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Reader feedback & "BADASS" Q&A!

My trainer and I are going thru the pre info / max weight stages today so that we can start the 'Built like a Badass' program on Monday. I am extremely excited about the new program. While on your "Westside Part III" program I lost a total of 271 lbs. as of this past Monday. My starting weight in October of 2007 was 478 lbs. and 64.2% body fat. As of Monday (11/9/09) I weighed in at 207 lbs. and 18.6% body fat. I still have a little way to go, but I feel amazing. I can never thank DeFranco Training enough for inspiring me everyday to work hard.
THANK YOU JOE D FOR EVERYTHING.

Edward B.

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Edward B. at 478 lbs. before he started "Westside for Skinny Bastards Part III"

 

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Edward B. today at 207 lbs!!!

NOTE FROM JOE D: Edward, please don't thank me. I would like to thank YOU! After seeing your pictures, YOU have inspired me! What you have done with your body and your LIFE is amazing! And trust me, you just inspired the hundreds of thousands of people that are looking at your pictures RIGHT NOW on this site! Attack the BADASS Program with the same passion and intensity that you attacked the WS4SB Program; and in 12 weeks, you will truly be THE epitome of a BADASS!!! Please keep all of us posted on your continued progress and success!!

 

 

Initial BUILT LIKE A BADASS ebook feedback...


"Had one of the craziest pumps I've ever had from the first workout, the high reps definitely put me out of my comfort zone, can already tell this program is gonna give me great gains!"
-Nate G.


"Did the Day 2 workout today because I like to lift legs on Wed. First time I have ever run a mile for time. I still have the endorphin buzz 5 hours later. Awesome leg workout! Thanks Joe, Jeff and John!!!!"
-Michael G.


"Just got mine, love the youtube links. This program is easy to follow. The approach is great. Quality is terrific. Being an old fart, I would rather know what time it is rather than how to build a clock. Great Job, starting program tomorrow."
-Charles B.


"Who in the world came up with the "BeZercher barbell complex"??!! You guys are some evil bastards :) Cant wait to dive head first into this crazzy program!!"
-William N.

 

"Damn this program is like nothing i've ever seen!! Its EXACTLY what i have been looking for. The finishers look insane!! Im starting the program on monday, i dont think ive ever been so excited for a monday to get here haaa!"
-Dom P.


"AMAZING!!! I'm writing this email to thank you for your newest ebook. I never thought i would be able to get a customized 12 week program from a trainer who trains professional athletes for only $47!!! JOE D YOU ARE THE MAN, THANK YOU!!!"
-Tyler

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Q: Hey Joe. I'm really liking the Built like a Badass e-book. Nice work! I just had one question. Are you suppose to stick with your original 1RM for all of the percentages throughout the entire 12 weeks or do you bump the weight up on the percentages after the Week 5 deload? Thanks!

A: Stick with the same 1RM throughout the 12 weeks (even after the Week 5 deload). As you get stronger, you should just perform more reps on your last set of barbell bench presses and squats or deadlifts. (Remember that the final set of your main lift isn't "engraved in stone" all the time on this program.)
After you complete the 1st 12 weeks on the program, start the program over again using your new 1RM's.

 

 

Q: Is 135 pounds the prescribed weight for the barbell complex prescribed during the 1st 4 weeks of the program?

A: No! Just because the guy in our video was performing the complex with 135 pounds; this does not mean that you have to use this weight. Everyone has different strength, conditioning and skill levels. Start light during Week 1 and then choose a weight that's best for you during the following weeks.

 

 

Q: To whom it may concern - I have a question and a comment: First of all how the hell did you know exactly how many reps i can perform with 82.5% of my 1RM??? When I first skimmed over the program i thought the percentages were more for show but they were right on!!!! That sh#t was almost freaky!! For that, i tip my hat to you guys..

Now my question- i know you guys marketed this book to washed-up meatheads (like myself) but I was wondering if it can be used for competitive athletes as well? My nephew plays basketball at a junior college and i really think he would benefit from this program. After performing the first 2 workouts myself i immediately thought of sharing it with him. The workouts were like nothing i've ever experienced...hands down the most challenging yet interesting workouts ive encountered during a lifetime in the iron game. Before pushing it on my nephew i wanted to get the advice of the professionals who wrote the book. Thanks guys.. Dan


A: Dan,

The percentages and rep schemes in the ebook were finalized after approximately 15 months of experimentation. (Trust me; this wasn't something we just threw together!) I truly believe that the percentages and rep scheme that we devised are THE best combo for size and strength gains that you will find anywhere. The data from our gym, as well as the initial feedback this week from around the world, seems to support my claim. Gone are the days of going to the gym and aimlessly throwing random weights on the bar; we just made life a hell of alot easier (and more productive) for gym rats across the globe!

As far as your nephew is concerned; yes, he can definitely benefit from this program! You are correct in that we originally designed this program with "washed-up meatheads" in mind. But, many of our athletes are currently on the BADASS program and are experiencing incredible results. Think about it; this program combines strength, plyometrics, bodyweight movements and conditioning - sounds to me like athletes can benefit from it, doesn't it? Obviously, there are many factors that determine what program an athlete should be on. But, the BADASS program is - without question - a valuable option during certain times of the year for many different athletes.

