Most persons undergoing first-time heavy weight training, or re-training (after a long layoff and losing that muscle mass) have muscle memory kick in. http://e

Most persons undergoing first-time heavy weight training, or re-training (after a long layoff and losing that muscle mass) have muscle memory kick in. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_memory#Retention http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_memory#Retention "Whether strength or endurance related, it is plausible that the majority of motor movements would require a skilled moving task of some form, whether it be maintaining proper form when paddling a canoe, or bench pressing a heavier weight." http://www.syfit.com/articles05.html http://www.syfit.com/articles05.html http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/70/2/631 http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/70/2/631 "These data suggest that rapid muscular adaptations occur as a result of strength training in previously trained as well as non-previously trained women." I believe he achieved this potential lb's due to previously having those gains in muscle mass. My own personal experience (and training in an amateur / non professional fashion friends and family) were massive gains with proper nutrition and intense weight training, compound movements at the initial onset of training (myself, 30 lbs in 3 months, the first time I ever did weights on a consistent basis, lean muscle though my frame is skinny). However, with a 1-2 month ramp up I can typically add 5-10 lbs in a more lazy fashion (whereas my previous ~30 lbs of mass I was extremely regimented and ate / trained basically full-time), which is muscle memory. This "extreme" undertaking is probably better explained in his book (only because the article does not take the claim to task) and probably involved him slimming down over the years, and revamping an intensive training protocol. Body types will also influence Weight vs Appearance. Tim had a previous article which was much dissected pre-his even stating he was coming out with a fitness book. http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/29/from-geek-to-freak-how-i-gained-34-lbs-of-muscle-in-4-weeks/ http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/04/29/from-geek-to... http://www.healthynewage.com/blog/bull-strong/ http://www.healthynewage.com/blog/bull-strong/ “He could just be a freak of nature, but even the most genetically gifted body builders have NEVER gained this amount of muscle in such a short period. ” This could be another factor on top of all else. I find Tim’s writing refreshing. He does not fluff or sugar coat his “step by steps” and this leads to (another discussion perhaps) arguments over the simplistic validity of his systems. Edit: Note "weight cutting" for professional sports probably relates to his large gains. (MMA Fighters frequently cut between 15-20 lbs, sometimes more, I am not sure how relevant this is to the discussion, so only a Google link :D) http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=weight+cutting http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie...