Joe03:40PM on August 10, 2009

I really used Built for Show to kick start the fat loss process, and it did not disappoint! I dropped about 15 lbs while using the program (sorry, no before and after photos). Also, it was just an entertaining read... and, OK, it helped with the ladies a little too. So thanks for that!

I wouldn't mind seeing some material about strength and conditioning for Mixed Martial Arts. It really seems like there is a lot of info out there, and it's almost overwhelming! And given the results I saw with Built for Show, it makes me more confident in believing what you write, Nate.

Either way, keep up the good work, man!

freshfey04:28PM on August 10, 2009

Hi Nate,

I really liked your book as a basic principle of training and eating. I don't follow exact the exact programs but use it from time to time to check on exercise descriptions or workout planning.

What I'd really like to see is more of the daily stuff, like the organization article, which was really helpful. Or stuff like the "oh-shit-I'm-late-breakfast" that's an absolute winner for me, because it's so simple I haven't even thought about it but it helps me really on staying focused on the main goals! Also articles like the DeFranco training article. That was really cool!

- Daily tricks
- Articles of great experiences or atmospheres / locations where the normal reader can't actually go often

Keep it up anyway, buddy!

All the best from Switzerland

Penn04:52PM on August 10, 2009

I honestly didn't expect much when I saw "Built For Show" being pimped out at T-Nation, but when I thumbed through a copy at Barnes and Noble I was pleasantly surprised and ended up buying it.

One thing that was a nice guideline was the 5 drinks a week rule. I feel like alcohol is one of those subjects in Sports, Fitness, etc that really isn't covered very well so what's appropriate in terms of alcohol consumption for someone serious about getting strong and jacked still remains a gray area for me. It's sort of like Eggs. Are the good for you or are they bad for you? Make up your fucking mind! Where does the near perfect balance lie?

I'd be interested if you wrote an article about your own drinking habits: Drinks of choice, anecdotes, your thoughts on how to pace oneself through the weekend, micro brews we should be checking out. Just write something about how drinking fits in with serious training.

Patrick06:14PM on August 10, 2009

I like BFS, I think it has pretty good programs (I started about 7 weeks ago and I'm in the middle of Summer Phase II and it's very difficult, I've lost 8 pounds and expecting at least a couple more before finishing it), it definitely covers the basics and will be a good stand-by in the future. I like the idea of having 4 programs for 4 seasons.

Granted I'm 26 and already married so the dating stuff doesn't really apply and some of the style stuff is really basic, but it can still be useful for a lot of people. I wish the book was around when I was single in college (hell, I wish I knew about T-Nation in college).

I still think it was a big mistake to have "look good enough to hook up" in the title, and I avoided it for a while before finally picking it up for that reason. I've read enough of Nate's work at this point to know what he's about so I can see past it, but for someone looking through the B&N fitness section without knowing who he is, I would instantly be turned off by that. I cringe at that phrasing. I had to extensively explain it to my wife when she saw me reading it.

In any case, I think BFS is a really good book, I definitely enjoy having it on my shelf.

I agree with some other posters about shorter, daily posts about quick-fixes and diet tips, like the one about the scrambled eggs or the I'm-Late breakfast. The lifestyle stuff is great, too, as Nate appears to have a lifestyle, including fitness and nutrition, that I'm trying to get closer to myself (minus the already-married part). I love the fitness, culture, reading, self-improvement-type stuff, just more frequency would be nice.

Keep up the great work.

Patrick06:18PM on August 10, 2009

also I forgot, give us some more ideas for training music. I know there are some posts about that every once in a while, but some more ideas would be good.

Adam06:28PM on August 10, 2009

I'm only in Fall, Phase 2 so far, but I love it. My workouts are much more intense and I feel I'm accomplishing much more in just 3 workouts a week compared to the 4-5 I was doing before. No major strength gains yet, but hopefully soon.

In the future, I'd love to see you write more about diet. Eating enough is my biggest problem because I work a 8-5 job and have little time/desire to prepare stuff before/after work. I think a "diet" book that focused on someone like me (quick meals you can make in advance and freeze/refrigerate for the rest of the week) is definitely missing from the market.

Konstantin06:29PM on August 10, 2009

Man did I ever get a lot of weird looks doing the BFS workouts! Everything from open curiosity to disbelief to contempt and ridicule was thrown my way. It's a good thing that I'm great at ignoring people. I was one of the ones who pre-ordered the book; I'm 20 pounds heavier - and leaner than I was when I started. I still have a long way to go, but I'm stronger, faster, better-looking, and much more popular with the ladies (because a little debauchery is good for the soul). That annoying shoulders-forward posture I earned as a computer nerd is also slowly getting better, which is always a plus.

