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Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger

Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger

The Advanced Guide to Building Muscle, Staying Lean, and Getting Strong
by Michael Matthews 2014 360 pages
4.18
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Progressive overload and compound lifts are the keys to building muscle and strength

"The absolute unalterable foundation of proper diet boils down to energy in vs. energy out and to eating proper ratios of protein, carbs, and fat."

Compound exercises rule. Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and military presses should form the core of your training program. These movements engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, allowing you to lift heavier weights and stimulate more muscle growth.

Progressive overload is essential. To continue making gains, you must gradually increase the demands on your muscles over time. This can be done by:

  • Increasing weight
  • Increasing reps
  • Improving form
  • Decreasing rest time between sets

The Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger program emphasizes heavy compound lifting in the 4-6 rep range for most sets, with some variation in rep ranges to target different muscle fiber types and energy systems.

2. Proper nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss

"Eating a healthy, low-carb diet doesn't mean you automatically lose weight—you have to maintain a caloric deficit."

Calories matter most. To lose fat, you must be in a calorie deficit. To gain muscle, you need a slight calorie surplus. Track your food intake meticulously, especially when trying to get very lean.

Macronutrient balance is key:

  • Protein: 1-1.2g per pound of body weight
  • Carbs: Moderate to high (40-50% of calories) for muscle growth
  • Fats: 20-30% of calories for hormonal health

Meal timing is secondary. While pre and post-workout nutrition can be optimized, overall daily intake is more important than meal frequency or timing for most people.

3. Advanced training techniques can break through plateaus

"As time goes on, making gains becomes harder and harder, which makes falling into a rut easier and easier."

Periodization is crucial. The Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger program uses concurrent periodization, incorporating different rep ranges in each workout:

  • Power Sets (1-3 reps)
  • Myofibrillar Hypertrophy Sets (4-6 reps)
  • Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy Sets (8-10 reps)

Break through plateaus with:

  • Microloading (smaller weight increases)
  • Rest-pause sets
  • Manipulating rep ranges
  • Addressing weak points with targeted exercises
  • Ensuring adequate recovery and sleep

Remember that progress slows as you approach your genetic potential. Patience and consistency become even more important for advanced lifters.

4. Flexibility and mobility work enhance performance and prevent injury

"Impaired lower-body flexibility and mobility can seriously mess with your ability to train your legs and back properly."

Mobility is foundational. Poor mobility can limit your ability to perform exercises with proper form, reducing effectiveness and increasing injury risk. Focus on:

  • Hip mobility
  • Ankle flexibility
  • Shoulder mobility

Incorporate regular mobility work:

  • Foam rolling
  • Dynamic stretching
  • Static stretching (post-workout)
  • Mobility-specific exercises (e.g., hip flexor stretches, ankle mobilizations)

Dedicating time to mobility work can significantly improve your lifting performance, allowing for better form, increased range of motion, and reduced risk of injury.

5. Getting shredded requires strategic diet and training adjustments

"Getting below 8 or 9% body fat (men) or 18 or 19% (women) requires that you plan and track your macronutrient intake closely. Period."

Gradual calorie reduction is key. As you get leaner, you'll need to slowly reduce calories to continue losing fat. Start with a 20% deficit and adjust as needed.

Preserve muscle mass:

  • Maintain high protein intake (1-1.2g per pound)
  • Continue lifting heavy weights
  • Use HIIT cardio sparingly

Strategic refeeds. Incorporate high-carb refeed days every 5-7 days to boost leptin levels and maintain metabolic rate.

Supplement wisely. Consider using:

  • Caffeine for energy and fat oxidation
  • Green tea extract for metabolism support
  • Yohimbine for stubborn fat (if tolerated)

Getting to very low body fat levels requires patience, precision, and a willingness to be uncomfortable at times.

6. Maintaining low body fat is achievable with the right approach

"Maintaining single-digit body fat percentages doesn't require that you live on the brink of starvation, avoid all "cheat" foods, or kill yourself in the gym."

Reverse diet after cutting. Slowly increase calories to bring your metabolism back up without gaining significant fat.

Use calorie cycling. Eat more on training days and less on rest days to support muscle growth while staying lean.

Strategic cheating. Plan higher-calorie meals around workouts to minimize fat storage. Deplete glycogen before big meals to create a "carb sink" effect.

