“I’m so much more confident with myself now!”
How many months’ progress do your pictures represent? What were your stats for each picture?
These pictures are about four months apart. In the first one, I’m about 175 pounds and 17% body fat. I had two major surgeries in 2019 and in total, I was out of the gym for almost 10 months. During that time, I stopped watching what I ate so I got kind of fluffy. I started working out again in March of 2020, and my cut lasted until early July. By the time I finished, I was 10% body fat and weight 160.
What has happened so far on the program?
I used the principles from Bigger Leaner Stronger to cut for a solid four months, dropping 15 pounds and about 7% body fat. The dieting principles outlined in the book, in conjunction with the Legion TDEE calculator, made the weight loss effortless.
My strength shot up as soon as I got back into the gym in June. My big four lifts when I started up again were as follows: Bench – 195 x5, Deadlift – 225 x5, Overhead Press- 130 x 5, and Squat 205 x 6.
Currently, my numbers are: Bench – 220 x5, Deadlift – 275 x 5, Overhead Press – 145 x 5, and Squat – 245 x5. Not too bad for just over a month! I went up significantly in every single lift while LOSING weight. If you ask me, that’s pretty cool. Now that I’m about to start lean bulking, the sky’s the limit. I’ll be back to my pre-injury numbers in no time.
What workout split from the book did you use?
I used the 5 day split. I’ve been using it ever since I found Bigger Leaner Stronger in 2015. I love being in the gym, so lifting 5 days a week is a no-brainer.
What, if anything, almost kept you from buying the book or starting the program?
I found Bigger Leaner Stronger on Amazon about 5 years ago, and as soon as I saw the product page, I knew it was for me. There were so many amazing testimonials, and Mike made everything super simple while backing up every claim with myriad studies. It was pretty clear that this program was the real deal, so there was no hesitation on my part to give it a shot.
Before Bigger Leaner Stronger, I had been doing mostly Youtube workouts from juiced up bodybuilder types. I made some gains, but I didn’t understand the “why” of what I was doing. Bigger Leaner Stronger helped me to understand the basics, and I haven’t looked back.
What do you like most about the program?
I think my favorite thing about Bigger Leaner Stronger is that it’s structured to where you’re always pushing yourself. There are no burnout sets, drop sets or AMRAP sets that you see some people doing just to showboat. It’s you, heavyweight, and a few seconds of complete concentration on every set. If you really want to progress, you have to take it seriously and follow the structure, and that appeals to me.
How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?
I hadn’t tried too many programs before Bigger Leaner Stronger— I was lucky enough to stumble upon it early in my fitness journey, but it has not disappointed. I’ve yet to really stall on any major lift, and, regardless of how much I blow my diet or skip an occasional workout, I know the foundation has been laid for success the moment I jump back on the horse. It’s simple, and it works.
How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?
I’m so much more confident with myself now. I’ve always been shy and reserved, but transforming my body has certainly helped with that. Quite frankly, I used to be scared to talk to girls, but now a lot of times, they’re coming up and talking to me.
I get compliments quite a bit, and that’s always a great feeling. My friends started asking me for workout advice. When I was in college, people who didn’t know my name referred to me as “the really buff guy with long hair.” It’s been a crazy turnaround.
From a less vain standpoint, the discipline I have learned from practicing Bigger Leaner Stronger has been the real gem of it all. Everything I do now is routine-based. I don’t have to think about much anymore, I just do it. It’s helped me advance in my career and in my personal goals.
This one may be an overshare, but I’ve struggled with alcohol consumption in the past, and Bigger Leaner Stronger has been a wonderful help on that front. I know I won’t want to go to the gym if I’m hungover from the night before, and my constant drive to get stronger and look better mitigates any desire I have for booze.
Who would you recommend this program to and why?
Literally anyone, whether the said person has never picked up a dumbbell or if they’ve been hitting the gym for years. The principles in Bigger Leaner Stronger work. I think a lot of people are scared to lift heavy weight at first because it can be intimidating or they’ve been misinformed.
Bigger Leaner Stronger does away with those misconceptions and the results are indisputable. I’ve loaned the book to my family members, and any time someone asks me how I changed my body, I send ’em this way.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If you’re on the fence, if it’s about this program or working out in general, just give this a whirl! If you can stick with it for a few months, it’ll become a part of your lifestyle and you won’t want to give it up. You’ll be happier, healthier, and you’ll love what you see in the mirror.
