You know why you’re not making the progress you had hoped for?
Why you’re spinning your wheels and frustrated almost to the point of depression?
Why you look the exact same right now as you did 6-12 months ago?
What you’re doing at this very moment is part of the problem.
Reading this website could be killing your gains.
Why?
Because you already read two dozen other training websites and Twitter feeds today that told you two dozen different things.
And you have no fucking idea what to believe or do.
You’re not sure if you’re supposed to be training in accordance with the earth’s rotation of the sun, Prilepin’s chart or Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Should you press at a 27.6-degree angle or 31.4?
STOP.
Please just stop reading right now.
In fact I don’t want you to come back to this site unless it’s the only training site you visit. Or at least one of a handful that all share a very common theme.
Not because I don’t appreciate your support. Believe me, I’m incredibly grateful and would like to thank you personally. But I actually want to help you too. Just having a half million people come to the site each month is useless if I’m not helping you achieve your goals.
You can’t read all kinds of contradictory opinions and expect to get anywhere. I promise you’ll fail if you take that route.
Six Million Sites to Read; Choose One
Pick one guy to listen to; one guy with a proven track record of getting results and do exactly what he says. Don’t question it, don’t read differing opinions, and don’t second-guess. Just do it. For six months straight. Then we’ll talk.
If you’re truly a member of The Renegade Nation, and believe in my methods, then stop wasting your time elsewhere. You’ll get much better results that way. Or if you want to purchase one of DeFranco’s, Wendler’s or Zach’s programs do those instead. They’re great coaches and won’t steer you wrong.
But if you do please don’t ask them about what I said and don’t ask me about what they said. When people do that I know they’re destined for failure and will always be the exact same size and strength they are right now. In all honesty I get a little bit sad when I get questions like that because I feel bad for the person. I know for a fact that they should do something else with their time because training is not something they’ll ever have any success with.
Busy hands are happy hands.
– Your mom
You know who makes great progress in the gym?
Busy guys. That’s who.
Guys who don’t have the time, patience or desire to sit on the internet all day long and read fifty different training sites. They have one system or method they believe in and they hit it hard without doubting or second-guessing it.
Anyone I or Alvino or Cosgrove has trained over the last twenty years gets results because they pay us to write the programs for them and then they do them to the letter without questioning a single thing.
In fact, most of the clients I’ve trained since 1994 have probably not read a single article about training. They just do what I tell them to do because they’re too busy working, going to school, playing sports, raising kids, spending time with their families and enjoying life to sit on the internet all day debating about the best workout split.
What’s interesting is that my clients who make the most money almost always seem to make the fastest progress. This is for two reasons. The first is obvious. Someone who makes a lot of money is a very driven person. The second is that because they’re so busy hustling all day they don’t have the time to jerk around on every training blog and Facebook page in existence. They give me a check, I give them a program, they bust their ass on it, and the incredible results they get make both of us very happy.
Don’t Obsess
In order to make the kind of gains you really want training has to be a PART of your life; not your entire life. You have to stay busy and have hobbies. You can’t obsess over all this shit 24/7 or it will destroy you.
Eat when and what you’re supposed to, get to bed on time, lift 3-4 days per week and run up hills or push a sled 1-2 times. That’s it. It’s that simple.
Get in the habit of doing those things ritualistically and they’ll no longer require any more thought. You have other things to focus on like your kids, your passions, your future, how you’re gonna get laid tonight; anything but the 4589th way to do a dumbbell curl.
Don’t give it anymore thought beyond those few hours per week that you’re in the gym training and in the kitchen preparing meals.
That’s why I created The Renegade Inner Circle. Because I know that to be successful in any endeavor you need a coach and you need to delegate. In this instance you’re delegating the writing of your training programs to me and allowing me to distill all the info you need.
It saves you time and money. You get to make impressive gains and transform your body like all of our members do and you get your life back.
Click HERE now to try it out for 30 days. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.









