HighIntensity.net View Mike Mentzer Bodybuilding Topic

I′m considering making the switch finally to the consolidated routine, but am really concerned about the low volume. Mike said in some of his final underground seminars that it is the best routine for gaining the most muscle quickly. He even said he had a few PT clients that gained something like 40lb in like 6 months. Probably newbies, but an extra 40 pounds would put me just a little past 250 and at my ultimate mass goal before I start competing.

I know Dan uses it with great progress, but anyone else care to share experiences. I would like any comments any one can make, but am more interested in people who had been regularly training switching to it.

There′s also fbcoach, who′s a very experienced trainer who has reported great success in only a few sessions.

I really had the same concerns you did about the low volume. Just make up for it in intensity, and you′ll be pleased. When you start seeing yourself shatter all previous personal bests, then you′ll wonder why you waited so long to give it a try.

Best of luck,
Dan

I′m starting to show all the initial signs of overtraining. I had switched to more of a higher volume phase ala Vince Gironda′s 8×8/German Volume Training. I made some great gains over the past 1.5 month, but I′m afraid most of it is just glycogen over-compensation. I want to switch to a more long term focused program.

Blah, blah I′m going to take the next 7-10 days off to overcome any nagging overtraining and may just give the consolidated a shot. Everyone is quick to put it down, but you never hear many people giving it at actual go.

After decades of high volume, I began converting to HIT a few years ago. At first, I followed programs recommended by Dardin, Wescott, Philbin, etc. I resisted the pure consolidated routine until I found it discussed by Dr. Doug McGuff. Then, I re-read the Mentzer books, trying to work past Little′s uncritical admiration to the essential ideas. Your term "finally" applies, because this has been a process characterized by doubt and tempermental resistance. That said, the closer I approach Mentzer′s final version of the consolidated routine, the stronger I become. At present, I perform a somewhat "enriched" consolidated routine once a week. It still feels insufficient, but it works for me, and I hope it does for you, too. It may be worth mentioning that I rest completely during the day before and the day after my workout. Lower body, cardio, leg work, etc., occurs on two intense days mid-week. Good luck. Godan

Butters
All the truly worth wile things in life have some fear connected to them. That′s the way I felt and others felt before starting the Consolidated Routine. But the fact is if you use good intensity you be fine.
Go ahead take the jump!
Keep us posted.
Good Luck.
Bob