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How to Build Muscle- The Definitive Guide
How to build muscle as fast as humanly possible…
That's what this definitive guide is all about. Getting big, strong, lean and built like a badass. It's the summation of everything I have learned over the course of 25 years in the Iron Game.
These techniques helped me overcome horrible skinny-fat genetics and gain 43 pounds of muscle. They've also helped thousands of other in-person and online clients of mine achieve similar results.
If you work hard and smart, they'll do the same for you.
Rule #1: To Build Muscle You Have to Get Strong
You can't expect to transform your physique by doing the same workouts over and over. You have to force adaptation to occur. The easiest way to do that is by adding weight to the bar. Get stronger in the range of 6-15 reps and you'll get bigger.
If there is one thing I can't stress enough it is the importance of setting rep PRs (personal records). Pick a few key exercises and write down what you can for 6-8 reps on each of them. Now work your way, over the next few weeks/months, up to the point where you can do 12-15 reps on those exercises with the same weight. That's how you force your body to grow.
Once you get to the higher end of the rep range add weight and start over with 6-8. Simple, brutally effective; no advanced calculus degree required.
One important note here is that you can never sacrifice form for more weight. The reps have to be pristine, textbook reps where you are maximizing tension and feeling the target muscle work through every inch of the range of motion. Quality over quantity.
The bottom line is to get big you have to get strong.
Rule #2: You Have to Use Compound Muscle-Building Exercises
The exercises that allow you to use the greatest amount of weight are the ones that will help you build muscle fastest. You're not going to grow with a workout comprised of machine exercises and isolation movements.
You have to overload your body with big, manly, testosterone producing exercises.
The best compound exercises for building muscle are:
- Military Presses– barbell, dumbbell, log
- Low Incline Presses– barbell or dumbbell
- Squats– front, safety bar, Buffalo bar, back, belt
- Deadlifts– trap bar, Romanian
- Rows– 1 arm dumbbell, chest supported dumbbell, landmine
- Loaded Carries– farmers, bear hug, zercher, racked, shouldered
- Sled Work- pushing and dragging
Get strong on those exercises and slowly add weight and reps.
When you can move big numbers on those lifts for sets of 8-12 reps you'll be a big dude.
Notice that I didn't include regular, straight bar deadlifts from the floor on that list. That's because that exercise takes way too much out of you and places a huge demand on your recovery ability. It also lacks the eccentric component so essential for muscle growth.
If you just want to get strong or improve your deadlift it's a great exercise. But for the purposes of building muscle there are better variations. And many large backs have been built without conventional deadlifts.
The flat bench press is another exercise that doesn't make the list simply because it's too risky. If you slightly incline the bench the exercise becomes far more effective for targeting the pecs and removes some of the stress from the shoulders. The 30 degree incline press was a favorite of 6-time Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates for these very reasons.
Rule #3: Complement the Big Lifts with Bodyweight Exercises
Big compound barbell lifts are great but you'll need more than that for a well rounded physique and injury free training. Those exercises should be complimented by an equal amount of muscle building bodyweight exercises like:
- Chin ups
- Dips
- Single leg squat and lunge variations
- Pushup variations
- Inverted rows
- Plank variations for core strength/stability and to protect your lower back
- Glute ham raises
The combination of big lifts and bodyweight exercises will produce an athletic, muscular physique that every guy wants.
Rule #4: Use Perfect Technique
This should go without saying, but if you walk into any public gym you'll see that's not the case. The perfect rep has several components to it. They are:
- Get tight from head to toe. Squeeze the bar (or dumbbell) like you're trying to crush it. If you're doing a standing exercise be sure to squeeze your glutes and brace your abs.
- Control the lowering or eccentric portion of the lift in 2-3 seconds.
- Stretch the muscle in the bottom position.
- But don't go so deep that you cause damage. You shouldn't feel any joint stress.
- Reverse the movement and start the positive/concentric portion of the lift by forcefully contracting the target muscles.
- Don't use momentum.
- On big barbell exercises you should lockout at the top and reset.
- On bodyweight and dumbbell exercises where you are trying to get a pump, you should stop just shy of lockout at the top and immediately reverse the movement.
- Never just go into the gym and start hoisting weight.
- Do that and you'll get injured.
- You'll also severely compromise your results.
Rule #5: Get a Pump
This goes against the typical hardgainer rules where supposedly all that matters is doing a few sets of low reps on bench presses, squats and deadlifts. Guys who do that usually end up fat and injured. They don't grow as much muscle as they could, either.
There's a reason every big dude on the planet does sets of 8-12 reps and leaves the gym with a huge pump. It works. In fact, it's essential for muscle growth.
So after you get some heavy work in be sure to include a few (not a million) sets to maximize your pump. When it comes to training for the pump you need to remember that you want constant tension and continuous movement. No pausing for air or a break in between reps. No momentum or letting other muscles take over. Focus on the muscle you are trying to build and squeeze every ounce of effort out of it for a few hard sets of 8-15 reps. If you have been training properly for at least three years you'll find that advanced pump-enhancing techniques like drop sets and rest pause sets can be very effective. Just be sure not to overdo the use of them.
Rule #6: "Stimulate, Don't Annihilate"
This is a quote from 8-time Mr. Olympia, Lee Haney. It means you should train hard but smart. Don't kill yourself in the quest to get big and strong. When you leave a little in the tank, both at the end of each set and each workout, you increase your chances of making progress.
So don't take sets to the point of failure where you're turning purple and screaming like you're getting interviewed by Mean Gene before WrestleMania V.
Work hard, but remember that you want to live to fight another day.
Recovery is like a hole and each time you dig yourself deeper you make it harder to climb out. The only way to fill the hole back in is with more food and more rest. If you overdo it in the gym you'll need more rest. That means you won't be able to train as often, at a high capacity. That means you won't build muscle quite as fast.
Rule #7: Train With the Proper Muscle-Building Frequency
I don't mean you have to train every day. Three hard strength-training workouts per week is plenty for most guys. If you're busy, stressed, genetically average and steroid-free that's all you'll need to get the job done.
But you do have to train each muscle group more frequently than once per week like most guys do. Don't listen to your favorite juiced up, genetic freak pro bodybuilder. What they do will be of no use to you.
The more frequently you can stimulate a muscle group, while making strength gains, the faster it will grow. I mean, duh, right? That should be pretty obvious to anyone.
Obviously your chest will grow faster if you train it 104 times per year instead of 52 times.
My favorite template for gaining size and strength is the following:
Monday– Heavy Upper Body
Wednesday– Heavy Lower Body
Friday– Rep Upper Body
Saturday– HIIT/ Strongman Conditioning
Note that "Heavy" is a relative term.
I repeat: you shouldn't be regularly using low reps and heavy weights in the range of a 1-5 rep max. That will only beat you up.
By heavy I mean bigger, more stressful barbell exercises that allow for greater loads to be lifted for 6-10 reps. Then, on the second day you focus more on bodyweight and dumbbell exercises that are easier on your joints for sets of 8-15 reps.
The upper body gets two training days the lower body gets one, along with a lower body-focused conditioning/HIIT workout on the weekend. The lower body recovers slower than the upper body and gets more use throughout the week when you're doing conditioning, playing a sport, etc.
Bonus Tip: Don't Turn Into a Lazy Fat Ass
Despite some prevailing hardgainer myths out there, doing conditioning does not make you small and weak. Skipping it makes you a lazy, out of shape, fat ass.
Conditioning work helps you stay lean and improves your recovery between strength training sessions. It's hugely beneficial and has to be a part of your weekly routine. One or two low intensity conditioning sessions and one or two high intensity sessions will be perfect for helping you build muscle and stay lean and healthy.
My favorite choices are:
- Running hills
- Pushing sleds
- Jumping rope
- Walking/hiking/rucking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Rowing (if your back can tolerate it)
Rule #8: Make Recovery a Huge Priority
Training is just the stimulus for growth to take place. You can train your balls off, all day, every day but that doesn't mean you're going to grow.
You grow outside of the gym when you're recovering; not during workouts. If you can't recover you won't grow. Plain and simple.
So how do you ensure that you will recover properly from workouts?
By adhering to the following:
- Not doing more than you can handle in the gym
- Not training for more than an hour
- Not using extreme levels of psyche on every set
- Not stressing out about nonsense
- Getting 8-9 hours of sleep per day
- Meditating
- Doing at least 15-20 minutes of mobility and self myofascial release work per day
- Doing some low intensity conditioning and/or restorative on off days
- Taking contrast baths and showers
- Getting a massage once a month or as often as you can afford to
Rule #9: Eat For Health and Longevity First and Foremost, to Gain Muscle Optimally
Even if you're a skinny dude you should never go on one of those all-you-can-eat, junk food diets. The old school approach to bulking up is dead. It has failed countless times and simply doesn't work.
It's unhealthy and makes you fat. No organsim that is unhealthy will grow at an optimal rate. The healthier you are the faster you will make progress.
I used to believe in the old school bulk approach for young, skinny hardgainers. Then I smartened up.
You have to fuel your body with high quality, real, wholesome food.
Eating pizza, burgers, ice cream and fast food is a really bad plan. Junk in, junk out.
If you put shit in your body you will look, feel and perform like shit.
Your recovery will be slower and you will be riddled with inflammation. So don't let "bulking up" be an excuse to consume boatloads of crap. You know that cotton candy and soda isn't healthy. You know that salmon and sweet potatoes are. Most of this is common sense.
Your diet should consist of a lot of the following foods:
- Grass fed meat
- Organic eggs
- Wild caught fish
- Starches like white rice, potatoes, and quinoa
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Veggies
- Water
Start with 16 times your bodyweight for total calories. So if you weigh 165 you'll eat 2640 calories per day. If, after a few weeks, your weight isn't budging, up it to 17x bodyweight. If you're gaining more fat than muscle drop it down to 15x bodyweight. Always give things at least two weeks to assess.
Eat one gram of protein per pound of bodyweight per day. That's plenty. You could probably even get away with less.
Eat 1.5-3 grams of carbs per pound of bodyweight (depending on bodyfat levels, insulin sensitivity and activity). Keep most of them around your workouts and at night.
Breakfast should be protein and greens. Eggs, yogurt, meat, whatever.
Lunch should be protein and greens. Chicken, fish or steak and salad is perfect here.
Dinner should be protein and all the starch you can handle. A huge piece of meat, a pile of potatoes or rice with some steamed veggies.
Snack in between meals on fruit and nuts and maybe a protein shake, if you so desire. Real food is always better, though.
Consume an extra serving of protein and starchy carbs immediately after training. If you can't get enough carbs in around training and at night add some more to lunch. Then breakfast.
And one thing most people overlook is this…
The first step in the muscle building process is to get lean. You should be at least as low as 12% bodyfat before you change your diet up to focus on mass gain.
If you're fat and you start eating for size you're only going to gain fat. So get rid of the excess blubber first then worry about getting big.
Rule #10: Consistency Is King
All the above information is completely useless if you don't apply it consistently. I'm not talking about a week. Or two months.
The person who makes the greatest progress is he who is consistently getting in three workouts per week. The guy who never misses a meal. The guy who always gets to sleep on time. The guy who spends a few hours per week on recovery techniques at home. And does all of these things 52 weeks per year, year after year. That's how real progress is made.
You have to commit and you have to believe in what you are doing. You can't be second guessing everything all the time. You can't change your routine every other week. You can't be on the internet constantly searching for a better program.
There is no magical supplement or yet-to-be-discovered secret training technique that will help you build 100 pounds of muscle in the next three months. Those things will never exist.
The only things that get results are passion, commitment and hard work. Every. Damn. Day.
Lift weights. Eat steaks. Run hills. Sleep. Repeat.
There you have it; everything you need to know about building muscle.
If you liked this post I would greatly appreciate you sharing it with someone else who might benefit from it. Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply
133 Responses to How to Build Muscle- The Definitive Guide
Gary Deagle October 20, 2011 at 12:10 pm #
Nice guide. To some it may seem almost to simple, but no one says the truth can't be simple.
Jason Ferruggia October 25, 2011 at 9:57 am #
@Gary Deagle: Exactly.
Matty C- Thanks. I agree!
Roland- Appreciate it.
Joe- Thanks for the comment. You are the man!
Alex- Definitely.
Atul- No. But when you are older and stronger it can be a good idea to group all big lifts together on two days and then have two days of lighter training with exercises that are more joint friendly.
Christopher- We evolved to sleep when it's dark. You'll always get the best results doing that. Not that a nap is a bad idea.
Alexey- No, it isn't. A dynamic warm up of bodyweight calisthenics, mobility work, activation and prehab should take you about 7-15 minutes then you start with specific warm ups on what you are going to be training that day. The whole thing should have you in and out of the gym in about 60 minutes.
Matty C October 20, 2011 at 2:03 pm #
Very awesome Jason! I love reading information that isn't over complicated. Simplicity, brevity and succinctness is the key!! ;-)
Roland Byrd October 20, 2011 at 2:47 pm #
Thanks for the well written and comprehensive guide.
I think it's easy to complicate things but you've done a nice job of presenting facts. This is good advice all the way around!
Joe Giaimo October 21, 2011 at 8:04 am #
These are like your own personal 20 Commandments. Pretty sure it should be published and at least be put up in Renegade. I've lived by these commandments the past 3 years and have never been stronger in my life. I advise all my teammates and people who I know to do the same and the ones who listen, are the ones who are like – wow it really works.
Jason Ferruggia January 18, 2012 at 10:53 am #
Haa. Thanks, Joe.
Alex October 21, 2011 at 8:32 am #
Wonderfull post, right to the point and no BS.
I just think you should also advise for strict form when advising progressive overload.. the way i see most people trying to impress others by loading the bar and swinging the weight, cheating the whole way and stimulating every muscle BUT the muscle they are trying to work is just simply crazy, wont bring any good results, and may bring a lot of injuries.. i see this even in very advanced bodybuilders, and i dont see this in any powerlifter i workout with, altough they are working with much bigger weights, curious..
Atul purohit October 21, 2011 at 8:50 am #
Hi Jason,
I am following your advice and ideas for more then five years now. So basically I am in touch with fitness industry long enough to develop some of my own theories and methods. I have a question for you. My question is
Since you are a big supporter of strength building and compound exercises which definitely put too much stress on nervous system which isolated exercise doesn't. So if we talk about your three day program Like 1 squat session, 1 bench press session and then one dead-lift session which is like father of all to exhaust your nervous system and all this with other compound exercises. Don't you think it puts too much stress on hard gainer nervous system and hindering there growth?
And i have met many hard gainer and analysed there body anatomy. Most of them either weak nervous system or impaired nervous system. And all this nervous system sucking compound exercises makes it worse.
And man you are a really knowledgeable person. So this is just a discussion not a offence to your theories.
Take care.
Christopher October 21, 2011 at 9:13 am #
great post!
I have a question about point 18,
Is Polyphasic sleep very bad for building muscle? if so, how bad is it?
thanks in advance
Alexey October 21, 2011 at 9:17 am #
This is truly an excellent post. Thank you…may I ask if there can be a subset in the section on workout length relating to appropriate warm-up procedure? Is the warm up included in the 45-60 minutes? Should it be simply light exercise on the actual lifts we do or a separate comprehensive set to stimulate everything? Would 15 minutes on the rowing machine or nordic track work?
Jason Ferruggia January 18, 2012 at 10:53 am #
You want to do a dynamic warm up consisting of mobility and muscle activation drills. This doesn't count toward total workout time.
Mike T Nelson October 21, 2011 at 11:57 am #
Great stuff as always Jason! Simple and straight to the point! I am working on getting more sleep myself, as it is a constant battle (but getting better).
Christopher, I am not Jason and I look forward to his response, but I have not seen much data on polyphasic sleep at all related to muscle building.
My guess is that it would not be best since we know REM sleep is associated with strength gains (motor learning), and quality sleep helps with GH release and more parasympathetic tone also. Hormonally speaking, we are wired to sleep at night when it is dark for longer periods of time at once.
Having said all of that, the human body is incredible in its ability to adapt; so try it out and see how it goes for you.
Rock on
Mike T Nelson PhD(c)
Jason Ferruggia October 25, 2011 at 9:59 am #
@Mike T Nelson: Thanks, Mike. I agree.
Adrian- Yes upper one day, lower the next. Four days per week.
Adi- Training to failure isn't necessary for performance, strength or size gains. Gymnasts and Olympic lifters don't train to failure. It only slows down your recovery.
Adrian October 21, 2011 at 12:34 pm #
Awesome post! If I switch to a upper/lower split, how do I still use compound movements that work the whole body?
Matty C October 21, 2011 at 9:03 pm #
@Adrian: Mate you should always be doing compound exercises in your upper lower splits anyway. Upper (Bench Press, military Press, Chin ups, Row variations), Lower (Squats, Deadlifts, good mornings, GHR's, etc.). Keep away from that bodybuilding single joint stuff (leg extensions, hammy curls, tricep kickbacks, etc.).
Adrian October 22, 2011 at 9:27 pm #
Thanks for the advice, but what I meant was, how do you give body parts the rest time with compound movements? As in, if you do upper body one day and lower the next, compound movements work the whole body, any ideas would be great.
Matty C October 24, 2011 at 5:15 am #
@Adrian: Adrian, compound movements work 'multiple' muscle groups at the same time. I'm not sure what exercises you are referring to with your question in compound movements working the whole body – the deadlift is the only exercise I would consider to do that (apart from combined movements – squat thrusts, etc.). Examples of compound movements: Bench press because it requires triceps, pecs, lats, abs, etc. Squats as they train quads, hamstrings, gastroc (calves), glutes, psoas group, etc. Deadlift trains even more as you are incorporating upper body by holding the bar whilst using legs and hips to stand up straight (essentially).
However, compound movements target some muscles more heavily than others (Bench is pecs/triceps, Squats is glutes/quads, Pullups is lats/biceps, etc.) so even though they train multiple muscles, some muscles are more heavily taxed.
