I've been using Max-OT from day 1. Started out about 35 days ago, was very out of shape.

I guess my issue is, when I used to lift with my friend years ago, I'd walk out of the gym feeling like I'm completely wiped out. With MAX OT, I'm not getting that, yet I'm adhering strictly to the 4-6 reps at my max weight for 3 sets, including the necessary warmups.

Lately, I've been doing 4 or 5 exercises per muscle group and while I'm wiped out when I'm done, I still don't have that super pumped up, muscle-fatigued feeling (except for biceps). Instead, it's more of just being tired.

I know everyone is going to say, lift more weight, but I'm pushing myself awfully hard as it is. Most of my lifts, I'm sure I couldn't do more weight, as I'm barely able to finish rep 5 or 6 without shaking wildly or feeling like I'm going to blow my O ring out. ;)

Maybe MAX OT isn't for me. I'm open to other suggestions for routines, etc. Or maybe I'm doing it right, and because I'm eating so well, taking supplements, etc, I just don't get that feeling anymore (I don't buy it though).


Before you blast me for this......I know I have to quit. My lifestyle change has been very radical as it is with no booze, no fastfood, no pizza, etc. But I am still smoking about 1 pack a day and I'm curious if that's maybe a problem with my routine. Actually, I'm sure it's not helping, but I can't say it's the only reason.

Ok...blast away. :tu:

To get a pump you need to do higher reps. I don't get much of a pump myself i do a lot of low rep work. What are your goals? If you want to feel that pump throw in a few endurance sets but they don't build muscle like Max OT will.

To get a pump you need to do higher reps. I don't get much of a pump myself i do a lot of low rep work. What are your goals? If you want to feel that pump throw in a few endurance sets but they don't build muscle like Max OT will.


My goals are to be 10% BF at about 190lbs. I don't want the fit but skinny look, and I don't want to be AHNOLD. Actually doorDude's picture is about exactly what I would like to look like (Muscle-wise)

Muscular, moreso than most, but not huge by any means, and around 10% BF.



With that being said, MaxOT will add muscle better than higher reps?
If so, I'll stick with it.

How have your gains been? You get that pump when a lot of blood enter the muscle and the fastest way to do that is high rep work with high TUT but it doesn't build a lot of muscle. By high reps i mean 12+ or so.

How have your gains been? You get that pump when a lot of blood enter the muscle and the fastest way to do that is high rep work with high TUT but it doesn't build a lot of muscle. By high reps i mean 12+ or so.
Exactly. If go back and read the full Max-OT program (the file has been posted on JSF many times), the authors address the "myth of the pump."

If you like Max-OT, and you're doing it right, and seeing gains, I see no reason to change things up. That said, if you're not seeing gains, or are bored with it, or just don't like it, switch routines. There's a million of 'em. :tu:

How have your gains been? You get that pump when a lot of blood enter the muscle and the fastest way to do that is high rep work with high TUT but it doesn't build a lot of muscle. By high reps i mean 12+ or so.

Almost all of my lifts have gone up by 20 lbs; some more, but most are close to 20lbs; except for my Military Press. I seem stuck at 35lb DB's, but that's another thread.

I'm not bored with MAX OT at all. I just sometimes feel guilty for leaving after only 35-40 minutes in the gym. So lately I've been doing 2 body parts per workout, just so I don't feel like I'm cheating. :D

thanks for the input fellas. I appreciate it.

Make sure you're following a Max-OT specified routine and all the principles laid out by the program. If you've made your own routine without ever doing a few of the premades, and if you don't have a lot of experience with designing splits, there is a very good chance you haven't done things correctly.

I know when I did Max-OT, every time, I had that super pumped up, muscle-fatigued feeling that you've said you aren't able to achieve. But, I also respond best to heavy sets and long rests.

What's your diet like?

Make sure you're following a Max-OT specified routine and all the principles laid out by the program. If you've made your own routine without ever doing a few of the premades, and if you don't have a lot of experience with designing splits, there is a very good chance you haven't done things correctly.

I know when I did Max-OT, every time, I had that super pumped up, muscle-fatigued feeling that you've said you aren't able to achieve. But, I also respond best to heavy sets and long rests.

What's your diet like?

I've read the MAX OT program guide a couple of times, and am relatively confident I'm following it correctly, but I guess I could be off.
I'll have to review and maybe increase the weight on some lifts, if possible.

My diet is basically:

7:00am-50G Protein Shake, Gluatmine, All my vitamins/supplements
10:00 AM-1 Cup oatmeal with some sugar free syrup
1:00 PM-1 banana, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup Good Friends Cereal with 1 Cup Skim Milk
4:00PM-1/2 Peanuts, some Rice Cakes or Pretzels, maybe another banana
5-7pm workout
7:00 PM - 8oz Chicken Breast, 1 cup Brown Rice or Wild Rice, 1.5 cups Broccoli
10:00 PM - Protein Shake, Glutamine, Vitamins/Supplements

Usually end up around 2000-2200 calories, some days lower, close to maybe 1800-1900.