I'd love to see more articles about day-to-day stuff. Time management, meal ideas for people who are chronically late, networking, plain-ol' cool shit, would all be very welcome posts!

Canada_K09:19PM on August 10, 2009

Built For Show was a very cool book. I enjoy your writing style because it's not pretentious, which (annoyingly) seems to be the thing to do for fitness writers these days. The other annoying writing style is hyper-academic-excruciatingly-well-educated-yet-devoid-of-personality, which is informative yet dry like grand-daddy's scalp. If you keep that going, I will buy whatever you write... even if it's stereo instructions.

What I want to see you write more about... either on your site or in a book (did I mention I'd buy a new book if you wrote one)... is about getting big. I'm a formerly skinny-fat, and got moderately bigger and lots leaner (6.5% congratulate me). And while I briefly enjoyed having abs, what the whole experience showed me was that I'm still too small. I gotta get bigger. But I'm having more trouble with this than I expected.

It's probably to do with being horrifically inflexible, obsessive, and unable to try new things without feeling the urge to pull out my hair and claw my eyes. Or maybe it's because I hang with a crowd of suburban professionals/dads, and bodybuilding is not what they do. They do bourbon, beers, golf, and lower back problems. This is my crowd, and I love them, but they don't get why I need to hit the iron with everything I've got. It burns in my belly.

Teach me how to eat, Nate. Teach what I need to do to go from slightly above average big, to head-turning buff.

John11:00PM on August 10, 2009

I enjoyed BFS but unfortunately have not gained much muscle. But I am an ectomorph so it has always been difficult. It would be great if you could post some articles specifically for ectomorphs gaining weight. And if you could also do an article about bursting through Plateaus.

Tony CC12:56AM on August 11, 2009

umm ...just got BFS. Reading through it and i think its great! I think your logic and explanations of things makes a lot of sense. I'm working on the proper diet thing which is a challenge but not an impossible one. I have a past injury but I'm not that get in my way. (No not an injury from working out) I think one of the topics i would like to see more about is lossing weight. Everyone else like my size for my frame and i think its kool but i don't really like it rather be on a slimmer side. I love your blobgs on shakes and food. I like that they are easy. The best part that i like about the book is that as i talk to my friends about it they always seem to agree with what i read in your book. I also like that you are blunt in book as far as what you think; like stating that people want to work out to look good not just health. Thats what caught my attention first as i saw it on a book shelf. Still working through it. I've only had it about two weeks.

Chad Doncsecz04:07AM on August 11, 2009

Hey Nate,

Your book is my workout bible.

Built For Show has done wonders for me. I started this Spring with the Spring phase and am currently on the Summer 2 phase and looking forward to when fall comes around. Ever since I started using it as my template instead of Body-Part splits, I have seen great strength and physique results in my Back, Shoulders and Legs (all weak points before I started). I went from doing half ass sets of pullups to being able to hang a 25lb weight from my waist for my sets of 5 with full extension. It's great how the people just stare when they see me soaking wet from the grueling workout as they sit around and wait 5 minutes between each set of bench presses. I have a better vertical leap, run faster, and have much more mobility now than I ever did before. I really wonder where the hell I'd be physique-wise if I started it sooner. I even have my girlfriend following your workouts, except with more posterior-chain work and less quad work, since I read from you that females are much more quad dominant.

I hate the fact that I feel as if I was spinning my wheels for such a long time, beating the shit out of a bodypart week after week, dealing with the soreness to come back and do the SAME stuff the next time around. It was boring and by the weekend all I wanted to do was lay in bed because I was so dragged down. People don't believe me when I tell them I only lift 3 days a week. One thing that has been on my mind though is that on your T-Nation Thread you go against the grain a bit on what you have in your book..

Ex:
- Performing "isolation" exercises. I neglected them for so long that when I re-introduced them I responded very well. (I know these are introduced in the Summer 2 phase but generally thats the only time in the book)

- Doing more direct shoulder work (Lagging body part? Weak point?)

- Switching to a sumo stance on my deadlift (Causes less stress on the back? Better hip mobility this way?)

- Doing heavy box squats (These are self explanatory)

- Doing heavy front squats (ditto)

- Performing mechanical advantage sets for my biceps. (Explain?)