So to answer you question. Train 3 days per week (Mon, Wed, Fri – for example). Just focus on full body training (both upper and lower body in same training session). That way you'll get the rest you need with a day in between each session. If you were to train a back to back day, then you'd focus your 'primary' exercises differently. Upper focus 1st day, lower focus 2nd day. Hope this helps. I apologise for not being as succinct as I would have liked.
Uncle Timbo October 21, 2011 at 1:16 pm #
Excellent post!
Comprehensive list –
I wanted to add something to the list but it's so well covered in just 20 points I couldn't think what to add in.
So for me personally the biggest point for me is rest and recovery, I don't think I get enough of that as I always feel to busy.
timothy lee ming kee October 22, 2011 at 8:07 pm #
Jason ferugia, you are beautiful. Please support me.
Sincerely and faithfully,
Timothy lee mingle keep of kk sabah Malaysia
bobby October 22, 2011 at 9:16 pm #
Really great article all my knowledge and experience completely agrees with this!
Adrian October 25, 2011 at 12:45 pm #
Thanks Matty C, great advice, will give it a go :)
Always right on the mark Jason. I maintain a website, but I do think this is number one when it comes to building muscle. I am still learning a lot from MGS. As per usual keep the posts coming.
Jason Ferruggia December 21, 2011 at 10:45 am #
Thanks a lot, Luke.
Gav November 4, 2011 at 2:51 am #
Hey there, I'm in Australia.
Good article. The only thing that threw me was you saying don't train to failure. I have always done this and thought that it is a must for getting stronger. In order to maintain my workout intensity I feel that I must train to failure, I mean eventually, if you have a done a few sets, you won't pump out the same number of reps ás the first set anyway, eg, you may do 10, then 8 then 6 etc – if you fail to reach 10 on set 3 then you have trained to failure by default and the only way to avoid and guarantee you do 3, 4, 5 sets etc with same number and still have 1-2 in the tank it to drop the weight? Surely this can;t be the case?
Anyway, I'm mainly a bodybuilder, but of late have been getting more interested in functional/strength training – practical stuff with body weight etc – hence following your site/advice.
Matty C November 4, 2011 at 4:18 pm #
@Gav: Training to failure constantly taxes your CNS which results in longer periods of rest required. I think if you experiment with it, you'll find out not training to failure is superior to get consistent gains. Eventually, if you are always maxing out, you won't progress.
If you are getting 10 reps on your first set and only 8 & 6 on next sets then you have two problems 1. Your rest isn't long enough, 2. Your weight is too heavy for your purpose. Less rest increases intensity which requires a lowering of force. It comes down to simple science. But at the end of the day, you can question the concept (which almost all of the best strength coaches around recommend to not train to failure) or you can keep doing it your own way and see what happens.
Alex Zinchenko November 8, 2011 at 9:36 am #
Straight and easy to follow guidelines. I wish more people understand and use these simple but effective principles in their training. Good job, Jason!
– Alex
Jason Ferruggia December 21, 2011 at 10:44 am #
Yup, never train to failure.
I loved the simplicity of the top 20 things to do to make successful gains in the gym so much, I reposted the link on my page. We all really appreciate the work you to providing the rest of us with real information that cuts through all the crud out there. I stopped training to failure and shortening my workouts a long time ago (I used to be so proud of my 90 min gym sessions), and the gains I've made on my small body are great! Thanks for sharing!
Jason Ferruggia December 29, 2011 at 1:56 pm #
Thanks, Michelle! I appreciate the kind words and love hearing about your success.
Mike Wedick January 17, 2012 at 8:37 pm #
Your endorsement for higher training frequency (4+ days/week) has me thinking – I'm finishing up Phase 1 in 3XM, about to enter Phase 2. As I'm sure you are aware, this is a 4 day split over 9 days – would it beneficial to reduce this to a 7 day spread, thus increasing frequency to 4 times/week?
Jason Ferruggia January 18, 2012 at 10:45 am #
Mike, you could definitely do that. I have evolved my training methods greatly over the last few years and will be sharing more and more of it in the near future.
Mike Wedick January 18, 2012 at 4:20 pm #
Cool, thanks for the feedback. I'll be doing that (4 days/week) with 1-2 sprint days, fasted walks 7 days/week.
Eirik Sandvik January 18, 2012 at 2:15 am #
This is a very good article, Jason. Everyone should read this stuff.
Ray January 18, 2012 at 10:42 am #
Wow. Great stuff, man. This everything one needs to know about building muscle.
Jason Ferruggia January 18, 2012 at 10:51 am #
It sure does, Jose. That's why I have not revealed all the modifications to my training system here on the blog just yet. I've been sharing this stuff in the Renegade Inner Circle for the past year or two and experimenting on all of my clients.
My training has evolved drastically. Because I have eliminated all methods and exercises that cause minor injuries, excessive spinal compression and joint degradation along with CNS burnout, while keeping everyone much further away from failure you are able to tolerate a lot more volume and frequency which leads to much faster gains.
If you are doing stuff that beats you up and fries your nervous system while always training balls to the wall and going to failure you can't train that often. Three to four days would be the max.
But nowadays I have plenty of people training six times per week with no recovery issues, getting better results.
I will start to unveil a lot more of this in the near future.
However, that's not to say that everyone needs to train 6 days per week. You can still get results with 3-4 days.
Jose January 18, 2012 at 7:59 pm #
Thanks for the answer
Chris Correia February 6, 2012 at 6:58 am #
Overall, very good stuff/summary of important points.
I have one question, though, regarding a matter that most articles that present "This is the way it is" overlook.
Older trainees, and particularly those that take part in additional activities. And I don't mean all of the guys in their 30's who are no longer college athletes and who feel old.
I mean me. Coming up on 52 years old. And particularly beginner (less than a year of real strength work) trainees. And particularly when we're also engaged in other athletic and conditioning endeavors (martial arts, skiing, whatever).
Granted, with martial arts being a primary endeavor, max strength and muscle building are not my top priority, but I emphasize those in cycles. So I admit to digressing . . .
We need rest and recovery, man! Less workouts per week. Less volume. Less calories. For me, two days per week, basic compound exercises, 3×5, and just easing into extra calories, otherwise it's too easy to get carried away and get fat.
Just saying . . . don't leave older guys behind! ;)
Jason Ferruggia March 11, 2012 at 8:12 am #
Yes sir. But there are plenty of guys your age who are masons or roofers and do inordinate amounts of physical labor every day. The body will adapt if you slowly increase your work capacity over many months and years.
dan August 13, 2014 at 6:18 am #
hey jason, i have been training for around 9 years, not three days a week from the age of 10, but from 10-15 i trained 4-7 days a week, and then began to slack.
i'm just curious as when i was 15 i weighed around 10-11 st, and am now nineteen and weigh 9-10 stone, with me having trained since a young age, will this hinder my muscle growth? thanks in advance.
Larsen February 9, 2012 at 10:23 am #
Hey jason Nothing is Working for me……………..full body / Upper-lower / Muscle group split type………………I have tried all the workout programmes……..But nothing works. Plz help me
Till March 23, 2012 at 8:37 am #
Larsen: search for Jason's article "how to gain weight" and APPLY the information in there – all of it, especially the food bit. Do this for three months with no exception and see how it goes. Anybody can gain weight, some people just need a TON of calories.
Rob Daniels February 10, 2012 at 2:39 pm #
Jason, in your muscle gaining secrets program you suggest taking off a week after 8 weeks of hard training. If I'm in a mass building mode do I still eat the same number of calories per day during the rest week even though I'm not working out that week or do I ease off on the calories as well? Thanks.
Jason Ferruggia March 11, 2012 at 8:13 am #
Drop the calories a bit.
Carl February 12, 2012 at 10:37 am #
Thank you for providing this excellent updated information. I understand the principles you have outlined, yet what I need at this point is an explanation of exactly how to put them into practice. In other words, I don't know how to design a program where I train 5-6 times per week, while hitting muscle groups 3-6 times per week with varying repetition schemes while using proper rest periods and keeping my sessions in the 30-40 minute range. Do you currently sell a program I can buy that covers all of these details? I bought MGS in 2007 and it helped me greatly, but now I want to learn your newest principles.
Your response to Jose's post above also includes areas that would help me a lot such as where you talk about "eliminating methods and exercises that cause minor injuries, excessive spinal compression and joint degradation along with CNS burnout, while keeping everyone much further away from failure you are able to tolerate a lot more volume and frequency which leads to much faster gains". Again I would like to buy a program that covers all of these points.
Thank you very much for your help.
Jason Ferruggia March 11, 2012 at 8:13 am #
Carl- right now these programs and discussions are only available in the Renegade Inner Circle
Kevin Guzda February 15, 2012 at 1:49 pm #
Hi Jason,
I have Minimalist Training and Follow Basic programs from that. For years since I was 19 I also follow Brooks Kubik recommended routines and routines from Stuart McRobert and his Brawn books as well as John Christy I`m 38 now.. Actually the program I`m doing now is 3 days a week with 4 big lifts spread out 3 to 4 workouts (70`s Strenght and Mass) over 9 days like you highly recommend in Minimalist and is similar in philosophy to Brooks Kubik and Brawn.
I do not train to failure and have made good gains. My question is this I have a family, job and other commitments. I love training and I am dedicated bu to be honestt I do not want to do more than 3 weight workouts in a week. Hitting each major movement once over a week to 9 days like you formerly suggested seems to work for me. I know you have evolved some of your training advice but is the "older" stuff in Minimalist still "solid". I mean I am sure these methods still are time tested and work as you precribed them over several years so do I "need" to change and start working out so many more days per week . Thanks
Jason Ferruggia March 11, 2012 at 8:10 am #
Yup. You're good to go
calem baines February 28, 2012 at 7:46 am #
what a web site class
Larsen March 10, 2012 at 8:07 am #
Waiting for answer………………………….
C March 21, 2012 at 5:05 pm #
I'm confused about some conflicting information. I bought your muscle gaining secrets which I have been following for 2 weeks. On MGS you mention that you should train no more than 4 days per week with 3 being the optimum. But here you say that you should train a bare minimum of 4 days a week. Am I doing enough with 3 days a week?
Jason Ferruggia March 23, 2012 at 2:53 pm #
Yes, I mean that three strength days is sufficient but you should add one hard conditioning day like hill sprints or sled work in.
C March 23, 2012 at 3:08 pm #
Hi Jason. Thanks for your reply.
So I cans till get awesome results on 3 strength days?. I'm thinking of buying a stationary bike. Can you tell me if you still recommend the HIIT on the stationary bike before I make my purchase?
Jason Ferruggia April 11, 2012 at 8:55 am #
C- Yes you can. Yes, intervals on a bike are okay if you absolutely can't get outside and run sprints or push a sled
Mo April 5, 2012 at 4:50 am #
Hi Jason,
I have been training for past 5 years and my Chest & Lats muscle are getting bigger than my arms. I'm not sure how to maintain my Chest & Lats muscle and make my arms bigger.
Could please advice me with some relevant exercises and rep range to maintain the Chest & lats muscle and make the arms bigger!
Great article Jason. You hit all the major points right on. I like how you answered the big common questions about muscle building, but also the details that often get overlooked like relieving stress and getting enough recovery. I love the foam roller, I also use the hot/cold water technique which seems to help.
Aakash Lengde April 12, 2012 at 2:06 am #
Nailed It! The guide that makes the workout truly worth the work put in
David April 12, 2012 at 12:24 pm #
pretty much the best article ever.
Robert April 14, 2012 at 9:43 am #
In point 4 it speaks of conditioning sessions. Do these include things such as Rugby trainings, or 100m sprint trainings? Great website btw.
Cass July 26, 2012 at 12:32 pm #
I try to read everything you post on your site and I love your material – including this! Not sure if this question has been asked, forgive me if it has, but I know you train men and most of these articles are written with them in mind, but do the majority of the items in your articles about building muscle apply to women as well? (i.e., not training to failure, reps/volume suggestions, etc)?
I look forward to your reply..and keep up the great work!
Jeems December 20, 2012 at 9:08 am #
Hi Jason,
Can I use MGS 2.0 to bulk up although I can only lift 3 – 5 lbs. dumbbells and
have really narrow wrists like a girl? I emailed you but did not get a response so I am posting on your weblog. What if I worked out at the gym for six hours every day?
pratap January 16, 2013 at 8:10 pm #
Dear Jason, I am from India and 20 years 10 months old male and 5feet 11 inches tall. I have been following your blog for the past 3 months and have been immensely benefited. I need a small piece of advice from you. I have been suffering from knee pain occasionally from the past 8 years due to "Osgood Schlatter" which is a small extra bone on my right knee. I have consulted orthopedic doctors. They say that the extra growth diminishes with time and is not a serious problem but they don't suggest squats. I have been going to gym for the past 17 months. I have reduced my weight from 128 kg to 112 kg. I want to continue this trend and get lean. But when I do exercises involving knees(running/climbing stairs/jumping/cycling/squats/lunges), they pain sometimes not every time. Almost every form of cardio I know involves knees(I have thought about swimming but that option is not available near to my residence) and I want to build my quads and hams without knee pain. Please help me out with this situation. Also, I have gone through your Renegade diet book. I am facing the problem of sufficient protein intake as I am vegetarian and I do not take any additional supplements. I also want to try the products you mentioned but they are not available in any of my locals stores. If they are available in any city of India, please let me know.
RichR January 22, 2013 at 8:34 pm #
Looking fwd to checking out the RIC.
Frank Maree March 14, 2013 at 9:06 am #
Hi Jason,
I just wanted an opinion from you on my workout that I am doing right now. I work out 5 days a week and rest 2, I do 4 sets 8-10 reps each day with HIIT on 3 separate days.
On Day 1 Shoulders:
Seated Barbell Press
Lateral Raises
Dumbbell Press
Seated Rear Deltoid Raise
10 Minute HIIT Training On Treadmill
Day 2 Chest:
Flat Bench Press
Incline Chest Press
Bench Flyes
Decline Chest Press
Push ups on Bosu Ball
Day 3 Legs:
Barbell Squats
Leg Press
Hack Squats
Seated Calf Raises
10 minute HIIT Training
Day 4 Arms & Core
Barbell Bicep Curls
Skull Crushers
Incline Seated Bicep Curls
Cable Hammer Curls
Close – Grip Bench Press
Ab Crunches with legs Raised
30 Second stability ball plank
Stability Ball jacknife
Oblique Crunches on stability ball each side
Day 5 Back:
Pull ups
Seated Row
Lat Pulldowns
Stiff Leg Barbell Deadlift
Bent Over Barbell Row
10 Minute HIIT Training Session on Treadmill
I run 3 days a week as well at about 5.5 to 6.0 for a pace for about 30 minutes. I just wanted to get your opinion or others as well, about losing belly fat or will this work out work as well. My diet plan that I am using, is that I have a Shakeology in the morning, Turkey or grilled or baked chicken for lunch, I also have a salad every other day for lunch or dinner, and for dinner salmon grilled or baked, brown rice, or baked potato, Grilled lean steak, with other of the same, Grilled Chicken of the same side this is on all different days. I was just wondering do I need to do a mid morning snack of a protein bar or nuts, for either mid morning or mid afternoon to help boost my protein intake and burn more fat or what I am doing okay.
CS May 21, 2013 at 6:04 am #
Hi, I've subscribed to you e-mail list for some time. I developed an allergy to all food and so haven't eaten anything other than eggs and brussel sprouts for 4 months. After this and 8 years of inactivity due to this mystery disease my muscles and fat wasted away. female 5'7″ 120 lbs now. I used to play soccer about 5 hours a day for 15 years. I built up and have a naturally muscular build for a woman. What I am wondering is given this sort of blank slate that i'm at now (because I have figure my illness out and am back to eating anything i want) what is the best course of action I can take to rebuild muscle and specifically to work on strengthening my connective tissue (which is very weak). Thank you for any help.
Martyn c July 20, 2013 at 10:46 am #
Hi Jason
I train at home but I would really like chest development – what's the best chest exercises to do and how many reps and sets? I have free weights and a bench.
Many thanks
UK, London
Janni30 March 4, 2014 at 10:45 am #
Hi ! I just read 3/4 of the posts, and I just have to say that Arnold is not mentioned once. Is it just me or does he still have the finest body in the world compared to his best form 30 years ago? I know he ate a little steroids, but I think its even more challenging to master the propotions on the body through training, even though steroids was milder that time.
Reason why I say this is that I belive he has some good advice gaining muscle too, but I am getting doubts when he recommends aiming to do 10 reps ("with steroids")?
I am anti drugs and believe that fish, chicken and nuts is enough for me, and I do support this drug-free article, maybe I came from the wrong corner here, but as a Norwegian I give it a shot! Ive recently Started training my upper body on machines, but looking for the optimal way of developing muscles twice a week to start with. With your experience I just try to make the right questions here on how to make bigger muscles faster:
I am 197cm, and weight is average with a solid body.
What muscles should I focus on to begin with?
Is it okay to only use machines the first weeks?
So I can start better off with 3 sets of max 8 reps?
My training instructor at the studio made me begin with reps.12-15, according to what I have read here this is maybe too much to start with…
I know that I have to just stick to a program and just do it first off, but I just wanna do it as right as possible this time, I need to have some guidelines from real ppl.and not only through what I read, I hate to read and to run/walk, but building muscle is the only thing I really can do and learn to like, otherwise I just work on my computer and watch movies like an off switch. I appreciate any advice, thanks!
Asmar July 21, 2014 at 11:23 am #
I like the way you have explained the tips, thanks for posting
Jack November 14, 2014 at 8:31 am #
Hey Jay,
Is it cool if I replace both squats and deads with the trap bar deadlift?
Chris M November 14, 2014 at 8:33 am #
I've added over 100 pounds to my squat and 150 to my deadlift. I prefer dumbbells and rings so I don't bench. But I can't move my overhead press. What gives?
MC Breeze November 14, 2014 at 8:34 am #
I hate resting between sets. I like to keep moving. What's the lowest rest period I can take and still get results?
George Willis November 14, 2014 at 8:35 am #
Great post. What is the best single leg squatting exercise, in your opinion?
Ill Will November 14, 2014 at 8:36 am #
If you could only choose one recovery method to use forever what would it be?
MikeD November 14, 2014 at 8:37 am #
Thanks for the great post. What are some good subs for the glute ham raise?
JCD November 14, 2014 at 8:38 am #
I know you're a big fan of farmers walks. How many days per week can I do them?
Shane Mouton September 29, 2015 at 5:15 am #
Thanks for this read Jay! On Point!!
October 1, 2015
[…] you're a skinny dude who is serious about building muscle and getting stronger there are three very critical mistakes that you absolutely can't afford to […]