On a personal note, I was really discouraged after my two surgeries, to the point where I wondered if I should stop working out for good. Deep down, I knew that wasn’t the answer, and even if I couldn’t do things to the same level I once could, if I got right back at it, positive changes would ensue. They have, and I feel so much better for it. I feel kinda bad for even questioning the process in the first place.
Did you use any Legion supplements?
I am the absolute biggest proponent of Forge. I train fasted during all of my cuts, and I can’t imagine doing so without it. You feel better, and you know that you aren’t going to lose much muscle because the formulation is designed to mitigate that. Combine that with some Pulse (which is undoubtedly the best pre-workout I have ever tried) and Phoenix with your meals, and cutting down to sub 10% body fat is a breeze.
Want to become a success story too? Here’s how he did it
The program that made this transformation possible:
The meal plan that makes building muscle and losing fat easy and enjoyable:
If you enjoyed this article, get weekly updates. It’s free.
Sending…
Great! You’re subscribed.
100% Privacy. We don’t rent or share our email lists.
You May Also Like
Our Most Popular Evidence-Based Articles
Our 100% “It’s-On-Us” Money-Back Guarantee
No matter what you decide to buy, you’re always protected by our ironclad, 100% money-back guarantee that works like this:
If you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, you get a prompt and courteous refund. No forms to fill out or hoops to jump through.
That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.
Free Worldwide Shipping & Returns
Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits so our shipping is 100% free!
Okay, we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters.
So, if you live in the United States, your order ships free regardless of order size, and if you live anywhere else, your order ships free when it’s over $199.
Why the restriction on international orders? Unfortunately, shipping abroad is very expensive, and if we didn’t require a minimum order size, we’d lose a lot of money.
That said, as most international customers spend about $200 with us each time they shop, this setup is a win-win.
And no matter what you decide to buy, you’re always protected by our ironclad, 100% money-back guarantee that works like this:
If you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, you get a prompt and courteous refund. No forms to fill out or hoops to jump through.
That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.
Clinically Effective Doses
Great ingredients aren’t enough to make a great product—you also need correct doses.
That’s why we use the exact doses of every ingredient that have safely produced the desired benefits in peer-reviewed studies.
Made in USA
Where your supplements are made matters, because rules and regulations regarding quality and purity differ from country to country.
And if you want to ensure the supplements you’re swallowing every day are safe and effective, you want products produced in the USA.
That’s why all of our supplements are made in America in NSF-certified and FDA-inspected facilities that operate in accordance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations.
We pay a premium to work with the best manufacturers in the country, but it’s the only way we can also produce the best all-natural sports supplements.
Lab Tested
Did you know that studies have shown that many supplements contain dangerously high levels of toxins like lead, arsenic, and cadmium?
Not ours.
Every ingredient of every supplement we produce is tested for heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants to ensure they meet the strict purity standards set by the FDA.
Naturally Sweetened & Flavored
While artificial sweeteners may not be as dangerous as some people claim, studies suggest that regular consumption of these chemicals may indeed be harmful to our health and that more research is needed.
That’s why all of our supplements are naturally sweetened and flavored and contain no artificial food dyes, fillers, or other unnecessary junk.
Science-Backed Ingredients & Doses
Unlike some supplement companies, we don’t sell dubious white labeled or off-the-shelf formulations.
Instead, our custom and unique formulations are the result of extensive reviews of the scientific literature to discover the most effective ingredients for each.
Split your entire online purchase into 4 interest-free payments, over 6 weeks with no impact to your credit.
25%
today
25%
2 weeks
25%
4 weeks
25%
6 weeks
Shop and add items to your cart as normal!
Choose Sezzle at Checkout! You’ll be redirected to Sezzle to Sign Up or Log In
to complete your order.
Your order will be shipped out right away* and your payments will be split up
over 6 weeks.
*shipping times subject to merchant shipping policy
Shop directory. Reschedule payments. Plus more!
Meal Plan Waiver
In consideration of being allowed to participate in the activities and programs offered by
M4L, Inc. and to use its nutrition programs and supplement and training advice, in addition to the payment of any fee or charge, I do hereby waive, release and forever discharge and hold harmless M4L, Inc. and its consultants, officers, agents, and employees from any and all responsibility, liability, cost and expenses, including injuries or damages, resulting from my participation in any activities, or my use of any programs designed by M4L, Inc. I do also hereby release M4L, Inc. its consultants, officers, agents and employees from any responsibility or liability for any injury, damage or disorder (physical, metabolic, or otherwise) to myself, or in any way arising out of or connected with my participation in any activities with M4L, Inc.