- Loaded insulin surges. (I, Bodybuilder...I see that Chase Karnes has been doing this sort of protocol now too, and I can't wait to catch the follow-up on this)

- Eating more carbs (Even when your not in the workout window of opportunity like stated in Prescision Nutrition? I have been on all sides of the spectrum from eating no carbs...I was one crabby dude, to eating moderate carbs, to eating a shitload. I have tried Carb rotation and am currently only using fruits and veggies as my carb sources.. except for breakfast and Peri-Workout with Surge WoF(during) and Surge Recovery(after))

- Doing more single-leg work like heavy reverse lunges and Bulgarian split squats (These had me at hello, I love single-leg work)

- Training four or five days per week instead of three (A new book with workout template designed for this type of training? How do you divide it up and offer prime recovery?)

The last one really sticks out to me. Obviously by reading both "The New Rules Of Lifting" and "Built For Show" I have followed the 3 days a week protocol. I see these things listed and just wish you would explain the reasons behind these "A-HA" moments.

It is always said that when doing what you love to do, find a mentor, and follow what they used to become successful. I take everything you write and apply it to my life, so in a way you are my mentor in my journey to be a fitness professional. I am getting certified to start training clients soon and hope that with hard work and dedication I can become successful just like you.

Chris Gillan04:55AM on August 11, 2009

Hey,

I'm the 16 year-old kid you so awesomely helped out, and I'm just about to finish phase I of the Fall program.

Results? Heck yes!
You'll get some before-after pictures after I've done the fall program.

As for strength wise...
My dumbbell bench press started off at 10kg(22lb) on each bar at the start for the 4x8, and I've now got to being able to do the 3x12, let alone the 4x8 at 18.5kg(40lb). At the start, I would never have even DREAMED of that!
At the start, I couldn't even do 8 pullups in a row, now I can do the 3 sets of 12 with full extension.
My leg work hasn't gone up, as I've had problems and I didn't want to attack it straight away, so I've really been focusing on form.
Here's the cool thing. For as long as I can remember, I've always had knee problems. Every time I crouch, I get a nice click in my left knee.
As of starting the BFS show - the clicking has gradually gone away!
You have no idea how thankful I am, and my family thinks I'm weird every time they see me bobbing up and down doing air squats saying 'It's gone away, it's gone away!"

So yeah, thanks heaps. It's been awesome. The strength gains have been awesome, and the program is perfect. Appreciate everything you've done for me heaps!
The main thing for me, the biggest awesome thing with your program - is the 'garage varations'. It's been so good for me! I don't have access to a gym, and all I've really got is dumbbells, benchpress, barbell and a swiss ball; so having those options was a LIFESAVER.


In terms of what I'd personally like to see from your writing, I'd have to say for me it would be this:
- Your previous stuff on organising, general lifestyle has been great
- Your training stuff has been awesome
- I would love to see maybe a bit more specific stuff to do with getting bigger. I found BFS really good, mostly due to your awesome writing style, but also the fact that it covered the information in an easy to understand way. I didn't feel inundated with a plethora of complicated words, but what you did is you gave the basics in a easy to understand way, which has made me so hungry for more information and has led me on that journey.
- Ditto on the stuff like the late-shake, and stuff, they're really cool stuff, and I like them.

So yeah, keep up the good work, and thanks for all the help you've been. Will update you once I've finished phase 2.

My confidence and general viewpoint on life, and my desire and ability to try new things has gone through the roof upon starting your program.

Dave V07:32AM on August 11, 2009

Built for Show is a great book. It really gave me a clear workout picture. I gained about 20 lbs of muscle. I'm still in the winter phase. My squats jumped from 215 to 315 due to the balanced approach.... I need a power rack now either that or join a gym. Thanks Nate you are the man.

Dave

Brett11:52AM on August 11, 2009

Howdy Nate,

I would really like it if you had more Tim Ferriss-esque type stuff. I know that you went on your Ferriss kick a while ago (I am in the middle of mine wasting too much time reading everything I can find...you know how that goes), but that type of information is very hard to come by and always invaluable.

Along those lines (its pretty hard to come up with ground breaking personal development systems and tips in every post), maybe you could write about those little moments of clarity that you have about anything and everything in day to day life. From the "Its worth the $6 to get your t-shirts tailored, so they don't drape off your not-typical-American chest and shoulders like a curtain," to, "Read two books at a time, a non-fiction, and a fiction. Your mind will not confuse the two. They prevent you from burning out on either type of book. Your knowledge intake just doubled."

(I read to much Shugart)

By the way, I hope they finally hook you up with your own space on T-nation instead of just your Q&A.

I was thinking, "Green's Level" (going with the tool theme they have with Shugart, but you provide your Zen like 'balance' with everything.... don't worry they can have a little tribal themed level tool next to your name, or they could just leave it as a double entendre).

I'll send a letter to TC and Shugs for you. Get back with me on the name. I've got other ideas if the 'Level' doesn't tickle your fancy.

