Athlean-X Total Beast HONEST Review (Is It Any Good?)

Is Athlean-X's Total Beast program any good? Find out in my review for this week!
The Program: athleanx.com/beast
Follow me on Instagram: / liftingexplained
Credentials:
MS Exercise Science
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
USAW Advanced Sports Performance Coach
Precision Nutrition Level 1
Music Provided by Epidemic Sound
Disclaimer: Consult with your doctor or medical professional before starting exercise and/or nutrition planning. While my videos are based on facts and research as much as possible, they still contain my opinion. My videos should NOT be used to diagnose and treat any injuries, illnesses, or diseases. Diagnosis and treatment should be done by a medical professional.

[@kylehixon3389]

Great review! I would love to see you review the Beast PPL program that came out.

[@ahmadajlouni4830]

Subscribed to support. I think that you have great potential and look forward to see your chancel grow to what it deserves.

[@LiftingExplained]

Thank you!

[@uwishuwhereme13]

Would love to see your thoughts on the bioneer's superfunctional program. Personally I think it's great and think it'd make an interesting discussion.

[@danjsilve]

Excellent review. Particularly around the risk of injury, which has to be a huge factor to take into consideration. I am currently following his Free Beginners program, just completed Week 3. So far so good. I hadn’t come across the concept of Deloading till I watched another channel on this.

[@ilainmoe1921]

You know where I can find this beginners program ?

[@wjc252006]

What is the free beginners program. I bought AX-1, 5 years ago and still have not got off 1st month.

[@alexz.8302]

I've done this program 3 times and honestly my overall fitness improved all 3 times. It worked for me and definitely isn't for beginners. If you don't know how to perform basic compound exercises then this is not the program for you. I can see beginners hurting themselves doing the Plyo or AMRAP sets in the final phases.

[@adamqjsmith]

Great vid

[@kevindonoho2492]

It’s kinda hard To hear someone talk about The guy who is the assistant Strength coach in the head physical therapy coach for the Mets during 06,07,08 There were championships, and some of the best players of all time for the Mets were on that team, including future Hall of famers And I’m kinda like who is this guy critiquing him on form I’ll keep my eye open, but I started Liking Jeff Cavalier, because I’ve used his techniques dozens of times in the past to help with injuries, I grew respect for him from the success Of his videos on my body, so I’m just saying it’s hard to hear someone critique his form that’s kind of what he does

[@Barowfic]

Do you have any exercise alternatives for the barbell power cleans in this program? When I ran it a while ago at first I injured my back doing them, was wondering if you have any alternatives?

[@LukePettit]

Yes Romanian Deadlift. Both are glute and hamstring exercises. The RDL is essentially a safer form of power clean, but does still require a decent amount of practice to do properly and safely, just less than the power clean (it's actually insane Jeff C put those in a mass marketed program). Here's a fantastic RLD demo/explanation by natural pro and super top lifting science nerd guy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoTHYnSQj5xql9k (I guarantee the guy who made this video loves him) Something Menno Henslemans would add to that video is that hamstrings can enter passive insufficiuncy (over stretching), so going down as far as you can may lead to using less load AND getting less muscle activation. My own personal cue when doing RDLs for the first time is to stick the ass out like it's the prison showers, and as soon as tension is felt in the hamstrings, bring it back up. If RDLs don't agree with you either then feel free to do machine isolations for the hamstrings and glutes. It's far more important to turn on all the muscle fibers by going close enough to failure, than it is to do a particular exercise. Especially one that can get you injured easily like a power clean. If I were coaching you I'd say, "for the next 2 months or so, do the isolations and look to progress on them, while practicing the RDL technique with just the bar as often as you feel like it, without being concerned with RDL load or progression"

[@Barowfic]

@@LukePettit for sure, I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to reply with this man, thanks!

[@bradekegren1723]

Any plans for a Fitbod review?

[@josephvaldez1872]

Great review! Any thoughts on the Deadlift programming in stage 3. 3 sets of 4, 8, 16 reps then an amrap set of 4 rep max for 2 minutes?

[@LiftingExplained]

Increases risk for pretty much no reason.

[@seattobucs850]

So who do you recommend if I'm trying to lose weight and tone up? I'm 234 now and want to get to 200. If I can get down to 190 195 I would prefer.

