The Ken Adams MASS Building Project

[BendtheBar]

Just take out "Twisted Sister", insert "6 pack" and tell him what he wants.

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by *MC*

^^This. Or tell him that people who do this routine are big and strong. Either he wants to be big and strong of he wants to stay small and be weak. He needs to sit in a room, stare into a full body mirror, argue with himself and decide.

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Just take out "Twisted Sister", insert "6 pack" and tell him what he wants.

How about we not write him off just yet eh fellas?

Ken has already:
1 admitted his current routine isn't quite doing it for him
2 admitted an ernest full body approach might be just the thing
3 taken on board MABs advice concerning eating habits

I should re-iterate that he has major concerns about his reconstructed knees; as I understand it, he started working out at 18 when his doctor(s) told him not to do any physical exertion till he hit 20...

Now I train with a twenty-something powerlifter and former gymnast who broke his back in 2008 (and actually popped a disc last weekend, deadlifting with a hexbar) but he still smashes weight, is built like a greek god and his dedication always serves to remind me just how strong any one man can be, with the right mental motivation.

Ken isn't like my old friend, Mr Powertec. I'm sorry if I made it sound like Ken is just another abs-obsessed twenty-something with his eyes on more tail; Ken is looking to get as big as possible, and I can only assume that means he will get as serious as cancer about it, with the right stimuli.

[Off Road]

At least he's shown an interest in deadlifting and eating more. That can be a potent combination in itself.

If he's not sold on full-body routines, there ARE other ways of building a base. Find something that he'll believe in and stick with, because if he hates it and won't stick with it or put in the energy then it's just a wasted time.

[BendtheBar]

I should re-iterate that he has major concerns about his reconstructed knees; as I understand it, he started working out at 18 when his doctor(s) told him not to do any physical exertion till he hit 20...

Well one good thing about deadlifts is that they don't have to be super heavy to be effective.

Just remind him that this process does not have to be rushed. He can start on the low end of weight and slowly, methodically, comfortable add weight. There is no urgency. All novices must get to know their body and capabilities and he will be the same.

Athletes come back from knee injuries every year. The mental part is the hardest. Just make sure he finds a pace he is comfortable with, and encourage him to study form. Form goes hand in hand with effort. If he's not hungry to learn better form on these lifts then you might have him not do them.

[Abaddon]

Thanks for the advice OffRoad and BTB. If Ken was able to train at my house, then he'd be able to hexbar DL and have a reliable coach. As it is, he has to do this stuff solo... it really doesn't sound like the people at his gym have the knowledge or even the inclination to learn conventional deadlift. It really can make things hard.

But I will hopefully have more feedback from him tomorrow.

Thanks again.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by Abaddon

Thanks for the advice OffRoad and BTB. If Ken was able to train at my house, then he'd be able to hexbar DL and have a reliable coach. As it is, he has to do this stuff solo... it really doesn't sound like the people at his gym have the knowledge or even the inclination to learn conventional deadlift. It really can make things hard.

But I will hopefully have more feedback from him tomorrow.

Thanks again.

On a positive note, I did it solo with nobody to train me and I would imagine quite a few others have done so too. Bare in mind that the first deadlifter in history never had a trainer either

[Abaddon]

"Hahaha I am not even going to bring the video up! I see why you use [MuscleAndBrawn] everyone seems pretty serious.

I am going to maintain my body part split but completely revamp it to mass exercises! Yes including deadlifts.

I have been putting together a new routine, when I am finished I will flick you a copy.

All the forum members advocate a full body but I KNOW I will be more dedicated with a split, [and] I will start squatting 2-3 times a week. Hopefully I don’t cop too much abuse about the training split, and any advice [MAB members] give shall be taken on board.

As per the advice I did look in a full length mirror and I have decided I WILL look like this (see enclosed pic).

Ill get back to you when I finish my draft routine."

[Fazc]

I should have gone with my gut instinct about this guy, from the start.

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by Fazc

I should have gone with my gut instinct about this guy, from the start.

I want to see what he offers up as a new routine... but of course I have my doubts, as I've tried to re-invent the wheel myself.

In fact, my 4 day body part routine was heavily vetted by people like Carl, LTL, TitanCT and BTB. It's one of the most solid routines out there of it's type. And I'm still using a bastardised body part split today - in addition to strongman training.

The point is: It's conceivable Ken can make this work, with enough heavy compounds thrown in... and no doubt a lot of scrutiny.

[Fazc]

Originally Posted by Abaddon

I want to see what he offers up as a new routine... but of course I have my doubts, as I've tried to re-invent the wheel myself.

I'm only (half) kidding

I hope he does well.