13. Jun, 2012
at 11:38 am #
Good info.
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:39 am #
Too much info will slow you down. Maybe that’s the worst thing about the internet.
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:40 am #
Yeah, I only subscribe to a few sites.
13. Jun, 2012
at 12:30 pm #
@Stan- Big time
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:44 am #
This is a perfectly timed post. After spending a few months with a super mediocre trainer, I began to dive head first into learning everything I possibly could about what I needed to do in the gym once he was no longer my trainer. I had not made too many gains (meaning I had not lost the 40lbs I wanted to lose in the 12 weeks that was promised to me and I was panicking) and I didn’t want to lose the momentum that I’d built up over those three months. I read every blog possible. Know what happened? I didn’t know what to do. I was more confused than ever! So, this week, I decided to take all the pressure off myself that I’m sure was causing stress and anxiety and increasing my cortisol levels which just isn’t going to help. I decided to pick the themes and thought leaders who were all screaming in unison: lift strong. get strong. That is all that matters.
14. Jun, 2012
at 10:27 am #
KT- That’s an all too familiar story.
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:46 am #
Great article Jay.
Going back to your minimalist roots, I like it.
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:47 am #
Thank you, I needed to hear this!!
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:50 am #
You could not be more accurate! I just started lifting and changing my eating habits in the last year to year and half. I read everything about the subject I could, thinking it would give me a better understanding of what I was doing and if I was doing it correctly. The problem was, everyone has a different idea of what is correct. I now follow Cosgrove (New rules for lifting for life), and I follow it to the tee. I think to many times people get caught up in the “what is the hot new thing”. It takes hard work to make changes. I know that there are other programs that work, but I do not care. The one I am on now WORKS for me. Excellent article.
14. Jun, 2012
at 10:39 am #
Thanks, Nick. Glad to hear it.
13. Jun, 2012
at 12:00 pm #
Nothing less than I expect…I friggin’ love it! Funny because if I read anything online about training it’s always the same 3 guys that you mentioned. Yourself, Alvino, and Cosgrove, ok and Ballantyne, but that’s it, I swear!! In fact Ballantyne I actually use more for my new online business than I do for training. Don’t tell him that…
Awesome stuff as usual.
My email is attached so please let me know about your online training program coming up in July.
Thanks.
13. Jun, 2012
at 12:17 pm #
Great post, and a rule I generally follow. Your site offers quality, not quantity, which is always a change from some of the others. Sadly though the fact that you only accept male clients ended the post on a sour note. Care to explain why? Are they no women that want to pack on muscle?
13. Jun, 2012
at 12:30 pm #
Thanks gai.ninja. I believe in being an expert at one thing. You can’t be a jack of all trades. Some people are better at rehabbing injuries, others are better at nutrition. I specialize in helping guys get bigger, stronger and faster. It’s what I know and am best at. A gynecologist doesn’t have male patients. He is a specialist. It’s nothing personal, just me trying to be the best at one thing and one thing only. I know from experience that I do better with male clients.
13. Jun, 2012
at 12:36 pm #
F**K Yeah!
13. Jun, 2012
at 12:52 pm #
Great post as ever. Stumbled across your site when recovering from broken wrist and have immersed myself in your methods.too much reading and crap information holds a lot of people back.I only visit your Site and follow your advice.best thing anyone can do
15. Jun, 2012
at 12:55 pm #
THanks a lot, Paul.
13. Jun, 2012
at 12:52 pm #
Jason, I need to get bigger, stronger and faster. I have a sick gym at home and would love to send you everything with what I have for some personal 1 on 1. What will you charge the 3-4 lucky people who get selected?
13. Jun, 2012
at 12:58 pm #
This is so true! Lately I’ve been thinking about getting rid of my computer for the summer. I think I would make better progress and wouldn’t get caught reading stuff for hours. I’d find to actually to stuff. Great Post just what I needed. Thank you!
