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Introducing the Guts Training Program, inspired by the legendary character Guts from the Golden Age arc. Tailored for those already with a solid strength foundation, the Guts program is designed to help you mimic Guts' robust upper body and lean legs.
The program is 4 days a week, with an emphasis on arms, chest, shoulders, and abs. It requires dedication, consistent effort, and recovery periods between sessions.
Recommended workout days: Monday Upper 1, Wednesday Lower 1, Friday Upper 2, Saturday Lower 2.
Variation 1: Black Swordman
You should pick this template if you enjoy low reps on heavy compounds such as bench, chin-ups or deadlifts. Otherwise, both programs put a similar emphasis on rowing motions and time-tested arm isolation exercises, as well as a strong focus on neck and posterior chain.
Variation 2: Berserker Armor
You should pick this template if you enjoy heavy weighted calisthenics, exotic lower body movements and dynamic core training. Otherwise, both programs put a similar emphasis on rowing motions and time-tested arm isolation exercises, as well as a strong focus on neck and posterior chain.
Variation 3: Alternate Variation 1 & 2 Weekly
Week A: Black Swordsman
Week B: Berserker Armor
There are 3 ways for you to run this Guts program:
1st : You begin by picking ONE of the two templates (so either Black Swordsman or Berserker Armor) and run hit for a period of at least a year, or until progress stalls dramatically. At this point, you add the second template, and you alternate between the two in a mirror week fashion.
2nd : You pick only ONE of the templates and you run it forever.
3rd : You run one template until progress stalls, at which point you switch to the other one. If you select that option, make sure you track weights used for every lift in the template (which you should do anyways) to make sure that your strength is growing and that you’re not just yoyo progressing.
I do not recommend using the mirror week system if you are new to the program. At the beginning, it is wise to stick to the same roster of exercises, as progression will be fast regardless. Keeping the novelty aspect of the Week A / Week B rotation for when you plateau is a better long-term option.
When you see an “or”, this does NOT mean that you rotate this specific exercise every single week. Rather, you are to pick the lift that you enjoy the most for that specific day and stick to it. Later on (when you’ve become acclimated to the program and AFTER you’ve added the mirror week) you can start rotating some of these lifts, keeping in mind that excessive rotations could hinder progression.
- Pick this template if you enjoy low reps on heavy compounds such as bench, chin-ups or deadlifts.
- Both programs emphasize rowing motions, time-tested arm isolations, neck, posterior chain exercises.
The Guts Training Program Overview
For fans of gripping tales and heroic sagas, there is a training program that brings the essence of valor to the gym. When discussing quintessential strength, many look up to the legendary character, Guts, whose physical journey embodies both persistence and transformation. For those enchanted by his strength and wishing to embody it, Natural Hypertrophy presents this guidepost. To the undaunted and unyielding, Natural Hypertrophy offers the Guts Training Program.
Now, before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to pinpoint which phase of Guts' development is inspiring this regimen. Across the series, his physique undergoes various transformations. However, the pinnacle that stands out most vividly is during the Golden Age arc, encapsulating the peak of his physical prowess. This is the muse for Natural Hypertrophy's program.
During this arc, Guts evolves from a formidable fighter to an unstoppable force of nature. While this transformation took him about three years, others may find their timelines vary. But there's no cause for disheartenment. Like the hero, every individual journey is unique, and with unwavering dedication, that chiseled physique is within reach. However, participants should be prepared: this is not a beginner's game. Like Guts, who had several years of combat training, one must have foundational strength before embarking on this quest. If a novice, Natural Hypertrophy suggests starting with foundational programs first. It's worth noting, Guts' evolution spanned over seven years before the Golden Age arc, so committing a couple of years to foundational training is part of the journey.
Kentaro Miura, the brilliant mind behind Guts' saga, showcased a profound understanding of human anatomy. While Guts honed his physique through swordsmanship, Natural Hypertrophy's program will craft bodies through rigorous weight training. Though different mediums, the core principle remains the same: dedication and consistent effort.
The Guts Training Program is designed to be executed four days a week. It's vital to provide the body with 48 hours of recovery between sessions, except for the final back-to-back days. The split is tailored to emulate Guts' distinctive physique: a robust upper body complemented by leaner, functional legs. Therefore, two sessions are dedicated solely to the upper body, while the remaining two sessions blend both upper and lower body exercises. Even though the entire body is engaged, there's an emphasis on the muscles of the arms, chest, shoulders, upper back, and abs, echoing Guts' iconic silhouette.
So, as participants embark on this journey, Natural Hypertrophy emphasizes the essence of Guts' training - relentless dedication, unwavering intensity, and an iron will. By embracing the grind and focusing on progressive overload, soon, they'll be wielding a physique that even Guts would admire.