"Screwdrivers with Green?" A double entendre and your love for all things alcohol? Plus, sets the tone for the forum? Hmmm....

Brett

Alex C12:29PM on August 11, 2009

I just started Built for Show last week so no results yet, but I'm very excited to see the difference when I complete the fall phase! As far as writing topics, I would love to see more stuff about your time/goal management. I read your article about the 3 white boards and have been doing it myself for about a month now. It's amazing how much more I'm actually getting accomplished.

John Conkle12:53PM on August 11, 2009

I read Built For Show. Great book, sort of embarrassing title ("... looking good enough to hook up"), but I realize that it's probably a great title for marketing-- you aren't Schwarzenegger, so you can't rely on your name to sell copies.

I lent my copy of Built For Show to a friend, so I can't consult it right now. Apologies if I screw up anything you included/left out.

Some of the things you did in the book were brilliant.

First of all, you explained why training the legs/back/shoulders is important, and why "bi's and tri's" and "arm blasting" is probably a waste of time.

The best part was your "time wasting activities" sheet. Most people say they can't work out because they don't have time, and instead of attacking them you demonstrate how there is plenty of time available to train if useless activities are eliminated.

There are some things that would be a great addition:

-Your programs seem to be a bodybuilding routine. Sure, they focus on the money-maker lifts like squats and pullups, but the intended goal is aesthetics, not performance.

With this in mind, maybe you should add a measurement system to your next book. Have you read Maximum Strength by Cressey? His "packing day" and "moving day" are great because you can see exactly how much progress you made with his program.

For the next book, you could implement a "before and after picture" approach. Alternatively, something like how girls respond to your physique, etc. to measure results from the program.

A measurement feature would lead to results: keeping a potential trainee motivated, and giving the program credibility. If the reader knows exactly what results they got with your next program, then they're more likely to recommend it to someone else (that is, if it worked!)

-I'd like to see a book written for college students or younger guys with a lot of time. I have the ability to train 5 days a week, and would love to take advantage of it in a program.

-A more comprehensive warmup than just "over the fence, under the fence, and some pushups" like it with Built For Show.

-Address some common flexibility issues that people tend to have-- ankle, hip, shoulder, neck, etc.

Articles:

The kettlebell and DeFranco training camp articles on T-nation are great because you stray from the beaten path. Keep doing the videos, too.


Blog:

I like all features that show actual tricks to save time. I call them "pro tips". Let me give examples: Quick breakfast, organizing with the three boards, the "buy them a book" networking tool, gym bag, and last but not least, the "what's on my bookshelf"

Joe01:01PM on August 11, 2009

Nate,

Been following your blog for a while and I enjoy your posts, especially ones on lifestyle, organisation and being successful at a young age. I'd like to see some posts on budgeting/setting up finances, setting up a career, balancing work and training. Anything along those lines would be awesome!

Cheers,

Rick Bennett07:06PM on August 11, 2009

I would like to see you write about your training and diet mistakes and how you correct them Is it really hard to train yourself?. or if you are having trouble correcting them. You do seem like a disciplined dude.

Rick Bennett07:09PM on August 11, 2009

let me rewrite this: been a long day.

would like to see you write about your training and diet mistakes and how you correct them.. or if you are having trouble correcting them. You do seem like a disciplined dude. what do you do when things come that set you back whether it be the training aspect or life aspect. I want to see how you handle the adversity side of this. Maybe it could help me.

John Gunn09:35PM on August 11, 2009

I was pretty stoked to receive your book. It really helped simplify some of the things I've learned and studied the past few years while working towards becoming a personal trainer myself.

I love reading the blog too, so as long as you're asking for suggestions, here are a few topics I'd like to read about:

Diet
Random, lesser known types of workouts, not necessarily limited to the gym
Endurance/Interval training or any kind of cardio (Don't think you've done that yet)
Interviews with other professionals in related fields
How to maximize muscle gain while minimizing fat gain

I guess that's about it.

Thanks,

John

Aaron09:37PM on August 11, 2009

Hey Nate.

First, I've read about 90% of BFS and I really like it. I hope that this program will be kick ass.

OK dude here's something you might find interesting, in the past year and a half i have only gotten sick/been terribly ill Twice. Each time I lost between fifteen and twenty pounds. no fat, all muscle.

My body fat content has always been low, I have always been a very lean individual. My weight doesn't fluctuate. from eighth grade through tenth grade i weighed exactly 128 lbs. in eleventh grade i gained ten lbs, increasing me from 128lbs to 138lbs. I dropped out of high school and got my GED right after eleventh grade. no time lost, so i then went straight into college, and started really working out.

