NOOB GAINS

Learn To Build Muscle

Blog

Is Old School Iron by Athlean-X for Beginners? (Review)

By

Athlean x old school iron image

Branded with a kick-ass name like “Old School Iron,” this Athlean-X training program sounds like a time warp to the 1970s.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was crowned Mr. Olympia, bodybuilding entered its “Golden Era,” and the Beatles dominated the airwaves (completely irrelevant, but still somehow relevant).

Routines revolved around clunky barbells, compound exercises, and full-body workouts.

Athlean-X promises that this routine exists because of the “iron legends” of the bodybuilding world. But if you’re hunting noob gains, there’s likely one nagging thought holding you back:

Is Old School Iron by Athlean-X for beginners?

[Read more…] about Is Old School Iron by Athlean-X for Beginners? (Review)

Weight Training Builds More Than Strength (Statistics)

By

Weight training statistics image

We all lace up our Nikes, knockback pre-workout blends, and bee-line to our gym’s free weight section for our own reasons.

Some of us pump iron for the strength-building perks.

Others lift with the hopes of turning an M into an XL.

A few stragglers — gym bros — want nothing more than to gloat about their 200-pound bench when they post the clip on Instagram (you know exactly who I’m talking about).

The truth is, weight training builds more than just strength. These 17 statistics will reveal the true benefits of resistance training!

[Read more…] about Weight Training Builds More Than Strength (Statistics)

Using Calisthenics to Build a Greek God Physique

By

Greek god physique calisthenics image

After dabbling in the gym for a while and packing on some long-sought-after noob gains, you picked up on somewhat of a trend: heavy barbells + high intensity = sheer mass.

In fact, us lumping the terms “calisthenics” and “Greek God physique” together in the same title probably triggered some skepticism.

There’s no way in hell you can look like a Greek God with little more than your body weight, right?

We hate to break it to you, but you’d be both incorrect and naive.

Now, let’s talk about the link between calisthenics and the Greek God physique & how the Ancient Grecian warriors used bodyweight exercises to reach peak athleticism.

[Read more…] about Using Calisthenics to Build a Greek God Physique

An Aesthetic Chest Workout for Bigger Pecs

By

Aesthetic chest workout image

Your first pit stop after walking through those gym doors is where ‘men become boys,’ parting the crowd to claim your spot in the bench press line.

But the progress is somehow evading all logic.

You add 45 after 45, can bench 1.5x your body weight, and make steady progress every week. And, yet, your chest gains are stalling, and your pecs look … well … less than impressive.

A shirtless jog or beach day should be a point of pride, not shame!

Check out our aesthetic chest workout for bigger pecs that’ll turn at the gym, the beach, and everywhere in between.

[Read more…] about An Aesthetic Chest Workout for Bigger Pecs

The Protein Bar Fitness Trend (Market Size & Growth)

By

Protein bar industry statistics image

Some thirty-five years ago, the California-based PowerBar company launched the first-ever commercial energy bar designed with endurance athletes in mind.

The invention later spiraled into the modern-day protein bar, packing over 20g of the muscle-building nutrient in a wrapped, chocolatey, & easy-carry serving.

Just grab a bar from the pantry, toss it in your gym bag, and that’s it!

Today, the protein bar fitness trend is a multi-billion dollar industry. Check out these fascinating protein bar market size & growth statistics to put “sports nutrition” into a better perspective.

[Read more…] about The Protein Bar Fitness Trend (Market Size & Growth)

Beachbody’s Hammer and Chisel Workout Program (Review)

By

Hammer and chisel review image

With a badass name like “Hammer and Chisel” and Beachbody elites like Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese coming together for a collaboration, H & C seems like the most logical next step.

The before and after pictures are envy-inducing, and, from the outset, it looks like 60 days from now, you’ll hit the trifecta: shed weight, gain mass, and look beach-ready.

But we’ve been down that road before.

If you’re taking the first step in your journey or want to plan the next chapter after P90X or Body Beast, here’s everything you need to know about Beachbody’s Hammer and Chisel Program.

[Read more…] about Beachbody’s Hammer and Chisel Workout Program (Review)

P90X Workout Review: Schedule, Cost, Equipment, & Results

By

P90x workout review image

“Sooner or later, everything old is new again.”

P90X — Power 90 Extreme — made its debut 15+ years ago, sweeping the airwaves with its 3 a.m. infomercials featuring Tony Horton’s voice echoing through a dim fitness studio.

That clunky 12-DVD set is now neatly packaged in Beachbody On Demand’s online module. And, when COVID-19 ravaged the nation and shuttered gyms, P90X saw an unexpected resurgence.

You heard that right: P90X is back, baby!

Now, it’s our turn to sift through this 90-day circuit program to learn three things: whether you’ll get ripped in 90 days, survive a 6+ day-a-week program, and build considerable strength/torch fat.

Let’s find out!

[Read more…] about P90X Workout Review: Schedule, Cost, Equipment, & Results

Does Joel Freeman’s 10 Rounds Work? (Beachbody Review)

By

10 rounds review image

Any boxing superfan will tell you that surviving ten rounds in the ring without a K.O. is the mark of an elite prizefighter.

And, if you’ve caught wind of the 10 Rounds boxing-centric workout program, you might have a few questions buzzing through your mind.

Joel Freeman is ripped (there’s no disputing that).

But was this the program behind his bulky yet cut physique? Is it a fun way to stay active, or will it leave you in beach-ready shape? Does it actually shed stubborn body fat like the ads suggest?

Here’s the blow-by-blow of Joel Freeman’s 10 Rounds routine from Beachbody On Demand.

[Read more…] about Does Joel Freeman’s 10 Rounds Work? (Beachbody Review)

15 Grim Statistics on College Students Eating Habits

By

College student diet statistics image

Fleeing the nest and lavishing in that newfound college “freedom” is an eye-opening change for fresh-faced 18-year-olds dying to test boundaries.

But while all colleges hide mythical urban legends in their history, one college “myth” is very real and very widespread:

The dreaded Freshman 15 (or 5, or 30).

Just how reckless are those all-you-can-eat on-campus meal plans, nearby 24/7 fast food joints, and vending machines in seemingly every nook and cranny?

Pretty bad. Check out these 15 grim statistics on college student eating habits.

[Read more…] about 15 Grim Statistics on College Students Eating Habits

How to Build a Greek God Physique (Workout, Diet & More)

By

Greek god physique image

Some amateur bodybuilders wake up at 5 a.m., crush through 90-minute training sessions, sacrifice alcohol and cheat meals, and commit to nothing but “clean” eating.

All in the name of pushing their bodies to their limits.

Others choose a celebrity or athlete with rock-hard abs and bulging biceps they too crave.

Maybe it’s Hugh Jackman (circa Wolverine), Bruce Lee, Rocky-era Sylvester Stallone, or none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

But what happens when your ideal physique dates back to 900 BC Ancient Greece?

If you’re itching for a symmetrical, bulky, and low-fat build, here’s the ultimate guide to building a Greek God physique — from the workout and diet to ideal measurements.

[Read more…] about How to Build a Greek God Physique (Workout, Diet & More)