By Vince DelMonte

Just in the past year you’ve probably been exposed to an endless buffet of techniques, methods and philosophies from books, magazines, articles, personal trainers, the big guy in the gym and the advice of experts including myself.

To add to the buffet of information, you already know that the top training experts contradict one another in their articles and books.  To make matters worse, they often contradict themselves.

You may think I’m guilty too.  If you take my advice out of context then yes, it’ll appear I’m guilty too.

I’ll explain the context part in a moment.

We could spend all day (in the literal sense of the word) and ramble about exercise selection, reps and sets, tempos, training frequency, equipment selection, load parameters and that’s before we even start discussing nutrition and supplements.

All of this fierce debate leads to what is known as “paralysis by analysis” – a state of confusion that prevents you from doing anything!

In other words, it prevents you from getting the most important Degree of your life – a degree in G.S.D. which stands for Get Shit Done.

If You’re A Beginner…

If you’re recently new to the world of bodybuilding, lifting weights and eating big, you’re in luck – I already wrote a complete muscle course for you and it’s called No Nonsense Muscle Building.  This book will save you years of unnecessary frustration.  

Side note: I consider you in an intermediate trainer if you have 1-4 years of consistent training experience and I consider you an advanced trainer if you more than 4 years of consistent training experience.  

In my definition, to be advanced you must have a physique that resembles above average. I have a friend who has been running the same 5 km loop 5-days a week for the past 5-years but that does not make her an advanced runner because she’s moving at a snails pace.  

To be intermediate or advanced, you must have an above average physique.  Let’s put it this way.  If we met in the streets I would know that you work out based on your physique. I would not think, “I wonder if he works out…!”

If You Have Intermediate Or Advanced Experience… 

You can relate to the “paralysis by analysis” example and I trust you overcame that by getting a degree in G.S.D.  Not many people have those degrees so hold it proudly.  

If you’re like me, you probably find it perplexing that many bodybuilders and athletes have degrees in G.S.D. but they went to completely different schools.  It’s fascinating to see that almost every school differs in methods.

Some bodybuilders rely on solely machines while others swear by free weights.  You’ll find dudes who live on single body part training and the equal physique will be doing only full body routines.

I’ve studied and tested all the different training systems with honest interest and effort and ever since I transformed my body from 149 lbs to 190 lbs in 6-months I discovered some new universal conclusions that I did not share in No Nonsense Muscle Building.

Introducing My Advanced Philosophies For Bodybuilding

1. There is no one way.

In No Nonsense Muscle Building, I shared the most efficient way for ultra skinny guys to pack on a bulk of muscle without drugs, supplements and in less time. My No Nonsense muscle system revolved around the cornerstone principles of muscle growth – consider this the appetizer meal. Tomorrow you’ll get the main course.

When it comes to advanced bodybuilding, there is simply no one way (or best way) anymore.  Think about it.  If there was one way to break through a plateau and start growing again, someone would have figured it out by now.  (The method I’ll be revealing on August 31st is the best way I’ve figured out how to maximize your muscle.)

Over the past two years I’ve climbed from 190-lbs to 210-lbs gaining 20 lbs of solid muscle.  In my world, I blew beyond my genetic potential.

How did I do it?  I began viewing all the different training methods and techniques like tools in a toolbox.  I broke some rules I made in No Nonsense Muscle Building and in the process I found new tools and when But matched to the right context, I received my desired outcome.

Imagine posting the following comment on a bodybuilding forum: “Vince recommends doing 2 sets of 50 reps for hypertrophy…” You would get eaten alive…. IF you failed to mention the context of the 2 x 50 reps.  What if the 2 sets of 50 were prescribed during a recovery week or a muscular endurance/definition phase?  What is it was strategically placed amongst other methods making up a 52-week program?

Failing to mention the context of a technique is what typically starts useless debates on forums and as I teach you the 12 Anabolic Targets that make up Maximize Your Muscle (my new program being released August 31st) you’ll see how everything works if it’s combined and structured in a precise manner.

Take home message: Many ways, 12 specifically, do work, if they are matched to the appropriate context and outcome.

2. Everything sets up the potential for results.

At least for a period of time.  Over the past 2 years I’ve experimented with practically every single program under the sun and guess what?  I produced specific results with 90% of them.  I experienced size gains, improvements in conditioning, better muscle recruitment, greater lactic acid tolerance, jumps in strength, better management of fatigue, higher work capacity and flexibility enhancement.

Each program I performed had a carry-over effect to the next program and that is typically how I continued to gain more muscle mass each month.  I simply became more fit by continuing to work on different targets of muscle growth and let their carry over effects kick in.