[@michaelgoudis344]

1) You do not take your 3RM for the triple X set, you take your 5RM and do 3 reps which means 2 reps in the tank most of the time, until you reach a 3 rep in tank level. Returning to those exercises at the end of the workout does not increase risk. Your chest will have recovered by then (so will your triceps) and that 2 rep in the tank is not really dangerous. Also the RM suggestion is calculated at the certain point in the workout. If you feel fatigued, then drop the weight to the RM you should be able to achieve at THAT point in the workout. Rep maxes are not absolute. 2) The program is not for powerlifters or olympic lifters and the form demonstrated in the big lifts is just fine, it works for what it is programmed for. 3) Also you say that doing squats after tricep extensions is not that good. Why? 4) RPE is for advanced athletes who actually have a good sense of measurement of personal effort. Most people do not train hard enough. Jeff would prescribe RPE of 9 and people would work at an rpe 4 or 5. RMs are way better. Total failure is more easily estimated than how many reps you WOULD be able to do if... 5) Want prolonged phases and progressive overload made easier? Repeat the weeks you are interested in, don't be a mindless robot. What would be the point of Jeff copy-pasting one phase anyway? He says in the program that if you fail a challenge repeat the week. If you want to improve your lifts, do the same. 6) De-loads are practically pointless in 3-month programs, especially with this one that has corrective-recovery exercises every other day. No-one really ever reaches that point of overall fatigue anyway unless they are professionals in fitness or bodybuilders. An extra rest day works wonders in those cases. If you were talking about Nippards 5xday total bodyworkout that would make more sense.

[@chalan1982chivas]

Excellent!

[@IMNOTGEDDY]

I couldn't even make it through this video. I am watching a guy who looks like he couldn't lift my shoes off the floor critique Jeff. Utterly ridiculous.

[@artu262]

@@IMNOTGEDDY at least he never used fake weights lol. Jeff Cavaliere has mediocre strength and is not even natural

[@IMNOTGEDDY]

@@artu262 so you're stronger than Jeff and have access to his blood work?

[@artu262]

@@IMNOTGEDDY his stronger DL is a 405 lb with a scared cat back. I am stronger than Jeff like a lot of people. It doesn't take much really. Also I think he is not natural because of his unsustainable bf percentages, which also cause him to be weak AF for a "strength coach". Be mad about it

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

I did Beast for a year in 2019. TO see if I could still get the best results with TBWOs.

[@armandoruiz6224]

You lowkey actually sound like the red m&m from the commercials lol. I gotta subscribe now

[@LiftingExplained]

Whatever gets you to stay, I'll take it lol!

[@peetos-chan2835]

😮

[@DavideV101]

Seems almost he has a philosophy Definitely you should have seen all of it in order to give an accurate analysis…I really would have like it…because on particular phase 3 or 4 I think there are errors even en technique he claims like PHAT…btw you are right

[@ogarza3]

Breaking up the first two exercises instead of doing 4 sets is great because you can go harder than if doing the 4 sets in a row. Way to scratch at the wall for content.

[@skylermccloud6230]

Could you review Mike mathews bigger leaner stronger

[@reygunz3059]

Edit 2: I think that a review of BUFF Dudes' Superhero Plan would be a nice comparison/contrast t the Athlean-X programs. The goal of the Superhero plan is to increase strength, endurance, size, and power which is what I think Jeff Cavalier would call "training like an athlete." I am watching their walkthrough of the program on their youtube channel, and I'm not a big fan of it. However, I think that it would make an interesting review because you can talk about variables that aren't normally discussed. Original: It's strange to me that you rank it so high (7/10) given how much you modify it. I seriously would have ranked it 4 or 5/10. I get what you mean by potential, but unless that potential is actualized, the potential does not contribute to the effectiveness of the program. Edit: I went back to watch your first Athlean-X program review (A2 or whatever its called), and I see why you rated this one higher. Its difficult to rate a program below 5 I think because it feels like you're trashing someone. Maybe that's why you rated A2 5.5 and felt that you needed to rate this one higher in comparison to A2. In any case, if I wanted to understand your rating system, I would need you to explain what a 10/10 program would be and what would cause a program to lose a number rating. All that said, the actual explanations of what to expect in the programs is more helpful than the score. I worry that people will compile your list of reviews with scores, however, and beginners will be easily swayed into purchasing programs that just aren't worth it (like this one). Just some thoughts from a stranger.

[@LiftingExplained]

Appreciate the insight. The ranking was higher because the structure overall was better than the others, and the exercise selection overall made more sense. Also, making a few modifications would make the program fairly decent.

[@ericskitchen7794]

Do you think we can do this program with Dumbbells only?

[@kingofthering3343]

No, definitely not. It's a gym-based program. But he does have a dumbbell-only program called "Jacked."

[@smellslikefreespirit]

Just completed this program. Didn’t get hurt at all. If your form is good you’ll be fine. Built strength and I’m up to 190 lbs from 180 in 3 months. Everything starts in the kitchen first and foremost. If you’re not eating right you won’t see gains.

