A well-designed training program can enhance the potential of reaching fitness goals. However, a quick online search reveals numerous influencers promoting various fitness programs.
Fitness influencer Will Tennyson purchased and reviewed seven fitness programs from fellow influencers, including Lean Beef Patty, Jesse James West, David Laid, Larry Wheels, Greg Doucette, Joe Fazer, and Jeff Nippard.
On Nov. 14, 2024, Tennyson evaluated these programs, ranking them in tiers from S to F, with S representing the highest quality. “I’m testing as many fitness influencer programs as I can get my hands on to give my honest review,” said Tennyson.
[Related: Tristyn Lee Shares What It’s Like to Train After Rebounding To 7% Body Fat]
Lean Beef Patty
Tennyson purchased Lean Beef Patty’s program for $30, which made his expectations modest. It’s an eight-week-long program featuring text and video instructions for various exercises detailing the sets and reps. The program includes five active workout days and two optional active rest days.
“Warm-ups and optional static stretching, which I will likely skip because people ask if they lift, not if you can touch your toes. I want to be jacked, not able to scratch my back by the end of this,” Tennyson remarked.
Tennyson began the workout with a five-to-10-minute cardio session on the Stairmaster before transitioning to Lean Beef Patty’s leg and glute workout below.
- Sumo Deadlift: 5 x 5
- Toe Elevated Romanian Deadlift: 3 x 10-12
- Lying Hamstring Curl: 4 x 10
- Calf Raise: 5 x 10-15
- Seated Leg Abduction: 4 x 15
- Leaning Back Leg Abduction: 3 x 10-15
- Leaning Forward Leg Abduction: 3 x 10-15
Pros
- Worthwhile purchase at $30.
- Impressive video demonstrations.
Cons
- Tennyson preferred something other than low-intensity exercises.
- Tennyson preferred training hamstrings and quads together rather than separately
- It would be improved by having alternative exercises for each workout.
Overall, Tennyson ranked Lean Beef Patty’s program as C-Tier.
Jesse James West
Tennyson purchased James West’s “World’s Greatest Workout Program” for $60. The program is 12 weeks long.
“It’s a price that won’t make me broke, but sure as hell better make me swole,” Tennyson towered. He picked West’s back and biceps workout, which constitutes the following exercises:
- Single Arm Dumbbell Row: 3 x 8
- Lat Pulldown Superset Cable Pullover: 4/4 x 8/12
- Close Grip Cable Row: 3 x 12
- EZ Bar Curls: 4 x 15
- Spider Curl: 4 x 10
- Cable Biceps Curl: 4 x 8
“Honestly, I like this workout a lot,” Tennyson expressed. “It’s a big change from what I’m used to. I feel like I’m going to be freaking sore tomorrow, but over time I might hate it.”
Pros
- Simple, clean, and concise information.
- Contains tips on muscle growth and strength increases.
Cons
- The program is outdated.
- It might get tiring over time.
Overall, Tennyson places West’s program in the B-Tier.
David Laid
David Laid’s DUP program is available for $43. This nine-week program includes a built-in lifting calculator. Tennyson followed the Laid push-day workout below:
- Bench Press One-Rep Max
- Bench Press: 4 x 4
- Push Press: 3 x 4
- Dumbbell Flye: 3 x 10
- Skull Crusher: 3 x 10
- Dumbbell Triceps Extension: 3 x 10
Pros
- Focuses on the basics.
- It can easily be used to workout at home.
- Focuses on heavy compound movements, which are more efficient.
Cons
- Doesn’t provide information on how to perform exercises.
“I don’t want to lift. I want to look like I lift, and this program isn’t going to do it for me,” Tennyson expressed.
Overall, Tennyson rated it a B-Tier.
Larry Wheels
Tennyson acquired the Larry Wheels program for $9.99. This program provides comprehensive guidelines, a detailed equipment list, and an extensive exercise library. Below are a few exercises featured in the collection.
- Rack Pull: 3 x 8
- Lat Pulldown: 1 x 20
- Hammer Curl: 3 x 12
- Barbell Curl
Pros
- Has a portal with a nutrition plan, exercise library, equipment, etc.
- It has links explaining how to do exercises.
Cons
- Website for buying no longer exists.
- Concerns about how the workouts were explained; didn’t like the exercise selections.
- The program needs to be clarified.
- The design could be improved.
Will Tennyson placed the Larry Wheels program in the D-Tier.
Greg Doucette
Tennyson purchased Greg Doucette’s Advanced Training Manual, a 95-page PDF, for $111. This program includes four training plans, guiding trainees to progress by decreasing reps and culminating in one all-out set. Tennyson attempted the leg and biceps workout below:
- Pendulum Squat: 3 x 10-15
- Leg Press: 4 x 10-15
- Biceps Curl Superset Calves
Pros
- Contains extensive fitness information.
- Offers four training plans.
- Exercises have alternatives.
Cons
- The program consists of exercises people need help to perform effectively.
- Tennyson prefers to get to the top set a little sooner.
- Parts of the workout are impractical if training in a commercial gym.
- The price is high.
Overall, Tennyson put Doucette’s workout program in D-Tier.
Joe Fazer
The Joe Fazer program costs $9.99. Tennyson experimented with the intermediate level, focusing on a lower-body routine. The regimen included leg extensions, squats, and leg presses, among other exercises.
Pros
- Enjoyable workout.
- Outstanding balance of workout and intensity.
- Concise information.
- It’s a great program for beginners and intermediates.
- Great price.
Cons
- Some rep ranges are too difficult.
- There are no exercise alternatives; you have to improvise.
Tennyson ranked this program in the A-Tier.
Jeff Nippard
Tennyson approached Jeff Nippard’s workout with high expectations, opting for the Essentials Program, priced at $60. Upon downloading it, Tennyson accessed a comprehensive 90-page PDF with detailed explanations. Tennyson focused on upper body exercises.
“The one great thing about a Jeff Nippard program is that if you’re ever in doubt about anything, know that there are probably four studies behind every single thing,” Tennyson said.
Pros
- Effective exercises in under an hour.
- Videos showing how to do exercises.
- Exercises are based on scientific studies.
- Alternative exercises are available.
Cons
Will Tennyson found no cons for this program, ranking Nippard’s program in the S-Tier.
More Bodybuilding Content
- How a 7’2″ Tall Bodybuilder Eats 7,000 Calories Per Day to Maintain Weight
- Level Up With Brazilian Glute Training
- Dorian Yates Pens Tribute to Golden-Era Bodybuilder Mike Mentzer
Featured image: @willtenny on Instagram