13. Jun, 2012
at 1:05 pm #
Great post Jay! This is so true. I was caught up in this myself for a few years. In an attempt to better serve my clients, I found myself experimenting with different training and nutritional techniques far too often. It was fun to try new things but after getting nowhere for 3 straight years, I decided that it was much more fun to actually get results. Now I do what works and occasionally add one new thing as an experiment.
13. Jun, 2012
at 1:06 pm #
This is one of your best posts Jason. The key really is to just follow something for more than a week. I speak from experience, I was brutal for switching things up, changing programs after a week etc… I am following a very basic program and after this Friday will not have missed a single workout or rep for 8 weeks and I’m seeing amazing results. Keep up the simplicity!
15. Jun, 2012
at 12:56 pm #
Thanks Shane. That’s great to hear. Appreciate you sharing
13. Jun, 2012
at 1:06 pm #
Truth. I remember when the only choice was 3×8 or 5×5
13. Jun, 2012
at 1:09 pm #
I’ve recently gone back to start training with the program that first made me a Ferruggite: MGS. In that program you mention that generally, a guy need not do more than 2-3 sets per exercise, times 5-6 exercises to arrive at 12-15 total sets. Lately, I’ve been reading more on this site that supports fewer movements, with higher sets (ex: 5 sets of 3 movements). In choosing which route to go, does age come into play (I’m over 40)? Years of training (5+)? No big deal either way?
Thanks in advance for any info- Ferruggian training hasn’t failed me yet!
15. Jun, 2012
at 12:57 pm #
Matt- Stick with 2-3 rep ranges/sets per exercise.
13. Jun, 2012
at 1:32 pm #
Great article. I was thinking the exact same thing the other day! My problem is that I obsess over things and when you are a beginner/ intermediate you just need to do one thing in the gym and that’s get as good technically as you can on all lifts and then reap the rewards ( you will get stronger). I like to read about training and nutrition and more training. Now I have been working more yours and have been spending less time on the Internet I can already feel myself making progress. The problem with the internet is that there is too much information and mis information. Some information is great and should be followed. Other information not so great. If you were training 20-30 years ago you only had a few options and guys still got strong because they found out what works for them by spending time in the gym not writing on some forum all day.
Again great article Jay. Keep them coming.
Best wishes. Luke
15. Jun, 2012
at 12:58 pm #
Yup. It was actually easier to get results back then because of fewer options. Thanks Luke
13. Jun, 2012
at 2:11 pm #
Great advice I get caught up on this problem all the time and when I just did 531 I had a simple and stronger life. I will be following this blog now for six month and see where it takes me
13. Jun, 2012
at 2:26 pm #
This and How to Take Charge of Your Training should be required reading for a lot of people. I follow a few people but this is the only site I visit frequently. My progress over the last couple months has been great and a big part of that is I stopped worrying about everything.
15. Jun, 2012
at 12:59 pm #
I appreciate that. No worrying= lots of progress
13. Jun, 2012
at 2:59 pm #
Its true… love the straight speak on ego, insecurity, & mind gaming w/ training JF. Over analysis is paralysis.
I love information, but prefer to hear on studies and research and stay away from the latest ‘new’ approach idealogy. Biology and physiology is not a new concept on anyone, and no one is reinventing it anytime soon. As you imply I stay true to the K.I.S.S. method, and being consistent. Keep the discipline on point make sure youre having fun & its game on…
People love to cling to new theory, often time, gravitate to the sizzle more then the steak. We work in a industry that makes billions on sizzle, so no surprise.