I mean every day almost an accumulative time of four or more hours. i spent a lot of time in between classes in the weight room. Between four plus hours in the weight room and an additional three hours a night in the racquetball court I gained some weight. After three years of that I have to admit that i had buffed up just a bit.

But for the past year and a half i have been in this new degree plan, eight hours a day, Monday - Friday in class. I have to be there. so sitting on my ass every day and studying my ass off almost every night, yea i got loose. in addition to that those two sicknesses that only lasted three days each time lost me some muscle.
The first time i went from being around 169 to about 150. the second time I went from being 168 to to 153. now i'm about 165, so as you can see after each sickness I was able to regain most of that muscle back.

Let me tell you It wasn't easy to just regain that weight each time. i mean losing almost twenty lbs in three days then spending a good six months regaining most of it back, not once but twice, yea that sucked.

A good majority of the time that I spent in the gym last semester went to core workouts, so now i'm not so loose just not tight yet. So as you can see I'm really hopeful about this program, i'm hoping that it will help me get back on the path to being ripped again, except this time i want to increase my weight, from 170 to 190 buy the end of this program thats what i'm shooting for.

Thanks for you time.
-Aaron.

Kevin10:36PM on August 11, 2009

When I started getting serious about losing weight (all time high at 5' 9" 235lbs) I had no idea where to start. I looked up BB.com, misc. webpages, etc. etc.. I had absolutely no experience in gyms before picking up BFS.

In regards to getting a weight program started, BFS was exactly what I needed; exercises, instructions, and scheduling all laid out right there. How I should work out, how often I should work out, and when to work out. I read a LOT of posts on bodybuilding forums and couldn't glean that much info from that site.

I started the BFS program in April 09 with the Fall program and am currently doing the second of five runs through of Winter, Phase 1. Currently I have lost about 10lbs after three and a half months (lowest scale reading so far is 223lbs) but I keep in mind that one, it's my overall physique that really matters over just a weight reading and two, that I probably have lost more than 10lbs of fat and gained muscle in the meantime. Oh yeah, I've noticed and increased ability to perform in other...more softer and comfortalbe arenas.

Something that I would like to know is what to do after the workouts are completed in BFS. Nutrition. More on building confidence and talking with the ladies. More glances have definitely been thrown my away and unfortunately I have no idea how to respond to them.

Anyway, thanks for writing the book that's currently helping to change my life.

Kevin10:39PM on August 11, 2009

Oh yeah, after taking a closer look at the photograph I have to wonder: is that the way you usually hold books? Feels kinda funny to me. I use my whole right hand to support the spine etc etc.

:D

Luke01:19PM on August 12, 2009

Hey Nate

Built for show is a brilliant book , i bought it for my brother
as he need some inspiration and the change was immense.

As for new writing , would love to hear how you approached a 500
pound deadlift and achieved it , maybe as a blog article .
For T-Nation i've loved article where you have been the experiment
such as the kettlebell training so anything like this (although this
maybe happening with I bodybuilder)
Maybe more of my greatest gains ever articles with other really strong men like with Dave Tate and Joe defranco.

Luke

John02:19PM on August 12, 2009

I haven't started BFS yet, but a buddy and I are starting in a couple weeks. For me it served as inspiration. I am 34, and totally out of shape. I started doing a break in routine to get back into the body building thing.

I was injured about 10 years ago, and have sat in front of a computer ever since. I quit smoking around the same time, and quickly gained about 70 pounds. I want to drop that, and get back in shape, but not just any shape, I want people to say "F*ck, he's big!" shape.

I would like to see a little more on getting back into shape, or for the kids starting from scratch.

Thanks,
JT

Daniel04:30PM on August 12, 2009

My current training program is built on the principles I have gotten from Built for Show, your articles on T-Nation and your blog more than any other source. I used a traditional body part split routine for a long time with minimal results. It was a bit difficult to go against the grain and use upper/lower splits and full body workouts, but doing so has paid dividends. The first month after I made the switch, had the greatest gains of my training career.

I would like to see an article (or series of articles) with details about how you went from skinny guy to not so skinny guy. I know you have touched on this, but maybe some stuff that, with the knowledge you have now, you would change to accelerate your gains. An article about how to get bigger arms (come on, who doesn't want bigger arms) would be good too. And some more training type music selections. The music on my ipod is getting pretty stagnant.....

Aaron05:10PM on August 12, 2009

Hey Nate

I just finished the second day of training in fall phase one, and damn i have to admit i'm really glad i found your book, it's day two and the trainings already kick'n my ass.

thanks for writing it.