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Allow me to explain. Though I'm best known as a Doctor Who nerd, my first introduction to science fiction in a visual medium was Star Trek. As a six-year old in the mid-70s I was intrigued by the colorful costumes and derring-do of the original series, and I never really lost that interest until the series started hitting the dirt around the mid-point of Voyager.
Though some would say Star Trek was revitalized by the 2009 J.J. Abrams reboot, I'm of the opinion that while entertaining, the first movie more or less misses the point of Star Trek and the second film is just a lazy rip-off of Wrath of Khan, a far superior product in every way. The upcoming Star Trek: Beyond, though primed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the franchise, doesn't look promising.
But if you ignore Paramount's missteps, there's a lot going on in the margins. Fans of the show have taken it upon themselves to recreate the old show with Star Trek Continues, push the universe forward with Axanar, frankly amazing VFX in Star Trek New Voyages, Renegades…the list goes on.
There's a precedent for this explosion of fan creativity, back in the "wilderness years" of Doctor Who between the cancellation of the original show in 1989 and its return in 2005 (with the TV Movie speed bump in the mid 90s). In that time, a profusion of fan-created and demi-official work came out in the form of novels, Big Finish's audio productions (which are still going strong), and many other creations.
And when Doctor Who came back in 2005, it returned arguably in better shape than ever, and has only improved since that point. Doctor Who has taken the spot in the pop culture firmament once held by Trek, and other series have captured the imagination of new generations of fans.
Star Trek's 50th anniversary is next year. It's time to mark that with more than just another loud, derivative film that might as well be called "Shiny Explosions."
Here's what I would do. Star Trek has always been known for pushing boundaries, on and off screen. When TNG hit television screens in 1987, they took the previously unheard of route of working around networks and going straight to syndication. It was widely predicted that this would be a disaster, but in fact it worked wonderfully and removed a layer of corporate meddling from production of the show.
We're now in a new Golden Age of Television, and yet Trek, a universe rich with creatures, stories and history, has no place in it. Put it back on television. Or more accurately, put it on a streaming service, as Netflix has done with Marvel properties and its own productions like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black.
More importantly, USE the history of the show for more than just nostalgic callbacks and fan service. Making the show as sex-filled or violent as Game of Thrones is probably inappropriate, but use the multi-layered storytelling of that program to create a limited series. Make it 10 or 13 episodes, involve the many factions and empires in the Trek universe, and set it far enough in the future that it can be its own thing.
And make it feel like Trek. There's an ineffable feeling that even Enterprise, dire as it was, conveyed to the audience. It's a feeling of exploration and discovery. What it isn't is loud, blockbuster-y nonsense.
And until Star Trek gets back on TV, that's what we're stuck with.]]>
Now, 20 years into its mission, Broken Pencil founder Hal Niedzviecki is the subject of an interview in the Toronto Star about zines, zine-making and the shift back to paper for today's creatives.
Though I've always been a digital guy, I have to admit I'm intrigued by the idea of making a zine. I know the "proper" (pronounced: "hipster") way to create a zine is to type everything out by hand, cut it up, glue it together and xerox it on the sly, but I happen to know how to use Indesign, and I have to justify my ongoing subscription to the Adobe Creative Suite.
he next question is…what should the zine be about? It has to be a subject I hold near and dear to my heart, and if Radio Free Skaro is any indication, giving my theoretical zine a sci-fi bent is probably the smartest bet. I'll also be joining a fanzine tradition that's almost a century old, and possibly even giving friends a place to put some of their writing and artwork.
I even have a title in mind, a suitably nerdy one to fit my view of the world. Now all I have to do is write, draw design and lay out a multi page document. Easy.]]>
One of the keys to procrastination (which is a constant whatever the medium you're working in) is looking for inspiration on the internet, and the first such quote comes from Robin Bougie, the guy behind the Cinema Sewer zine (made here in Vancouver, don't click the link if bewbs offend you.)
He branched off from writing about pornography to actually making some, and whatever you may think of that particular genre and his life choices, the fact remains that the fimmaking process is more or less the same for porn as any other kind of movie. He said, in an interview for the Druid Underground Film Festival, that:
"But it made me realize that I prefer comics as a storyteller. It's so much more fulfilling. I get to be the director, actor, producer, cameraman, and my whole budget is the cost of $6 worth of drawing supplies. And better yet, I don't have to rely on anyone else. If you can't afford to pay your cast and crew (and I couldn't), how can you expect them to be as passionate about your project as you are? My cast and crew on a comic is *me*. And all of me is passionate as fuck!"
This is exactly the kind of attitude I'm moving towards. Film is what I grew up with and aspired to, but I could have been working towards a more achievable goal such as writing or learning to draw. As it is I'm trying to make up for lost time, but I'm also finding the experience much more pleasant, because as stated above, I can rely solely on myself to get things done.
Another interesting point, and this applies more to the professional echelons of creative pursuit, is the Jackass Factor. The more money that's involved, the more likely the people involved in that medium will be jerks. Or as author and smart guy Charles Stross once said:
"The prevalence of sociopathy in (the creative) industries scales with the amount of money in play."
Even from my position interviewing creators and others for both Radio Free Skaro and The Electric Playground, I've found this to be the case. Film, television and music people are hit and miss (though I must stress almost everyone involved with Doctor Who has been unusually welcoming and lovely), but generally speaking authors and those in the comic book industry are a pretty humble and approachable bunch. Even at the lower rungs, people tend to look out for one another, which certainly isn't the case with indie film.
What am I hoping to accomplish by writing all this? Nothing beyond actually making a point of writing more on this blog, and also encouraging others to not give up their dreams but to maybe re-orient them towards more achievable (and friendlier!) goals. Or as a friend of mine once said, "getting older makes you sane."
1) writing a story for Seasons of War
2) making a new Bookshelf Doctors comic strip every week
3) trying my hand at standup comedy (!)
As some of you know, I recently wrote "Crowsnest Past" for the Seasons of War anthology, along with assisting with editing chores under grand poobah Declan May. My story was generally well received, amongst the many other excellent tales held within the book, and we're already planning for a second volume of the anthology. So that's a thing.
I've also kept plugging away at Bookshelf Doctors photo comics. I can't draw very well but I do have an obscene number of Doctor Who action dollies taking up space in the tiny library of my condominium, and so I might as well put the little rascals to work amusing myself and, from what I surmise, a few other nerds on the internet.
But the big thing I've been up to is trying my hand at standup comedy. I've been something of an irreverent buffoon my entire life, but up until recently I lacked the gumption to go up on stage and muse publicly on things I find hilarious. Well, I finally decided to prove to myself once and for all that I could do it, and I've attended three open mics so far, with more to come.
I was prepped to receive no laughter whatsoever, and to my surprise I did get a few chuckles. To my further surprise, Vancouver has a very supportive comedy community, and I was soon told by multiple people that my material is very good, I just need to work on my delivery. The only way to do that is to practice and keep practicing, which means getting up on a stage and saying allegedly amusing things. I'm going to keep plugging away. If nothing else, it's an interesting hobby that gets me out into the world.
Finally, expect to see some changes on Freyburg.com in months to come. It was originally conceived more than 10 years ago as a daily blog, but as life and responsibilities have caught up with me I just don't have the time to maintain that schedule. The site will get revamped to showcase my writing, video work, comics and attempts at live hilarity…with some room on the side for blogging. Watch this space.]]>
I wrote a story called "Crowsnest Past" for Seasons of War, the unofficial War Doctor anthology due out early next year. It's got a "young" War Doctor, rural Canada, homicidal robopeople and shotgunning of beer. What more do you want? How about many more stories by incredibly talented writers, all of them devoting their time to a good cause. A big shout out to writer and gentleman Declan May, who has ably shepherded the anthology into its present state and deserves buckets of praise for his tireless work.
The cause in question is the Cauldwell Children, which helps out families of autistic children as well as the kids themselves. The anthology has to date raised over 3,00o pounds, and all of it goes to the charity.
I also wrote a story that appears in Dark Tales from Elder Regions: New York, an anthology of ghoulish and ghastly horror tales set in NYC. My story, "The None Percent," tackles the thorny problem of what an ultra-wealthy Wall Street magnate does with himself once he's shuffled off this mortal coil, and all that's left is his coal-black soul. You can pick up Dark Tales from Elder Regions up now from Amazon or directly from Myth Ink Books.
What else? Well, work continues on Bookshelf Doctors and Master Control, my ode to days gone by in the televisual trade (which is also hosted on the Bookshelf Doctors site). And I have a few more irons in the fire, which I will discuss when they go from "warming up" to "oww, that's scorching."]]>
While I've fallen off the anime train in a big way as time has gone on, it's done my life a lot of good in many ways. People I met decades ago in a dank club room in the Students Union Building at the University of Alberta are still some of my best friends. I've also been to Japan four times and lived there briefly, and that's due to anime in at least some small way. I experienced culture through my circle of friends in Edmonton, one of the most whitebread cities in Canada. I also got to see Spirited Away, widely regarded as one of Miyazaki's best, in a theater in Japan, and indeed knew about the master's works years before he became popular in North America.
One of my favourite anime is Otaku No Video, the thinly veiled story of the rise and fall and rise of Gainax, a fan-run anime company. Being Japanese, anime tends to not bother with irony and satire, but Otaku No Video (gently) gives the genre and the fans both barrels.
Obviously it's somewhat out of date by now, but nerd truths hold true regardless. If you have a couple of hours to spare, give it a watch.
I'm not saying anything that hasn't been discussed to death by others, but Chandler has an amazing gift for turns of phrase. When I started "The Big Sleep," I was struck by the same sensation that I had when I saw John Carpenter's Halloween for the first time, namely that even though I was reading the formative text, I could spot all the cliches of the noir private eye genre in Chandler's work. Of course with both Chandler and Carpenter, it was all new, and it's only the countless rip-offs since that have tainted my perception of the originals.
With all good work, the quality eventually shines through, and it certainly did with "The Big Sleep." It's an expertly concocted evocation of the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in the late 1930s, with sassy dames, crooked cops and a rumpled but determined everyman sussing out layers of mystery.
The plot, such as it is, exists mostly for Marlowe to cleverly observe the comings and goings around him in a caustic, clipped manner, which is a delight to read. The book is definitely a product of its time, and the women are either femme fatales or bubbly blondes, and gays get treated particularly shabbily.
But despite the incongruity of those attitudes through the lens of the present, it's still a gripping (and quick) read that's worth it just for the brilliant dialogue and descriptions. Though Quentin Tarantino is rightly praised for his dialogue, I've always felt the Coen brothers had him beat, and raading Chandler you can see how their writing has been influenced by his work. The Big Lebowski even lifts quite liberally from Chandler's work.
I can't be anywhere as effusive about "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant: Lord Foul's Bane." As part of my quest to read the science fiction and fantasy I missed in my youth, I picked this widey praised tome up and dove in. I'm not quite finished, but I'm scratching my head as to why this book is revered in geek circles.
There's something to be said for an anti-hero, or for a character whose arc goes from reviled to revered. Thomas Covenant starts out as a leper and and outcast in the "real" world, and through a car accident, wizardry, or both, finds himself in a mythical land where he is supposedly the reincarnation of an ancient hero.
I'm willing to go that far with the book, despite the fact that the whole fish-out-of-water/real word to fantasy trope is too cliche for a RPG campaign at this point. I was even up for exploring this new world Covenent finds himself unceremoniously dumped into…until I realized I'd read it all before, and better, in Lord of the Rings.
Lord Foul's Bane isn't an exact ripoff of Fellowship of the Ring, but there are certainly similarities. Noble horse people sorta-kinda wood elves, powers derived from the land, singing and even a ring of power in Covenant's possession. A group of warriors go on a quest, there's a council meeting to decide Covenant's fate and that of the realm…you've seen it all before, and much better.
But where Fellowship had Frodo, a kindly hobbit out of his depth on a quest to vanquish evil, Lord Foul's Bane has….well, an asshole. Covenant starts out completely unsympathetic, self-pitying and rude, and he doesn't change for at least the first 300-odd pages. He may get his act together near the end, and I'm bloody-mindedly plowing through the book to find out how it all comes together, but I don't hold out much hope.
Covenant seems to me to be an embodiment of a particular breed of angry, self-pitying nerd that blames everyone else for his (or her, but mostly his) ineptitude and lashes out whenever shown any kindness. He's an awkward man-baby given what amounts to a fantastical ICBM in the form of the ring, and most of the time he just mopes about it. He's also a novelist before he gets transported to the Land (as the fantasy setting is called in the book), which sounds like a bit of bizarre wish-fulfillment on the part of author Stephen Donaldson.
Oh yes, and Covenant is also (wait for it) a rapist. Apparently this aspect of his character has been hashed out ad infinitum by fandom over the last 30 years, so I won't go into it other than to say any chance of sympathy for his leprous plight went right out the window when he committed one of the most heinous acts imaginable and really wasn't punished at all for it.
It's not the worst written book in the history of swords and elves, but it is wordier than necessary, and feels pretty turgid by today's standards. It may improve near the end (and I have a plane ride shortly to forge my way to the conclusion, so I may update this post once that's happened) but I can't really recommend it.
Up next, "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Leguin and "On Basilisk Station" by David Weber.


