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This week I received an email from Mike.
He writes…

“Hi Great Results man,I just had a quick question for you.
The biggest thing I want to get out of the Visual Impact workout is muscle size so phase 1 is very important to me and I want to make sure that I get everything right. I noticed that he tells you to do a pyramid set 12,10,8,6,12 for the first exercise and then says do 4 sets with same weight for the next few exercises.

What rep scheme should I use? I’ve heard that you just repeat the pyramid rep scheme but how can you do the pyramid in 4 sets?
It takes 5 sets to do the pyramid.
Did you do the pyramid for each exercise? If so did you find it effective in getting you muscle size in your arms and chest?
Would you say that your biceps and triceps got a lot bigger and harder after this program?

Thank You so much for your help sir,
Sincerely,
Mike”

Ok Mike, here’s the run down…

What rep scheme should you use with Visual Impact?

The pyramid scheme of 12,10,8,6,12 reps is meant for only the exercises that Rusty points out. (that being the first 2 of any major muscle group on any given training day. The rest are done for 4 sets at the exact same weight. If you had to pyramid in such a fashion for too many exercises, you’d find yourself in the gym for over 1.5 hours. Bad idea.

Would you say that your biceps and triceps got a lot bigger and harder after this program?

I would say definitely harder. Bigger? Hard to know as I didn’t take any measurements.

Don’t forget, Visual Impact is more about achieving a lean physique than it is about building mountains of muscle.

That being said, once you’ve shed a good percentage of body fat, you will look bigger anyway.

To checkout my own experiences with Visual Impact, check out the link here. If you want a closer look at the program itself, the male version is here > and the female version can be found here >

Clint’s Note: Got any questions you’d like answered? Ask them below, or drop me an email.

Clint Nielsen

Author Clint Nielsen

Clint is a dad and husband trying to stay in shape. He's also a highly opinionated fitness enthusiast and author of Reveal The Steel. Follow him on: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Google+

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Join the discussion 8 Comments

  • john says:

    Should a super skinny teen use visual impact to get lean muscle gains. Im 6 ft, 140 pounds. How much do you think I could be at end of 6 months?

    • Clint Nielsen says:

      Mate, you’re a prime candidate for huge gains especially during Phase 1.
      It’s very important that the protocol’s for hypertrophy outlined are maintained to get the most out of the program.
      Consistency is key. Impossible to know gains as each person varies. Too many factors.

  • John says:

    Is it ok that I do this program since Im only 14 and starting weight lifting?? Do you think this will have any benefits for basketball?

    • Clint Nielsen says:

      It’s a pretty intense program. I’m not sure id recommend such a thing considering your age. Might want to check with your GP first.

  • Ery says:

    Hi,

    Same question got stuck in my mind. Its still vague for me comprehending the 4 set with same weight. I get that where you don’t do pyramids by this time but what is the rep scheme? is it 12,10,8,6? or just aim til failure or something? Thanks.

  • Eryk says:

    Clint, i understand that the rep scheme 12,10,8,6,12-15 is for the first of each body part, but what about body parts that says 4 same weight? Thanks.

    • Clint Nielsen says:

      It’s exactly that – you use the same weight for all 4 sets. Each one you’ll find you do less and less reps. The key is to stop one short of failure on every one.

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