Built on Mentzer — But Pushed Further
My training isn’t guesswork. It’s rooted in intensity — influenced by Mike Mentzer’s principles, but taken a step further with my own twist. It’s structured chaos: heavy, instinctive, and built around the idea of not just reaching failure… but blowing past it.
The Progressive Intensity Method
I start every session with progression in mind. Each set ramps up the effort:
- Set 1: 65–75% intensity — feel the movement, connect with the muscle
- Set 2: 75–85% — dial in the weight and tighten form
- Set 3: 85–95% — start grinding
- Set 4: 95–100% — all-out effort
- Beyond failure: partials, negatives, or a burnout set
This structure primes me for real work and allows me to overload the muscle systemically, not randomly.
Adaptation Is Key: Pre-Exhaust, Post-Exhaust, and Supersets
Some days, I add a layer of strategic fatigue. I might throw in pre-exhaust sets — like dumbbell flies before pressing movements — to make the main lift hit harder. Other times, I’ll finish a muscle with a post-exhaust move — like chin-ups after pulldowns — to drain every last drop of strength.
It’s usually just 1 or 2 sets — enough to push the edge without crossing into junk volume.
I also superset certain movements when I want more intensity or time efficiency. But again, it’s intentional — not just for sweat or heart rate, but for tension and progression.
Straight Sets, Drop Sets, and Reverse Pyramids
No single method dominates my training. I use:
- Straight Sets for consistent volume and workload
- Drop Sets to chase fatigue and pump
- Reverse Pyramids to start heavy and strip down
- Ladder Sets — high to low, then back up — to really test capacity
Machines, Dumbbells, Barbells — Use What Works
I don’t care about ego lifting. If machines give me the best contraction, I’ll use them. If I need raw overload, I’ll hit the barbell. Dumbbells when I want control. It all fits — it’s about what gets results, not what looks impressive.
Rep Ranges: Mostly 12, Always Adjustable
I usually aim for around 12 reps — that sweet spot for hypertrophy and fat loss. But I’ll go lower if I’m chasing strength, or higher if I want to flush the muscle. I adjust based on the day, the goal, and how I’m feeling.
The Goal: Build Something Undeniable
Most people stop at failure. That’s where I start.
Every session has a purpose — to build something real, raw, and earned. I’m not training to impress anyone. I’m training to build something they can’t ignore.
Final Note:
If this kind of training speaks to you — if you’re tired of fluff, shortcuts, and surface-level effort — stick around. I’m documenting the entire process. The journey. The transformation.
Subscribe, follow, or grab one of my training plans when you’re ready to stop coasting and start building.