text: [ RZA Remixes Classic Portrait of George Washington By XXL Staff January 12, 2010 RZA trades his sword for a paint brush... Read More Category: XXL Magazine Tags: Deleware, George Washington, Jimi Hendrix, King Tech, RZA, Staten Island, Sway, wu-tang Send to a friend! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr!


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Secretary/Treasurer Position
Walker Township is currently seeking an assistant secretary/treasurer to train and serve with the current secretary/treasurer before the current secretary retires. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest showing qualifications, experience and wage requirements to Secretary Position, c/o Walker Township, 816 Nittany Valley Drive, Bellefonte, PA 16823. No phone calls please.
This position includes, but is not limited to, the following duties:
- Working knowledge of Quick Books and Quick Pay
- File employee tax reports - monthly/quarterly/yearly, including W-2's
- Prepare monthly meeting agendas and meeting packets
- Attend and record monthly meetings
- Compose monthly treasurer reports and monthly bill sheets for approval
- Prepare meeting minutes from tape recording and/or written notes
- Distribute meeting minutes in a timely manner
- Respond to phone and in-person questions and concerns
- Record and track pavilion reservations and meeting room schedules
- Prepare and make bank deposits
- Pay invoices and bills
- Receive and sort mail
- Prepare yearly budgets for multiple accounts
- Prepare yearly audit information for multiple accounts
- Prepare for multiple audits on State Funds
- Must be able to be bonded for a minimum of $500,000
- Must work independently and establish work priorities
This position is considered full-time, working 30-35 hours/week + monthly evening meetings. Benefits available following a 90 day probationary period.


