The Advanced Guide to Building Muscle - and Getting Strong (The Build Muscle

Best book I've ever read related to exercise science, practical application of current scientific knowledge and standards, and in a very simplistic way was written so no matter what your intelligence is like you can read this book and understand every concept first time around. 10/10 Review

Even if you are an advanced bodybuilder, I would read Bigger, Leaner, Stronger first. I ran across Michael Matthew's site by accident, just researching something about working out when I was trying to put a program together for myself. Of course, when reading the articles on his site, his books are advertised. At first, I'd just close them all and continue looking at different stuff. The thing is, I read so many people's rants about how great his books were, I finally just said what the hell and bought BLS. I'm fifty one and figured I've spend so many thousands of dollars on books, magazines, equipment, supplements and flat out bulls*** over the years, what was another ten bucks, right? Another thing was that he answers questions pretty quickly and I was impressed by this.

All I can say is that if you actually read these books cover to cover, and actually listen to and do the things (including diet, folks...NO CHEATING), it is the best bodybuilding program ever put together. Yeah, strong words for sure, but after three and a half decades of failure, I was ready to blindly follow what looked to be the most sensible and complete thing I'd ever read about bodybuilding. Even then, I still farted around just picking and choosing what I wanted from his teachings for a few weeks until one Sunday I sat down and just said "screw it...I'm all in." I sat for nearly an entire day and worked out my diet, sodium levels and all, and I have basically eaten the exact same thing every day since. Now that doesn't mean that YOU have to do that, but I can deal with it. The first eight weeks have been incredible. I've doubled and tripled my strength on every single lift, and while the scale is still saying the same thing, I've went down a whole size in clothing. Yes, I've put on muscle and lost fat. I'm five eleven, 250 lbs, and suddenly people are saying that they can't believe how I look after a few weeks. Do you know what it's like having a girl in her mid 20s wink and say "keep it up, sexy"? I sure didn't until about a week ago, lol.

I bought this book as soon as it came out, even though I knew I wouldn't be using it for a long time because (A) I like to "master" things, so I wanted to read it over and over before I ever needed to put it to use and (B) I was craving more. What I've found, is that this book helped me understand Bigger, Leaner, Stronger better, and some of the theory is a bit more in-depth, if you are into that. I also found a continued inspiration and new way to look at things from the first few chapters. Like I said, I'm into mastery, so I still read BLS over and over, but to me, these two are simply one book. I have also purchased Muscle Myths and a few others that Mike has written and they are all fine reads, but these two books are kind of like Led Zeppelin 1 through 4, or Rush 2112 through Moving Pictures--if you are going to get something, get these first. They are his Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall...enough classic rock comparisons, lol. There is a lot in these books you may not care to read, and I believe that Michael puts all of this in there because some of us want to get into the theory and science as much as he does. Some of us do not. For those that do, all the extra information is freaking outstanding. For those that don't, you know what? Skip over it. This sounds like an infomercial pitch, but after knowing what I know, I would have paid anything for it. You get EVERYTHING. The workouts, the theory, the science, the diet planning, proper form and info on where to go to get it for every exercise, how to cheat on your diet, when to take a week off, when to change it up, when and how much and WHAT cardio to do, you name it. Also, use his website. It is fantastic, and he answers your questions within a few days, a week tops. This is impressive considering that they come from many different sources. Michael doesn't just take your money and run, he is invested in your success and never, ever makes you feel like you've asked a stupid question, which I know I have!

If you have not read Bigger Leaner Stronger I would recommend you buy that book first. However, this book is great as long as you have some background in weight lifting/nutrition. I would recommend it to anybody!

Builds effectively on the first book and synthesizes lots of good information. Well-balanced lifting program, although the layout of the workout descriptions left me jumping back and forth a bit (no big deal, though).

Honestly, I can't say enough good about Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger and Mike Matthews. I stumbled across his first book in this series (Bigger Leaner Stronger) about 8 months ago and, even though I thought it wouldn't work, decided to try it. At present, I'm down 40 lbs and have more muscle than I ever had in my life (I was a serial 3 sets of 10 lifter). Simply put, Mike Matthews has figured out a formula for success that works. No gimmicks, no BS. Move heavy weights, eat right, get big and strong. Pretty simple.

