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Built for Show

Written on November 26, 2008 at 6:00 am, by Eric Cressey

You’ve probably come across Nate Green’s name over the past few years – either in my newsletter/blog or at T-Nation.  He’s established himself as a guy who knows his stuff, but also has a great writing style that is both entertaining and informative.  And, most specific to the product in question, Nate looks a lot of issues that nobody else considers.

I was fortunate to get an advanced copy of his new book, Built for Show, and I really enjoyed it.  The program itself is fantastic.  Those of you who enjoyed my Maximum Strength book would like it as a follow-up program, particularly if you’re interesting a bit more interested in the physique side of things than pure performance benefits.  The program includes four unique training phases to keep your progress moving full-speed ahead.

And, for those of you who haven’t picked up a woman since the Reagan administration, you’d be wise to take Nate’s advice.  Nate discusses the psychology of attraction quite a bit, and it’s actually really interesting stuff.  I will be the first to admit that I never had much (if any) game with the ladies, so I’ll defer to the expert (Nate) to elaborate on this crucial point from the book:

Take a look at the current men’s magazines and notices what’s on the covers.  You’ll see a ton of references to biceps, ripped abs, and a bigger chest – but those are three body parts women don’t really care about as much as you’d think.  If you go back in time, you’ll find that women are biologically programmed to be attracted to men who show more status and dominance.  One way to show that dominance is to have an imposing, strong body.  Take a look at your training and ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing.  I know this might sound sacrilegious, but maybe your question for the ultimate six-pack, biggest guns, or becoming so big that you frighten small children aren’t the greatest goals for you after all.  If you want girls, and you want a capable, athletic, muscular body, then Built for Show was written for you.

Check it out, folks; at less than $14, you can’t go wrong – at the very least for a very entertaining read:

Built for Show

5 Responses to “Built for Show”

  1. rae Says:

    Do you have any plans to do a follow up on Maximum Strength? At least new programming in the same vein? Or what books do you recommend for programming workouts?

    I’m finishing Practical Programming by Rippletoe but don’t know if there are more out there. I think your incorporation of cluster sets were interesting. Is clustering usable for all exercise, or only for compound movements?

    I’m near the end of the Maximum Strength programming and lost on exercise choices, set and rep progression for when I program on my own.

    I wished there was more information and reasoning on the programming choices in Maximum Strength. Like clustering, or your choice of heavy concentration on benching exercises and almost no overhead pressing exercises, except for the DB push presses.

    I’ll probably buy this book to tide me over until I’m more informed in programming on my own. But I wished the title didn’t make it seem I’m only working out so I can hook-up with women.

    Thanks.

  2. Super-Trainer Says:

    Nate’s the man! What more could you ask for, a guide to getting a body biologically built for the ladies and some Nate Green exclusive tips along the way – lol –

  3. Lance Goyke Says:

    Some of the stuff you mentioned is funny, because I just got a copy of the book, and looking through it I’m very excited to read it. Not for the workout program, exactly, but more of the odds and ends he has to say about everything. This book was a very unique idea, it’s no wonder he got it published.

  4. Eponymous Says:

    I’ve spent a lot of time reading both Evolutionary Psychology stuff and fitness related stuff, it seems pretty simple to me…be tall, if you can’t be tall, be as tall as you can (good upright posture, via deadlifts, shoes with heels) be wide (broad shoulders, balanced shoulder girdle and no shortened muscles or internally rotated shoulders to maximize width) and be resonably lean(no ripped abs needed but no excess fat on the neck or gut either)

    Deadlifts
    Rows
    Shoulder work
    Reasonably lean diet

    Overrated: chest, abs, arms

    9/10ths of male attraction is psychological anyway, so always keep in mind that whatever exercise program makes you feel confident is going to impact your success with women a lot more than specific muscular adjustments.

  5. Justin Goff Says:

    Nice post Eric!

    I got an advanced copy as well thought the book was a great idea by Nate. He’s really done a great job promoting it, Ive seen it all over the blogs…

    -Justin
    http://www.gymjunkies.com


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