High-Intensity Training the Mike Mentzer Way [Kindle Edition]

Mike Menzter never set out to influence or sell to anyone. If you are mentally ready you will find him and his work. What really surprised me was it felt that half of this book was purely philosophy, which went over my head until I studied further. But this was actually the most life changing part for the book! He wants his readers to think for themselves rationally and not adapt even his system without thinking for themselves. This is to be appauded. His writing suggests he thinks the brain is the most important part of the body.

His training method is radical and I imagine it would be emotionally difficult for people to accept it, fly in the face of what society believes, and go against what the exercise media brainwashes us with.

For 5 weeks I have been using his method, 20 minutes once every 5-7 days and my muscular and strength transformation have scared my wife. Everyone around me has commented on the sudden transformation. I dont take any suppliments, just a regular diet (+500 extra calories) with extra attention to good unprocessed foods, low sugar. But even without the visible results Mentzer is so logical in his approach that a rational person cannot come to conclusion other than this is the final word. However, the 20 minutes are the most intense and painful training I have ever undergone. And then the extended days off required from the gym are frustrating. You feel like you are not doing enough. But if you have done Squats and Deadlifts to true failure at very slow cadence you will understand there is nothing more demanding or painful in exercise. Despite the maximum effort, because its so controlled at slow speed, I feel this is also the safest exercise activity I have done.

This is the truth about switching on the fitness growth button, with no hidden agenda, or lust for profit at the expense of the reader.

Best Bits:
Training the Mike Mentzer Way:
(a) 15-45mins training sessions
(b) Honesty about Bodybuilding Marketing
(c) Max 3 days per week training system
Franco Columbo's Nutrition Book:
(a) Set diets for body/training type
(b) Natural foods to lose fat and gain muscle
(c) Vitamins section and guide was helpful
(d) Food list and protein quality list

It is best to think of the book as consisting of two parts. The first part is Mentzer laying out the underlying philosophical and scientific principles that form the backbone of his version of high intensity training. The second part is the practical end, from a discussion of the merits of free weights versus machines, to exercise descriptions, a basic and advanced routine, and tips on how to prepare yourself mentally and set goals, the practical part is pretty comprehensive. To round off the book there is also some advice from Mentzer on how to prepare for bodybuilding competitions.

Mentzer's writing style may not suit everybody, but the book contains some really good ideas and information. The main weakness with Mentzer's writing though is that he was completely in thrall to a minor league philosopher called Ayn Rand, and this does affect the quality of his arguments, leading to a kind of stilted and blunt approach that lacks finesse.

I recommend that you also search out a copy of Mentzer's 'Heavy Duty 2: Mind and Body' which is his best work on weight training, and covers everything from static contractions to finding the right routine for your recovery ability. Heavy Duty 2 is not perfect and also suffers from Mentzer's over fondness for Ayn Rand, but it contains the best of Mentzer's training knowledge and is therefore essential if you want to go down the high intensity path.