In BBLS, Mike delves into a program for the advanced lifter. His recommendation is 1-2 years of lifting via the BLS program before jumping in, but I couldn't wait. I'm in my 2nd week and I LOVE the tweaks in this advanced program. Even though I haven't reached my goal yet, it's awesome to walk by a mirror and feel good about yourself and your body. It's also pretty awesome to add weight to the bar and/or pick up a weight that used to be your max and realize it's now part of your warm ups. Mike's programs work. Period.

If you're overweight, out of shape, or aren't happy with your body, then I would unconditionally recommend reading both BLS and BBLS. They will change your life.

It is a great follow up to "Bigger, leaner, stronger." I have recommended both books to friends and family members who are wanting to lose weight, increase strength and tone their body the healthy way.

The advanced level of bls, this book takes you one step further towards gaining that extra muscle out of your newbie gains years, a nice buy for those who are dedicated and want to keep on making gains

Take your weight training success beyond your wildest expectations....Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger will not only take you to the "next" level, but also to every other level....Worth ten times the cost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought this book under the impression that it was a revised version of BLS but it's actually a sequel and you cannot get much from this book unless you have read the original. I did read this book and it's a bunch of fluff. In all fairness. I am not a bodybuilder. I am looking to get back in shape and fell for the hype of this book. It may be useful if you're a bodybuilder.

I just wished it was marketed as a sequel instead of being tricked out of $15.

The Sequel to Bigger, Leaner, Stronger. If you are a self motivator and are tired of being lied to by the fitness industry then you need to read both books. The truth is achieving the body you want naturally is not as difficult as it may seem. The fitness magazines will not tell you the complete truth of why they look the way they do in those magazines. If you are willing to follow the simple guidelines of fitness described in this book your body will transform and then you will be the person that people look at and ask for weight lifting tips as it has happened to me Since changing my workout regimen described in this awesome book! Enjoy your transformation!!!!

Great sequel to Bigger Leaner & Stronger. I can't wait to implement all of this new material. I'm still on the Bigger Leaner Stronger workout plan so I have to be patient and work through the process.

This book is perfect for the experienced weightlifter wondering what to do after the days of newbie gains are a distant memory. Bigger Leaner Stronger is great for making the most of newbie gains and continue making gains for those who are more experienced. Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger, however, is perfect for those who are reaching the point where progress is becoming difficult.
Here are my gains over the past 8 weeks compared to my previous 8 week gains
Exercise--------Beyond BLS Program-------Previous Program---Change in Gains
Bench Press----------20 lbs.---------------------10 lbs.---------------10 lbs. (2X)
Deadlift---------------40 lbs.---------------------10 lbs.---------------30 lbs. (4X)
Military Press---------15 lbs.---------------------5 lbs.----------------10 lbs. (3X)
Squat-----------------30 lbs.---------------------10 lbs.---------------20 lbs. (3X)
I have been lifting weights using these exercises for about two years now so I am normally just thrilled to see modest progress every two months. My gains using Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger are not just great because they are fairly large but also because I continually made gains most weeks.
There are also chapters on everything from the Paleo Diet (healthy but don't need to take it to extremes) to breaking through weightlifting plateaus (signs of physical impediments like overtraining, how to increase rep range or weight etc.).
Finally, the best part is the free bonus report at the end of the book which provides a year's worth of workout plans. I use these workout plans while keeping track of my progress and have been thrilled with my results!

After reading bigger leaner stronger and getting in the best shape of my life...I knew I had to buy his second book. It has exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to continue on my fitness journey. Mike is the man!!

I just finished reading Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger. I've read many books in the field of nutrition and exercise. Most of these books are advocating a very specific approach. For example, fasting, paleo, carb cycling. The variations seem to be limitless. If you are looking for a book that addresses the most current thinking on all of these topics and finally gives you a game plan to move forward with an effective approach, then this book is worth a read. Following a diet isn't easy. But what is harder is thinking there is something better out there. This book clearly explained to me the available options and how to incorporate them given my preferences. On the training side, the workout is the next evolution of his first book Bigger Leaner Stronger. There was even a link for a specific full year of training for lean muscle gains.

One of the greatest and most informative books I've read to date! I acquired a lot of new knowledge and really enjoyed reading it! I would reccomend it to anyone in the fitness & nutrition industry!