Workout Instructions

  1. Leg Press — Ratchet

    Sets: 5   Reps: 1/3/X   Rest: 45

    A ratchet is comprised of 2 sets, both using the same weight. The first set is an activation set, so you'll perform 1 repetition. The second set of a ratchet is the stimulation set, and you'll perform 3 reps. After the second set of a ratchet, add 10 or 20 pounds for the next ratchet. Perform two ratchets, which is 4 total sets. As a general guideline, your first ratchet should be with approximately 75% of your 1RM, and your last ratchet should be the heaviest weight you can lift without slowing down through sticking points, which is usually around 85%. After the last ratchet (set 4), for set 5, reduce the weight by 20% and perform as many reps as you can without technical breakdown. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest a maximum of 90 seconds between all sets, but only take the minimum time required to give maximum effort.
  2. Leg Curl — Ratchet

    Sets: 5   Reps: 1/3/X   Rest: 45

    A ratchet is comprised of 2 sets, both using the same weight. The first set is an activation set, so you'll perform 1 repetition. The second set of a ratchet is the stimulation set, and you'll perform 3 reps. After the second set of a ratchet, add 10 or 20 pounds for the next ratchet. Perform two ratchets, which is 4 total sets. As a general guideline, your first ratchet should be with approximately 75% of your 1RM, and your last ratchet should be the heaviest weight you can lift without slowing down through sticking points, which is usually around 85%. After the last ratchet (set 4), for set 5, reduce the weight by 20% and perform as many reps as you can without technical breakdown. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest a maximum of 90 seconds between all sets, but only take the minimum time required to give maximum effort.
  3. Low-Incline Bench Press from Pins — Ratchet

    Sets: 5   Reps: 1/3/X   Rest: 45

    A ratchet is comprised of 2 sets, both using the same weight. The first set is an activation set, so you'll perform 1 repetition. The second set of a ratchet is the stimulation set, and you'll perform 3 reps. After the second set of a ratchet, add 10 or 20 pounds for the next ratchet. Perform two ratchets, which is 4 total sets. As a general guideline, your first ratchet should be with approximately 75% of your 1RM, and your last ratchet should be the heaviest weight you can lift without slowing down through sticking points, which is usually around 85%. After the last ratchet (set 4), for set 5, reduce the weight by 20% and perform as many reps as you can without technical breakdown. Perform every repetition with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible), including feel sets. Rest a maximum of 90 seconds between all sets, but only take the minimum time required to give maximum effort.
  4. Seated Row — Ramp

    Sets: 5   Reps: 3/X   Rest: 45

    Perform 4 sets of 3 repetitions, ramping (increasing) the load each set. Begin the work sets of the ramp with approximately 50% of 1RM and add 10 or 20 pounds on each subsequent set. Ramp for 4 sets, ending with the weight that's the heaviest you can lift without slowing down through sticking points. For intermediate lifters, and depending upon the day and lift, the load should be between 70% and 80% 1RM. For advanced lifters, the load should be between 85% and 90%. Set 5, reduce the weight by 20%, and perform as many repetitions as you can without technical breakdown. On each rep of every set, always lift the weight with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible). Rest no more than 45 seconds between sets, only taking the time required to give maximum effort.
  5. Triceps Extension from Pins — Ramp

    Sets: 5   Reps: 3/X   Rest: 45

    Perform 4 sets of 3 repetitions, ramping (increasing) the load each set. Begin the work sets of the ramp with approximately 50% of 1RM and add 10 or 20 pounds on each subsequent set. Ramp for 4 sets, ending with the weight that's the heaviest you can lift without slowing down through sticking points. For intermediate lifters, and depending upon the day and lift, the load should be between 70% and 80% 1RM. For advanced lifters, the load should be between 85% and 90%. Set 5, reduce the weight by 20%, and perform as many repetitions as you can without technical breakdown. On each rep of every set, always lift the weight with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible). Rest no more than 45 seconds between sets, only taking the time required to give maximum effort.
  6. Preacher Curl — Ramp

    Sets: 5   Reps: 3/X   Rest: 45

    Perform 4 sets of 3 repetitions, ramping (increasing) the load each set. Begin the work sets of the ramp with approximately 50% of 1RM and add 10 or 20 pounds on each subsequent set. Ramp for 4 sets, ending with the weight that's the heaviest you can lift without slowing down through sticking points. For intermediate lifters, and depending upon the day and lift, the load should be between 70% and 80% 1RM. For advanced lifters, the load should be between 85% and 90%. Set 5, reduce the weight by 20%, and perform as many repetitions as you can without technical breakdown. On each rep of every set, always lift the weight with maximum force (as hard and as explosive as possible). Rest no more than 45 seconds between sets, only taking the time required to give maximum effort.

The I, Bodybuilder Program

The I, Bodybuilder program is designed for advanced level and elite lifters. This doesn't mean that intermediate lifters can't participate, because they can. In fact, I want to encourage anyone who's serious, and who has enough lifting experience under his belt, to jump right in and get on the program.

So you be the judge. You want it? Go for it.

No hype, no exaggeration, pure and simple, build muscle as fast as humanly possible. More specifically, build muscle as fast as humanly possible — week after week — until you see a body in the mirror that you barely recognize. That's radical hypertrophy, and that's exactly what this program's all about.

I've trained dozens of lifters with these techniques, and every single person has been totally blown away. Bottom line, these principles work just exactly as promised.

Christian Thibaudeau specializes in building bodies that perform as well as they look. He is one of the most sought-after coaches by the world's top athletes and bodybuilders. Check out the Christian Thibaudeau Coaching Forum.