You are awsome, I'm 22 and I'm realizing how cool it is to be living in this day and age where we have people like you with such knowledge educate us for free. Blessed. Thanks alot much appriciated John Jesus, I haven't been on this comment section since I made this comment one year ago and it just now notified me about a like, and now I see im over 500 likes in, a like from John himself, and then him passing away man so strange. Much love to his family and all the others struck by his death. He was a beautiful soul, and I just wish they accept what a wonderful place he's at. ❤️❤️❤️
@@stefan744 But is still only knowledge, wisdom and understanding is still up to you to create, just like mindmuscleconnection is why some have great results and others does not, and trainingprograms and tips etc. ... may only delay your focus on mindmuscleconnection being what is needed to improve; if you then belive the most important is from Johns great wisdom, you do you not focus on what is needed. This way knowledge can turn into a hinderance, as mind can only be at one place at any given time. Funny how perspectives can change a situations relevans. Not that John is bad this way, he is one of the best, but then... he made youtube a commercial for the people to scietifically evaluate him as coach over Greg or others, and this is maybe the real value of youtube.
Really sorry to hear about your passing John, you have inspired and thought me so much. Know that despite having gone you will not be forgotten, true warriors never die - they just fade way. Keep grindin’ in heaven old man, and be sure that your legacy lives on.
Right. I'm only 33 but wish I didn't use so much volume early on. I was a responder to training from day one. What I didn't realize tho was that you don't need as much volume as you think. But you're right train smart, you don't know how you will feel down the line. Hard to get it at the time tho.
@@liquidtunes I don't struggle with weight but it's definitely not as easy as it used to be. Believe it or not the less I do the bigger and leaner I get. I mean I will train 3 days a week but super hard with medium volume. I don't get how someone can do so much volume. I fall apart if I do. My struggles have been more with pain and my joints. I have spinal arthritis. I had to change a lot. More back supported movements and no direct lower back work. It's weird I lost 10 lbs actually over the last month. Not sure why either. I don't pay attention to what I did. If I'm purposely trying to lean out short term I cut portions (super hard especially when you train), will fast and eat within a window and lower the sugar and carbs. I feel if you do a little of those things it won't have to be so hard.
@@andyc9979 Thanks for sharing and aye, will keep it simple. 3x a week sounds like full body, interesting. Well done for keeping it up while having spinal arthritis!
I think the most optimal temp For soup is anywhere 5 to 10 degrees above Luke warm, for most naturals. If your on gear id say u can push it maybe closer to a level you would burn your mouth but not quite. But it also depends on the soup. Most naturals do pretty good with chicken noodle or tomato I’ve seen in case studies. But you should really play around and find the proper soup for you. A lot of it is trial and error tell u find that right temp and soup for your life style. I’ve seen guys do luke warm chicken noodle and never get anywhere. I’ve seen guys on the other hand do a really hot and spicy curry and can’t recover, sometimes needing a glass of milk. There’s a lot to what your asking man. Some soups are made from scratch, other soups u can get away with in a can. If I were you do a 8 week program maybe start with a few weeks of ramen, sick of that, switch to a Campbell’s chicken noodle. Also adjusting ur microwave times. You can get even crazier and use the crock pot and slow cook. There’s a bit u can do here. Just pick your soup and find yourself a decent temp man.
What's frustrating me right now, is that this bloke is giving all the answers that I spent months looking for. In regards to my own reps and sets, I've figured it out. But if I had watched this guy from the get go, I'd be way ahead. So for that, thank you for (seemingly) being the only fitness expert on UA-cam who actually specifically goes in to detail about such things. You know first hand from experience. You've got the wisdom behind you, and that is key when passing down information. I'm currently taking notes on your "21 reasons your shoulders won't grow", I found out my shoulder issue from watching that, supraspinatus injury. Once again, I couldn't find anything close to what I had. The only videos that would pop up were about shoulder impingement. Keep doing you man.
Just recently watched this video and went back to view it again only to find that John had passed. So very sorry to hear this news. What a great teacher he has been to me on exercise and nutrition. Your teachings and memory will live on John. We never forget greatness. Thank you so very much for what we all have learned, and will continue to learn from your videos.
I'm 6 months in to strength training and I believe I've gotten more out of this video than I have with the 1000s of videos I've watched online the past 6 months. Thank you for this
John meadows way of saying "TRAIN HARDER" is so nice and refreshing. Still, love getting yelled at doc greg. Love your content, good sir! I am learning a lot! Thank you so much!
You, sir, are a true scientist. As a doctor, I admire the knowledge that you have and the way you share it with others. great respect for you. You need a million followers, you are a gold mine of knowledge. Thanks for your contribution.
I discovered his channel only a couple of months before his passing, but it was enough time for me to realize how knowledgeable and humble he was, and how he genuinely wanted to help people. He will always be remembered. RIP legend.
Just got back in the gym after a year of calisthenics. A year ago I would never train to failure. Now I’m hitting failure the last set of every exercise and feeling great. John has the best info because he has the most experience
I am a 59 year old natural (5 ft 7 165 lbs) that started working out 2 years ago and I am in my second bulking stage. I’ve made tons of mistakes starting out. Nevertheless, considering my age and my body type (skinny fat) I have struggled with volume vs intensity in my efforts to put on muscle. Everything you say in this video makes logical sense to me even though I am only two years into lifting at an advanced age. I take the ultra carb with the cluster dextrin in it with my EAAs during workouts. I have to admit my recovery has dramatically changed. I couldn’t and wasn’t recovering well at first at all. Most people would tell me I am too old to gain muscle. However, my back and chest is 4 inches bigger (40 inches to 44 inches) with noticeable muscles and my arms are 2 1/2 inches bigger (12 1/2 to 15 inches. I am presently at 16% body fat (bulking) but was at 10% body fat last summer. Realized I still need 10-12 pounds of muscle to add to my frame. I am working out with high intensity shorter periods of time and still trying to find my right volume. Not many people are speaking to guys my age. Your advice has really been spot on for me. Thanks for these videos! I know I am older but I am hooked on working out. I love it! I love your nutritional stuff too! Really trying to get that part right now. Thanks again for sharing your experience and knowledge!