 

Q: Joe - does your built like a badass ebook have any application for bodybuilders or guys who are just interested in aesthetics? I'm interested in purchasing the ebook but not sure if it applies to me.

John from Miami

A: John,

If it's aesthetics you're after, you would ABSOLUTELY benefit from our "Badass" program! In my opnion, if more people trained like athletes, there would be a hell of a lot more lean and muscular people walking around! And as a "side effect", they would actually have some "go" to go along with their "show"! And let's not forget the fact that they would be healthier!

dhani_tackles_globe
Traditional "bodybuilding" methods aren't the only way to get jacked!

 

Q: Joe D, I just purchased the ebook and it looks great! But i didn't see anything in the book about nutrition. I remember you saying something about providing sample meal plans in the book. Am i missing something?

A: We originally were going to incorporate a small section with one or two sample meal plans in the ebook. But in the end, I decided to pull the meal plans and keep the focus of the ebook on the 12-week program. I started to think that providing one or two meal plans may end up doing more harm than good. For example: one of the sample meal plans was designed for a 200-pound man looking to keep his bodyweight steady while gaining muscle and losing fat. I envisioned a million emails from overweight guys looking to lose weight, skinny guys looking to gain weight, carb cycling questions, food allergy concerns, supplement recommendations, etc., etc., etc. Simply put, giving away a "little" nutritional information would have opened up a can of worms and I didn't want that. I wanted the 12-WEEK PROGRAM to be the "star of the show". Plus, I don't like "throwing the kitchen sink" at people all at once because then you never know what's working and what's not. I really want people to try the BUILT LIKE A BADASS program without making too many other drastic changes at the same time. This program is that good! In other words - just by adding the program alone - you should see incredible changes in your physique and your conditioning. Once you're able to judge how the program is working for you; you can slowly add more components (like changing your diet, etc.). With that being said, a "BADASS NUTRITION" ebook (that will include the actual meal plans of our professional athletes and washed-up meatheads) is in the works. An ebook dedicated entirely to nutrition and supplementation will be much more beneficial than a "half-assed" nutrition section in a training ebook. Trust me, it will be worth the wait!

 

 

SPECIAL BADASS ANNOUNCEMENT!

badass_cover

I want to strongly encourage anyone who will be performing our BUILT LIKE A BADASS program to take some "before" pictures of yourself upon starting this program, as well as "after" photos once you complete the initial 12-week cycle. Besides featuring 'BADASS Success Stories' on this website on a weekly basis; the photos will be used to crown the "Baddest Badass"! (I can't speak too much more about this right now.) All I can say is: Get your copy of BUILT LIKE A BADASS. Take a picture of yourself. Follow the BADASS program like your life depends on it. Take a picture of the "new you" after you complete Week 12 of the program.

Wait until you hear what we have in store...more to come on this topic SOON!!!

-Joe D.



15 Comments

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  1. Eric makes this comment

    Friday, 25 December 2009

    Just got the book and am excited about starting the program. I have a home gym with rack, dumbbells, kettlebells,TRX, but I have NO cable system for pulldowns or seated rows. Any good subs like maybe bench supported rows for seated? Any suggestions for a good sub for the lat pulldown? Thanks!!!

  2. jordan makes this comment

    Monday, 07 December 2009

    what a workout!! did the first workout today and I can safely say its the best workout ive ever had. the high reps on the cable rows and tricep pushdowns absolutely destroyed me and all the way through i was thinking " FUCK YOU JOE D" haha. Seriously well worth the price, and to the guys who are bitching about the price, go to the scrawny ass 150lb personal trainer at your gym and ask him for a routine. Guaranteed he will not charge you less than $50 and hand you a piss poor workout. Thanks Joe D

  3. Brian makes this comment

    Thursday, 26 November 2009

    Pete - Don't want to speak for Joe here but in terms of the lower body ME movement I think you have 2 basic options that will both lead to great results. 1. pick either squats or deadlifts and stick with them for 12 weeks 2. alternate lifts after the deloading week. so stick with squats for 5 weeks then switch to deadlifts. if you alternate week to week then I don't think you'll be taking full advantage of the set/rep scheme. Ben - again not speaking for Joe, but yes...floor presses are a good substitute for bench press. I believe Joe covers this in the Q&A section. Joe D. - awesome ebook, I'm pissed though because I got 1 weeks into it then shattered my finger playing football and just had surgery. So I gotta wait a bit before I get back after it.

  4. FERCHCORE makes this comment

    Wednesday, 25 November 2009

    I think the whole E-Book focusing just on nutrition is a great idea. I would really like to see actual meal-plans of your athletes. Any approximation on when it will be released?