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Cedar Point Offering BOGO Tickets for Michigan Residents Starting Today
Cedar Point's Michigan Days kick off Monday, and offer Michigan residents one free admission for each one purchased.
Cedar Point's Michigan Days kick off Monday, and offer Michigan residents one free admission for each one purchased.
A local West Michigan family is looking for some help in raising money for a service dog for their son.
Jaxon who is 10 years old suffers from severe anxiety that has become quite debilitating for his life and has to be under constant supervision...
Plan your weekend out with a look at all of the trailers for this weekend's new releases and Grand Rapids showtimes.
If your tank is running low, we suggest filling up sooner than later.
A failure of a unit at one of BP's Indiana refineries has caused the wholesale price of gas to jump up $0.90/g...
If you've ever bought a car from Ford's, or groceries from Meijer's, you might be from Michigan—and you might not understand why you keep adding an s...
Andy Grammer has a concert tonight at the District Square in downtown Kalamazoo. Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with him and ask him about his hit song "Honey I'm Good" and the attention he's received from it...
Actress Melissa Gilbert, who we all know and love for her portrayal of the loveable Laura Ingalls Wilder on "Little House on the Prairie", has announced that she will run for Congress in Michigan's 8th District.
This weekend's new releases include a blockbuster reboot, Academy Award winning actors and a film for kids.
Watch full trailers of all of this weekend's new releases and see Grand Rapids showtimes.
In a surprising move, the Detroit Tigers have released general manager and team president Dave Dombrowski from his contract.
The poor little creature had managed to get its head stuck in a yogurt container, and couldn't get it out. Luckily for the officer, baby skunks can't spray quite the same way adult skunks can.
Only in Michigan will you find dash cam video of a skunk getting its head caught in a yogurt container.
Sunday night's severe weather and high winds left nearly 200,000 without power across Michigan, including over 20,000 in West Michigan.


