From the Brickyard | Subject: This is the 3-part journey of the Musclebuilder
——
Every Musclebuilder goes through phases.
It’s not random—it’s built into the process of human adaptation.
The Forge works on a timeline, and if you understand where you are, you’ll know what to expect, how to train, and how to keep building.
Phase 1: The Beginner (0–2 Years)
The Experience:
This is the honeymoon. Gains come easy. Your body has never seen resistance like this, so it responds with rapid muscle growth. You’ll pack on size and strength like crazy—5, 10, even 20 pounds of lean muscle in that first stretch if you do things right.
The Mission:
Don’t waste these golden years chasing fluff. Learn proper form, build strong movement patterns, master tempo, and respect recovery. This is where you lay the foundation. Skip it, and you’ll regret it later.
The Warning:
Beginners often think it’ll always be this easy. It won’t. Enjoy the ride, but don’t get used to it.
Phase 2: The Intermediate (2–5 Years)
The Experience:
Now the easy gains are gone. You’re bigger, you’re stronger, but progress slows. Adding weight to the stack takes weeks, not days. You won’t see the weekly mirror changes anymore.
The Mission:
This is where most quit. The “noob gains” dried up, and the grind sets in. But if you stay locked in—progressive overload, smart nutrition, and consistent sleep—you’ll keep growing. Just slower. A couple pounds of muscle per year is a victory now.
The Reward:
This phase separates the tourists from the lifers. Stay the course and you’ll forge not just a physique, but discipline and grit that carry into every part of life.
Phase 3: The Advanced (5+ Years)
The Experience:
At this stage, you’re close to your natural ceiling. Gains are just about non-existent. The difference between 180 and 185 pounds lean is measured in years, not months. The Forge shifts.
The Mission:
Now it’s not just about building more—it’s about refining, maintaining, and making your body useful. You’ve got the muscle. The question becomes: what can you do with it?
- Master the kettlebell.
- Explore martial arts.
- Carry the load on hikes and rucks.
- Play with your kids without breaking down.
You’re not just training for looks—you’re living the Musclebuilder life: With presence, strength, and power.
The Reward:
The muscle is yours for life, if you protect it. Training becomes a lifestyle, not a phase. You’ve earned your stripes. If it calls to you, it may be time to spread your knowledge and help other men build.
The Final Word
The 3 phases of Musclebuilding are based on biology. But they’re not just about your body. They’re also about your evolution as a man.
- The beginner takes advantage of easy growth.
- The intermediate stays the course and stacks the last bricks.
- The advanced has mastered the physique, and seeks development in other areas.
No matter where you are on the timeline, your mission stays the same: keep building in some capacity. Don’t quit in Phase 2. Don’t drift in Phase 3. The muscle is just the start—the life you forge with it is the real reward.
Brick by brick.
-Brickwall