From the desk of Victor Pride
To naturals who want to build a physique…
Every great man in history had a laboratory, some place where they developed and then finally emerged.
My lab was in China, where I spent an entire year. And in that entire year I was obsessed with one thing…
I was working on a natural bodybuilding program that actually gets you jacked and doesn't waste your time.
I had one great big advantage too…
I had almost zero distractions and I had all the time in the world.
My work was done in total secrecy and I worked under deep cover (no one spoke English).
I spent an entire year in the shadows, training in the craziest gyms, dedicated to building what I eventually built…
(Photo note: Here's a picture of me training in China, in the shadows. Date: early 2011. — All other photographs in this article are of Victor Pride in China, after spending one year developing Body of a Spartan or “BOAS.” Dates: early 2012.)
Back then I was working on building the best natural bodybuilding program on earth.
I'd been doing the magazine routine for years and years and getting nowhere.
I was frustrated and I was angry but even more than that, I was determined.
My mission wasn't even to sell a bodybuilding program, my mission was just to be somebody with a body.
I would not stop, I would try everything and log it in my notebook.
If Arnold was the Terminator, I was like the Bold & Determinator. I just kept going no matter what.
But doing the same old bodybuilding routines didn't work, so I threw the old routines in the damn dumpster where they belonged.
I started fresh…
I radically changed my bodybuilding training in a way that I haven't seen before or since.
I followed my program for an entire year, training in the shadows in China, and I emerged one year later.
What I had with me when I emerged was the Body of a Spartan.
I found that a natural trainer simply could not train like a bodybuilder without doing steroids and actually make progress.
So I said “bye bye” to those bodybuilding magazine routines and I started from scratch.
What I came up with was Body of a Spartan.
It's tailored for people who love bodybuilding and the gym and who don't take drugs.
Every bodybuilder ever uses steroids, but I didn't.
I didn't even take supplements. I didn't even pay attention to my hormones (in hindsight, I really should have).
My training had to take that into account that I was natural.
I had to figure out the plan for aspiring natural bodybuilders who wanted a physique.
Typical bodybuilding training was a total waste of time without the right supplements or steroids.
Training like the magazine gets you everywhere if you use drugs and it gets you nowhere if you don't.
I was determined to not get nowhere. I was determined to get somewhere.
It took me a year of hard training, in the shadows, but I got there.
BODY OF A SPARTAN
You really have to be hardcore excited about bodybuilding to do the Body of a Spartan training program.
You have to be a maniac to do BOAS because it was written by a maniac, me.
I developed it in deep cover in China working out up to 13 days in a row and typically 10 sessions per week.
I was so into the routine, nothing else came before gym time. And it paid off handsomely…
I'm not joking when I say I spent an entire year developing BOAS. I did.
I trained in crazy gyms, yeah, big deal. I would have trained on the moon, underwater or in Antarctica if I'd had to.
I WAS DETERMINED TO BE A SOMEBODY AND NOT A NOBODY!
You could not have kept me out of the gym if you held a gun to my head.
BIGGEST BENEFIT OF THE BOAS BODYBUILDING PROGRAM
The absolute worst thing about training like a bodybuilder is the soreness.
If you train like the magazines, you will be sore basically every day (I was sore every day for years).
I was sick and tired of being sore but not having a great physique to show for it.
So I cut down the amount of reps and aimed for strength.
And it worked, I was never stiff and sore from then on. In fact, I was quite supple.
There's a lot of movement required in the BOAS program because that's really how naturals should train.
(When I say “movement” I mean bodybuilding style movement with weights etc.)
But training for strength is not all I did…
You can't only train for strength and expect to develop a body.
You have to train both strength and aesthetics.
That's what BOAS does, trains for strength and trains for aesthetics.
The way the program is set up, your first 1-2 exercises are purely for strength.
The next 2-4 exercises are for shaping the muscle (as in bodybuilding).
The rep system on the heavy exercises is designed to be low rep (but fast paced) so that you don't get as sore as you would with high reps.
After you do your strength exercises, that's when you do your fun bodybuilding training to pump and shape the muscles.
I found that a natural simply could not train like a bodybuilder without doing steroids and make progress.
So I said “bye bye” to those routines and started from scratch.
What I came up with was Body of a Spartan.
VICTOR PRIDE'S GOOD GUY GUARANTEE
If you're determined to be somebody with a body, you'll love BOAS.
If you aren't really fired-up about building a physique, you probably won't follow through with BOAS.
I never want people to feel ripped off, which is why I always offer a 60 day guarantee.