I trained throughout my 20s and 30s but could never gain muscle. I blame the fact that my testosterone has been lower than a womans since my teens. I became an enduring runner and cyclist since I was so lean. Now in my 40s, I finally made the choice to start a physician prescribed TRT. I'm stronger and more fit than I've ever been after just 6 months and feel better than I ever have
The industry truly lost a good one. One of the BEST teachers I have ever listened to. Not about the hype or the "clout"... only about the education and sharing of his knowledge. These videos are gold.
this more in depth stuff is what fascinates me above all else. "the human body is complex" is the biggest understatement ive ever heard. i appreciate your effort
Great advice for young people getting into lifting. Passed this on to my son in college who is getting a little frustrated with slow muscle and strength gains. Long term is the goal. Thanks John
John is the all time best in every way!! I'm watching this video and commenting on this after his passing and I am so saddened for his family and the whole world! He was the best! I will greatly miss you! Thanks for all you did! Rest well my friend!
15:24 Bang on John!! Now I know why I have been plaeatued for the past 18 years despite trying "everything" except PEDs. I think it is safe to say that you should keep your expectations very limited if you plan or staying natural. Maybe keep your goals more towards fitness then bodybuilding.
Ivve heard a lot of guys talk about training natural and on gear from Farah to all sorts of people. This guy is by far the most knowledgeable and his way of explaining stuff is great. No ego, just pure rational explaining.
John I have to say you are the number one guy on youtube in the industry that is humble, friendly, never states things that can easily be disproven by science. Way to go brother. Keep up the great work in spreading knowledge and not bro science, and not by acting like you are some fake guru.
I have been natural for 12 years now and here is my findings; a) Being natural, training intensity has to be as high if not higher than being enhanced b) Volume has to increase over time (progressive overload) as increasing weight only works for the first few years c) Diet has to be spot
I have found that recovery is the key that everyone needs to figure out themselves. It now takes me about a week to recover with work and other life commitments so training one body part per week with high intensity and volume has allowed for significant gains.
I really respect you John for not "losing sight" as a Pro Bodybuilder, who was/is/had to be enhanced for what actually works for people without Super Creatine and possibly even poor genetics. Many Pro's - at least from what I see in German youtube - prescribe what they did for the last 20 years to the 16 year old starting out because "That's bodybuilding" (training wise, not gear, don't get me wrong). Another great video, thank you!
Loved the walkthrough of the androgen and cortisol impact on natty vs pecs. Thank you for always taking the time to spread the knowledge! Much appreciated sir!
Its so refreshing hear solid advice from a channel without having to endure any goofy (and unfunny) sidekicks or gimmicky catchphrases. Im a regular here now, cheers!
Love it John! Expert, common sense advice from a pro with tons of experience! I am especially fond of the idea that one has to test/monitor oneself to figure out what works for them, and that the "one size fits all" mentality is the wrong way to go as we're all so unique. Just what I needed as I have been struggling with this issue.You're on top of my list of go-to experts in a crowded field, the best!
I have been in this sport for 27 years. Just want to say you're accredited to the sport and people that are just getting into it are lucky to have you. My friends been trying to get me to start a UA-cam channel and there's already a lot of guys out here that are really good at it like yourself.anyway I don't care if you're making a million dollars a year thank you for doing what you're doing
John, you're my go-to person when it comes to youtube workout and advice, but in my decade or so of natural bodybuilding, I only made progress by working out each body part once a week or less. At one point took a month off due illness and came back stronger. You're right about the experimenting as it took me a number of years to find what works best for me.
I have watched numerous of your videos now. You are a common sense guy. Your training methods remind me greatly of the old Mike Mentzer school of thought. I always believed in him. All sets lead basically to one heavy set with good form to failure. Then you need to gauge your recovery time. This varies with all of us, but is the key to growth. I am an old ex competitive bodybuilder, competed in 12 shows, and now 68 still hit the gym with the same workout principal. Had no 'video' training back in the day. Thanks.
It was interesting times, lots of the bodybuilding 'gurus' of the day dissed on Mentzer. I think it is smart to add things like drop sets, extra volume, but that is on special days when you are really feeling it and to maybe break things up a bit. I have preached this over and over to anyone who would listen, instinctively train. Learn your body and 'listen' to it to have any chance of maximizing your gains. Again, thanks for shedding some common sense to the community.
There is "natural", "enhanced", but also the middle ground of those who are on doctor prescribed TRT. I would love to see some videos on the differences, similarities, nutrition, training, etc. Great content. Thanks for the video.
Agreed. I've been Natty before, been enhanced before, and now been on prescribed trt for 2 years. I honestly feel like prescribed trt is closer to natural than enhanced. When I was on, my strength gains, muscle gains and vascularity were hugely superior even at as low as 250mg a week. My trt dose is only 80mg/week and it puts me right in the middle of the natural scale but I feel natural not "on". Gains are slow, no vascularity etc. Biggest difference between trt and natural for me is sexual improvement. I imagine this might be different if someone was on a larger trt dose.
Being a college student with a biochemistry major, having actual science to back the information is always great, knowing why things are the way they are is so much valuable than just being told "do this many sets to failure because I said so" Fantastic content, really enjoying learning more and more and expanding on the knowledge I already have with each video!
Great video. I'm waiting a video for natural bodybuilders over 50. I train still hard at 50 and I want to know how dangerous it is. Thank you Mr. Meadows.
John.......I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to make videos like this, such a fantastic help to the bodybuilding community. You are an extraordinary guy and everyone appreciates your info and advice more than you’ll ever know!!
WOW!!!! And yet another GREAT lesson.....I'm 100% natural and have no desire to use chemicals (I don't have anything against it, its just not for me).Thank you John for keeping me focused and motivated, I find that its to easy to quit training when progress is slow. Once again, THANK YOU!!!!
Wow thank you SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!! UA-cam has been showing me all these 6000 calorie full day of eating video with body builders and I JUST started training like 6 months ago and I was beating myself up thinking that I wasn't eating enough and now that I've watched this I feel so much better because I was having a really hard time eating that much food and I'm glad to know that's no where close to what I really need.