Maintain insulin sensitivity:

  • Regular exercise
  • Intermittent fasting (if preferred)
  • Supplement with fish oil and green tea extract

With the right approach, maintaining a lean physique year-round is achievable without extreme deprivation or constant struggle.

7. Popular diets like intermittent fasting and carb cycling have pros and cons

"Intermittent fasting won't turn you into a superhuman, but fasting itself has plenty of health benefits."

Intermittent fasting:
Pros:

  • Can improve insulin sensitivity
  • May enhance fat loss for some
  • Simplifies meal planning
    Cons:
  • Can be difficult to adhere to
  • May impact workout performance
  • Not necessary for results

Carb cycling:
Pros:

  • Can help with adherence during fat loss
  • May optimize nutrient partitioning
    Cons:
  • Complicated to implement
  • Not inherently superior for fat loss

Paleo diet:
Pros:

  • Emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods
  • Can improve health markers
    Cons:
  • Unnecessarily restrictive for some
  • May lack certain nutrients

Remember that any diet can work if it creates a calorie deficit (for fat loss) or surplus (for muscle gain). Choose an approach that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

8. Supplements can aid fitness goals, but beware of industry deception

"The reality is the workout supplement industry is plagued by pseudoscience, ridiculous hype, misleading advertising and endorsements, products full of junk ingredients, the underdosing of key ingredients, and many other shenanigans."

Effective supplements:

  • Protein powder (for convenience)
  • Creatine monohydrate
  • Caffeine
  • Fish oil

Be wary of:

  • Proprietary blends
  • Underdosed ingredients
  • Exaggerated marketing claims
  • Endorsements from steroid-using athletes

Do your research. Look for supplements with:

  • Transparent labeling
  • Clinically effective dosages
  • Third-party testing
  • Scientifically proven ingredients

While supplements can enhance your results, they are not magic and cannot replace proper diet and training. Focus on the fundamentals first, and use supplements as a small boost to an already solid program.

Last updated:

FAQ

1. What is Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews about?

  • Advanced fitness guide: Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger is an advanced, science-based guide for experienced weightlifters who want to build muscle, stay lean, and get strong after mastering the foundational Bigger Leaner Stronger program.
  • Comprehensive approach: The book covers advanced training, nutrition, supplementation, mobility, injury prevention, and mindset, aiming for a sustainable, healthy, and aesthetic physique.
  • Evidence-based principles: Matthews debunks fitness myths and focuses on proven strategies for long-term results, emphasizing that consistent, small improvements are more effective than quick fixes.

2. Why should I read Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews after Bigger Leaner Stronger?

  • Sequel for progression: The book is designed as a true sequel, assuming readers have already mastered the basics and are ready to break through intermediate and advanced plateaus.
  • Advanced periodization and nutrition: It introduces more complex training methods like concurrent periodization and refined nutrition strategies for maintaining low body fat and peak conditioning.
  • Long-term sustainability: Matthews provides tools for building a competition-worthy physique without making fitness the sole focus of your life.

3. What are the key takeaways from Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews?

  • Concurrent periodization: Training multiple rep ranges in each session maximizes muscle growth, strength, and endurance.
  • Nutrition for advanced lifters: Strategies like reverse dieting, high protein intake, and flexible meal planning help maintain muscle while getting shredded.
  • Lifestyle integration: The book emphasizes sustainable habits, mobility work, and mindset shifts for lifelong fitness and health.

4. What are the main training principles in Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews?

  • Concurrent periodization: Each workout includes strength (1-3 reps), power bodybuilding (4-6 reps), and hypertrophy (8-10 reps) sets to target all muscle growth pathways.
  • Compound lifts focus: Heavy compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses form the program’s core, with isolation work for weak points.
  • Progressive overload: The program uses structured 6-week mesocycles, focusing on increasing reps before adding weight to ensure continuous progress.

5. How does Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews explain muscle growth and hypertrophy?

  • Two types of hypertrophy: The book distinguishes between myofibrillar (muscle fiber growth) and sarcoplasmic (muscle cell fluid) hypertrophy, emphasizing the importance of both.
  • Three growth pathways: Progressive tension overload, muscle damage, and metabolic stress are all targeted through varied rep ranges and intensities.
  • Fiber type targeting: Different rep ranges are used to stimulate various muscle fiber types, ensuring comprehensive muscle development.

