I Tried Chris Bumstead's Bodybuilding App For 3 Months & Got These Crazy Results

As a seasoned weightlifter, I've tried every workout program, routine, and fitness app under the sun. But no matter how hard I trained, I never got the results I was desired. Then, I stumbled across six-time Mr. Olympia Chris Bumstead's YouTube channel (with over 4.15 million subscribers) and heard about his bodybuilding app, STNDRD. I was curious: could this app help take my training to the next level?

Fast-forward to October 2024, and I decided to give it a shot for three months. Spoiler: The results blew me away.

Here's a breakdown of my experience with Chris Bumstead's bodybuilding app, STNDRD, and how it completely transformed my approach to bodybuilding.

My Strength Skyrocketed

STNDRD offers several training programs, including the classic Push-Pull-Legs (PPL), Bro Split, and Arnold training splits, as well as Bumstead's very own Olympia routine. There's even a Powerbuilding program and a four-weeks-to-open regimen for those prepping for bodybuilding shows.

I started with the PPL, Bro Split, and Arnold splits, and within the first six weeks, I was hitting personal records (PRs) for deadlifts, bench presses, and squats. That's wild, considering I wasn't pushing heavier weights. Instead, I focused on nailing proper form, something Bumstead emphasizes in his app with written descriptions and helpful videos of himself performing each movement.

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Stephen Sheehan, a certified personal trainer at BarBend, explains, "Chris Bumstead's training stands out because it blends classic bodybuilding aesthetics with modern strength and hypertrophy principles. He prioritizes controlled movements, mind-muscle connection, and a mix of heavy compound lifts with high-volume accessory work."

What I really loved is that Bumstead's training philosophy isn't just about building muscle. It also focuses on functional strength that sticks and translates into real-life lifts. The app's balanced approach between strength and hypertrophy was a game-changer, allowing my muscles to grow without sacrificing strength. Gradually increasing the weight through progressive overload kept me challenged without mindlessly chasing heavier lifts.

Justin King, Bumstead's strength coach, tells us, "The STNDRD app is a culmination of everything Chris has learned from ten years in the trenches, being around the best in the industry, and by bringing the best minds in the industry into this singular location."

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I Packed on Serious Muscle

In just three months, I gained nearly 10 pounds of mostly muscle, along with a few pounds of fat (I was eating in a caloric surplus, after all). At 38, I feel more muscular and stronger than I ever have, and trust me, that's a big deal.

(For context, I'm 6'-5" and typically walk around at 210 to 215 pounds, so gaining up to 10 pounds isn't that difficult for someone my size.)

As a vegan hybrid athlete who also runs long distances, gaining muscle has always been tough, especially with the massive amount of food I need to eat just to stay in a calorie surplus. But STNDRD made it easy to track calories and macronutrients through its integrated nutrition feature. This tool helped me ensure I was eating enough to fuel muscle growth and get the protein I need of around 1 gram per pound of body weight per day.

Sheehan says, "Nutrition and recovery are just as important as training. Without enough calories, protein, and proper recovery, muscle growth stalls. Bumstead's approach ensures you're not just working hard but also optimizing your performance with a focus on recovery and nutrition."

I Learned To Master Form and Control My Reps

The most eye-opening part of using STNDRD was relearning to focus on form and control my reps. After years of lifting, I thought my form was solid, but STNDRD proved me wrong.

Counter to my past muscle-building strategies, Bumstead's bodybuilding philosophy isn't about lifting as heavy as possible (although he can pull some serious weight). Instead, he emphasizes controlled, deliberate movements with a focus on muscle activation, which has made a noticeable difference in my results. The slow reps allowed me to really feel the muscle working, and this "mind-muscle connection" has taken my workouts to a new level.

"One common mistake is focusing too much on lifting heavy without proper form, leading to injuries," says Sheehan. "Bumstead's app emphasizes controlled movements, which is key to making sure you're activating muscles properly and preventing injuries."

"One common mistake is focusing too much on lifting heavy without proper form, leading to injuries," cautions King. "Bumstead's app emphasizes controlled movements, which is key to making sure you're activating muscles properly and preventing injuries."

Now, I prioritize form over lifting heavier weights. This shift led to huge gains without overloading my joints, which used to be a big issue for me.

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Tons of Workouts to Choose From

Whether you're just starting out or you've been lifting for years, STNDRD has something for everyone. The app offers a ton of workouts and exercises, all designed to target specific muscle groups for optimal muscle gains.

Plus, the app gamifies the bodybuilding experience. Every workout earns you XP points, and I'm all about that competitive edge. Watching my XP score climb after every session pushed me to go harder and get the most out of each workout.

The variety in exercises kept me engaged, while the structured programs ensured I stayed on track. I never felt like I was just going through the motions and each workout felt fresh, exciting, and challenging.

It Took the Guesswork Out of My Routine

STNDRD took all the guesswork out of my training. I used to spend so much time planning workouts, deciding on exercises, and switching up routines to stay motivated. But with this app, everything is laid out for you.

I just follow the program, stay consistent, and push myself in every workout. