"I feel MUCH better than I did a decade ago when I was 20!"
Steve's Progress
Before
After
How many months’ progress do your pictures represent? What were your stats for each picture?
4 months. In the May 25th picture, I had a poor diet and was pure calisthenics as I had literally just got out of prison where we didn’t have access to weights (or very good food). I spent my last year locked in confinement with the worst of the worst and had no access to sunlight. I got out May 7th, I weighed 193 pounds and had around 16%+ body fat.
On September 11th I was around 10% body fat and just under 180. On October 7th my body fat was 8% and was 176 pounds. Keep in mind in July I tested positive for Covid-19 and stopped working out entirely for 3 weeks. This was a setback, but also motivation to come back with a vengeance as I knew it would be cool to have great progress despite getting the dreaded ‘covid’.
What has happened so far on the program?
I cut for 2 months and lost 20 pounds. I wasn’t hungry until the last week or two and so I ate some more food. I came from pure calisthenics but I would have people stand on my back for pushups or squat with folks on my shoulders, etc. Once I hit weights my strength gained rapidly. Now I can bench 250 pounds 5x, squat 315 pounds 5x, deadlift 315 pounds a few times, etc.
100 pounds dumbbells in each hand for the flat bench are no problem and I’m approaching 90 pounds dumbbells for military press. By Christmas, I’d like to bench 300 pounds, squat, and deadlift 400 pounds. Pretty decent for 175 at 8% body fat. I’m quite happy and folks I train Jiu-Jitsu with say I’m very strong and relentless.
What workout split from the book did you use?
5-day split.
What, if anything, almost kept you from buying the book or starting the program?
Quite simply, I was surprised it only takes 45 minutes, 5 times a week to look better than almost anyone. I never had a 6-pack or much muscle. Going into high school I didn’t even weigh 100 pounds. Now folks assume I’ve always been a beast and I have to explain that I train and used to be pretty skinny.
What do you like most about the program?
The rapid results and strength. I work primarily for health purposes and I feel MUCH better than I did a decade ago when I was 20. I’d say my priorities in order are health, strength for fighting (Jiu-Jitsu and MMA), and looks.
How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?
The diet is super sustainable and practical. I’ve tried fads. In high school, I did Atkins and felt horrible. The workouts are perfect, just the right amount for the additional 1.5 to 3 hours I do of Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, or yoga at night.
How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?
I am healthy and strong. My Jiu-Jitsu has improved greatly and I’ve trained for 10+ years. Men ask me how they can get fit – so I teach them. Women admire the work and that feels good and is different. I have always been decent with the woman as I am charismatic and can spit the game (ENFP personality type – Meyers Briggs).
My day job is sales. However, I had no clue how picking up some heavy stuff, and putting it down would get so much attention before I even talk to folks. Solid first impressions and respect. Pretty cool stuff.
Who would you recommend this program to and why?
I’d recommend this to everyone who wants to be healthy, be very strong, and look great. Avoid CrossFit, F45, and other fads. Practice the fundamentals that Mike advocates. Then instead of boring cardio do a combat sport. Be strong, get tough – you will have a ton of energy and confidence. This spreads through all areas of life like osmosis and becomes an inspiration for others to be fit.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
There are certain people who are born – which are a guiding light to those in need. I read 300 books in prison, close to a third were about fitness. Mike’s stuff stood head and shoulders above anything else. When Mike writes something – I read it.
He does the heavy lifting in regards to research, real-world A/B split testing, etc. I don’t mean to sound like a complete fanboy – but I am always searching for the truth. When it comes to being bigger, leaner, and strong – Mike is that dude – period.
Did you use any Legion supplements?
Absolutely. Triumph, Triton, Whey+ and I use a generic creatine monohydrate. If I had extra money I’d buy Mike’s creatine that has other beneficial things in it. I don’t know the specifics, but if Mike advocates something I can trust it works and isn’t BS. I keep it very simple.
