The M.A.X. Muscle Plan

Hopefully this is useful for someone considering buying this book - I am a 46 year old male who has been lifting on and off most of my life but seriously over the past 5 years. As an experienced lifter I often find myself reading the marketing and/or reviews of sports supplements and thinking "How can people be so foolish as to think this actually works.." But after reading through Max Muscle I came to the realization that I've been applying that same faulty logic to my own training methods despite the fact that I thought I was following a relatively sound plan.Brad's book is a wonderful cohesion of scientific theory and real-world methods presented in a well written and easy to read style. Seriously, I am amazed at how well this flows and how clearly the major concepts are first presented and then repeatedly supported throughout the text. And while Brad weighs in on a variety of popular/fad topics such as super-slow training and unstable surfaces, the real meat and potatoes of Max Muscle is a foundation of planned periodization. Basically you start with a foundation of experience-proven, reputable science (translation: no broscience) and then develop a program to maximize results by manipulating training variables such as exercises, frequency, intensity, rest, etc. as applied through a method of phases and micro-cycles. There are sections covering the science of muscle development, exercises to actualize this science and nutrition to support the growth. Information is clear and concise and photographs accompany each of the exercises which is great for the beginner. Brad adds his own training insights to each exercise which is great for both the beginner and experienced trainee. In the end you have in your hands a proven blueprint for muscle growth that is (at least for me) so simple in its application that you tend to lose sight of the fact that the science behind it isn't that simple at all and this is the result of 20+ years of both ivory tower science and heavy iron application.I personally have just completed the strength phase of the program and I have to say that it took a serious suspension of disbelief to go from the standard bb isolation protocol 6 days a week to a total body workout 3 days a week. (I'm not joking - I actually had to lie and tell people I took a second job which prevented me from lifting every day in order to explain the change to my regular lifting buddies - the cultural change wasn't a trivial matter.) But the results have been most gratifying to the point where people are asking what I'm taking. And the real silver lining is that I've actually done away with almost all supplements with this program and the progression has been gratifying, not to mention the monthly savings. Maybe that should be one of Brad's taglines - Science Not Supplements.In conclusion, I found Max Muscle to be perhaps the best $15.00 I've ever spent. It has allowed me to break through a 1 year plateau that I wasn't even fully aware existed. I am currently in the metabolic phase and looking forward to the muscle phase. I highly urge both novice and advanced lifters to give this consideration as it will change the way you think about your own approach to lifting and if you actually give it a try, I doubt you will be going back to your old ways.

I have been working out for many years and have long since stopped trying to follow programs from the so called experts that are really nothing more than "marketing mouth pieces" for the supplement industry. Now I have come across some programs that have been solid include Zane and 5,3,1 both of which had some excellent protocols but nothing up to now can compare to what Schonefeld has produced. This is not a beginners program as you really need to have a couple of years under your belt. The beauty of Schonefeld's work is it is based on numerous scientific studies and while I have found myself working out far less frequently on this program my size and strength gains have been solid. It is now very clear to me that I have been in a near constant state of over trained prior to this program.This program is not perfect as it really does not do much more than touch on the nutritional aspect (which is in my opinion 70-80% of the battle) but if you have that down or are close then this will push you over the top. If you need more on the nutritional piece of the puzzle then I recommend John Berardi or Clarence Bass.I am 10 weeks into following Schonefld's program and I can say based on what I have experienced so far (and peeking ahead to see what is coming up next) that this has been the best "investment" into working out that I have made in a very long time.

Dr. Schoenfeld has out done himself on this book. He is the leading expert in the science of muscle hypertrophy and has beautifully condensed all the current research on muscle hypertrophy down into an easy to read and understand book for the layman who doesn't have a Ph.D in physiology. The book first lays out the science behind muscle growth in a very easy to understand way and in a few chapters Dr. Schoenfeld has dispelled mountains of broscience on muscle growth. Even if you don't plan on doing the program I would still recommend this book for it's top notch explanation on how muscles grow and all the variables that contribute to muscle growth and how to properly manipulate and implement them. Dr. Schoenfeld then devotes several chapters to giving excellent instructions on exercises. Then he lays out a program divided into a Strength Phase, a Metabolic Phase, and a Hypertrophy Phase, Dr. Schoenfeld lays out a precise template, detailing how every rep, set and workout should be performed leaving out any guess work. The beauty of the program is that it lays out the exact protocol for each workout but allows you the freedom to choose the specific exercises you use for each muscle group according to your specific needs. This program has personally allowed me to shatter through my most frustrating plateau when other programs have failed. This is truely the best program for packing on the most muscle that your genetic ceiling will allow. This is the first program I would recommend to anyone new to weightlifting or advanced weightlifters who want to break through their plateaus.

Solid plan even at 4 weeks in, a great periodisation set up, looking forward to getting into the strength component and onwards. Looks solid for a good 6 months growth from a trusted author.

Great for beginners and intermediates.. Simple and easy to follow plans

It's just really a workout plan in a book. Not much learning so wasn't really what I wanted. I'm sure it's good for anyone ready to follow a plan and gain muscle

When your training starts to get boring and stagnant, these are the sort of books to liven up your workouts and enthusiasm.

Early days with the programme, but it's a great, informative read and I am seeing great results even from the primer plan. Recommended!