Jacob10:45PM on August 12, 2009

Hey Nate,
I really enjoyed your book it helped me shed some extra weight and actually did put on some more muscle. I really enjoyed the part about dressing to your body type. Over the past year I dropped 50lbs and put on about 20lbs of muscle and still going. Your book really showed me the importance of mixing up my routine to meet my body goals. You really have me thinking more about my long term training. Most importantly I'm getting more girls.

As far as the blog goes I would like to hear more about you. In specific future travel plans, big events, and cool ideas your working on. I'm about your age and would love to hear about your thoughts on money, how you spend it, the importance to you. I would also like to see the cool things you find such as the disappearing male video and just your little thoughts on life and how to improve it and the world around you.

Keep up the good work.

Allan11:36AM on August 13, 2009

I'm on winter phase 1... and It feels great.. I just want to suggest a forum for the book, and more stuff about diet... for gaining muscle or losing weight.

Mario Paez07:01PM on August 13, 2009

Hi Nate!!!!!

I am from Mexico and I bought your book in a vacation to the United States last December, and I love it.

I did the fall and winter workouts and won 20 pounds of muscle, I am very happy with the results, now its time for the spring workout and get ripped.
Here in Mexico is the same, all the people workouts 3 hours in the gym doing isolation exercises and stupid things like that, but with your book I learned what is better to gain muscle, your workouts are great.

I also loved all the positive attitude of the book, I have built confidence with your tips, I used to be skinny, with little confidence, but no more!!!!!. I feel great.

Thanks Nate, you are the man!!!!!!!!!!!!

Odin08:59PM on August 13, 2009

It would be great if you could post more videos here. I really enjoyed watching the Team Cobra video and the Grocery Shopping video.

I would also be interested in seeing some articles/posts on whether your training philosophy has changed since writing BFS.

I'm only on the 3rd week of fall phase 2, I will send the results once get up to and finish the summer workout.

I can say that for some reason my deadlift has exploded from this program. Every time it's a DL day I'm easily moving 10lbs higher than I was before and even that is pretty easy. This has been great since I had plateaued out for the past few months.

Eric Oetter10:56PM on August 13, 2009

Wow, that's a really thoughtful post, Bran. Cressey's tips on dressing for certain body types and AC's synopsis of attraction were ingenious, new ways to approach writing a fitness book - Nate Green is obviously a fraud for plagiarizing them.

Oh, and that degree he didn't pick up? Man is that really hindering his success - the guy's accomplished practically nothing and he's what, 24. Way to nail him!

You da man, Bran!

+++++++++

Nate,

Though I've been working with MR for the last eight months or so and can't comment on the specific effectiveness of Built for Show's programming, the book was easily one of my most enjoyable reads of 2008. Refreshing is the best word I can use to describe it - it was a novel idea and I think you absolutely delivered.

As far as future content, I know it sounds simple, but I enjoy just hearing what you're up to, whether chilling in Montana or traveling the country. I've always ascribed to the notion that emulating the actions of one's role model is the quickest way to achieve similar success - keeping us posted on your most recent doings helps me do that.

As always, I'm beyond thankful for everything you've done for me. Living life with my W.W.N.G.D. bracelet strapped on has opened doors I never thought I'd even have the courage to knock on.

Oh, and if we ever are in the same city, the Fat Tires are on me.

-Eric

Chris05:31AM on August 14, 2009

So what Bran is saying is, Nate has gathered principles from some of the highest regarded people in their individual fields, and collated the complimenting data into one single educational and enjoyable resource, tying it all together with his own real world experience.

Of course, you 'could' read hundreds of books yourself, and get bits of the information you need from each one, then put them together (hoping they don't contradict)...

Although, I haven't read the book (...yet)

Nate08:06AM on August 14, 2009

Thanks to everyone for their comments! Very insightful and interesting.

The three random people who get a phone consultation with me are:

Chad Doncsecz, Kevin, and Eric Oetter.

Check your email!

-Nate

Collin Messer05:17PM on August 14, 2009

Hey Nate,

Built For Show got me seriously interested in lifting. I had really only done some circuits that I had gotten out of Men's Health. I read your book though and it made me get serious. I don't know how much muscle I gained but I did gain some and all I did was the fall workout. I am set in the lifestyle now and plan on using it again once soccer season is up.

As far as things I'd like to see you blog about, I would enjoy seeing your thoughts on in-season training. That's all I can think of at the moment.