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Shopify adds 'buy now' button for Twitter users
Twitter users soon will be able to shop with a new "Buy Now" button from the e-commerce company Shopify.
Twitter users soon will be able to shop with a new "Buy Now" button from the e-commerce company Shopify.
Covestro, the polymers business of German pharmaceuticals giant Bayer, on Thursday delayed and scaled down its planned stock market flotation, originally slated for this week, due to the volatility triggered by the massive ...
Nasdaq has long been known as the "tech-heavy" stock exchange, where some of Silicon Valley's best-known companies have gone to sell shares. Now, as it faces stiff competition from rival exchanges to lure the next hot IPO, ...
Cloud storage firm Dropbox, one of the best-known Silicon Valley startups, has no imminent plans for a public share offering, founder and chief executive Drew Houston said Monday.
French music-streaming service Deezer said Tuesday it plans to launch an initial public offering on the Paris stock exchange by year's end aiming to consolidate its position in the online music market.
German chemicals and pharmaceuticals giant Bayer said Friday that it plans to float its polymers business Covestro on the stock exchange in the fourth quarter of this year.


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PAWS for Reading Delaware
Ages 5+
Ages 5+
Family Program
Spend an afternoon at the Orange Branch Library playing board games and discover a new way to play an old favorite.
Family Program
Ages 0 - 6 years
Family Storytime is a combination of books, flannel stories, songs, rhymes and sometimes crafts. We include activities that appeal to a wider age range so the whole family can join in on the fun!
Engaging children in simple but powerful activities every day help them develop early literacy skills that help them get ready to read. These activities or practices are talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. All of our story times are planned using these skills that educate your children in fun, interactive and effective ways!
Ages 0 - 6 years
Ages 2 - 6 & Caregiver
Ages 4 - 6 years
Ages 0 - 24 months
Ages 2 - 3 years
Ages 2 - 3 years