I understand that I can not only focus on improving my strength all year round because I can maximize my muscle with other methods that will have a carry-over effect when I return to the strength methods.

Take home message: There are many ways to set up the potential for results, 12 specifically, and each one should be focused on for a dedicated period of time before moving onto the next.

3. Every program has an expiration date.

Even mine.  You can probably remember the first time you did my Upside Down Training program, which is the 4-week prep program in NNMB.  I can’t count the number of emails from guys who end up in the bathroom and can’t believe how hard it is.  But it was not hard forever.  That means it’s reaching it’s expiration date because your body has adapted.

The more advanced you become the quicker your body adapts.  I’ve found that I can adapt to a new program within 3-4 weeks which is why all my training programs (the past 2 years specifically) are 4-weeks max in length before moving onto a different style or workout.

Take home message: Simply, your body will always react to any unfamiliar assault or challenge. Familiar attacks and challenges result in a yawn, metaphorically speaking.  I recommend advanced trainees seek change every 4-weeks (max) if they expect continued progress.

So there you have it!  HOW TO BLOW BEYOND YOUR GENETIC POTENTIAL.

You’ll be able to PROVE it to yourself on August 31st, 2010.  To wrap up I would like to ask you to share YOUR number one ADVANCED training philosophy below.

What ONE conclusion have you come to?  What is one commandment that has never failed you?  Feel free to share one of the same ones I already did if you can relate to mine.

By Vince DelMonte

In just a few days, I’ll be launching my latest masterpiece called Maximize Your Muscle. It includes advanced muscle routines and exclusive coaching to blow beyond your genetic potential.  

It will be released on Tuesday, Auguest 31st and I highly recommend you let me take care of your muscle and nutrition goals for the remainder of 2010.

Onto today’s latest post… It’s Not Your Fault You Hit A Plateau and then I have another question for you… Lets get started:

You May Have Hit A Plateau Right Now But Given What You Know It Was Inevitable. Here’s Why…

In fact, you had no other option but to plateau!

Please, don’t blame yourself for an extra second.

Research and science geeks claim: “It’s an unavoidable condition…” or “Everyone hits a plateau eventually…”

I agree with the nerds.

Catching a plateau is like catching a virus – eventually it’s your turn.

At some point your gains have slowed – and you’re just like 99% of the rest of the world, myself included.

So congratulations… you’re normal!

But who wants to be “normal” anyway? You don’t want to look like a “normal” guy—you want to look like something greater.

Well, you’re probably thinking how amazing it would be to blast through that plateau and go beyond — WAY BEYOND – your genetic potential.

If you have ever wanted an awe-inspiring one-of-a-kind body, well that’s normal too.

That’s right: it’s normal to want something beyond the norm.

Do Yourself A Favor And Keep Reading If You’re Ready To Slap Your Genetics In The Face…

…and only if you CAN deal with jealous “gym buddies” and family members shocked by your ripped “photo-shoot-ready” physique… Why?  Because on August 31st you’ll be given the keys to unlock this body.

Whether you have average or crappy genetics, developing a world-class physique and being the “talk of the town” may feel like a pipe dream…

…but a dream that certainly never dies as you’re always training hard and eating right – holding out hope that someone will come along and bail you out – providing the necessary help you need to make it possible to get that perfect body you so desperately strive for…

Sadly until this point, attempting to build a body completely ripped with layers upon layers of thick, dense muscle mass meant dabbling in illegal anabolic steroids or expensive Growth Hormone that will screw up your body in the long run and drain your back account.

Especially since poorly-designed programs have the plateau built right into it! I’ll explain that tomorrow… but for now:

95% Of Programs You’ve Tried Have The Plateau Built Right Into The Program!

How do I know this?

You see… unlike all those self-proclaimed fitness gurus you run into online, my programs come backed by science and REAL WORLD experience.

In 2002, I received my Kinesiology degree from the University of Western Ontario. Not some bogus online diploma mill or liberal arts degree. And it’s much more than your gyms own trainer certification program, which are nothing more than a weekend course followed by their photo being pasted on the gym wall.

The science of Kinesiology is more than a fancy word, but rather it is a critical science of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and lots of other boring academic subjects.  It’s a real University in London, Ontario, world-renowned for their cutting edge teaching on the special science of maximizing your genetic potential, accelerating metabolism and optimizing your growth hormones.

You may have flunked science in High School or not pursued a health and science degree which is cool but if you really want to know why you’ve plateaued, and why your body isn’t growing as quickly — or at all – you’ve got to know how your body really works. 