Some point you Craig and I got to connect if youre in town/SM: peace
13. Jun, 2012
at 3:00 pm #
Hey Jason, I just wanted to let you know that your completely awesome. With two of your free articles youve done for me what no other fitness expert has up until this point. Two of your articles have helped me clear up the two of the problems that have been holding me back from making gains and losing fat: 1) worrying too damn much about everything, and 2) this, doing too much research. Last week after reading the first article I gave up worrying and accepted for the first time that some things just arent within my control, and that thats okay. And after three days of driving myself crazy without doubts and contradictory info, I was blessed enough to come across this article. Im officially going to block out all other sources of info and stick to your stuff from now on. Theres a lot of great online fitness experts out there who have a lot to offer, but you are one of the select few that i know who doesnt constantly confuse the shit out of his readers by recommending every single new muscle building program that gets released just for some affiliate earnings. And for that I thank you and respect you. Keep doing your thing Jason.
Emil. Helsinki, Finland
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:00 pm #
Emil- I appreciate the feedback and am glad to hear it. Best luck to you
13. Jun, 2012
at 3:02 pm #
Hey Jason, I just wanted to let you know that your completely awesome. With two of your free articles youve done for me what no other fitness expert has up until this point. Two of your articles have helped me clear up the two of the problems that have been holding me back from making gains and losing fat: 1) worrying too damn much about everything, and 2) this, doing too much research. Last week after reading the first article I gave up worrying and accepted for the first time that some things just arent within my control, and that thats okay. And after three days of driving myself crazy without doubts and contradictory info, I was blessed enough to come across this article. Im officially going to block out all other sources of info and stick to your stuff from now on.
13. Jun, 2012
at 3:02 pm #
Theres a lot of great online fitness experts out there who have a lot to offer, but you are one of the select few that i know who doesnt constantly confuse the shit out of his readers by recommending every single new muscle building program that gets released just for some affiliate earnings. And for that I thank you and respect you. Keep doing your thing Jason.
Emil. Helsinki, Finland
13. Jun, 2012
at 3:12 pm #
Shit! Just 18 years old.
Seems I’ll have to wait
13. Jun, 2012
at 4:07 pm #
25-30 lbs of muscle? In an already-trained athlete who’s 25 or older? What’s the time frame, 5 years?
I don’t doubt your skills as a trainer (even an online one), which is why I read your site (and few others) but, my god, when I read “25-30 lbs of muscle” what I end up adding is “and 25-30 lbs of fat, unless you go the Barry Bonds route.”
If you do have those skills–when matched with a hard-working trainee–you are a god amongst men.
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:07 pm #
I just dropped 28lbs eating a primal diet and added just under 10 in muscle per my last hydrostatic test with almost no weight lifting [just deadlifts, squats and arms for some symmetry.] 95% isometric work, compound burpees, and about 200 pushups per training session. 3-4 days a week of HIIT/tabata’s, with 2 days of 15sec/70yard sprints and got very real with my diet. Zero sugar, low carb intake with hi intake of coconut fat as fuel supplement.
I was a pro athlete, and trained for years, turn 40 in a couple weeks and can claim getting almost close to best shape of my life.
His 25-30lb claim sounds generous but IMHO I think its attainable certainly with the resistance training he’s suggesting.
Lifting weights serves me no purpose as I need speed, and explosiveness for my surfing. But if I lifted like JF implies in his article I could see another 10lb+ gain…. just my 2cts
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:01 pm #
Rick- Depends on numerous factors. But generally six months to three years. There are no shortcuts.
19. Jun, 2012
at 10:29 am #
That makes sense. I appreciate that you emphasize that there’s no short cuts. You need to have your exercise, diet, sleep, supplements, and lifestyle dialed in for a long stretch to max out your phenotype.
But the get-rich-quick scam is so enticing. My theory on the rampant PED use in gyms is that almost all guys are led to believe–from the media, mainly, and pseudo-science–that looking like Ray Lewis or TOwens can be accomplished overnight. When 3 or 6 or 12 months of training go by without those results, PEDs are the answer.
If you had better information about the slow and steady process of gaining muscle and leaning out, then casual PED use wouldn’t be such an issue.
13. Jun, 2012
at 4:32 pm #
Another great article! One after another! Jay you must sleep well at night knowing you positively effect peoples lives daily, you’ve certainly changed my life for the better! Keep it up man.