I am soo sorry to hear of your passing! This UA-cam channel is amazing, such a legend and overall great guy. I’m sorry for the loss to john and all his family and friends. I remember seeing his face in magazines and pictures.
Love what you said about training hard and busting the BS that you can’t train hard naturally. 3 things that have helped me tremendously with putting more intensity into workouts: 1) get a training partner / spotter. You can ALWAYS push yourself harder when you have no fear in the back of your mind of dropping the weight on yourself. And a little competition with your partner always brings out the best performance. 2) caffeine helps a lot especially when you train in the morning. Training on no caffeine is tough. Just don’t go overboard or be too dependent on it. 3) lifting for many years and getting practice makes you better able to put more intensity into your sets as you get stronger.
That was an amazing video. Hope trainees relax with the trendy daily FullBody workouts also, complaining why they don’t feel well most of the time.. Thanks John, have an awesome day! ✌️
Very useful thank you! Slightly discouraged that an enhanced person doing absolutely nothing will build more muscle than a natural working out.. And lost a little respect for enhanced people.
I'm natural. I just barely found your videos. Thank you for all the right information. I have a drive problem. Somewhere around age 16, I just lost all my drive. It took medication to get me engaging in life. Eventually it became alcohol or tobacco or cannabis that was my driving force for getting going every day. I wish I had a coach like you man. I'm now 205 lbs, almost 5 years sober from alcohol. 6 years tobacco free, but I'm stuck on vaping. Been doing intermittent fasting, and constantly in a deficit. I really don't know what I'm doing. I've been doing it for over a year now. I cut out sugar, the sweetest thing I consume on the reg is my vaping liquid. So now I'm on the precipice of keeping my momentum moving forward. I get depressed, fuck off my job, but I keep the calorie deficit. I've been fat my whole life. Doing my best to adapt, and evolve my lifestyle into what I want it to be. I finally got my head in the right space for being creative, managing stress, and depression without medication. How does cannabis affect training? I want to be doing it, ya know. Often it takes getting some kind of loaded to get to the gym or get myself on the floor doing pushups. But I don't train or push myself hard enough, with enough frequency to see results outside of keeping my weight in the 195-205 range. Being an addict, I've really trashed my body. Now I'm back to the beginning it feels. I have cycles where I do great for 3-5 months and then something happens. Then I spiral downward for 2-3 months before I realize I'm a dumbass and attempt to get my shit together again. I'm not getting any gains. You know any trainers who would train me for free so I can break this brutal cycle?
Great video! Very informative. I have over 25 yrs weight training experience, ex athlete, ex personal trainer of 12 yrs & majored in ESS (Exercise and Sports Science). For the past 25 yrs or so, I've followed all of the bodybuilding books & magazines, following the training advice of the pros not realizing my body was not optimized for those regimens. Had this info been available back then I'd be a lot further along. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Thank for this one. Helped answer many questions I wouldn't even begin to trust about anyone, but you. Unbiased and straight to it. You're a natural teacher. 👍
I've trained for 48 years every which way, every split, and multiple diets. I'm 59. I've just started to do each bodypart once every 9 days so, one day i'll do legs, 2 days off then chest and back, 2 days off then shoulders and arms. I really hit the workouts harder with less sets. So maybe 2 supersets and a triple drop down set or a set with one or two forced reps. I feel better overall and it's tough getting use to but good results. I really enjoy the workouts more, i'm stronger but I have to discipline myself to lay off and get out of the gym. you get amped when things are rockin and your moving heavy weights like they're marshmallows. So eg. Biceps one set alternate dumbbell curl with 20 reps, one set 15 reps, one heavier set with 10 reps. Do a set on incline bench you can handle 8 or 9 reps with. When you've failed sit straight up and do more, start cheating and rocking for even more reps. Now stand up and do more reps plus cheating reps. You'll be wasted. Work some triceps and come back and do cable curls dropping the weight after failure for a triple drop. More Triceps. Do a final cable curl for 30 to 35 reps plus some cheat reps for 40 to 42 reps. Done. Note: As you are only working your bodyparts once every nine days you have to be hitting tri's hard too.
Great video, Just want to clarify for all the natural lifters out there, that "you will not hit your peak after 3-5 years of hard training. I would say more like 10 - 12 years. Coming from someone who is completely supplement and drug free for 20 years. It is a long journey, but once you train hard consistenly for years your gains will be extremely loyal to you. Never limit yourself and have a nice day Bye.
@@mountaindog1 I apologise.. I listened to it again and the information is spot on. you followed up that point with "your probably not going to grow for another 15 years" again, my apologies
Wacko Jacko you might be right bud...the more I look at it the more I tend to agree lol! I was just assuming since I saw Sabertooth it might be Wolvy in his OG orange costume!
An awesome video once again. No "bro-science" or B.S., just straight and honest information. Thanks John, I really appreciate the time and effort that you take to make these videos.
For naturals recovery is key. It's very easy to overd train and as you get older fitting everything in twice a week becomes more difficult. Alternating intensity helps, changing volume and so on. I like this guy because although he's enhanced he also has a lot of experience of training natural. Knowing and accepting that there are differences is key. I'm 55 and do a classic push, pull, legs split. I mess around with it a bit, changing exercises, reps and weight combination, superset, drop sets and just plain heavy. I've watched a few of this guys training videos, he makes it understandable, relevant. Will he dipping in and out of this guys content, definate thumbs up 👍
What an insightful video. I’m natural but struggling to gain so was tempted to try PED. I’ll keep going though with these tips and see how I get on for another year. Thank you.
One of the best honest unbiased informative videos I have seen regarding natural and enhanced. It neither promotes being enhanced or being natural. Thank you for sharing.
Your videos have been so so helpful John! I'm only 5 weeks into training/clean bulking but it's easy to find things overwhelming when people are telling you contradictory advice, especially for training. I started doing full body 2 days on/1 day off with a lot of sets to failure and that was fine til I hit the wall recently and started stiffening up even though I'm improving and showing gains. Your advice has helped me feel like I should experiment much more, especially at the early stages and not be convinced by others saying 'this is the way and the only way'.
