My story is simple and straight forward. In my early twenties I smoked 2 packs a day, ate one meal and supplemented with junk food. I weighed approximately 135-140lbs soaking wet with my pockets full of change. I had been scrawny and weak as far back as I could remember and I eventually just got tired of it. At age 24 I decided to quit smoking, start eating better and get some exercise. I took up kickboxing and after a few years of grueling workouts I managed to get my weight up to 150lbs. It seemed this was to be my natural "in shape" weight, and I was disappointed.

I somehow imagined getting larger and manlier as a result of the change to a healthy lifestyle. I decided to try hitting the weights and after the first year I had put on a good 10 lbs in muscle. I looked and felt better than ever and made the decision to really get serious about lifting. At this point however I made the unfortunate mistake of deciding, "more is better". The next 2 years were filled with long hours toiling in the gym, with very little gains to show for all the effort. I was frustrated but sensible enough to recognize that there was a lot more to building muscle than met the eye.

So began the search for the answers, a search that eventually lead to the IART. The task of finding quality information on the subject of exercise science had been seemingly futile until I was introduced to this site. I had tried everything from German volume training to Heavy Duty I&II. It was the "thinking man's" world of exercise I discovered through Mentzer and Jones that eventually brought me round to the "active minded" approach of the IART.

I began by purchasing the Prescribed Exercise manual and was not disappointed. The material was well laid out and fully comprehensive, packed full of all the tools necessary to design and monitor a truly useful program. My zest for training was renewed with a fuller understanding of productive training and my physique displayed immediate and positive results. Next I purchased "The Works" CD and was literally blown away by the incredible amount of high quality exercise information. I have been sifting through it all ever since, testing new approaches, mucking with all the variables and generally deriving a thorough enjoyment out of my training.

I would also like to say that I appreciate Mr. Johnston's honest approach to the fitness industry and commend him on his strict adherence to proper scientific method. I have also found the "Roundtable" to be a constant source of support and fresh perspectives.

My physique is well on the way to becoming what I had hoped/ imagined and my understanding of exercise is ever increasing. As for my personal training methods, I can only say that they are changing and developing far too fast to merit noting here. I wish you all continued success and enjoyment in finding your own exercise prescriptions.

Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.
Mark Twain

The action shot is my favorite exercise: The Jack Russell Terrier /Shoulder Press. The unstable nature of the resistance brings in to play more muscle tissue and better stimulates the nervous system. You simply feed the dogs more and more as you become stronger and stronger.