If you don't like it, I'll give you a refund. Just ask for one within 60 days if the program doesn't work for you.
I only want winners who are fired up about being somebody with a body on the BOAS program anyway.
If you're fired up and want to build a body, and you don't take steroids, then you need BOAS.
BODY OF A SPARTAN: WHAT, WHERE & HOW
Body of a Spartan is a bodybuilding training ebook with full picture demonstrations of each exercise.
When you purchase it, you receive your PDF download right away and you can read it instantly.
For more BOAS info, you can read the Body of a Spartan sales page here.
You can buy Body of a Spartan directly from the B&D; book store here.
When you look in the mirror in a few months you'll be damn glad you did.
Note: If you don't have access to a gym, BOAS is not for you.
But if you're a a maniac about bodybuilding like I was when I developed it, you'll really love it.
Until next time.
Your man,
-Victor Pride
PS - I forgot to mention you can get BOAS at a discount if you purchase it with my self-discipline course, 30 Days of Discipline. If you're interested in that bundle deal, it's right here.
Your journey is inspirational, Vic. Don’t take this the wrong way, but last night I had a dream we were eating sushi together. It was pretty weird. I think Mike Cernovich showed up and had a cup of coffee with us.
Was it Red Coffee?
“Training like the magazine gets you everywhere if you use drugs and it gets you nowhere if you don’t.”
Good point, Vic! Taking right drugs, having right attitude, right mindset, right discipline. Right is the key word and we keep finding gradually everything. He who seeks finds eventually.
Thanks for the reminder Vic.
The last time I read through BoS was over a year ago and I kept finding myself taking notes on all of the variations of exercises as well as all of the lifestyle, training and diet tips
I forgot just how extensive the program is with plenty of pictures to match. It’s not just some short magazine article. It goes into serious depth.
A few weeks ago I reincorporated some of your no-chestitis exercises as well and love the results.
I know that you say that 99% of supplements out there are garbage and the good ones that pop up from time to time usually get banned.
What’s your most up to date favorites (if any) that you would recommend? I know you mentioned the fat burner not too long ago.
Also what are your current thoughts on gear and Testosterone?
Thanks as always for the advice.
All the best,
D
PS. If you haven’t read Body of a Spartan it’s definitely worth picking up. It saves massive amounts of time combing through internet articles where you don’t even know if the content is good. It’s also much more in depth than any muscle magazine article. It will most likely exceed your expectations as it did mine.
Just wanted to send a quick note tho anyone on the fence about getting this program.
I work out, but I’ll tell you why Victor’s method is elite: simply because nowhere else have I read anyone teaching men to focus on BOTH strength and a esthetics at the same time.
Let’s not bullshit here men, we want to be stronger yes, but we also want to look damn good shirtless. We want women to stare. That’s normal.
Victor’s book focuses on both strength and looking good. That’s why it’s different than any other routines I’ve used.
It’s working for me and it will work for you.
Be safe and train hard men!
Victor, would you make any modifications for someone in there 40’s with a busy/stressful life; small children and a high stress job? What do you think of taking the 6 day per week workout, working out every other day and extending it over two weeks?
Thanks
BOAS has been my one and only favorite regime for years. Even when I attempt to try something new, I just get anxious to get back to it. Not only does it actually come with progress, but it’s actually fun to do as well. I’m grateful to be able to take advantage of it - respect!
Boom! Exactly Vic. Magazines and their workouts are too centred around average people looking for average results.
Been a fan of the site for years! Keep posting man. Appreciate it
BOAS was a good decision for me. It is also working great if you are into MMA like me.
Hope you’re doing well. I think I lost your trust after not updating El Machismo.com since a long time ago.
The original Facebook page was unpublished three years ago and now we’re on the +5th version with more than 14295 followers. I left that behind to focus on my career, coming to Europe and coincidentally being here today in the land of the 300 Spartans.
Serendipia.
Dude… Those Shoulder need some work. They are good but it can be better xd
While slightly off the topic of BOAS being the best program out, I was moved by something else.
Victors words “Every great man in history had a laboratory, some place where they developed and then finally emerged”
really spoke to me.
It really is true that every great man in history has his on lab. My lab happens to be in Charleston where I live.
Everyday is dedicated to growth and expanding. It isn’t even just in a money sense. My whole life is getting better and better.
Why?
Because I don’t accept what this world says is right and wrong. I am dedicated to bringing my visions to reality.