Natural here.... Workout: Wenning warm-up "Matt Wenning" Then I take my body part excerises to concentric failure, Isometric failure and then Eccentric failure on my last set. After you have taken your last set through all three your done. Concentric = reps to failure in your rep zone. Isometric= bump the weight up 20% because your 20% stronger Isomerticly. Hold that weight for time. Eccentric= Negatives to failure. Bump the weight up another 20% and have your training partner help you with negative reps to failure or get creative on a machine. You are 40% stronger eccentricly than you are concentricity so use that to your advantage to stimulate new muscle growth. Now you have taken the muscle to total complete failure.
Although I see one problem there. Goingo so much into failure will demand a much longer recovery. You wont be able to work the same muscle group twice in the same week. That might not be optimal.
ABSOLUTELY GREAT content. Information on point without all the extra non needed B.S. John is definitely the truth. If you haven't already can you please do a video on cardio. More specifically in your opinion of how much is needed for someone ( naturally ) trying to build muscle while losing fat. Thx Mountain Dog !
Thats about right for me ive been on TRT for over 1yr and 3 months my one year anniversary in inbody scan showed i gained 12 pounds of muscle. With working out 2 days a week. Im not a body builder but since i feel amazing might as well train. I lost 10% body fat went from 30% fat down to now 17%. Im 5ft 11 184 my Test dose is 180 mg prescribed i stay constantly in a range of 750-800 at 37 years before my diagnosis hypogonadism i was 215 with 5.2 free test RIP these videos will inspire folks as long as they kept here for our viewing pleasure thank you 🙏
Great video John. I really enjoy hearing you talk about the nutrition science. I'm down 120lbs in 6 months and in the gym every day. Well I was until they closed. I'm working to build muscle mass and lost fat quite successfully. Your videos have been great and i'm sorting through the information trying to figure out what pertains to me. The little nuggets I get are awesome. Regular dietitians have not been able to offer much help in the way of nutrition thus I have been my own science experiment. Keep em coming!
For more videos on Naturals checkout my natty playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLNAUreWTt_Sh0oNrGMhzEFZoN9zMZhhvY.html
THANKS JOHN ! ! ! ......ALL NATURAL BODYBUILDING @ROYALMTOF
Do you know if water weight for the addition of testosterone was accounted for in the study?
mountaindog1 would being on a trt does of testosterone also ramp up the protein sythesis? Or would it have to be a higher does?
16:10 you talk about essential aminos and carbs, but i cant hear the name. Could anyone help me out? I wanna dig into this
@@frederikhansen7774 cluster dextrin
it's like listening to a friend that actually wants what's best for you and it's not trying to sell you anything or reinvent the wheel
You are awsome, I'm 22 and I'm realizing how cool it is to be living in this day and age where we have people like you with such knowledge educate us for free. Blessed. Thanks alot much appriciated John
Jesus, I haven't been on this comment section since I made this comment one year ago and it just now notified me about a like, and now I see im over 500 likes in, a like from John himself, and then him passing away man so strange. Much love to his family and all the others struck by his death. He was a beautiful soul, and I just wish they accept what a wonderful place he's at. ❤️❤️❤️
Stefan he probably gets paid from these videos lol
Stefan, I can 100% relate. 22 and just enjoying the knowledge people like John are putting out
@@jacobg2296 Of course he does. How does that change our fortune of having free knowledge by expirienced people? :)
Stefan haha true didn’t think about that, we don’t have to pay a cent and we have all this information at our fingertips
@@stefan744 But is still only knowledge, wisdom and understanding is still up to you to create, just like mindmuscleconnection is why some have great results and others does not, and trainingprograms and tips etc. ... may only delay your focus on mindmuscleconnection being what is needed to improve; if you then belive the most important is from Johns great wisdom, you do you not focus on what is needed. This way knowledge can turn into a hinderance, as mind can only be at one place at any given time.
Funny how perspectives can change a situations relevans.
Not that John is bad this way, he is one of the best, but then... he made youtube a commercial for the people to scietifically evaluate him as coach over Greg or others, and this is maybe the real value of youtube.
I've been doing this all wrong. I'm gonna start test and cancel my gym membership.
that will only work on beginners...and it will only work for a certain amount of time...after awhile, you will not gain anything, unless you train...
Start test and keep the membership
@@a.reinbold1104 bingo
hahah!
@@mountaindog1 Don't worry, John. I'm still gonna keep watching for the yo-yo tricks 😝
Really sorry to hear about your passing John, you have inspired and thought me so much. Know that despite having gone you will not be forgotten, true warriors never die - they just fade way. Keep grindin’ in heaven old man, and be sure that your legacy lives on.
old man? he was 49.....
He was the best :'(
You can't, literally can not, find anyone that had anything bad to say about him. Not a single one.
He leaves a big hole in the fitness community. RIP to John and comfort to his family
@Cthulhu I've read several comments describing him as a dad. I can relate.
This is a tough one to deal with.
This man trained me via UA-cam. The go to guy that’ I trusted. RIP John
You're one of the few enhanced bodybuilder I listen to and respect. Thanks for the video John.
exactly !! great comment
@@Croissantrophy.meme.channel do not listen to Greg Doucette ffs 😂
@@Croissantrophy.meme.channel haha yeah he kills me with his last two vids about O gallger :-)
@@davecom3 why not? Genuinely curious
TRAIN HARDER!!!!!
Train smart in your 20's, your 40 year old self will thank you for it.
Right. I'm only 33 but wish I didn't use so much volume early on. I was a responder to training from day one. What I didn't realize tho was that you don't need as much volume as you think. But you're right train smart, you don't know how you will feel down the line. Hard to get it at the time tho.
@@andyc9979 I'm 33 too and though I'm stronger now, it's much harder to lose weight too 😂 Any pointers you care to share from your own experience?