[@LiftingExplained]

Glad it worked for you and you didn't get hurt, but the risk is still there for most people regardless of technique. There's a big difference between a program that works and a program that is designed logically and safely.

[@OneRichMofo]

@@LiftingExplained well I agree with your point on bookending the compound exercises and repeating at the end. Although I have found if you manage to not get injured, you are able to lift more weight for some reason. Regardless, you should’ve looked through the whole program before reviewing it because after week 2, that goes away completely. Idk why it was there in the first place but there you go. Also on months 2 and 3, weeks are way more consistent and especially towards the end you have weeks that are carbon copies of eachother which allows for good progressive overload. So my point is your two major arguments about the program are sort of moot points and imo you should’ve at least looked through the program completely before making the video. Your only valid point perhaps is exercise demonstrations but I wouldn’t know, I am just some intermediate lifter and for me, they were just fine.(Didn’t do the cleans though.)

[@miloszsroka395]

Yes brother ! Great comment - - I feel if this presenter “lifting explained” KZbinr took the time and challenged himself through the program he would have direct experience and tangible evidence to speak to the validity of the program, the benefits, and potentially personal downfalls he saw with his body comp and consistency levels.

[@zachdaugherty6495]

old iron is my favorite athleanx workout

[@Deli__007]

Agree with some of what is said here, especially about looking to specific experts for technique, although I don't agree with everything. I don't think the risk of injury is that great with the second rounds and I definitely don't agree with RPE which is massively flawed, particularly for beginners and when doing blind programming.

[@peetos-chan2835]

I really just didn't enjoy it. The RP make physique is what helped me. For athlean x I got: ax-1, zero, beast, monster, and the shred. I really didn't enjoy working out or anything until I started the RP. That being said, I did learn alot through the process. So that was valuable at least.

[@WGM_Bris]

What is the RP?

[@tobwei2958]

Can you find the best powerlifting program not power building?

[@kevinlee4449]

Juggernaut AI RTS Templates Barbell Medicine Templates

[@andrewshee5746]

Really hard to take anything this guys says seriously. He looks like he has never finished a program in his life. Does he spend all his time reading about lifting, instead of actually lifting? 🤔

[@LiftingExplained]

I do lift regularly, my goals are just different from size and hypertrophy. I also have the background and experience as a strength coach. Do you say the same about Shaun Huls (head of performance for the browns), Josh hingst (head of performance for the vikings) or Anthony Piroli (head of performance for the buccaneers) who are all around my size? Why do you feel the need to make comments like this?

[@ilijamauromauro9501]

any recommendations for athletes trying to get bigger?

[@LiftingExplained]

Athletic Weapon from Pat Davidson

[@mjhornidge]

Bro seriously, this dude is correcting ATHLEAN X? Its like hearing a poor person telling a rich person to make money. I feel like if your going to "correct" ATHLEAN X you at least phyically look like you've tried a push up before.

[@LiftingExplained]

I'm not correcting him, I'm providing my opinion on his program design. If you like his videos and programs, then watch him, no one is making you watch me. I also don't care what he looks like, that's not an indication of someone's knowledge. Also keep in mind that what Jeff used to say back in the day was fine, but now is not good advice anymore, with lots of controversy, like his use of fake weights while showing terrible technique, and I'm not the only one saying these things either. What was it I said in the video that you think was wrong? I'd be happy to discuss it.

[@mjhornidge]

@@LiftingExplained Hey bud, I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings. I am just saying, it is like watching someone who reads textbooks about basketball and then critiques Labron James while watching him videos of him training. Most of the time proof is in the experience of action not the textbook. Jeff is extremely precise with his workouts and knows the science behind each movement. Anyways bud, my opinion doesn't matter. Also, you got a comment from me, and KZbin likes that stuff for your channel. Your welcome :)

[@stevetonga2674]

He trains athletes. If you cant keep up then maybe its not the program for you

[@LiftingExplained]

It's not a matter of keeping up, it's a matter of being programmed logically. I train athletes too, and know a ton of actual strength coaches that train athletes at the collegiate and pro level. None of us would program this way for any athlete.

[@SLouiss]

Maybe he’s getting the repeating exercise from RTS or Sheiko style. They would have a Squat, Bench, and Pause Squat in that order on the same day.

[@LiftingExplained]

Could be, but it still increases risk, by a lot.