If you are a young guy like me let me leave you with something:
- Talk Less (I Understand Why Victor Says That Now)
- Build Your Own Momentum
- Make Your Life Based Around YOUR Mission ONLY
- Workout (Buy BOAS)
- Eat Mostly Clean
- Teach Yourself Instead of Going To College (Internet)
Some people think Victor is just hyping things up, but I disagree. Once you experience the freedom and actually live your life, you realize his words are true.
Regards,
Dylan
Excellent article, Victor. I have BOAS and it works well for me, but I need advice from you. How do I keep progressing on deadlift? My best is 325 lbs for 4 reps with proper form and no belt (reset, not touch and go), but it is becoming harder to up the reps and weight than before. I am currently 17 years old, 5’8, 145 lbs, 12-13% bodyfat (used to be skinny-fat 125 lbs). Should I purchase a weightlifting belt and start using it for my heaviest set? I’m also eating 2,500-3,000 cals a day on Intermittent Fasting (to keep fat gain minimal during bulk). Do I eat more?
-Albert
Albert,
Firstly,
If you would like to know how to get a stronger deadlift and how to do the best you can as a natural trainer, I suggest you check out the following guys on you tube and listen to everything they have to say. They train how naturals are supposed to train and they have the mindset you need to have. Ignore the experts on you tube with nothing to show for what they know and the gaint fuckheads on steroids because you can’t train like them and be like them unless you take what they are taking.
In the end it doesn’t even matter what program you fucking do. The only thing that matters is your mindset and adding weight to the bar. You need to approach every session with insane intensity and energy, and give it everything you got.
The funny thing about these guys I have linked below is that nobody even knows they exist, yet they are stronger as naturals than most of the big names on youtube. Because they do it right and work their ass off.
Eric Bugenhagen: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg1HMNQ94Ba1rH6JZueBcag
This guy does lunges with 600 + pounds and DB row’s almost 400lbs
AlphaDestiny: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAlphaDestiny
Alex is a big motherfucker and knows his shit.
Watch these guys and take in everything they say.
Secondly,
You can’t get big and do intermittent fasting. That’s a stupid approach. Intermittent fasting will not stop you from getting fat if you are bulking because what makes you fat is being in an enormous calorie surplus. If you want to get big, keep it fucking simple man and read the article I link below. If you weigh only 145lbs than you just need to eat big, train hard and do that consistently for a year. It’s that simple. Supplements don’t matter. All you need is whole food and a LOT of it.
Back to basics - https://www.elitefts.com/education/motivation/kentucky-strong-get-back-to-the-basics/
Happy gains and feel free to ask questions,
Maverick.
The building of a body is an accomplishment that really needs to be commended. It is the one area of my life I have been a failure at. I am successful in business, make loads of money, and do fine with the ladies and socially have no major issues. I am not obese but at close to age 50 I am a bit out of shape even if I appear strong and healthy. I find it amazing that after all these years I am still motivated to succeed in everything I do and do what it takes to achieve etc but when it comes to building an in shape body I am the guy who will still eat too many cheeseburgers and just not hit the gym or diet. Even as someone who does not drink or smoke, I am not disciplined enough to diet or truly be in noticeable shape. I continue to make excuses but there are none to make.
While I might be a bit cynical when it comes to some of the advice you give and question it, I give you full respect and admiration for being disciplined enough to keep your body in truly outstanding shape. It is harder to do than becoming a millionaire(which I found pretty easy to do with years of hard work where many of your tips are spot on).
Keep up the good work.
Will Body of a Spartan help me, a female, 5’2″ 110lbs? I have spent two years in the gym at least 2hrs per day and still can’t do a pull up and my lats look wimpy. (Before 2 years I did DVDs and running for exercise-big fail if you want muscle lol, but that’s what all of my female friends were doing) Recently I stopped trying to train like a girl. I quit going to the group classes and decided to do weights only, with only 7-18 minute high intensity cardio 3xper week. I stopped eating like a girl and decided to eat like a guy. I have made some gains since then. But now it’s time to really focus. I need to choose a program that will get me where I want. I want decent muscles (nice looking)and strength I want to do pull-ups like a boss. Lol!
Uncle Vic, just curious: Who is in the pictures that show the workouts inside the book?
btw BOAS is fantastic! I know I might be in the wrong gym, but with BOAS routines I have become the STRONGEST dude in the gym, and I am still a beginner (just about 6 months doing your routines). I have to thank you, because with that book, you guided me through weightlifting, and made my workouts actually interesting, rather than the dull and generic routines that the underpaid gym trainers just throw at you. I feel like a fucking white shark now