@@liquidtunes I don't struggle with weight but it's definitely not as easy as it used to be. Believe it or not the less I do the bigger and leaner I get. I mean I will train 3 days a week but super hard with medium volume. I don't get how someone can do so much volume. I fall apart if I do. My struggles have been more with pain and my joints. I have spinal arthritis. I had to change a lot. More back supported movements and no direct lower back work. It's weird I lost 10 lbs actually over the last month. Not sure why either. I don't pay attention to what I did. If I'm purposely trying to lean out short term I cut portions (super hard especially when you train), will fast and eat within a window and lower the sugar and carbs. I feel if you do a little of those things it won't have to be so hard.
@@andyc9979 Thanks for sharing and aye, will keep it simple. 3x a week sounds like full body, interesting. Well done for keeping it up while having spinal arthritis!
sweats in nervous when you feel trashed before 30...
John: Im gonna keep it Simple
Me: ok
John: we have a cell membrane here
Me: uh oh you are losing me
What does "ok" mean? I do not understand...
@@timpan0 ok boomer
@JARRET MATTA Wow. I guess sarcasm really doesn't work online.
😂
Simple biology.
Man, I could listen to you talk about the optimal temp of soup and still gain some knowledge. Always a learning experience!
MurderSeenComics agreed man, valuable knowledge all the time
I think the most optimal temp
For soup is anywhere 5 to 10 degrees above Luke warm, for most naturals. If your on gear id say u can push it maybe closer to a level you would burn your mouth but not quite. But it also depends on the soup. Most naturals do pretty good with chicken noodle or tomato I’ve seen in case studies. But you should really play around and find the proper soup for you. A lot of it is trial and error tell u find that right temp and soup for your life style. I’ve seen guys do luke warm chicken noodle and never get anywhere. I’ve seen guys on the other hand do a really hot and spicy curry and can’t recover, sometimes needing a glass of milk. There’s a lot to what your asking man. Some soups are made from scratch, other soups u can get away with in a can. If I were you do a 8 week program maybe start with a few weeks of ramen, sick of that, switch to a Campbell’s chicken noodle. Also adjusting ur microwave times. You can get even crazier and use the crock pot and slow cook. There’s a bit u can do here. Just pick your soup and find yourself a decent temp man.
T Money 😂😂 can hear him saying those exact words tbh😂
Bob Ross of bodybuilding I’ve always said.
@@lookmomitsthatboy1869 Man that was a lotta work for that joke lol
What's frustrating me right now, is that this bloke is giving all the answers that I spent months looking for. In regards to my own reps and sets, I've figured it out. But if I had watched this guy from the get go, I'd be way ahead.
So for that, thank you for (seemingly) being the only fitness expert on UA-cam who actually specifically goes in to detail about such things. You know first hand from experience. You've got the wisdom behind you, and that is key when passing down information.
I'm currently taking notes on your "21 reasons your shoulders won't grow", I found out my shoulder issue from watching that, supraspinatus injury. Once again, I couldn't find anything close to what I had. The only videos that would pop up were about shoulder impingement.
Keep doing you man.
Just recently watched this video and went back to view it again only to find that John had passed. So very sorry to hear this news. What a great teacher he has been to me on exercise and nutrition. Your teachings and memory will live on John. We never forget greatness. Thank you so very much for what we all have learned, and will continue to learn from your videos.
Straight to the point, informative but still entertaining. I just found a great channel.
So testosterone cypionate 250 is 250 g each ML?
@@frankhauthorne4548 mg*
It doesn't get more real than John. It's like having a heart to heart with a great friend who wants only the best for you
💪👍
From someone who is unfamiliar with training while enhanced...thank you for enlightening me.
I'm 6 months in to strength training and I believe I've gotten more out of this video than I have with the 1000s of videos I've watched online the past 6 months. Thank you for this
thank you much!
John meadows way of saying "TRAIN HARDER" is so nice and refreshing. Still, love getting yelled at doc greg. Love your content, good sir! I am learning a lot! Thank you so much!
So sad to open this video up and continue where i left off after hearing of your passing. Rest in peace big man. Thank you for all you've done.
Being Natural requires me staying on top of being consistent.
great words!
fattycuzimnatty “Consistent Discipline Excels” me.
You, sir, are a true scientist. As a doctor, I admire the knowledge that you have and the way you share it with others. great respect for you. You need a million followers, you are a gold mine of knowledge. Thanks for your contribution.
I discovered his channel only a couple of months before his passing, but it was enough time for me to realize how knowledgeable and humble he was, and how he genuinely wanted to help people. He will always be remembered. RIP legend.
Just got back in the gym after a year of calisthenics. A year ago I would never train to failure. Now I’m hitting failure the last set of every exercise and feeling great. John has the best info because he has the most experience
Keep it up
Soak it up everyone John is seriously dropping knowledge without a red con bullshit ad or anything. John is an OG
you, Jeff cavalier and Greg Doucette are the 3 that give the best lifting advice. Thank you
Ryan Humiston is also great.
Jeff nippard
ThisJustIan he‘s not training HARD enough
Jeff Nippard and Mike O'Hearn are my favorite All-Natties
@@flenzya i like him too
This video needs to have 1+ million views. This is the perfect FREE information for naturals & how to train properly.
your name is FIRE... :)
I am a 59 year old natural (5 ft 7 165 lbs) that started working out 2 years ago and I am in my second bulking stage. I’ve made tons of mistakes starting out. Nevertheless, considering my age and my body type (skinny fat) I have struggled with volume vs intensity in my efforts to put on muscle. Everything you say in this video makes logical sense to me even though I am only two years into lifting at an advanced age. I take the ultra carb with the cluster dextrin in it with my EAAs during workouts. I have to admit my recovery has dramatically changed. I couldn’t and wasn’t recovering well at first at all. Most people would tell me I am too old to gain muscle. However, my back and chest is 4 inches bigger (40 inches to 44 inches) with noticeable muscles and my arms are 2 1/2 inches bigger (12 1/2 to 15 inches. I am presently at 16% body fat (bulking) but was at 10% body fat last summer. Realized I still need 10-12 pounds of muscle to add to my frame. I am working out with high intensity shorter periods of time and still trying to find my right volume. Not many people are speaking to guys my age. Your advice has really been spot on for me. Thanks for these videos! I know I am older but I am hooked on working out. I love it! I love your nutritional stuff too! Really trying to get that part right now. Thanks again for sharing your experience and knowledge!
