I am just starting up again after a 4 month lay off. I was training MAX-OT ala Skip Lacour but reading on this site there are more ways to train. I like the way fitdoc trains , but was going to try Mark Ritters program , anybody with good results? I aleays thought to gain muscle you had to train heavy to failure in the 4-6 rep range, some insite please???

RIZ - Look over the various articles posted on the Beverly web site regarding different training styles. Lots of things to think about there.

I saw good results this past year from following Mark Ritters training and nutrition plan with a few modifications. I'm now going to try a hybrid of what Marks plan was combined with the plateau buster plan that Greg Daniels wrote about. I plan to follow a three day/week program to see if that works better for me as it will give me a little more recovery time every week.

Both of these guys know what they are doing and have experienced good results - but as with any plan that you "borrow" you may need to modify it to suit your own needs, goals and limitations.(Physical limitations, time constraints, etc) Using either of these, however, would be a good solid place to start from. Good luck and welcome back after your layoff.

VA MadDog

I have started using a "new" training style, its pretty abnormal, but man is it tough!

You can check it out here (ignore the advice on anabolics).

http://www.anabolicextreme.com/Anabolic/new_archives/anex_archive_issue72_penn.asp (this one describes the stretching)

http://www.anabolicextreme.com/Anabolic/new_archives/anex_archive_issue73_penn.asp

http://www.anabolicextreme.com/Anabolic/new_archives/anex_archive_issue76_dog.asp

You kinda have to follow it to a T, and start off without the rest-pausing, or static holds at first to see if you can recover well enough. You may also have to add a few extra rest days in.