I understand that M4L, Inc. and its consultants, officers, agents, and employees are not healthcare professionals. The services I have received from ML4, Inc do not provide or offer and are not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment (“medical advice”). While ML4, Inc. believes that the information provided through our services and the site is current and reliable, ML4, Inc. cannot and does not make any such guarantee or warranty.
I hereby agree that before using our services, you will consult your physician or other health care provider for medical advice, particularly if you are at risk for problems arising from changes in your diet or lifestyle. The services provided by ML4, Inc. are not intended to be used by minors or individuals with health conditions that makes the kind of changes to diet or lifestyle suggested by our services unsafe or inappropriate. Furthermore, I hereby understand that ML4, Inc. shall have no obligation or responsibility to monitor my health status or health condition or to contact or alert any medical or emergency professional.
I understand and am aware that strength, flexibility, and aerobic exercise, including the use of
equipment are a potentially hazardous activity. I also understand that fitness activities involve a
risk of injury and even death, and that I am voluntarily participating in these activities and using
equipment and machinery with knowledge of the dangers involved. I hereby agree to expressly
assume and accept any and all risks of injury or death related to said fitness activities. In
addition, I certify that I am 18 years of age or older.
I do hereby further declare myself to be physically sound and suffering from no condition,
impairment, disease, infirmity or other illness that would affect nutrient metabolism or prevent
my participation or use of equipment or machinery except as hereinafter stated. I do hereby
acknowledge that M4L, Inc. has recommended to me that I obtain a physician’s approval for my participation in an exercise/fitness activity or in the use of exercise equipment and machinery. I also acknowledge that M4L, Inc. has recommended that I have a yearly or more frequent physical examination and consultation with my physician as to physical activity, exercise and use of exercise and training equipment so that I might have his/her recommendations concerning these fitness activities and equipment use. I acknowledge that I have either had a physical examination and been given my physician’s permission to participate, or that I have decided to participate in activity and use of equipment, machinery, and programs designed by M4L, Inc. without the approval of my physician and do hereby assume all responsibility for my participation and activities, and utilization of equipment and machinery in my activities.
I understand that all diet and training programs, nutrition and supplementation advice, and any and all other forms of information obtained from ML4, Inc. are not meant to treat or manage any health condition. I understand the need to consult with a healthcare provider prior to adjusting current lifestyle or eating habits or beginning any new diet and/or training plan.
In addition, I hereby represent and warrant that I am currently covered by an accident and
health insurance policy. With my purchase of products or services from ML4, Inc., I understand that results of any sort are not guaranteed and agree not to hold M4L, Inc. staff liable for any outcomes or a lack thereof. With my purchase of any ML4, Inc. products or services, I understand that they are only guaranteed to work in software designed for a PC computer such as Microsoft Excel. I understand that I am purchasing having known that beforehand and understand that using any other application besides Microsoft Excel might result in the products not working with 100% functionality.
OUT OF STOCK
Security Check
Please click the checkbox below. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Fact Checked
Our scientific review board of nutritionists, dietitians, molecular biologists, doctors, and other accredited experts is responsible for reviewing every article, podcast, and video we produce to ensure they’re evidence based, accurate, trustworthy, and current.
Thanks to their connections, credentials, and academic experience, this team of MDs, PhDs, and other professionals has access to a wealth of research published in the largest and most prestigious journals in the world.
This allows them to not only review individual studies but also analyze the overall weight of the evidence on any and all topics related to diet, exercise, supplementation, and more.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, misleading, out-of-date, or anything less than factual, please let us know in the comments section of the article in question.
Evidence Based
We follow a detailed, rigorous, multi-step process to create content that meets the highest standards of clarity, practicality, and scientific integrity.
First, our research associates provide our editorial team with accurate, up-to-date, proven scientific evidence.
Then, our editorial team uses this research to draft articles and outlines for podcasts and videos.
Finally, our scientific review board reviews the content to ensure all key information and claims are backed by high-quality scientific research and explained simply and precisely.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, misleading, out-of-date, or anything less than factual, please let us know in the comments section of the article in question.