No fancy intro, no epic music in the background, just raw useful info.
Thank you Jhon.
I trained throughout my 20s and 30s but could never gain muscle. I blame the fact that my testosterone has been lower than a womans since my teens. I became an enduring runner and cyclist since I was so lean. Now in my 40s, I finally made the choice to start a physician prescribed TRT. I'm stronger and more fit than I've ever been after just 6 months and feel better than I ever have
The industry truly lost a good one. One of the BEST teachers I have ever listened to. Not about the hype or the "clout"... only about the education and sharing of his knowledge. These videos are gold.
Okay this is my favorite lifting channel now. John is the man
💪👍
this more in depth stuff is what fascinates me above all else. "the human body is complex" is the biggest understatement ive ever heard. i appreciate your effort
Great advice for young people getting into lifting. Passed this on to my son in college who is getting a little frustrated with slow muscle and strength gains.
Long term is the goal.
Thanks John
John is the all time best in every way!! I'm watching this video and commenting on this after his passing and I am so saddened for his family and the whole world! He was the best! I will greatly miss you! Thanks for all you did! Rest well my friend!
15:24 Bang on John!! Now I know why I have been plaeatued for the past 18 years despite trying "everything" except PEDs. I think it is safe to say that you should keep your expectations very limited if you plan or staying natural. Maybe keep your goals more towards fitness then bodybuilding.
Ivve heard a lot of guys talk about training natural and on gear from Farah to all sorts of people. This guy is by far the most knowledgeable and his way of explaining stuff is great. No ego, just pure rational explaining.
This is THE MOST relevant & important vid you ever made. Well done J!
John I have to say you are the number one guy on youtube in the industry that is humble, friendly, never states things that can easily be disproven by science. Way to go brother. Keep up the great work in spreading knowledge and not bro science, and not by acting like you are some fake guru.
:)
I have been natural for 12 years now and here is my findings;
a) Being natural, training intensity has to be as high if not higher than being enhanced
b) Volume has to increase over time (progressive overload) as increasing weight only works for the first few years
c) Diet has to be spot
I have found that recovery is the key that everyone needs to figure out themselves. It now takes me about a week to recover with work and other life commitments so training one body part per week with high intensity and volume has allowed for significant gains.
Jordan Striker I am 48 agreed
Except calves / traps / abs / biceps do those 2-3 times week
@@hooverelondono9946 I have 20 inch arms and only train arms once a week. Hit it hard enough and you only need one session.
Jordan Striker natural? If so I call BS
@@jordanstriker1656 hello Sir, have you ever taken test?
I really respect you John for not "losing sight" as a Pro Bodybuilder, who was/is/had to be enhanced for what actually works for people without Super Creatine and possibly even poor genetics. Many Pro's - at least from what I see in German youtube - prescribe what they did for the last 20 years to the 16 year old starting out because "That's bodybuilding" (training wise, not gear, don't get me wrong). Another great video, thank you!
Loved the walkthrough of the androgen and cortisol impact on natty vs pecs. Thank you for always taking the time to spread the knowledge! Much appreciated sir!
Its so refreshing hear solid advice from a channel without having to endure any goofy (and unfunny) sidekicks or gimmicky catchphrases. Im a regular here now, cheers!
ty!
Love it John! Expert, common sense advice from a pro with tons of experience! I am especially fond of the idea that one has to test/monitor oneself to figure out what works for them, and that the "one size fits all" mentality is the wrong way to go as we're all so unique. Just what I needed as I have been struggling with this issue.You're on top of my list of go-to experts in a crowded field, the best!
I have been in this sport for 27 years. Just want to say you're accredited to the sport and people that are just getting into it are lucky to have you. My friends been trying to get me to start a UA-cam channel and there's already a lot of guys out here that are really good at it like yourself.anyway I don't care if you're making a million dollars a year thank you for doing what you're doing
RIP John 🙏 sending my condolences to the family❤️🙏❤️
This is one of the most important videos for lifting real natty's. We will miss you John Meadows, Mountain Dog!
I see Meadows... I thumbs up before I watch the vid 👍
This man was a gem.........No BS just a honest perspective........What a loss
This is probably the most helpful and most informative advice video for natural training that i have ever come across. Thank you so much John
John, you're my go-to person when it comes to youtube workout and advice, but in my decade or so of natural bodybuilding, I only made progress by working out each body part once a week or less. At one point took a month off due illness and came back stronger. You're right about the experimenting as it took me a number of years to find what works best for me.
exactly!
John Meadows is basically jacked Yoda. Bless you, sir.
You mean a jacked Luke Skywalker
I have watched numerous of your videos now. You are a common sense guy. Your training methods remind me greatly of the old Mike Mentzer school of thought. I always believed in him. All sets lead basically to one heavy set with good form to failure. Then you need to gauge your recovery time. This varies with all of us, but is the key to growth. I am an old ex competitive bodybuilder, competed in 12 shows, and now 68 still hit the gym with the same workout principal. Had no 'video' training back in the day. Thanks.
thank you!
It was interesting times, lots of the bodybuilding 'gurus' of the day dissed on Mentzer. I think it is smart to add things like drop sets, extra volume, but that is on special days when you are really feeling it and to maybe break things up a bit. I have preached this over and over to anyone who would listen, instinctively train. Learn your body and 'listen' to it to have any chance of maximizing your gains. Again, thanks for shedding some common sense to the community.
John has the best channel for bodybuilding tips & advice hands down!!
Yep. AthleneX is amazing too IMO. Their tied for best free info out there
There is "natural", "enhanced", but also the middle ground of those who are on doctor prescribed TRT. I would love to see some videos on the differences, similarities, nutrition, training, etc.
Great content. Thanks for the video.
Agreed. I've been Natty before, been enhanced before, and now been on prescribed trt for 2 years. I honestly feel like prescribed trt is closer to natural than enhanced. When I was on, my strength gains, muscle gains and vascularity were hugely superior even at as low as 250mg a week.
