Well, the new site is finally up - a redesign and major update. It took me about 8 months longer than I expected it to take, mostly because I am not really a tech guy and I had problem after problem getting it to the point where it would work. And also, honestly, I got side-tracked with other things at a couple of points.

I literally spent the last 8 months thinking I was just a couple of weeks from having the site ready to go. A weird project to be sure.

I do think it was worth the effort as, judging by the site stats, people are having an easier time finding stuff.

While I was working on the site redesign, The Get Big Ezine went on a bit of a hiatus. Going forward, expect it to back with a monthly issue fairly regularly.

This issue will focus on the changes and new stuff at the site - There is A LOT.

First....

Help Me - To my knowledge, all pages, forms and links at the site are working properly. If you should come across anything that looks odd or doesn't work, please take a second to let me know. Contact me and tell me the browser you are using, your operating system and the point where you are having troubles.

And, as always, don't hesitate to contact me with any suggestions or comments you have regarding the site. That is what will fuel continued improvements.

The New Stuff

I rewrote the entire site so essentially every page is different. I also added some pictures to try and break up the words, tables and diagrams to help explain stuff and some different navigation options to help people find their way around.

New Sections

• Weight Gain Tips and Testimonials - This is a section where those who have succeeded or are succeeding at moving to their goals can share their story and give out their best tips to others. Thus far, I have been underwhelmed with the participation.

  The submissions that are there have come mostly through begging - me begging those that have written me and told me their successes.... but only a small fraction of those who I beg actually take a couple of minutes to share their story/tips. What is the deal?

  I can tell you that people do go to that page, they do read it. You do have something to share, whether that be just inspirational or whether it be concrete tips. It doesn't matter if your accomplishments are small or big, it doesn't matter if your advice is unique or just focused in on adhering to the basics.

  YOUR advice is valuable.

  It can be important motivation for beginners and those frustrated with their progress. It is much more valuable to the average natural trainer than the steroid-users advice, it is more valuable than the bodybuilding mags/supplement companies nonsense which is spewed in an attempt to suck up cash.

  I really hope this section takes off because, again, people are interested in how YOU have accomplished your goals and there is great value in your words of wisdom. Please take a couple of minutes to participate, that's the only way it will work.

  Submit your story/tips here.

  A special thanks to Jason and "Big" Thomas who didn't make me beg. They are undoubtedly basking in well-deserved muscle karma.

• Program Reviews- For reasons laid out here, I believe the top online muscle building programs have an amazing ability to help people reach their goals. They can up your chances for success and increase the speed and degree to which you achieve that success. Definitely worth considering.

  I have reviewed a bunch of the programs on the market. Thus far I have only posted reviews of the programs I felt were the best of the best. I will be getting up reviews of the rest of the programs listed as well as other programs being heavily advertised in the coming months.

  My hope is that the section will highlight the top-notch programs and resources for the prospective mass gainer and will help those who choose this route to pick the best program for them.

  I have also put article collections from all of those that I consider to be the top muscle building gurus for the natural, genetically average trainer. Those articles are available through each author's respective page: Jeff Anderson, Will Brink, Marc David, Anthony Ellis, Dr. Franco-Obregón, Sean Nalewanyj, Tom Venuto.

  There is some real good stuff in those articles, check them out and pay attention to what these guys tell you.

New Articles

Again, essentially every article at the site is new. There is new stuff on each and every page, too much to list here. If you are a subscriber to the RSS feed, I will be highlighting the changes to the entire site in the coming weeks.

Below are a few of the brand new articles...

• Women and Weight Gain - I get a lot of email from women asking for female-specific weight gain advice. Actually, there isn't a whole lot different in the approach women need to take to gain healthy weight. Women, however, typically have some misconceptions about weight training and its effects and this article addresses those.
• Best Use of Weight Gain and Muscle Supplements - This article attempts to point out both the abilities and limitations of supplements to help you towards your goals. Putting together a solid supplementation program based on realistic expectations will definitely provide you some solid benefits.

  Believing supplements have the abilities that their marketers tell you and putting too much emphasis (and money) into this part of your program is only going to lead to frustration.

• About Page - If you've ever wondered what the mission statement of the site is, exactly what I am trying to accomplish with it, you can find that here. Basically, there is a reason you don't find weight-loss information at the site, there is a reason you don't find supplement company garbage reprinted there. There are enough (too many) of those sites out there in my opinion.

  The site keeps its focus on putting on muscle weight through natural bodybuilding techniques as quickly as possible. And that is where you must keep your focus if you wish to succeed in dramatic fashion.

  That's the gist of it but if you want to know more, check out the page.

• Tracking Your Bodybuilding Training Program - Not really a new article, but this is a section that has been changed to include much more detailed instruction on how to get to your body composition numbers.

  The skinfold measurements page has diagrams showing you how to take your measurements and where to take them. This is the best way to arrive at regular body fat estimations.

  The body tape measurements page also shows you where and how to take your girth measurements.

  I realize that most people ignore my advice to take the time to get their body composition numbers, most people choose to just make judgements by the mirror and scales alone. I can't say it enough, TAKE THE TIME to get an accurate view of where your training is taking you. Only then will you be able to make intelligent decisions regarding adjustments to your bodybuilding program.

That's it for this issue. Expect a new issue along the lines of the old format in just a few weeks. I apologize to those who missed the ezine during its break from production.

Until next time, keep eating big, keep lifting a big and, please, track your program.