Iowa. Lush, rolling fields of corn and soybeans stretch out endlessly, giving testimony to the
          scientific management of some of the world's best farms. Iowa is also home to a small but
          growing group of thinking, drug-free bodybuilders. One of these is Brandon Butler, and his
          story is inspirational - especially to those just starting Heavy Duty training.

          Brandon began like many who seek to build their bodies. He started training several years ago,
          and with no rational guidelines to follow he slipped into a pattern common to aspiring
          bodybuilders - HIGH VOLUME, HIGH FREQUENCY training. While not as bad as some,
          Brandon still worked out 3-4 days weekly, performing 4 sets of reps on some 6-7 different
          exercises each workout. This added up to well over 75 sets EACH WEEK! And Brandon
          worked hard! He knew that in order to get stronger and grow he would have to PUSH himself
          and push he did, training to failure (or exhaustion) each workout. Several years of this left him
          constantly tired with minimal progress to show for all his efforts.

          I met Brandon through mutual business interests. When he discovered we shared an interest in
          bodybuilding, he reasoned that since I was older and more experienced, I might be able to help
          him achieve the goals that had so long eluded him. He listened attentively as the fundamentals
          of muscle growth, intensity and recovery were explained and immediately ordered Heavy Duty
          II. He also took 3 weeks off all training to rest his overtrained body while he absorbed this new
          insight. Finally, at the end of April, 1997, he began to train again. His results in just 8 short
          weeks are proof of what a rational, science-based training approach can produce.

          We initially reduced his workouts to 3 exercises, spaced 72 hours apart. After 4 workouts we
          added an additional rest day and 3 workouts later, Brandon was training just once every 6-7
          days. He has, in this short span, added approximately 20% to both the weight used in his
          exercises AND to the number of repetitions! He has also gained an average of 1 lb. per week
          in bodyweight! AND he still maintains a busy work schedule helping run the family farm.

          As good as Brandon's progress has been, after talking with Mike recently, I became convinced
          it could be even better. So Brandon and I have rearranged his training, reducing his workouts
          to 2 exercises per week, concentrating only on the major muscle groups. He is currently
          finishing a 2 week layoff and is raring to go on this new program.

          I will feature Brandon's continuing story as he begins his third month of Heavy Duty training.
          His progress exemplifies what is possible when a rational approach to training (or solving any
          problem) is applied!