My trt dose is only 80mg/week and it puts me right in the middle of the natural scale but I feel natural not "on". Gains are slow, no vascularity etc. Biggest difference between trt and natural for me is sexual improvement. I imagine this might be different if someone was on a larger trt dose.
Being a college student with a biochemistry major, having actual science to back the information is always great, knowing why things are the way they are is so much valuable than just being told "do this many sets to failure because I said so"
Fantastic content, really enjoying learning more and more and expanding on the knowledge I already have with each video!
It's so refreshing to listen to someone that is honest, we need more people like you John.
Great video. I'm waiting a video for natural bodybuilders over 50. I train still hard at 50 and I want to know how dangerous it is. Thank you Mr. Meadows.
Seriously this is THE most honest and informative video on bodybuilding I have ever seen... Thank you so much!
I feel like in this video John is sitting down and helping me with my homework. Thanks so much John!
John was the OG real deal...truly wanted to help people and no bullshit. He never tried to prove anything. No ego.
John.......I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to make videos like this, such a fantastic help to the bodybuilding community. You are an extraordinary guy and everyone appreciates your info and advice more than you’ll ever know!!
WOW!!!! And yet another GREAT lesson.....I'm 100% natural and have no desire to use chemicals (I don't have anything against it, its just not for me).Thank you John for keeping me focused and motivated, I find that its to easy to quit training when progress is slow. Once again, THANK YOU!!!!
Wow thank you SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!! UA-cam has been showing me all these 6000 calorie full day of eating video with body builders and I JUST started training like 6 months ago and I was beating myself up thinking that I wasn't eating enough and now that I've watched this I feel so much better because I was having a really hard time eating that much food and I'm glad to know that's no where close to what I really need.
I am soo sorry to hear of your passing! This UA-cam channel is amazing, such a legend and overall great guy. I’m sorry for the loss to john and all his family and friends.
I remember seeing his face in magazines and pictures.
How is he passed away and still doing video's
@@cancermoon826 His family is reuploading his old videos
Love what you said about training hard and busting the BS that you can’t train hard naturally. 3 things that have helped me tremendously with putting more intensity into workouts:
1) get a training partner / spotter. You can ALWAYS push yourself harder when you have no fear in the back of your mind of dropping the weight on yourself. And a little competition with your partner always brings out the best performance.
2) caffeine helps a lot especially when you train in the morning. Training on no caffeine is tough. Just don’t go overboard or be too dependent on it.
3) lifting for many years and getting practice makes you better able to put more intensity into your sets as you get stronger.
I respect you because your honest. I don't mind people taking PED's just be honest about it, ya know
That was an amazing video. Hope trainees relax with the trendy daily FullBody workouts also, complaining why they don’t feel well most of the time..
Thanks John, have an awesome day! ✌️
RIP Mr. Meadows. Thanks for your contribution to bodybuilding and for spreading the news.
@9:00~10:00 min I've got good understanding of what's actually happening with enhanced lads. Thank you John. Well explained.
Very useful thank you! Slightly discouraged that an enhanced person doing absolutely nothing will build more muscle than a natural working out.. And lost a little respect for enhanced people.
Rip ur the man … condolences to family and friends
I have much respect for enhanced individuals. Too much maintenance for my lazy ass, dog appreciates his fans thanks bud. Stay awesome
a real master of old school bodybuilding. RIP
I wanna know why people have give this a thumbs down and what for reason, great videos thanks John.
John love the content!! Tons of great info. No ego. Super refreshing in the fitness industry
I'm natural. I just barely found your videos. Thank you for all the right information. I have a drive problem. Somewhere around age 16, I just lost all my drive. It took medication to get me engaging in life. Eventually it became alcohol or tobacco or cannabis that was my driving force for getting going every day. I wish I had a coach like you man. I'm now 205 lbs, almost 5 years sober from alcohol. 6 years tobacco free, but I'm stuck on vaping. Been doing intermittent fasting, and constantly in a deficit. I really don't know what I'm doing. I've been doing it for over a year now. I cut out sugar, the sweetest thing I consume on the reg is my vaping liquid. So now I'm on the precipice of keeping my momentum moving forward. I get depressed, fuck off my job, but I keep the calorie deficit. I've been fat my whole life. Doing my best to adapt, and evolve my lifestyle into what I want it to be. I finally got my head in the right space for being creative, managing stress, and depression without medication. How does cannabis affect training? I want to be doing it, ya know. Often it takes getting some kind of loaded to get to the gym or get myself on the floor doing pushups. But I don't train or push myself hard enough, with enough frequency to see results outside of keeping my weight in the 195-205 range. Being an addict, I've really trashed my body. Now I'm back to the beginning it feels. I have cycles where I do great for 3-5 months and then something happens. Then I spiral downward for 2-3 months before I realize I'm a dumbass and attempt to get my shit together again. I'm not getting any gains. You know any trainers who would train me for free so I can break this brutal cycle?
not any good ones
this video needs millons of views!
He was an absolute fountain of knowledge and i continue to come back to his videos to learn.
Just getting back into it, 39 and have a long way to go to get back. Appreciate the videos.
Hats off to you buddy!
Great video! Very informative. I have over 25 yrs weight training experience, ex athlete, ex personal trainer of 12 yrs & majored in ESS (Exercise and Sports Science). For the past 25 yrs or so, I've followed all of the bodybuilding books & magazines, following the training advice of the pros not realizing my body was not optimized for those regimens. Had this info been available back then I'd be a lot further along. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
refreshing to see actual good advice for Natty. Thankyou
Thank for this one.
Helped answer many questions I wouldn't even begin to trust about anyone, but you. Unbiased and straight to it. You're a natural teacher. 👍
I've trained for 48 years every which way, every split, and multiple diets. I'm 59. I've just started to do each bodypart once every 9 days so, one day i'll do legs, 2 days off then chest and back, 2 days off then shoulders and arms. I really hit the workouts harder with less sets. So maybe 2 supersets and a triple drop down set or a set with one or two forced reps. I feel better overall and it's tough getting use to but good results. I really enjoy the workouts more, i'm stronger but I have to discipline myself to lay off and get out of the gym. you get amped when things are rockin and your moving heavy weights like they're marshmallows. So eg. Biceps one set alternate dumbbell curl with 20 reps, one set 15 reps, one heavier set with 10 reps. Do a set on incline bench you can handle 8 or 9 reps with. When you've failed sit straight up and do more, start cheating and rocking for even more reps. Now stand up and do more reps plus cheating reps. You'll be wasted. Work some triceps and come back and do cable curls dropping the weight after failure for a triple drop. More Triceps. Do a final cable curl for 30 to 35 reps plus some cheat reps for 40 to 42 reps. Done. Note: As you are only working your bodyparts once every nine days you have to be hitting tri's hard too.