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Home›Travel Guide › Singapore ›Singapore
Singapore is a monumentally diverse city, with a multicultural mix of population and a unique combination of being an economic hub as well as a family playground. From the reams of shopping complexes on Orchard Road to the bustling attractions on Sentosa, Universal Studios and the riveting nightlife of Clark Quay.
Direct Flights to Singapore
Singapore has one of the most unique multicultural nations in Asia. Even though Singapore is a densely populated city, there is still a large amount of greenery in various parks, such as East Coast Parkway and the stunning Botanical Gardens.
Being a popular destination for travellers, a hub for international business and a home to many expats from all over the world, flights to Singapore can fill up quickly so for the best value cheap flights to Singapore, we recommend that you try and book in advance and avoid the busiest times of year such as Chinese New Year, the school holidays and Christmas.
If you prefer to travel on direct flights to Singapore, there are a couple of options from the UK including national carrier Singapore Airlines, Qantas and British Airways. There are also plenty of indirect flights which involve a transit or change of planes along the way.
Cheap flights to Singapore
Singapore has an endless list of attractions and activities to discover; most of the hotels are situated around Orchard Road, which is in the middle of the Central Business District (CBD) and where the majority of the shopping centres are situated so it's an ideal place to stay. From Orchard Road you can easily get to any part of the city, there is an endless supply of taxis and transport opportunities.
There are a few must do's on the agenda, viisit the Singapore Zoo which is known to be one of the top zoos in the world and it also has a fantastic Night Safari just next door, also Jurong Bird Park is a lovely day out and definitely something the kids will love. For thrill seekers there are snow and water sports centres as well as the Wild Wild Wet water theme park. For art and culture lovers there are plenty of galleries and museums such as the NUS Museum, The Arts House and Artfolio.
Just off Singapore is the island of Sentosa which has a whole host of attractions on one small island, from three beaches to a historical adventure at Fort Siloso, Dolphin Lagoon and Resorts World which has its very own Universal Studios. Dining in Singapore is a favourite pastime, the most popular places to eat and drink are Boat Quay and Clark Quay with their rows of bars and restaurants along the riverside.
Wala Wala Café, situated in Holland Village, is a great place to hang out with friends and watch live bands and you must visit the smashing Ku De Ta where you can sip cocktails on the roof top bar while enjoying the view of the skyline – a perfect way to end your Singapore experience.
Searching for cheap flights to Singapore
If you want to save some pennies and find the cheapest flights to Singapore, simply complete your details in our flight search box and within seconds you will have the most competitive air fares at your fingertips.
Searching over 500 travel partners and airlines, Directflights is the fastest growing travel comparison website finding you the very best prices for low cost flights as well as great value lastminute flights and availability.
Singapore Climate
Being just 1 degrees from the equator, Singapore has an extremely tropical climate; with hot and somewhat humid temperatures during the day. It also has an unpredictable rain pattern, Singapore can be subject to downpours, almost on a daily basis, but these only last a matter of hours before the sunshine resumes. These can be somewhat refreshing and serves as a break from the strong sun.
Travel news
Tourism officials promoting Singapore's food - Wednesday, June 29, 2011 Singapore's Tourism Board is stepping up efforts to promote the high-quality food on offer in the region.
Singapore Government launches apps for tourists - Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Visitors to Singapore can soon start using smartphone applications to find their way around.
Marvel and DC to attend Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention - Tuesday, July 19, 2011 The expo will take place at Suntec Singapore on August 20th and 21st.
Singapore 'offers an awful lot in a small space' - Thursday, June 23, 2011 Singapore has been praised for packing in lots of attractions within a very small area.
UK tourists 'don't like meeting other Britons on holiday' - Thursday, June 23, 2011 Holidaymakers from the UK do not enjoy meeting other Britons when they are overseas, according to a new study.
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More or less irritating than the last one?...March 30th, 2015
The World's Offensive Hand GesturesHere's an infographic we've unearthed outlining some offensive hand gestures you could use if you weren't too careful.
...March 19th, 2015
Map of Singapore


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Reviews - The Blue Anchor3
155 High Road, ,, Byfleet, KT14 7Rl
Price From £65View Rooms
Customer Reviews
Our reviews are from genuine LateRooms.com customers. We verify that the customer has stayed before leaving a review.
28% would recommend it to a friend
Customer service
Food quality
Room quality
The Blue Anchor
I would give 6 stars all the way but the bed and pillows are a bit on the hard side and I would of like the option of a cooked breakfast.
I can honestly say I have never stayed in such an awful place. The smell in our room was horrible.
Old and tatty, smelly, dirty....never again.
Even after mentioning the smell to a staff member she just agreed it smelt and wandered off!. We had no other choice but use the room for a short amount of time possible and get away early in the morning. We weren't the only people leaving early.
Read More Less
Bed and breakfast was not clean
Customer service was good but the room was dirty and there was no hot water in the morning.
I could not have a shower. The carpet had dirty marks and the was no receptionist in the morning to tell about this.
Read More Less
Room very shabby torn worn carpet eye surface clean.
Shower toilet room had ants and other insets running around. Couldn't use the shower as there where more than a dozen insects in the there. Tried to flush them away but came back
Pored boiling hot water down the plug hole but that just brought them back up with a load of dirt.
So very shabby and old damp feeling.
Read More Less
Bring your earplugs
Put right above the bar where pool table is.
Music base constant throughout the stay. Curtains white, don;t fit the window and so thing that they're like a bed sheet. Not great with a street lamp right outside windows. Basically too noisy, too light, too dirty, and too much money for £60 per night. Never again.
Rowdy drinkers shouting in the bar, stamping their pool cues on the wooden floor.
Read More Less
The stay from hell!!
Do not stay at this accommodation on a Saturday night if you need to sleep because you will not get any as live music goes on till 1.30am followed by a lock in.
well also had noise from the smoking shed below our window. Breakfast limited, pot porridge,carton fruit juice, plus alpine bar, didnt try the tea or coffee. Not even value for money.
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only good enough for contractors
I would not recommend you stay here unless you don't mind where you sleep.
complementary breakfast was a eat in the pot porridge a cereal bar and a carton of juice, already put in the room.
Read More Less
Dingy, dirty and depressing
Appears to have last been renovated some decades ago.
Walls are stained and cracked, soft furnishings decrepit and lending a pervading sense of squalor. Restaurant staff don't bother to light the candles on guest tables but breeze in with their own meals happily lighting candles on tables they occupy. Breakfast offering a total nonsense.
Avoid if possible.
Read More Less
Blue Anchor
The room was warm, clean and comfortable.
Everything that I needed for an overnight stopover. It is a pub so there was always going to be some ambient noise, but it wasn't intrusive.
Read More Less
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The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear plant on April 26, 1986 released large amounts of radiation into the environment, in Ukraine and across Europe. Decades on, problems continue to haunt the site.
It's considered to be the most severe nuclear disaster of all time: On April 26, 1986, an explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine released massive amounts of radiation into the atmosphere. The Soviet Union, which at the time had jurisdiction over Chernobyl, didn't publicize that the accident had happened until the first radiation plume set off alarms in Sweden.
Radioactive clouds spread in virtually every direction during the week after the meltdown at Chernobyl. Areas close to the plant - in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia - were heavily contaminated. Heightened levels of radiation were also measured across nearly all of Europe after the accident. The so-called 'exclusion zone' around Chernobyl remains off-limits to human habitation to this day.
Aside from the dozens of people who died as a direct result of the accident, thousands more were later struck with cancer. An increase in mutations and birth defects was also noted among children of people exposed to radiation, as seen in this photo from 1989. Animals in the region also suffered from infertility or birth defects after the disaster.
Rainfall in the months after the Chernobyl reactor meltdown washed nuclear fallout into the foodchain, affecting livestock and wild game across Europe. Of the nearly half a million wild boars hunted and slaughtered in Germany in 2010, more than 1,000 contained higher-than-allowed levels of radioactive contamination.
Although the exclusion zone was evacuated and badly-affected areas were dismantled and buried, severe effects of the nuclear disaster are expected to continue in the area for at least another hundred years. Some heavily-contaminated regions won't be completely free from radiation and safe for human habitation for another 20,000 years, studies show.
The concrete cap built over the nuclear plant right after the disaster has been showing signs of decay recently and needs to be replaced. A new steel containment shell is currently being built on-site with more than 800 million euros ($1.1 billion) of international funding. It will be slid into place over the old sarcophagus by 2016.
After humans left the Chernobyl area in 1986, wildlife moved back into the newly-available habitat. Although some plants have genetic mutations, biodiversity appears to have increased partially. Some scientists even think the radiation may be speeding up adaptation. The zone has become a type of involuntary park, with predators such as wolves and eagles, and reintroduced wild horses.
In March of this year, a study was published showing that trees in the nearby Red Forest - where trees turned a rusty color and died after the disaster - are decaying slower than normal. This is due to a lack of living microbes and organisms in the area. Due to this excess of dried wood, a catastrophic wildfire could result, which could destroy the forest completely.
Nearly 25 years after the Chernobyl disaster spread fear across Europe, an earthquake and tsunami triggered a meltdown at the nuclear plant in Fukushima, Japan in March 2011. Some countries have since reacted by shifting their focus away from nuclear power and towards renewable energy. Germany has pledged to close its nuclear reactors by 2022.
Ukraine is also working on renewable energy. Wind, solar, biomass and hydropower produced 1.5 billion kilowatt hours of power in the country in 2013. Although this is less than one percent, the sector is expected to grow. Development of renewable energy in Ukraine, however, has been hampered by public reluctance to try new energy-creating technologies, yet another lingering legacy of Chernobyl.
As Japan aims to lift evacuation orders for many people forced from their homes by the Fukushima disaster, environmentalists say many areas still show highly-elevated levels of contamination and are unfit for habitation.
Tokyo is set to resume its atomic energy program for the first time in two years. Anti-nuclear sentiments remain strong in the country after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Nuclear power is one of the world's top energy sources and one of the most contentious. What lies behind the controversy?
Japan on Tuesday brought a nuclear reactor online for the first time in two years. The move to reintroduce nuclear power comes despite widespread opposition to atomic energy in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
© 2015 Deutsche Welle | Privacy Policy | Legal notice | Contact


