These 5 Mistakes Kept Me Skinny. Don’t Make Them.

Summary

In this video, Eric shares the five critical mistakes he made when starting his fitness journey as a skinny guy. He emphasizes the importance of training with intensity rather than volume, tracking nutrition to ensure you're eating enough to grow, and sticking to a proven program instead of constantly switching routines. Eric highlights how tracking progress and avoiding ego lifting are key to achieving long-term results. With his A2J program, he aims to provide a simple, effective system for those looking to build muscle and improve their fitness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on building strength rather than chasing the pump. Progression is key to muscle growth.
• 😀 Training with fewer days and higher intensity leads to better results, fewer injuries, and quicker recovery.
• 😀 Eating to grow is crucial; track your calories to ensure you're eating enough to build muscle, not just 'clean' foods.
• 😀 Lean bulking is essential for skinny individuals. Start by adding 300 to 500 calories above your baseline to avoid excessive fat gain.
• 😀 Consistency is vital—avoid switching programs frequently. Stick to a proven program for long-term results.
• 😀 Track your progress regularly. Without tracking, you won't know if you're improving or making gains.
• 😀 The difference between exercising and training is having a clear plan to improve and progress over time.
• 😀 Don't let ego drive your workouts. Lift with proper form, focusing on steady, incremental improvement.
• 😀 Be patient—getting jacked is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on small gains each day.
• 😀 If you're struggling with appetite, you're likely undereating. Track your food intake to understand how much you're actually eating.
• 😀 The A2J YouTube channel and program are designed to simplify fitness and nutrition for those starting their journey, offering a clear and structured system.

Q & A

What was the first mistake the speaker made when starting their fitness journey?

The first mistake was training like they were on steroids, following routines of advanced lifters with excessive volume and isolation exercises. They confused activity with intensity and overtrained, thinking more was better.

What is the key to growth in fitness according to the speaker?

The key to growth is progression. This means lifting heavier weights, getting more reps over time, and focusing on increasing intensity rather than chasing the pump.

How should someone new to fitness approach their training volume?

Someone new should focus on fewer sets and exercises but make them more intense by lifting closer to failure. They should aim to gradually increase weight and reps over time.

What is the problem with working out six or more days a week, according to the speaker?

The problem is poor volume management. Most people burn out by pushing every set to the max, leading to exhaustion and injury. Fewer days of training with higher intensity can be more effective.

What mistake did the speaker make in terms of diet?

The speaker thought eating 'clean' (like chicken, rice, and broccoli) was enough, but they were actually under-eating. They weren't consuming enough calories to build muscle.

How should someone with a skinny physique approach their diet to build muscle?

They should track their calories to determine their baseline and then add 300-500 calories to that amount for a lean bulk. This ensures they are eating enough without gaining excess fat.

What is the mistake people make when starting a bulk, according to the speaker?

The mistake is eating excessive amounts of calories without tracking, which leads to gaining fat instead of muscle. A lean bulk, which involves controlled calorie surplus, is recommended.

Why is switching programs frequently a mistake?

Switching programs frequently is a form of shiny object syndrome. It prevents building consistency and results, as sticking to a proven program with consistent effort is what leads to real progress.

What is the difference between exercising and training?

Exercising is random, without a clear plan or focus, while training involves following a structured plan with the goal of improving and progressing over time.

Why is tracking your workouts important?

Tracking workouts is essential to ensure progression. Without tracking, there's no way to measure improvements in strength or reps, which are the foundation of muscle growth.

What does the speaker mean by 'ego lifting' and why is it harmful?

Ego lifting refers to lifting heavy weights with poor form just to impress others. It's harmful because it leads to injury, which can derail progress and prevent gains.

How does the speaker relate to the audience in their message?

The speaker connects with the audience by sharing their personal experience of being a skinny, insecure person who struggled with fitness. They use this connection to motivate and offer a clear path for others to follow.