MAPS Anabolic Advanced is a program long asked for by die-hard Mind Pump fans. Their first program, MAPS Anabolic, has been getting people incredible results for years.
It’s no surprise they wanted a follow-up.
And to many people’s delight, Mind Pump delivered by releasing MAPS Anabolic Advanced a few months ago (I’m writing this in July of 2023).
I got it right away and finished it a few weeks ago. Normally, I write a review immediately upon completion. This time I needed to think about things for a while first.
My Personal Experience With MAPS Anabolic Advanced
I’m a huge fan of the programs written by the guys at Mind Pump. Of their twenty available programs, I’ve worked through eleven of them. Multiple times each.
I’ve also reviewed most of those programs here on GymCrafter.
I highly recommend them to friends, family, and readers, so much so that I’ve been accused more than once of being a shill for the Mind Pump guys.
Well, this time is different.
I did not enjoy MAPS Anabolic Advanced. It was a struggle for me to complete, and the only reason I did was to write this review.
This program is well above my current abilities and fitness level. It is also unsuited for my personal goals at this time.
While working through MAPS Anabolic Advanced, I overtrained and aggravated old injuries by trying to force-feed a program that was clearly too much for me.
From day one, week one, where 36 sets were programmed in that very first session, I knew I was in trouble. Even with the included deload weeks (clearly there due to the sheer volume asked in this program), it pushed me past my limits.
I will not be running this program a second time. At 52 years old, I just can’t push myself like I could in my twenties.
So does that make this program terrible?
Absolutely not!
As you’ll see in this review, I think it’s an excellent option for some very specific groups of people.
It just wasn’t for me.
MAPS Anabolic Advanced Review, The Short, TLDR Version
If you are an advanced lifter with a developed work capacity and a desire to build muscle where you haven’t been able to before, MAPS Anabolic Advanced is perfect for you.
This program lives on the cutting edge of exercise selection, advanced programming techniques, and unique methods that are bound to be new and engaging for most lifters.
When I first looked through the program, I was excited to start. Every segment of the program had things I’d only read about and never tried: new movements, new rep schemes, and a new program design. There were even deload weeks programmed in!
Then I looked at the workload.
The most demanding and intense MAPS program I’ve done is MAPS Aesthetic. That program tests my limits every time I run it.
This one blows r