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name plz?
Thanks for helping us associate the correct Pornstars to this video!
Aidez-nous : ces acteurs/actrices porno apparaissent-ils/elles dans cette vidéo ?
Pornstar Name:
Thanks for helping us sort this video!
Tous les commentaires (24)
name plz?
I love having hot cum run out of my little pussy
any one know her name ?
that was amazingly hot!!
Jessica Simmons
Wow :D
Ashli Orion?! Fuck me!
ciao nicole io ho molto sperma da darti!!!
its ashli orion
nice! :D
Psh. Public Invasion is better.
i do that in disney park
i like how that guy fucks give me his number!! I like this one :D
holy fuckin hot
Ah I can see my house in this vid.
oh man that looked good
That is one sexy girl... Hire a cameraman!
anyone else find her talking annoying?
lol that was quick
good lord, hear that slurping


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There is no greater amusement park than the imagination itself.
Welcome to Bubble Street, an emporium celebrating the realms of imagination. We take pride in bringing you exquisite and spirited paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and more. Somewhat bizarre and truly romantic, our Neo-Victorian and Steampunk-inspired galorium will delight you with its flair for the fantastic and pension for outstanding craftsmanship.
Please contact us to inquire about Daniel's new limited edition releases and Bubble Street Gallery exclusives.
We are delighted to bring you five new puzzles with Daniel Merriam's intricate imagery.
Amazing art!! Love, a new fan from the Netherlands :)
I had the opportunity to visit Sausalito for the first time this spring and was drawn into the Bubble Street shop and found myself enchanted by your artwork. Thank you for creating such beautiful images.
Hi!!! We were last 14th in your amazing gallery and we felt totally in love with his work!!! I just wanted to thank the lovely woman there her kindness and I hope we´ll be able to see these ABSOLUTLY AMAZING MASTER PIECES again and soon!!! I'm lost for words to express how we loved every single piece...so I will simply say that discovering Merriam's amazing universe made a difference in my life. Kind regards from BARCELONA!


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Why I Kicked My Keurig to the Curb
Science Confirms Turmeric As Effective As 14 Drugs
Ibuprofen Kills Thousands Each Year, So What Is The Alternative?
13 Chemical Threats to Remove from Your Home
13 Evidence-Based Medicinal Properties of Coconut Oil
6 Healthy Reasons to Eat More Real Cinnamon (Not its Cousin)
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The Liquo Wall-Mounted Toilet Brush is a necessity for any bathroom. This stylish and durable toilet brush is designed for a quick clean. The stainless steel and porcelain canister beautifully hides the brush and comes with a wall attachment.
Weights & Dimensions
|Product Type: Toilet Brush; Toilet Brush Holder
|Finish: White
|Material: Porcelain
|Mount: Wall Mounted
|Country of Manufacture: Germany
About the ManufacturerBlomus was established in 2001 to innovatively manufacture stainless steel items utilizing modern design. Blomus offers a great selection of kitchen accessories, fireplace accessories, bathroom accessories, office accessories and waste bins. Inspired by premiere European designers and German craftsmen, a Blomus product, whether a contemporary stainless steel mirror, kitchen accessory, bathroom hardware, bar and wine tool or a modern styled set of candle holders, promises only the finest quality of stainless steel kitchen accessories today.
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We want you to love it. If you don't, you may return your purchase within 30 days of delivery. All you need to do is visit our Self-Service Return Center for instructions. Return credits are issued within 24 hours once the item is received and inspected. Please note that shipping charges are non-refundable. The cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. 30-Day Return Policy
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perfect Thistle from Saugerties, NY on 10/15/2014 – Verified Buyer– Top 1000 Reviewer
this is the perfect compromise between style and function. I like that the brush is open to the air so that it can dry and not get smelly. But it's easy to install this in a corner and still feel confident that it looks modern and stylish. This product is high quality. the ceramic base is heavy and durable (I mean, just don't smash it!). The brush has never given me the impression that it will bend or break. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a stylish and functional bathroom.
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Regional Association Council
PPB spotlights one of the regional associations that supports the industry's companies and professionals: The Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP) has established a … MORE »
Click HERE to access 2015 regional tradeshow and event dates with locations and contact details in an all-in-one calendar. The regional associations in the promotional products … MORE »
2016 January 10–14—The PPAI Expo (Las Vegas, NV) May 25–26—L.E.A.D. (Washington, DC) 2015 September 14—Executive Director Webinar on Outlook (12–1 pm CST) October 12–13—Regional Boot Camp … MORE »


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By Bernie Becker - 03/30/11 06:58 PM EDT
Under the bill, copies of the Congressional Record would be printed only for archives or if specifically asked for by the vice president or lawmakers.
A spokesman for the GPO said the office's initial evaluation of the measure found it would likely save less than its sponsors had said and that the office was now printing 3,720 copies of the Congressional Record, down from almost 20,000 in 1994.
In January, the House approved, by a vote of 399-0, a bill that would stop the automatic printing of legislative measures for congressional offices. Coburn and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) have introduced a Senate version of that legislation, on to which 13 other senators have also signed.


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Real Estate Info
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FORECLOSURES Peachtree City GA Foreclosures
HOMES UNDER $200K! View Peachtree City Homes Under $200K!
Peachtree City Real Estate & Homes for Sale in Georgia
Peachtree City Real Estate Stats and Trends for the week of October 5th, 2015: homes priced around $287,300 compared to $276,573 the previous week, showing a increase of more than +4%. For Monday, October 5th, the current national mortgage rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage is 3.88%; the 15 year fixed rate is at 2.84%. For a loan larger than conventional conforming loans, or 'jumbo' loan, the 30 year rate is 4.37%, while the 15 year jumbo rate currently is at 3.75%. You can calculate your mortgage rate with our mortgage calculators. Get local info and homes for sale in Peachtree City GA. View active real estate listings for different types of properties including new homes, houses for sale, foreclosures, short sales, and price reduced listings. Find information and property resources including prices of recently sold homes, neighborhood information, crime stats, home values, and schools in Peachtree City to help you find the best home!


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Real Salt Lake v Seattle Sounders - FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup
Parole chiave
Alex Caskey of the Seattle Sounders is hugged by Andy Rose after... Foto di attualitàCalcio - Sport,Campionato,Composizione orizzontale,Figura intera,Real Salt Lake,Seattle Sounders FC,Seconda metà di tempo - Sport,Segnare,Segnare un gol,Serie A di calcio USA,Sport,Stati Uniti d'America,TucsonPhotographer Christian PetersenCollection: Getty Images Sport 2013 Getty ImagesTUCSON, AZ - FEBRUARY 23: Alex Caskey #27 of the Seattle Sounders is hugged by Andy Rose #25 after scoring a second half goal past Kenny Mansally #29 of Real Salt Lake during FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup Championship match at Kino Sports Complex on February 23, 2013 in Tucson, Arizona. The Sounders defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0 to win the Championship. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)


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Gentlemen of taste often prefer a traditional straight-razor shave. But when your schedule won't allow for cutthroat whisker removal, try this concentrated, creamy soap. Your choice from three distinctive formulas will have its perks: Refresh uses eucalyptus oil to tone and purify skin, plus menthol to deliver a tingly kick. Nourish uses karité butter and sandalwood oil to soften tough beards, producing a smoother, easier shave. Protect taps aloe and Vitamin E to soothe sensitive skin, leaving it soft and hydrated with a crisp, musky scent. Whichever you choose, it'll bring to mind classic barber shops with its no-fuss results and old-school packaging.
I shave in the shower and prefer a lathery shaving gel like Gillette or Edge, especially as its extra wet in the shower.
I didn't care for this product. Smell was fine, but it didn't lather up and it kept getting washed away. I ended up having to use my other shaving products to get the job done and I'm not very hairy. I wouldn't buy this product
I really enjoyed the texture and the feel of this shaving cream. It was creamy and soapy and I was expecting a really nice shave, and, in fact, after sliding the razor all over my face, I was smooth and shorn. The problem with this shaving cream is that it has a truly awful smell, something like black licorice mixed with olives. I had to scour it from my face after I was done.
Pros: Good shave.
Con: Smells like a ham roasting in the July sun.
Unfortunately, this product did not work for me as planned. The cream itself was very smooth and think but didn't produce a lather as well as I would have liked. Midway through my shaving routine, I noticed that it was very difficult to remove the cream from the razor have a shaving swipe. I ended up using two razors in order to completely shave my face. Secondly, the cream left a residual layer on my skin for some time that I found most uncomfortable.
Sadly, not the product for me. Smelled great though!
I wasn't too impressed with this shaving cream. The first issue I noticed is it's lack of lather. I failed to find the classic barber shop effect of it, because it never really lathered up, it kinda just sat on my face like soap would. It also burned my skin, not so much of a tingle but more of a burn. I wouldn't recommend for anyone with sensitive skin.1
This is a terrible product. Not only did it burn my skin when I used it it also ruin my very nice razor blade. It was so thick I had trouble getting it on my face and even more trouble getting it off. When I was shaving because it was so thick it got stuck in between my razor blades therefore ruining my blade. I will never buy this product, and if you like your current nice razor I suggest you do not purchase it either.1
This may just not have been for me. I was super excited to try it, as I've pretty much stuck to Gillette and other mass-produced products for shaving cream. I loved the old style design. Based on my history, though, maybe that's why this product felt so off to me. It cut nicely but left a lot of residue on my face. Maybe I'll try again and leave another review. Maybe I won't...1