Not only do I have four years of Kin, but I have also combined that with six-years of in-the-trenches, real-world training experience, young and old, male and female, fat and skinny plus I have clients from over 120 different countries following my books - I guarantee I’ve worked with someone like you already.

Back when I started I was just applying what I was learning in Kin, but over the last eight years I’ve combined that with what I’ve seen work over and over again and eliminated everything else.

As long as you train one-way you’ll always be limited by your genetic potential and get left behind….

So What Are The 12 Anabolic Targets You Can Shoot For?

We’ll go into detail of the 12 Anabolic Targets tomorrow.

Listen: I’m not making this stuff up; you have twelve different ways to explode muscle growth all over your body. The medical journals are full of this stuff but most bodybuilding gurus don’t read those journals.

Why?

I don’t have a clue -

Or maybe I do have a clue. It could be that they’ve got their own physique purely because of genetics and if you do the same old crunches and curls they did, you’ll end up with the same body they got. (You won’t).

Or it could be that they were told, during their personal training certification weekend, what they were learning is all they needed to learn about bodybuilding, and that they shouldn’t bother learning anymore. (They should).

Or maybe they just don’t LIVE bodybuilding 24 hours a day and their focus on training starts at 5am with their shift, and ends at 2pm, five days a week. (It’s off to their other job as a waiter for the evening).

I have no idea but I DO read the research journals, I’ve got eight years of experience with this stuff. I live bodybuilding, all day, every day. I have no other job or mission but to teach you what I know.

As Long As You Train One-Way You’ll Always Be Limited By Your Genetic Potential And Get Left Behind.

So that’s my question for you today:

Name your TOP 3 ways to build muscle. Think about the different techniques you use to target different muscle fibers and systems of your body whether it’s your energy system, hormonal system, metabolic system or neural system…  Share your top 3 ways to maximize your muscle and blow beyond your genetic potential.

 You can post your comments below.  Tomorrow I’ll reveal the 12 Anabolic Targets that make up my new program Maximize Your Muscle program and you can find out how close you are to actually hitting your potential.

Most guys and gals are only targeting 1-2 ways (if they are lucky) so this will be eye-opening.  Most bodybuilding programs are lucky to hit 1-2 of these targets which is why the plateau is built right into the program!

Okay, what are your top 3 ways to build muscle? Share below…

By Vince DelMonte

Even the “gurus” say, “It’s impossible to grow beyond your genetic potential…”

Well, I’m In The Business Of Doing The Impossible!

I’ve been in the transformation business for eight years and helped over 20,000 people in 120 different countries go from scrawny-to-brawny, regular-to-ripped and flabby-to-firm.
My most successful students were always told that a jaw-dropping physique was impossible for them. Don’t believe me?  Click here to look a look at a small handful of success stories to see how some of them turned after sticking with me and following my advice.
 Today’s email was inspired by an email I get over-and-over and my response will reveal why I’ve been successful at being in the business of doing the impossible.

“Vince, there are a lot genetic factors that hold people back, stuff that’s beyond training and nutrition.  Things like recovery capacity, anatomy (muscle  attachments), muscle fiber type makeup, circulation, nervous system, bone structure, hormonal capacity, insulin sensitivity, mental factors, that kind  of thing. What’s your mindset and philosophy to the entire genetic limit debate?”

First off, I don’t debate.  I learn from doing.  Now to your question…

Many muscle “gurus” would actually entertain and analyze each of the genetic factors just listed but since I’m a no nonsense guy you’re not going to get a scientific reply from me.

Not because I don’t know the science but because I don’t see the point!

 I believe that you get what you focus on.  If you focus on your limitations than you find more limitations.  How is focusing on something we don’t have going to help us get something we want?

I understand they’re many people who need to understand the why before they can apply knowledge but I beg you to be partially ignorant on this subject.  This statement will make more sense after I reflect on my first body transformation in 2002:

One of the reasons, I believe, I gained 41 lbs of muscle in 6 months  is because I’ve always been a little naïve and gullible.  Too be honest, the first time someone said to me on a bodybuilding.com forum, “BS… there’s no way you gained that much muscle in 6 months…” I didn’t know how to reply.  I figured my results were normal, maybe a bit above average, but nothing to make people skeptical of.

I was always a doer and never an analyzer or reader… so the numbers didn’t mean anything to me.

If someone told me you could build 100 lbs of muscle in one month, I would have probably said, “Cool, lets get started.”  I was never inclined to read books on limits or listen to speakers tell me what was realistic.

