Beyond-Brawn-2nd-Edition

17. A Real-Life Training Cycle
for You to Learn From
17.1 is chapter is included for five reasons:
a. To show that a typical hard gainer, if not restricted by age or structural
problems, can build up to respectable weights—in my case bent-legged
deadlifting 400 pounds for 20 consecutive rest-pause reps—though the
deadlift may not be the exercise that best suits your body structure.
b. To explain the real-life step-by-step practicalities of a training cycle,
how a cycle is modified as it evolves, and how the ups and downs of life
have to be accommodated.
c. To take you through the key lessons learned.
d. To confirm that I am no armchair instructor.
e. To show that abbreviated and basics-first training works.
17.2 is chapter is a revised and expanded version of an article published in
issue #21 of HARDGAINER (November-December 1992). You are not going
to get only the positive side of the training cycle. You are going to get the full
story, to help equip you to avoid the mistakes I made.
The background
17.3 e first requirement for realizing a very demanding goal are loads of
resolve, heaps of persistence and tons of effort. Whether your demanding
goal is 300 × 20 in the squat, 350 × 20 in the deadlift, 300 × 5 in the bench
press, or whatever, you really have to want it. ere is no easy way to reach a
demanding goal. If you do not want it enough to pay your dues, overcome
expected and unexpected obstacles, and give your pound of flesh, you will
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