People if any of you are reading this and are still dubious about this guy don’t be, get one of his workouts, I love Uncaged. Read his minimalism articles, follow them and watch your live change for the better.
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:02 pm #
Thanks for that, Machete.
13. Jun, 2012
at 5:13 pm #
I’m not into strength training, however I’ve followed your blog for YEARS. I find your wrinting style very straightforward and your training philosophy applies to so many aspects of life. So valuable. Greetings from Ecuador. R.
13. Jun, 2012
at 6:18 pm #
Jay
Probably the most important article written for a few years.
Thanks
Colin
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:03 pm #
Wow. Thanks Colin
13. Jun, 2012
at 7:51 pm #
I have four mentors that I have gleaned more from that a hundred websites: Jason is one, Jim Wendler, Mark Ripptoe and Dan John are the rest. If I read something and they don’t advocate it, I usually take it with a grain of salt. To give credit where it’s due, Stronglift.com is where I was introduced to this style of training, for which I’m grateful.
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:03 pm #
Honored to be included in that group Thanks, Dennis.
13. Jun, 2012
at 8:26 pm #
Great info Jason! I started off with Elliott Hulse’s Lean Hybrid Muscle Reloaded program and got awesome results. I then found Zach Even-Esh and did his bodyweight bodybuilding program with awesome results, and now recently you. Right now Im combining your Minimalist Training (renegade basics workout) with Zachs Hybrid Kettlebell + bodyweight training. You three are the only ones I follow and actually listen too and being getting awesome results! Thanks!
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:26 pm #
Jay
Your site is literally one of the few I read. The rest tell me nothing I already know, yours just has it all, no nonsense and always has something to pick up on. What you say always resonates.
Would love to be coached by you, suspected torn meniscus in my right knee unfortunately so I guess I will have to wait.
Keep rocking it mate.
Dean
13. Jun, 2012
at 11:51 pm #
25 to 30 lbs, like to see that!
14. Jun, 2012
at 2:40 am #
Another great article Jason, thanks.
I agree with what you’re saying, and I’m guilty of being a jumper in the past, this is solid advice I plan on following.
One question; although I agree that it’s best to limit your sources, I enjoy learning, and I find reading around brings up new things I might not have discovered on my own. How do you reconcile the ‘low-information diet’ together with being a student of the art?
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:05 pm #
@Matt- Do what Saxon and Hackenshmidt would do
14. Jun, 2012
at 5:58 am #
Perfectly timed post.
If I am not training, I am reading about training.
If I am not reading about training, I am worried about what DeFranco is doing that I’m not, what Cressey knows about shoulders that I don’t, and why Ferruggia can get the same results with shorter workouts.
It stresses me out and gets me nowhere.
Are your athletes getting results and staying healthy?
That’s all that matters.
Awesome post.
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:05 pm #
@George- Honestly, I think everyone does the exact same thing.
14. Jun, 2012
at 6:33 am #
Ever since I’ve been reading this site and working with the Triple Threat Muscle program, my workouts have been so much more focused and rewarding. I think the clarity of simplicity in your approach is what has been truly key in this regard.
This is THE SITE for me…
14. Jun, 2012
at 7:51 am #
Amen on this! I understand the need for knowledge, but make it quality knowledge in a quality amount of time and get on with it! Well said Jason.
14. Jun, 2012
at 8:20 am #
If people can’t express themselves without using the “f” word, I can’t place any value on what they have to say.
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:07 pm #
Mike- If that were true you wouldn’t have read the whole article
14. Jun, 2012
at 8:58 am #
The best thing we can do is to unsubscribe. We are bombarded with unnecessary information that overwhelmed us into paralysis. Discard what we don’t need and keep what it work. Hard work, no magic bullet is what we can and will succeed.
