Hey everyone! Today, I’m super excited to share some insights from one of my favorite YouTube channels—Brian Turner’s. If you’re a vegan looking to get jacked, you’ve got to check out his video titled “WATCH THIS If You Want To Get JACKED As A Vegan (FROM 8 YRS EXPERIENCE).” Brian has been vegan for eight years and has a ton of experience, and I think his tips are absolutely invaluable. In this blog post, I’ll summarize his key points, sprinkle in my own thoughts, and hopefully help you on your journey to becoming a plant-based powerhouse.
Warm-Ups: The Secret Sauce
First things first, Brian emphasizes the importance of warm-ups. I used to be one of those people who would skip warm-ups, thinking they were a waste of time. But Brian makes a compelling case for them. He suggests a specific exercise: set a cable on the lowest pulley setting, sit on the ground, and do a row while pulling through your pinky and externally rotating. This really helps to fire up those rear delts. I tried this myself, and wow, what a difference it made! My rear delts were engaged throughout my workout, and I could feel the muscle activation much better.
Smoothies: Your New Best Friend
If you’re someone who struggles with bloating from high-fiber foods like beans and potatoes, Brian has an excellent tip—smoothies. I love this idea because it’s so practical. You can pack a thousand calories into a smoothie, and it’s digested quickly, making it easier to eat your next meal. I’ve started incorporating smoothies into my diet, and it’s been a game-changer for hitting my calorie goals without feeling overly full.
Training to Failure: Push Your Limits
Brian is a big advocate for training to absolute failure. I think this is where many people, including myself, often fall short. It’s easy to stop when you’re tired, but pushing until you can barely finish the rep forces your body to adapt and grow. I’ve started incorporating this into my workouts, and I can already see a difference in my strength and muscle growth.
Protein Intake: Finding the Sweet Spot
One of the most eye-opening parts of the video was Brian’s take on protein intake. When he first went vegan, he consumed a lot of lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, and seitan. He later reduced his protein intake to around 110 grams per day, thinking he didn’t need as much. However, he noticed a decline in his progress. Now, he aims for 145-180 grams of protein daily and has seen significant improvements. I’ve adjusted my protein intake based on his advice, and it’s made a noticeable difference in my muscle recovery and growth.
Ignore the Noise: Focus on Your Journey
Brian’s advice to not care what others think at the gym really resonated with me. I used to feel self-conscious about my exercises, but he’s right—everyone is focused on themselves. This mindset shift has made my workouts more enjoyable and less stressful. I now focus on what works best for my body, regardless of what others might think.
Carbs for Bigger Pumps: Fuel Your Workouts
Brian mentions that increasing his carb intake has led to better pumps and performance in the gym. I’ve always been cautious about carbs, but after hearing his experience, I decided to give it a try. The result? My workouts have been more energetic, and the muscle pumps are incredible. It’s a simple change that has made my gym sessions more effective.
Consistency is Key: Simplify Your Meals
Another great tip from Brian is to choose seven to eight meals and put them on repeat. This has simplified my meal planning and ensured I hit my macros consistently. I now have a few go-to meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making my diet more manageable and less stressful.
Protein Powders: Embrace the Convenience
Brian encourages the use of protein powders, especially when dieting. I used to avoid them, thinking I should get all my protein from whole foods. But incorporating protein shakes has made it easier to meet my protein goals without feeling deprived. Plus, they’re quick and convenient, which is a huge plus for my busy lifestyle.
Mindset Matters: Believe in Yourself
Lastly, Brian talks about the power of mindset. He shares how changing his self-talk from negative to positive transformed his progress. I’ve started practicing daily affirmations, and it’s amazing how much it has boosted my confidence and motivation. Believing in yourself is just as important as the physical work you put in.
So there you have it—Brian Turner’s top tips for getting jacked as a vegan. I’ve implemented many of these into my routine, and they’ve made a significant difference. If you’re serious about building muscle on a plant-based diet, I highly recommend giving his advice a try. Happy lifting!