When duty calls and Sean Hardge has to operate at full efficiency, he switches gears to his cutting phase. Sean never wants to compromise his hard earned muscle, but does look to shed some body fat when he needs to be a lean-mean fighting machine.

Just like he was taught in his military training, Sean doesn't over complicate things but makes every repetition count. He sticks to the basics, but increases the overall intensity with drop sets, less rest in between sets and by taking his muscle to complete failure.

If you think you can hang with Sean when he's preparing for battle, then enlist in his cutting program and see if you've got what it takes.

Nutrition

Training

My workout regimen is simple and easy. I don't make it very complex, but I do make every repetition count. When I'm trying to get cut I do drop sets, take less rest in between sets, and take my muscles to failure.

I strive to do more than what I actually had planned out on paper. I also use a partner so I can do negative reps, and I try to push my body to new heights.

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Day 7: Rest

Sean Hardge's Personal Philosophy

Nutrition

When it comes to nutrition I feel it's important to have discipline in order to achieve a goal. My goal is to be lean year around, so I spend a lot of time eating a healthy diet all year long. I try to experiment with the way I prepare my meals, and make the food flavorful.

I do eat cheat meals sometimes, but try to limit them to every once in a great awhile. I might go 2 months without a cheat meal. I believe if the healthy meals that you prepare taste good then there is no need for a cheat meal.

Learning how to cook is essential to optimal fitness. When I prepare food for friends they are surprised that the meals I eat are in-line with my diet. Healthy food doesn't have to taste like a cardboard box.

Training

Training efficiently is my main goal. I don't want to be in the gym sweating and training without gaining any progress. I use strict form on my exercises, and the movements that require explosiveness are still done in a manner that supports muscle growth.

I don't like to lift sloppy, because that's what causes most injuries in the gym. I normally use moderate weight to make gains. I also like the concept of time under tension, so I take my time with each repetition.

Read more in my BodyBlog Time Under Tension

Supplementation

Supplementing is important, because it helps me keep my body healthy. Eating good is the first step, but I want to excel in the fastest and safest way possible. I take my physician's advice on good supplements that I should be using. I take a lot of vitamins and minerals along with pre and post workout supplements.

I think these kinds of supplements can boost a physique to the next level. I like to know what supplements actually work so when I use certain supplements I might go on a cycle with just that one supplement plus my vitamins.

I try not to waste my money by taking several supplements that do the same thing. The supplements that I select are based off my goals. If I want more muscle I use nitric oxide and testosterone boosters.

When I am cutting I like to use a thermogenic fat burner and caffeine. Bodybuilding.com has a breakdown for anyone who is confused about what to take.

The first step is the goal. Once the goal is realized, then it's easier to hone in on the specific supplement that would best support that goal.

Sean Hardge's Fitness Programs