14. Jun, 2012
at 10:01 am #
Great Jason, just great. Now I also follow Alvino. ;-)
Actually I thinned out my list of bodybuilding/weightlifting trainers I follow. Too much conflicting information, and I’ve come to believe yours (and Alvino’s) philosophies hold the most weight (pardon the pun). Plus I had poor results from a few others I had previously trusted. The main thing I’ve learned from guys like you is the less is more, and simple beats complicated.
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:08 pm #
Sammy- That Jersey Italian knows what’s up
14. Jun, 2012
at 10:53 am #
Jason,
Do you accept female clients or would you be able to recommend someone in the Central NJ area that would be able to do some form coaching?
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:08 pm #
Kayla- Not usually. It would have to be a rare circumstance. What are your stats and goals? Where in Central NJ?
14. Jun, 2012
at 11:02 am #
best fuckin article ever! period!
cant wait to train renegade style
14. Jun, 2012
at 12:42 pm #
Can’t remember how I found your blog, but I’m glad I found it. I’m an almost-43-yr.-old formerly fat/now kick-ass fit female on a quest to bench press my body weight (140 lbs) and it’s slowwwwwwwwwww going….
14. Jun, 2012
at 5:17 pm #
I read a lot but most of it I have to throw in my mental trash can. I almost didn’t read this post because I thought “Oh no…another massive plug for why every other trainer is wrong.” Thanks for proving me wrong.
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:09 pm #
Haha. My pleasure.
14. Jun, 2012
at 5:22 pm #
Sold! I think this is great advice and I needed to hear it. For the past year I’ve been stalled and after reading your article I realize it’s because I’ve been listening to too many different people. Thanks for the advice.
14. Jun, 2012
at 10:53 pm #
Yes, good stuff. It doesn’t help that people trying to sell something will try to discredit every system that isn’t theirs and every trainer/nutritionist that they aren’t getting a kick back from. It gets confusing and you don’t know who to trust.
In order to keep selling stuff, trainers and ‘experts’ have to keep making it more complicated too, otherwise what? ‘Er.. I said it all 5 years ago, nothing more to say, sorry. However I need to sell something, so now I’m all about nutrient timing/essential fatty acids/more protein/less protein/ more HIIT/less HIIT/no cardio/some cardio/ shorter workouts/even shorter workouts/raw cacao/fasting 24 hours/fasting 16 hours/fasting 8 hours/yoga/paleo/cheat meals’
To mess it up even more, most people see good results when they start something, no matter what it is. If you’ve never trained before, and start doing ‘something’ consistently, it has an effect, and therefore people get hot under the collar about that, believing it to be the ‘one true way’. People get religious about it.
This is a funny, funny business. Don’t even get me started on supplements….
15. Jun, 2012
at 9:59 am #
I have to admit, I love what Sara posted here. Nice work…
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:09 pm #
Truth
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:40 am #
Love this post, definitely clearing out the clutter has made a big difference to training and given me more focus & better results. Mainly on your advice like this.
15. Jun, 2012
at 4:49 am #
Love it.
My Favorite line: “Guys who don’t have the time, patience or desire to sit on the internet all day long and read fifty different training sites. They have one system or method they believe in and they hit it hard without doubting or second-guessing it.”
15. Jun, 2012
at 1:10 pm #
Dave- It’s the only way
15. Jun, 2012
at 6:39 pm #
Wow what a breath of fresh air; I love how you tell it like it is!!
Do you still sell the Muscle Gaining Secrets program, the only links I can see on here now are for the Renegade Diet & Inner Circle or are you updating this program?
I’m just over 40 and looking to put on some decent muscle plus lose a little fat as I’m fairly small build..
15. Jun, 2012
at 9:45 pm #
One of the best blog posts I’ve ever read. Even though the message is about training, I think it can affect many areas of life. One that I’m struggling with is information addiction – I always try to find “the best blog” or “the best book”.
Thank you very much.
16. Jun, 2012
at 1:00 am #
Sara – do you take supra-anabolic Mag-10 pulses followed by Anaconda? It’ll only set you back a couple hundred. *runs away*