6. What is concurrent periodization in Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews, and how does it work?

  • Definition: Concurrent periodization involves training multiple rep ranges (strength, power, hypertrophy) within the same workout, as opposed to linear or nonlinear periodization.
  • Purpose: This approach prevents plateaus and optimizes gains in strength, size, and endurance simultaneously.
  • Structure: The program cycles through 6-week mesocycles, including normal, power, and deload weeks for balanced progress and recovery.

7. What advanced nutrition strategies does Michael Matthews recommend in Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger?

  • Reverse dieting: Gradually increasing calories after a cut boosts metabolism and helps maintain low body fat without rapid fat regain.
  • High protein intake: Consuming about 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight preserves muscle during fat loss.
  • Flexible dieting: Meal timing and frequency are flexible, but planning and tracking calories and macros are emphasized for consistency and enjoyment.

8. How does Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews recommend getting shredded without losing muscle?

  • Slow, steady fat loss: Aim for 0.5 to 1 pound of fat loss per week, especially below 10% body fat, to minimize muscle loss.
  • Maintain resistance training: Continue heavy lifting and avoid excessive cardio to preserve muscle mass.
  • Hunger and meal planning: Use mild calorie deficits, high protein, and strategic meal planning to control hunger and sustain the diet.

9. What are Michael Matthews’ recommendations for managing weak points in your physique in Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger?

  • Increased training frequency: Train weak points more often, ensuring 3-4 days of rest between sessions to avoid overtraining.
  • Additional targeted sets: Add specific myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic hypertrophy sets for lagging muscles, either on separate days or after main workouts.
  • Exercise selection and patience: Use exercises that directly target weak areas, avoid excessive volume, and be consistent for gradual improvement.

10. How does Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews address hunger control and diet sustainability?

  • High protein and fiber: A diet with 30-40% of calories from protein and plenty of fiber helps reduce appetite and preserve muscle.
  • Carbohydrate management: Moderate carb intake supports leptin levels and satiety, while avoiding extreme carb restriction.
  • Behavioral strategies: Eat slowly, drink water with meals, avoid high-glycemic carbs, and prioritize sleep to regulate hunger hormones.

11. What does Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews say about supplementation for fat loss and muscle gain?

  • Supplements are secondary: Proper diet and training are the foundation; supplements can enhance results but are not magic solutions.
  • Evidence-based choices: Recommended supplements include caffeine, green tea extract, yohimbine, and synephrine for fat loss, and fish oil and spirulina for health.
  • Proper dosing and timing: Matthews provides clinically effective dosages and cautions against overuse, especially of stimulants during maintenance phases.

12. How does Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews help you maintain muscle and strength with minimal exercise or while traveling?

  • Low-frequency maintenance: Training once or twice per week with sufficient intensity can maintain or even increase muscle and strength.
  • Efficient workouts: Focus on heavy compound lifts and structured routines (e.g., push/pull splits or full-body sessions) for maximum results in limited time.
  • Travel strategies: Use portable protein sources, track macros with apps, and utilize hotel gyms or bodyweight circuits to stay on track while away from home.

Review Summary

4.18 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Readers praise Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger as a valuable follow-up to Matthews' previous work. They appreciate its science-based approach, detailed information on advanced training techniques, and debunking of fitness myths. Many find it helpful for progressing beyond beginner levels, with insights on nutrition, flexibility, and maintaining low body fat. Some reviewers note that the book is most beneficial for those already familiar with Matthews' earlier work. While most reviews are highly positive, a few readers found the content less groundbreaking than the original book.

Your rating:
4.59
28 ratings

About the Author

Michael Matthews is a fitness author and trainer with nearly a decade of experience. He is committed to providing scientifically-backed advice to help individuals achieve their ideal physiques. Matthews eschews the promotion of fad diets or unnecessary supplements, instead focusing on proven methods for building muscle and losing fat. He has developed a following through his books and website, MuscleForLife.com, where he shares workout plans, nutritional guidance, and motivational content. Matthews' approach emphasizes the accessibility of fitness goals for everyone, regardless of their starting point. His work aims to cut through industry misinformation and provide practical, effective strategies for physical transformation.

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