Mythical Mass is a 6 month-long combination of various strength programs used for building mass.
The programs included are:
- 5/3/1 BBB Beefcake #1 (3 weeks)
- 5/3/1 BBB Beefcake #2 (3 weeks + 1 week deload)
- 5/3/1 Building the Monolith #1 (3 weeks)
- 5/3/1 Building the Monolith #2 (3 weeks + 1 week deload)
- Deep Water Beginner (6 weeks)
- Deep Water Intermediate (6 weeks)
As you can see, the entire set of programming takes about 6 months to work through.
The goal? Get freaking huge.
If you’re trying to pack on some mass, be sure to check out our weight gain tips for hardgainers and roundup of the best bulking supplements.
Table of Contents
Spreadsheet
This spreadsheet was created by /u/lofi_loki based on this /r/gainit post by /u/mythicalstrength.
Program Overview
I strongly recommend reading the original post by /u/MythicalStrength to understand how to use this program effectively.
Mythical Mass is really just a set of programs laid out to provide 6 months of straight training. These are primarily strength programs, but will have significant carryover to powerlifting. While not appropriate for preparing for a powerlifting meet, these could be used in the off-season.
About half of the time is spent doing 5/3/1 style training, while the second half is spent doing two cycles of Deep Water.
BBB Beefcake
You can read more about BBB Beefcake on Jim Wendler’s blog.
Building the Monolith
You can read more about Building the Monolith on Jim Wendler’s blog.
Deep Water
You can read more about Deep Water on Lift Vault (this page also links to other resources).
Running the Programs
Below you’ll find some additional information on how to configure the programs. Don’t skip this – it’s important.
Training Max
You will choose a training max percentage for all of the programs.
To start, 85% is set for the 5/3/1 programs and 70% is set for Deep Water. These will probably work for most people, but more advanced lifters may actually need to adjust them even further down.
For the 20 rep squat sets in 5/3/1 Building the Monolith, Jim has stated that is acceptable to lower the percentage even further than usual if needed. This is up the lifter.
BBB Back-Off Sets
Boring But Big uses back-off sets (known as BBB sets) after the three main working sets are complete.
The percentage for these sets can vary.
You have the following options:
- First Set Last (FSL)
- 40%
- 50%
- 60%
FSL will progressively get heavier as the program progresses, moving from 65% in week 1 to 70% in week 2, and 75% in week 3.
More advanced lifters should probably use a lighter percentage, like 40% or 50%.
If you are struggling to complete all 10 reps, choose a lighter percentage. If you can’t hit 40% for 10 reps, then you have either entered your 1RM incorrectly or you simply should do another program.
