Introduction to the Maximum Muscularity Series

Written on May 2, 2007 at 3:31 pm, by Eric Cressey

Typically, whenever a trainee aspiring to improve his physique utters, “I want to gain muscle and lose fat…”, he is immediately greeted by eager critics from opposite ends of the spectrum. First, there are those experts that pounce on the opportunity to suppress such a bold quest. They proclaim that such a task is doomed for failure, and simply respond with an unscientific, “You can’t. Choose one or the other.” In contrast, there are those that say that such a mission is rather simple. While the former cynics are just downright ignorant, the latter faction is just as useless, offering no other advice than one must train hard and eat right. Uh, duh! With that in mind, we’d like to introduce a plan that we feel will lead to what many call the Holy Grail of Bodybuilding: Maximum Muscularity.

The term “Maximum Muscularity” elicits a beautiful vision of the classic physique of someone like Arnold or Serge Nubret. Maximum Muscularity isn’t just about being ripped…yet of beanpole proportions, nor is it just about being huge–yet uncomfortably rotund. Rather, Maximum Muscularity is fusion of the two: being Ripped and Huge; it’s about becoming a walking, super-sized anatomy chart. It’s about pushing the envelope of one’s capabilities to add muscle and lose fat.

In a broad sense, the ultimate goal of Maximum Muscularity is to gain muscle mass and lose fat mass. However, the principles of Maximum Muscularity also apply to gaining muscle while keeping bodyfat constant OR to losing fat while maintaining all hard-earned muscle–both scenarios involve a drop in percent body fat.

The context in which you view the aforementioned goals is paramount to the realization of these favorable scenarios. Rather than asking “How do I gain muscle and lose fat at the same time?”, we ask you to ponder, “How do I gain muscle and lose fat in the same training period?” Our reasoning is very simple; at any given moment in time, the body is either in a state of anabolism (i.e. tissue-synthesizing: muscle or fat gain) or catabolism (tissue-destroying: breakdown of triglyceride, glycogen or protein stores). This is not to say, however, that one cannot control the shift from anabolism to catabolism or vice versa at various times throughout the day. With the Maximum Muscularity protocol, you will do just that.

This approach departs from the traditional Bulk and Cut scheme to which so many trainees adhere. This plan is especially well suited to those individuals who tend to store fat easily and gain more fat than muscle during traditional bulking cycles; it can and should be applied year-round and for long-term purposes. In short, there is absolutely no need to deviate from the Maximum Muscularity plan, as it is easily adapted to suit any physique goal and provides great versatility.

Gaining muscle and losing fat in the same training period is the culmination of diligent training and dietary practices. Paramount to achieving this lofty goal is the creation of a superior anabolic state and enhanced insulin sensitivity through various dietary and training measures. From a nutritional standpoint, you’ll be paying specific attention to nutrient timing and energy intake to capitalize on and manage your body’s hormonal milieu in order to promote muscle gain and fat loss. Likewise, your training protocol is of paramount importance to providing the anabolic and metabolic stimuli necessary to accomplish such a mythical feat. That said, stay-tuned as this series unfolds.

a special thanks to Tim Skwiat who co-authored this series

Eric Cressey
www.EricCressey.com

One Response to “Introduction to the Maximum Muscularity Series”

1. Anonymous Says:
   May 3rd, 2007 at 10:36 am

   Hmmm… I can see the headlines now, Functial Powerlifter Joins the Darkside! Cressey Turns Bodybuilder!

   Kidding of course, nice to see you write about this.