"I now find that I have way more energy than I had ever had."
Dan's Progress
Before
After
How many months’ progress do your pictures represent? What were your stats for each picture?
The pictures represent around 15 months of progress. I started at 225 pounds, at approximately 25 to 30 percent body fat (I didn’t measure initially). My ending picture is 170 pounds at about 10 percent body fat.
What has happened so far on the program?
I cut for 15 months using the 5-day split. I started each training session with lifting and then continued to cardio at the end. I did HIIT cardio 4 to 5 days a week for about 25 minutes each, utilizing the recumbent bike. I was able to lose weight at a rate of about a pound a week until about month 10 when my weight loss stalled.
I reversed dieted for a few weeks at this point. I attributed this to a metabolism problem at the time but quickly found out it was a diet issue. After adjusting my diet I was back on track losing weight without issue. I had never lifted weights prior to the program so it was quite the learning experience for me.
I spent many hours working and studying lifting form. My bench went from one-rep max of 103 pounds to 202 pounds. Deadlift one-rep max 147 pounds to 245 pounds. Squat one-rep max 95 pounds to 200 pounds.
What workout split from the book did you use?
I started with the 5-day split for about the first year and then switched to the 4-day split due to a new job. Both splits worked well and I didn’t notice much of a difference between the two.
What, if anything, almost kept you from buying the book or starting the program?
I think I was hesitant to purchase Bigger Leaner Stronger due to the fact that there are so many workout books available online. It sounded too good to be true, what would make this book any difference than the others?
I also thought I would never be that guy who’s in great shape with muscle. I figured it was genetics, so why waste my money on a book that won’t work and as you can see that is far from the truth.
What do you like most about the program?
There is one thing that sets this program apart from all the others, and that is science. This book is based and written on science. It includes many studies that back up all of Mike’s research. I personally want to know why things work the way they do before I try something new.
How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?
I had never done any type of program prior to Bigger Leaner Stronger. I would just go into the gym and mess around for a while, always wanting to leave early. I had only done some circuit training and lots of cardio prior to Bigger Leaner Stronger.
Now I go into the gym with a plan every time and am doing less cardio than before. I also had never followed a meal plan prior to Bigger Leaner Stronger.
How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?
I now find that I have way more energy than I had ever had. In the past, I was always tired throughout the day but not anymore. I have much more confidence now since losing weight. I always have people telling me now how good I luck and what my secret is.
Who would you recommend this program to and why?
I would recommend this program to anyone. I don’t see any reason why age would be a factor in this program. I recommend it to all my friends and family who ask what my secret is.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would say study your form and how to do the exercises before you start the program. Make sure your doing the exercise right and don’t worry about the weight. Don’t worry about how much the person next to you at the gym is lifting.
Sure it was a little hard to watch a bunch of teenagers out lift me when I started, but if you stick with the program, you will be that person that others in the gym are watching and asking for tips.
Did you use any Legion supplements?
I very much enjoy Legion supplements. After getting tired of drinking protein shakes that were clumpy and chalky tasting, I switched to Legion’s Whey+. I don’t experience any of these problems now, what a difference. I also use Pulse, Phoenix, and Forge. I’ll never use another supplement company again.