Even when I was 15 years old I got a knee injury and the doctor told me flat out, “Your body was not born to run.”  That was one of the first time my blood boiled because someone was putting limits on me.  I didn’t listen to him.  The next summer I represented Canada at the World Triathlon Championships.

I was more interested in finding out my own limits by doing, not talking about.

My mentality was to always give 100% with whatever I had in front of me.  Sure I was probably missing a lot of tools but I maxed out what I did know and what I did have at my disposal.

Sure, after my transformation I didn’t become the biggest guy in the gym but I definitely wasn’t the smallest anymore.

And over the past eight years (past two years especially), by continuing to be ignorant on the subject of “limits” and “genetics”, I’ve gained another 20 lbs of muscle and have almost 200 lbs of solid muscle on my frame.  Not bad for an ex-long distance runner who was nicknamed “Skinny Vinny” eh?!

And even though I’m not winning bodybuilding competitions, my fiance Flavia doesn’t seem to mind and I’m sure your lucky lady won’t mind either – as long as you’re giving her the best you can be!

Another Reason I Hate Talking About “Genetic Limits”

I refuse to discuss subjects that limit the human will and spirit.

That mentality will not serve you. I would rather be gullible and naive and end up surprising myself (and others) in the process.

By applying this mentality to all areas of my life, even my finances, I earned a $45,000 check at the age of 25, in one day.  Check out this story:

When I decided to buy my first house, at the age of 22, I was broke with credit card debt.  Instead of thinking, “I can’t afford a house,” I thought, “How can I afford a house?” As soon as you say the word “can’t” your brain turns off and stops searching for a solution.  By using the word “can” your brain is forced to stay open and find a solution. Mine did.

By the age of 23, I stuck to my plan and saved $10,000 for a down payment on a home.  I rented it out for two years.  Flipped it.  And at the age of 25 my lawyer cut me a check for $45,000 (after expenses too).  That lump of cash gave me a huge head start on life and it all started with my mindset of, “How can I afford it.”

The word “can’t” should not even be apart of your vocabulary.

Show Me Your Friends And I’ll Show You Your Limits

You’ve probably heard of the saying, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”

I believe it’s equally true: Show me your friends and I’ll show you your limits. If your top five friends are all afraid of skydiving then I wouldn’t be surprised if you are too.  If all your friends are afraid to put their kids in swimming lessons because they are afraid the kids might drown then I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s your fear too.

Grasp the principle I just shared, don’t pick apart the examples.  They were just examples.  Moving on…

Hang out with certain people too long and their negative beliefs, limits and fears will become yours.

Please:  Don’t try this at home! This is one of those areas you want to take my word on.  Don’t test this theory out on your own.

Trust me and seek out friends who live with the mentality that anything is possible.  It will result in attracting these kind of people in your life.  One of the big secrets to blowing beyond your potential, in life, is avoiding people who live in fear and try to pass their negativity into your beliefs.

Most people who are non supportive and tell you to be “realistic” are jealous because you are pursuing something they want and failed at or don’t want to see you succeed at because you’ll prove that their beliefs are false.

Do you want to know why people would prefer you stay in your comfort zone and not push your limits?  When you change and grow and become a new person they are unable to control you or maintain the puppet strings they have on your life.

Let me give you an example.  My friend Joel is a very generous person.  If I called him up last minute to stay with him in Tampa he would gladly welcome me in.  I could say I’m only staying three days but what Joel does not know is that I’m broke, have no job, and no plans on leaving.  I know Joel will let me eat out of his fridge, extend my visit, not charge me rent and even take me out for fancy dinners.

I am exploiting Joel’s generosity in a selfish way.  So when Joel announces he’s going to a personal development conference that teaches you how to stand up for yourself etc I quickly advise him against that idea.  If Joel leaves his comfort zone and begins to grow then I will no longer be able to take advantage of him and I don’t like that.

Okay, that’s an extreme and intentional example but I trust you see the point. Take home message is this:

Be careful where you are getting your information from.  Often times people who talk about setting realistic goals, knowing your limits and advise against setting goals, are people who are imposing their fears and negative beliefs onto you.

My Question For You:

Now that I got your brain turning, “Is it impossible to blow beyond your genetic limits?” Do you like and/or share my mentality of being ignorant towards limits?  And feel free to share a story in any area of your life, like my house example, on how you blew beyond your own genetic limits.

Maybe you did the “impossible” with a career move, relationship, athletic event, a transformation or some sort of obstacle.  Tell me if it’s possible to blow beyond your genetic limits and if you have a story to back it up, share it.  Post your response below!  I want at least 75 responses on this one.