starting the program?

I was happy living my life eating whatever, drinking beer, and lifting decent weight but then when the pandemic afforded me all this time, I knew it was finally time to truly put my effort in. I now realize how important sleep and dieting are along with lifting. Throughout the past 9 months, I always made sure I got my lifts in – whether that meant they needed to be at 5:45 am or 9:00 pm. I am lucky to belong to a gym with great equipment that is 24/7/365!

What do you like most about the program?

You need to be disciplined. I like that I can factor in foods I enjoy as long as they fit my macros. I’m currently on a lean bulk and every night I get to eat rigatoni pasta with air-fried breaded chicken and Alfredo sauce. Who wouldn’t love that! Even during my cut, I learned to love eating shredded chicken and broccoli.

Plus there is something therapeutic about waking up every morning, listening to a podcast, and cooking then eating eggs/egg whites, avocado, and an English muffin. I love my meals!

It’s also important to note that it takes results to see results. I could’ve given up in my first two months, but by month three is when I truly saw progress. Then it became addicting. I’m excited to continue on this journey!

How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?

I had never tried any programs before Bigger Leaner Stronger religiously, but I am hooked on Bigger Leaner Stronger now!

How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?

I definitely have more energy. I try to get 8 hours of sleep every night. When my phone tells me it’s bedtime at 11:00 pm, I put it down so that I can get to sleep by 11:30 pm and wake up feeling good at 7:30 am. I’ve also learned to wake up at 7:30 am regardless of whether it is a weekend or a weekday. This helps keep me on a schedule with my body’s circadian rhythm.

I also drink a gallon of water a day and this makes my skin much clearer and helps me feel more energized as well!

Who would you recommend this program to and why?

I encourage all of my friends to read Bigger Leaner Stronger and Starting Strength. It’s all about balance and the mix of food, sleep, and lifting promotes such a healthier lifestyle. I am very happy.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

My journey has only begun! I am excited to do a lean bulk and then cut again and then continue this process! I love it!

Did you use any Legion supplements?

I do not.

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