By stufflovely
“Bigger Leaner Stronger program created significant/positive impacts on my health!”
How many months’ progress do your pictures represent? What were your stats for each picture?
The pictures represent 3 months of progress starting with the baseline photo that was taken when I started the program and then 3 months from the program start date.
The baseline photostats are weight: 180 pounds – bodyfat percentage – 17% Waistline – 35 – 1/2″
The 3-month photostats are: weight: 160 pounds – bodyfat percentage – 12% Waistline – 32 – 1/8″
What has happened so far on the program?
I cut for 12 weeks and lost 20 pounds, roughly 5% body fat, and 3 – 3/8″ on my waistline. I worked very hard on meal planning properly and following the weightlifting side of the program. I am not new to weightlifting so I wanted to ensure that my strength remained/increased a little bit thru the cut, which I ultimately succeeded at.
My strength was maintained on squat but increased on deadlift and bench press (for example on deadlift: started at 95 pounds and at end of cut was pulling 185 pounds).
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?
There were two items that made me nervous about being able to start/stay on the program in its entirety. One was the nutritional side of training. I have always struggled with understanding dieting and being able to stick to a plan. The other item was the fact that I had to incorporate deadlifts and squats (three ACL surgeries to my right knee) into my training (neglected these for years).
I had never deadlifted before with any type of seriousness and I suck at squatting. I’m glad I decided to not let these items stop me from starting the program. I love deadlifting right now but I still suck at squats but slowly progressing upwards.
Before I found Bigger Leaner Stronger, I was actually looking for a formal program to try especially regarding the nutritional side of training. My wife is in top shape and I really needed to change things up on my end not just for aesthetic value but for general health and well being (more on that later).
I came upon a Mike Matthews web-based article on building your chest. After reading the article, I researched the book (Bigger Leaner Stronger 3rd edition) and chose to buy it. I was able to read it quickly and I made my mental commitment to try the program in its entirety and jumped right in at the gym and in the kitchen (thanks to my wife for helping with cooking these different recipes).
What do you like most about the program?
What drew me to the program was the way Mr. Matthews authors his material. The program is easy to follow and the way it is written/laid out makes you want to get up and get going. The most important thing I like about the program is that it is a “program”. It is a blueprint – you have something to follow that works, you don’t have to create all on your own nor should you be altering anything in the program that much, although I do like to create my own meal plans.
I was very surprised at how fast results were achieved. I lost 10 pounds and 1 – 1/2″ on my waistline in 4 weeks. The description and implementation of progressive overload is key and I really like this type of weightlifting. Lift heavy – lift lower reps – get bigger/stronger. I like how the compound movements are described (deadlifts, bench, squat) and implemented into the program.
It makes you ready to want to try it. Now that I understand what flexible eating is I will never change from it. I always thought you had to eat all vegetables, all salads, etc. if you really wanted to see changes. That’s all junk. Of course, you need these items in your fridge but there is so much more to get out of flexible eating and you will see that once you get on the program and you do some of your own research on foods.
How does this program compare with others you’ve tried?
I have never tried any formal program before so I have no basis of comparison to that. However, when comparing this program to the individual who creates their own workouts (me in the past) there is no comparison. You simply can’t beat this blueprint if you follow it correctly and push yourself.
How has what you’ve achieved with your body changed other areas of your life?
I was on blood pressure medication for high BP, during this cut phase I had to get off it (with my doctor’s approval) because my BP was getting too low. Basically, the changes I made in my eating regimen and in the gym based on being on the Bigger Leaner Stronger program were creating significant/positive impacts on my health so much so that when coupled with my BP meds I was bottoming out on my BP.
I don’t think there is any greater fitness achievement one can ask for than to be able to ditch a med based on changes to your dieting and physical activity regimens. Prior to starting the program, I had issues with restless sleep at night, feeling bloated prior to bedtime (out of control meal portions), and snoring. Currently, I sleep more sound, don’t feel bloated at all, and my wife tells me she can’t remember the last time I snored.
Who would you recommend this program to and why?
Anyone – any age. The core concepts/principles apply to everyone. You don’t have to squat 500 pounds to be successful at this game. You don’t have to eat like a rabbit either. I am truly a believer now that weight loss/body composition changes are attainable to all and when you break it all down it really isn’t that hard to understand or implement. The understanding and implementation of the program is easy, the want to do it and the will power/drive to stick to it is the challenging part.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I was very aggressive in the implementation of the program, meaning I didn’t ease right into the calorie deficit (cut phase). I followed Mr. Matthews formulas for obtaining your BMR/TDEE/calorie targets/macronutrient targets, etc. and I went for it. I didn’t stray from my meal plans that were based on the targets above and I rarely cheated and when I did I followed the book layout for doing so.
I’m glad I did. I was seeing awesome gains in just 1 week of starting. Regarding the weightlifting side of the program: I am not a newbie to the gym – been lifting for years although you probably wouldn’t know it by my baseline photo but one of the biggest outcomes of getting on this program is that I went back to the basics.
Meaning, I went back to understanding what proper form is on ALL exercises and I decided to focus on my form and not worry about what weight I was lifting because if you are doing it wrong you are going to hurt yourself and lose out on the gains that proper form provides to you. Get your form correct and the weight amounts you lift will go up.
This is how I persevered thru starting to do deadlifts and squats in this program. I was intimidated about how to use proper form and the potential for getting hurt doing these so I re-read Mr. Matthews book sections on these items multiple times, watched the videos on Mr. Matthews’ website and on others and I took the time to do it right.
I still suck at squats (getting better though) but my deadlifts have gone thru the roof. In closing, I hope someone takes some positives from my story and gives this program a try. If you decide to go for it, then decide to stick to it and give it a chance and you will see the results come. My story is far from over as I have many other goals to achieve and I’m looking forward to the next steps.
Did you use any Legion supplements?
Whey+ Protein and Pulse. I use Mr. Matthews “Stacked” app for tracking my workouts.
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
Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, Inc. I do also hereby release Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, Inc.
I understand that Legion Athletics, Inc. and its consultants, officers, agents, and employees are not healthcare professionals. The services I have received from Legion Athletics, Inc do not provide or offer and are not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment (“medical advice”). While Legion Athletics, Inc. believes that the information provided through our services and the site is current and reliable, Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, 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 Legion Athletics, Inc., I understand that results of any sort are not guaranteed and agree not to hold Legion Athletics, Inc. staff liable for any outcomes or a lack thereof. With my purchase of any Legion Athletics, 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.