Alex Sheridan10:28PM on August 15, 2009

Hey Nate,

Built for Show has been such a wonderful influence on my training and my overall physical fitness. I'm almost through with the entire Winter season, having started with Fall, and I've gotten into much better shape than I ever dreamed of. I've put on 15 pounds from my former 125, and I look and feel better from all angles. I've noticed the biggest change in my shoulders and arms, though I've been really satisfied with the way my legs look now that I'm focusing really hard on pushing myself on lower body days. In short, your book pretty much made me into a believer in the gym. I'd hate to miss a workout, and it's a great time going in, knowing I've got a challenge ahead of me. Oh, and my girlfriend thinks I look way better, too ;)

I think the best piece of advice you gave in the entire book was regarding chin-ups. I always thought that I had skinny biceps and I had very little confidence in them. As such, I did bicep curls following every workout I did. Every one. Bottom line, I didn't see any results. Today, I can proudly say that my biceps look awesome, thanks to you including chin-ups in the program. They really are a lot more exhausting, and have improved my shoulder and trap development, as well.

Thanks for writing a great book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to friends.

I'd love to see you write some more about nutrition. I'm starting college soon, and it's gonna be a challenge to eat right to keep up the right nutrition to fuel the workouts. An article about dorm food and eating clean to bulk would be awesome.

Steve11:42PM on August 15, 2009

Hey Nate, just got your book and I really enjoyed it. I'm hoping to start very soon, I just got to learn more about the diet portion of working out before I really get into it. I'm a skinny guy with the big gut, so its very confusing for me where to go.. I know I've seen one post of yours where you where very skinny but had the abs and low BF%.. I'm without a doubt small but the gut is big. So I don't know what kind of diet to do.. I don't know if you'll see this comment but I wonder what kind of diet you'd suggest for a guy who i skinny with a gut. Just a side note, I think we all appreciate someone who trys to reply to all comments.

Jason Smith01:14PM on August 16, 2009

Nate,

I started Built for Show 14 weeks ago. I was always known as the skinny-scrappy kid. I’m 5’10 and weighed 152 for the past 10 years. After starting with fall phase 2, and taking your advice about nutrition. I now weigh 178 and look/feel better than ever. Like everyone else, I couldn’t afford a trainer and besides, they all told me your method was BS. While I’m doing three reps of 100lbs and weighted chin-ups, they started thinking otherwise. Yesterday I maxed out my 1 rep max with 130lbs.

I’m emailing you before and after pictures. I’ve also managed to follow your blog suggestions for quite some time. Thanks Nate

Adam02:00AM on August 17, 2009

Nate,

Did you BFS program Fall part earlier this year. Had some good results namely with rear delt, quad development and my strength increased rather surprisingly.

Unfortunately I lost my way and was somehow convinced that a body part split was going to work better and needless to say the results have been less than impressive. So after wasting 5 months I am back on the program and looking forward to every lifting session.

Jonathan09:21AM on August 23, 2009

Finally, I get around to responding to your inquiry.

I've started following the BFS program late last February. I'm now entering in the last round of the winter program, phase 2. I'm looking forward to go into the spring program as I've gotten a bit bored with the winter program or with the fact that I don't feel that I have made much progress since I've been off for the summer since late June.

At the end of November, when I was nearly completed a learn to run a 5km course, I was weighing at 160lbs at 6 feet and 1 inch. I'm now hovering between 182lbs and 184lbs. So, I've gained at least 20 pounds. I don't look so skinny or skinny fat. However, I want to gain more! Hopefully I will with the spring and the summer phases even though they're designed to get me more ripped (I believe, if I've correctly recall what your book said).

So, I have gained muscle just about everywhere except for the rear outer edge of my shoulder area (which just looks skeletal...is that normal?). My collar bones do not stick out so much as the lower part of the bones are getting filled in with muscles. I believe I'm gaining more muscles with my lower torso than the upper torso, but I don't have any proof other than that I seem to be able to make greater improvements in the amount of weight that I can work out with my lower torso than my upper torso. However, I'm happier with my body than ever and I've managed to meet my goal of gaining 20 pounds earlier than I expected (by 4 to 5 months). I hope to gain another 20 pounds within a year. Can I do it?

Yes, I do feel a lot more confidence about myself. This is coming from seeing the improvements that I have made in myself. Evidence of such improvements includes seeing that I can lift more weight on most exercises (not so much for bench press, I have to say) or completing more reps on a weekly basis, my clothes are fitting better and sitting better on my body, trying on new trousers in stores and finding that the European cut in these pants do not suit my thickening thighs, being able to carry more heavier grocery bags as I've eating more than ever, etc.

I'll send you some photos to you later on.

