tom4646

I recently began the novice program after a brief stint of YNDTP (not doing the program) due to exams (messed up sleep, missed workouts, etc.). I've also been doing GOMAD for about two weeks, and have gained about 14 lbs at 6'1". My lifts are following the linear progression as per the book. At the same time, my abs and especially my external obliques have become noticeably larger and more defined. The 'V-shape' of my lower abs has become significantly more noticeable. On the other hand, my serratus anterior has begun to sneak away under a layer of fat, and I am definitely noticing a thicker layer of fat around my torso and over my pecs. Of course, I entered the program under the assumption that I would lose my visible abs - and I assume I soon will as I continue to gain weight. I won't miss them as much as I would miss progressing on the squat (I know from my time YNDTP).

First, do you often see this in skinny novices besides the regular improvement in physique (maybe not with your own eyes), and why do you suspect this is (my larger abs)? Transverse abdominis pushing everything else out?

And second, do you plan on doing something to quell the widely held view that the novice programme will give you the legs of Tom Platz and the upper-body of a bloated frog? I know it's not your responsibility, but I imagine most guys doing the program are internet-dwelling teens and young men who use the sites where the SS T-rex fallacy is a common, if not mainstream view. I know I certainly gave beginning the program more thought than I would like to admit because of comments on certain websites and YouTube videos.

Will Morris

I have recently started training a 16 year old kid with a history of primary osteosarcoma (an exceptionally deadly form of bone cancer) with four recurrences in his lungs which all required thoracotomies. He was a limb salvage patient while he was undergoing chemotherapy, but he ended up having a transfemoral amputation. The surgeons performed what is called a rotationplasty where they grafted his calf, ankle, and foot onto the residual stump. The graft is placed backwards and he now uses his ankle as a knee-length structure. Long story short, today he was squatting, deadlifting, practicing Olympic lifts, and doing repeated sprints and sled pushes. What is most impressive is he has yet to complain about a single thing, and he has one goal in mind: play wide receiver on his high school football team. I don't know about anyone else here, but that makes me feel like a complete tool for skipping workouts from time to time.