[@SLouiss]

@@LiftingExplained with his rep scheme it does. The purpose in Sheiko is to get light touches with perfect technique. Wendler mentioned something similar in his book beyond 5/3/1. Instead of hammering in high volume leg press or hack squat after freestanding barbell squats, you get more practice at the main movement at a lighter weight. Usually if you just did heavier weight, it’s possible there may have been some form breakdown, so the idea of a lighter touch with perfect form is to leave your CNS with the experience of practicing more perfect form reps. His program executes it wrong, but pulls from solid principles. Athlean X probably programmed that way because he trains like a bodybuilder but never truly trained for strength. Would like to see a review of Bromley Base Strength & Peak Strength. Stronger By Science also has several programs for $10. Not $10/program, $10 for their hypertrophy, strength, and NLP with different templates for RPE, RIR, and percentage. A great deal from guest host Greg Nuckols and Dr Eric Trexler. Candido also has a good free program he gives out for free but accepts $ if you wan to support.

[@tylerstewart7699]

I've done the program and was able to get my lifts up, however, I got my technique checked by friends, and Jeff Nippard. It seemed to work fine. I never got injured, I guess I'm lucky, but I also followed advice from other people.

[@LiftingExplained]

If your technique is good, then it certainly helps. Not every5will get injured, but the risk is increased with the way it's designed, for pretty much no reason.

[@gourav45g50]

Ax1 could be a good one to be reviewed.

[@jajajaime]

Hard to take someone seriously for workout advice when they're are hunched over and neck forward

[@LiftingExplained]

I have kyphosis, nothing I do will change that. I've mentioned this multiple times on the channel, and if you're not going to take my advice because of that then that's your problem.

[@harshitgoel6157]

Kyphosis is treatable

[@marekpadlewski4401]

You got that right! Another wanna be nerd expert. Only exercise he looks to be good at, is high intensity clickbaiting using Jeffs Legacy…

[@jacobcarter5923]

And just small in general

[@bigtimbo4236]

@JD. Does it make you feel better to get on YT, then take the time to write a message putting someone down? Seriously ,why be such an A-Hole? It makes me laugh how people like you THINK you are so damn awesome and powerful sitting behind a keyboard, knowing you'd never make such a comment if you were face to face with this dude. Is your life so bad that it makes you feel better to put someone else down? I bet when you enter a room, people see you and start thinking of a way they can leave the room without having to interact with you. Lighten up, dude! Lift people up instead of trying to make them feel bad! Get some Jesus in your life and cheer up! We don't have to be so negative to other people when there are many things you could have said to lift him up! God bless you, man!

[@openyourmind4708]

i think this guy just hates jeff for a vague reason

[@LiftingExplained]

No I don't, his programs are just poorly designed. Couldn't care less that it's Jeff who made them.

[@user-zk4dv2nx8k]

The fact that he can't even do basic BB exercises with proper form speaks volumes . Another great video 👍

[@realest84ify]

wow jeff train steve borden aka sting...enough say!

[@levinquiambao7650]

do a review a the thrst app

[@miloszsroka395]

Do you even lift bro?

[@LiftingExplained]

Nah bro, never even picked up a dumbbell until yesterday.

[@stealthven2352]

if it’s that easy then why shouldn’t you make a program

[@wjc252006]

Use lower weight at the end

[@zimecka72]

Is this guy an actual bodybuilder? He doesn't look like it

[@LiftingExplained]

Stop judging people on the way they look and instead on the background and experience they have.

[@RBNK157]

let me challenge you :) - a program for surfers ?

[@ClassyScents23]

Idk, this looks like one of the saltiest videos I’ve seen.

[@LiftingExplained]

In what way?

[@joshcarter5759]

Small boi syndrome

[@LiftingExplained]

OK 👍 Do you have any actual rebuttals on what I said?

[@joshuaXsonic]

This review is horrible because you picked a random day of the program. If you went through the whole program you’d understand the layout. You can’t give a review based on one day of workout, cmon man. Like your other reviews but 👎🏻 for this one

[@LiftingExplained]

I didn't base my review on one day, and I did go through the whole program. The programming and principles are the same on all the other days too. I just didn't show other days because it would be unethical and unfair to Jeff. Not sure where you're getting this from. I discuss the other weeks and phases, including how the structure and some of the exercises changes each week, which doesn't allow for progressive overload to take place. Where did you get the impression I didn't understand the layout?

[@JOSHIEBOY2000]

Butthurt athlean fan incoming….

[@mauricebibriesca7297]

Why should we care what this guy likes ? Who gaf lol

[@LiftingExplained]

Clearly you cared enough to take the time and make this comment lol. I'm curious, what's your reason for writing something like? I mean, if you don't like my videos then you don't have to watch them. It's pretty simple.