As for what you can write about, here are a few ideas:
- what to do when you feel that you're plateau-ing and how to get out of it.
- what are the preferred/balanced proportion of our body. For example, I seem to recall that the size of calves are to be of a similar size as the arms are.
- how to make sure that I'm training an intense enough level
- tips for eating out or examples of what you do when you're having to eat out when you're out on the road because of work, hanging out with friends, or travelling.
- talk about what kind of physical activities and at what intensity level we can do on our off days, while following your BFS routine.
- how to wisely purchase food that we need at a less expensive cost. I've found that my budget for groceries have doubled! Is that typical?

Drat, I had forgotten that you had offered to give consultations to get your responses by a particular Friday. I guess I need to brush on time managing, eh?

Steve10:32PM on September 26, 2009

Hey Nate, I've finally started BFS. I love it.. While I'm doing a well structured workout my friends who think your book is no good because of the 3 weeks, go along doing 4 different workouts for their chest, biceps, shoulders etc..

I tried their way and I feel way more burned out after doing your workouts. I'm starting to get my diet in check and overall feel better about everything.. It's like I cant wait to get back into the gym.

Btw, just to clear things up my last comment come off as sort of rude. I didn't mean it as you should respond to all of our messages but we all appreciate that you try your best to answer them. LOL. Anyway thanks again Nate the book is great!

Martin06:19PM on December 14, 2009

I'd love to see you do some write ups on metabolic pairings? What are your thoughts? What circuits do you do? How do you include them in your program? Do you run them as a cycle after a hard strength cycle? Do you include them as part of a strength cycle?

As far as your book, I loved the read but I used it in conjunction with Schuler's, Waterbury's, and Cressy's writings. In other words, I went through all of these books and took a little from each. It's a great book, and I have recommended it time after time to my students. I really feel strongly that your book as well as Lou Schuler's do an excellent job of breaking everything down into simple thoughts. You are writing to a specific audience and you have nailed it on the head.

Great job!

Thank you in advance for your replies,

Martin

Tony04:16PM on March 25, 2010

@Alex Sheridan and @Johnathan

I realise yours are old posts but I am hoping you (or someone else) see this and could provide some advice. Alex I feel like we have common ground. I am 22 and was 127lbs starting the programming and am now entering the 2nd phase of Winter and weigh 142lbs (have to credit Maximuscle Progain here, the stuff is a miracle in its own right, Im a student and dont have time to eat properly and this stuff is a huge help, though it is bankrupting me!).

I was always the small skinny kid at school and had absolutely no interest in sport. I would never have imagined myself as the type of guy who hated to miss a workout but thats how I am now. My clothes fit better, Im more confident in my appearance and I have actually had people comment on how much better I am looking having added a little extra bulk to my frame. However whilst Alex seems to be pleased with the gains he has made in his upper body (particularly your biceps) I am not.

Like Johnathan I can definitely say that I have made much better progress in my legs when compared with my upper body. My upper body progress was great with the Fall program but half way through Winter and I see very little changes, my bench press is still a feeble 110lbs max!

I love that burn that I get the next day having done one of the lower body workouts, it tells me ive really pushed myself but despite working my hardest I am not getting that with the upper body workouts. My arms, chest and shoulders still look like they did 5 weeks ago (though I have noticed my mid section looks a bit better). I have started swimming on my off days (something I have to do for a job I have coming up) and I am worried this may be having an effect though it is only 30minutes twice a week.

Anyway, I hope I dont sound ungrateful, BFS has changed my entire outlook on life and I owe a great deal to Nate. I workout in the morning and bounce out of bed knowing I have a great workout ahead of me. I will defiantly see the program through. Anyway I was just wondering what progress you both had made since posting?

Thanks,
Tony

Chris08:10AM on May 14, 2010

I gotta say this is the greatest program I have tried to date. I'm only 3 weeks into phase 1 of fall and my lifts have been steadily going up. For example, I started with 75lb DBs for my db bench for the 4 sets of 8 reps, 80lb DBs for the 5 sets of 5 reps, and 70lb DBs for the 3 sets of 12 reps and the second cycle through i made my 4x8 80lbs, my 5x5 85lbs, and my 3x12 75lbs. This is how it has been for all of my lifts so far and I'm barely halfway done with only one phase so I can't wait to see how far I really get.

Chris08:10AM on May 14, 2010

I gotta say this is the greatest program I have tried to date. I'm only 3 weeks into phase 1 of fall and my lifts have been steadily going up. For example, I started with 75lb DBs for my db bench for the 4 sets of 8 reps, 80lb DBs for the 5 sets of 5 reps, and 70lb DBs for the 3 sets of 12 reps and the second cycle through i made my 4x8 80lbs, my 5x5 85lbs, and my 3x12 75lbs. This is how it has been for all of my lifts so far and I'm barely halfway done with only one phase so I can't wait to see how far I really get.