@Carlos Domenech I shall, thx.
Great video, Just want to clarify for all the natural lifters out there, that "you will not hit your peak after 3-5 years of hard training. I would say more like 10 - 12 years. Coming from someone who is completely supplement and drug free for 20 years. It is a long journey, but once you train hard consistenly for years your gains will be extremely loyal to you. Never limit yourself and have a nice day Bye.
my 3 to 5 years is after you have been training a while and are then training and eating very good..not 3 to 5 years from when you pick up a weight...
@@mountaindog1 I apologise.. I listened to it again and the information is spot on. you followed up that point with "your probably not going to grow for another 15 years" again, my apologies
Is that Wolverine & Sabertooth I spot in the background? Love how they are incorporated into he Christmas decorations lol! Awesome vid as always John!
Looks like deadpool
Wacko Jacko you might be right bud...the more I look at it the more I tend to agree lol! I was just assuming since I saw Sabertooth it might be Wolvy in his OG orange costume!
Looks like gorgonite from small soldiers
Lol I was wondering what these big guys were standing in the background there
An awesome video once again. No "bro-science" or B.S., just straight and honest information. Thanks John, I really appreciate the time and effort that you take to make these videos.
John that was a 10/10 video man. Really enjoyed it.
thank you!
For naturals recovery is key. It's very easy to overd train and as you get older fitting everything in twice a week becomes more difficult. Alternating intensity helps, changing volume and so on. I like this guy because although he's enhanced he also has a lot of experience of training natural. Knowing and accepting that there are differences is key.
I'm 55 and do a classic push, pull, legs split. I mess around with it a bit, changing exercises, reps and weight combination, superset, drop sets and just plain heavy. I've watched a few of this guys training videos, he makes it understandable, relevant.
Will he dipping in and out of this guys content, definate thumbs up 👍
What an insightful video. I’m natural but struggling to gain so was tempted to try PED.
I’ll keep going though with these tips and see how I get on for another year.
Thank you.
One of the best honest unbiased informative videos I have seen regarding natural and enhanced. It neither promotes being enhanced or being natural. Thank you for sharing.
:)
Your videos have been so so helpful John! I'm only 5 weeks into training/clean bulking but it's easy to find things overwhelming when people are telling you contradictory advice, especially for training.
I started doing full body 2 days on/1 day off with a lot of sets to failure and that was fine til I hit the wall recently and started stiffening up even though I'm improving and showing gains.
Your advice has helped me feel like I should experiment much more, especially at the early stages and not be convinced by others saying 'this is the way and the only way'.
Bro your vids have really moved me into a more positive and productive range...i just wanna say thanks...PEACE FROM SOUTH GA.
Natural here....
Workout:
Wenning warm-up "Matt Wenning"
Then I take my body part excerises to concentric failure, Isometric failure and then Eccentric failure on my last set.
After you have taken your last set through all three your done.
Concentric = reps to failure in your rep zone.
Isometric= bump the weight up 20% because your 20% stronger Isomerticly. Hold that weight for time.
Eccentric= Negatives to failure.
Bump the weight up another 20% and have your training partner help you with negative reps to failure or get creative on a machine.
You are 40% stronger eccentricly than you are concentricity so use that to your advantage to stimulate new muscle growth.
Now you have taken the muscle to total complete failure.
What were you results? And what do you do for the wenning warm up
Couldnt you just go straight to eccentric failure? Just call a friend and dont stop until you cant hold it anymore. Thats a complete failure as well
Although I see one problem there. Goingo so much into failure will demand a much longer recovery. You wont be able to work the same muscle group twice in the same week. That might not be optimal.
@@vaushawnbrown2110
Wenning warm-up upper body.
ua-cam.com/video/o61dLV9ccXA/v-deo.html
@@vaushawnbrown2110
Wenning warm-up lower body
ua-cam.com/video/Csm3FrSMPPs/v-deo.html
ive been so long into this topic, even studying it at university, but this really opened my eyes. Thank you, Sir
ABSOLUTELY GREAT content. Information on point without all the extra non needed B.S. John is definitely the truth. If you haven't already can you please do a video on cardio. More specifically in your opinion of how much is needed for someone ( naturally ) trying to build muscle while losing fat. Thx Mountain Dog !
Thats about right for me ive been on TRT for over 1yr and 3 months my one year anniversary in inbody scan showed i gained 12 pounds of muscle. With working out 2 days a week. Im not a body builder but since i feel amazing might as well train. I lost 10% body fat went from 30% fat down to now 17%. Im 5ft 11 184 my Test dose is 180 mg prescribed i stay constantly in a range of 750-800 at 37 years before my diagnosis hypogonadism i was 215 with 5.2 free test RIP these videos will inspire folks as long as they kept here for our viewing pleasure thank you 🙏
Great video John. I really enjoy hearing you talk about the nutrition science. I'm down 120lbs in 6 months and in the gym every day. Well I was until they closed. I'm working to build muscle mass and lost fat quite successfully. Your videos have been great and i'm sorting through the information trying to figure out what pertains to me. The little nuggets I get are awesome. Regular dietitians have not been able to offer much help in the way of nutrition thus I have been my own science experiment. Keep em coming!
Probably the most positive guy I’ve ever heard he will be missed
Could you replace my lecturer? Literally took every single word (except for the complicated chemical names XD) to heart!
One of if not THE best video about these things
Wish I could like this video twice. Thanks so much for this info!
Your Channel is Mr.Olimpia of all Fitness UA-cam channel. Very Simple end informative..Keep me motivated to hit the gym