  5. Jimmy makes this comment

    Sunday, 22 November 2009

    I like the way the E-book is based on great information and the always important ingredient of hard work. Many people try to bypass the fact that a great program means nothing without the hardwork to complete the deal. It is a great testament to the type of atmosphere that you show us through the videos of your athletes training. Keep up thegood work. http://fastyouthathlete.blogspot.com

  6. Ben makes this comment

    Friday, 20 November 2009

    Any substitutes for bench press using the same %'s? (floor presses maybe?)

  7. Pete makes this comment

    Sunday, 15 November 2009

    Posted this in the wrong section first, here we go again: I'm probably a moron because i have to ask this but are you supposed to go through the whole 12- week cycle using just one of the lower body ME movements or is the purpose to alternate them on day 2? Just finished the first week today and the 100 push ups really got to me, Thanks for a kickass program Joe.

  8. Tomas G makes this comment

    Saturday, 14 November 2009

    Bill- I don't think that the website is a marketing tool. I know a lot of people who would love to train at Joe's gym if they could. I'm pretty sure that he doesn't need the page but WE need it. It contains a lot of good information (videos, ask joe section, ws4sb). I was always wondering why a program like WS4SB is for free whereas all the shity bodybuilding books are so expensive. Even flex and all the stupid magazines are overpriced. To be honest, I think that $ 47 is a fair price for such a good e-book. Sure it's only 22 pages but it's not the quantitiy of information it's the quality that matters. Simply take a look at Edwards pics and see how WS4SB has changed his life. So be happy with the quality of information we get from Joe. And if you need some nutrition advise for free visit t-nation or precision nutrition.

  9. Jimmy T makes this comment

    Saturday, 14 November 2009

    Congrats to Edward B. with those huge accomplishments, that is truly an inspiring story. I can see how it is possible though, after finding this website, these workout programs are addicting.

  10. Bill M. makes this comment

    Friday, 13 November 2009

    Every college baseball program should have a strength/conditioning plan like this. Because it works. Whoever says you get stronger and more explosive by doing sets of 12 and 15 everyday is a lying sack.

  11. Larry makes this comment

    Friday, 13 November 2009

    Honestly, I'm glad a diet section wasnt included. It would just emphasize things that are common sense. 1. Eat Protein for muscle 2: Eat carbs for fuel 3: Eat healthy fats for energy and slow down digetion for fast proteins. Nutrition is much easier than people make it out to be, also, there are card cycling books on elitefts if you NEED a book for it. Hell, look in Flex Magazine for a diet, I'm sure Jay Cutler(the real one, not the one here on the Bears)knows how to get in shape via diet, or get a book by Chris Aceto

  12. Bill makes this comment

    Friday, 13 November 2009

    Joe, I get what your saying man, I just was under the impression from what you had said that there would be a sample diet in the book. Of course I appreciate all the free stuff on your website, do you appreciate all the business it has brought you? Don't pretend like this isn't a marketing tool for yourself also. I get that everyone thinks this is a good deal, I think so too. I was just saying that I didn't expect I would have to buy another Badass Nutrition book when you had commented before that a sample diet would be in here. Sometimes it's okay to just say "Yeah I could see how you could have been mislead, but I didn't say it would definately be in there." I'll admit maybe I read to much into one of your previous comments, but you don't know my financial situation, so don't attack it. Sorry for calling you shady though, it was probably too harsh, haha!

  13. Joe D. makes this comment

    Friday, 13 November 2009

    Bill - sorry you're upset that there aren't any sample diets in the ebook. But saying I used SHADY selling tactics is just crazy hahaha!! Please explain how its shady when I wrote a DETAILED PRODUCT DESCRIPTION of EXACTLY what's contained in the ebook on our PRODUCT PAGE??? And I'm also sorry the $47 price tag wasn't 'easy to swallow' for you. I guess giving away 8 YEARS of FREE artciles, videos, programs and information on my site shouldn't be easy for ME to swallow! (What has the information on my website been worth to you during the past EIGHT YEARS???) And to think, you can't goto a Gold's Gym and get ONE training session with a college intern trainer for less than $50 a session. Maybe I just look at things differently. To me, $47 is a STEAL for a TWELVE WEEK program that's completely spelled out for you with sets, reps, rest, video descriptions and PROVEN RESULTS - written by 3 professionals who make a living training professional athletes...

  14. David L makes this comment

    Friday, 13 November 2009

    Bill, are you upset that all you got for your money is a program that took over 12 months to create, test, modify, simplify to produce optimal results? You're saying that the lack of a sample diet makes Joe shady? How long have you been coming to Joe's site and reading his free information? How much have you benefited from this site? You're complaining that you spent $47 on a simple to follow and highly effective program and HE'S shady? By the way, if you look at the product description, you won't see that he's promising a diet program.

  15. Bill makes this comment

    Friday, 13 November 2009

    You shoulda said something about the nutrition section being eliminated before people went and bought the book dude. That's some shady selling tactics. I didn't buy it just for that aspect, sure, but it was something that made the cost easier to swallow. I'm just saying, that's poor form bro; posting a sample diet wouldn't hurt if all your worried about is getting too many e-mails.

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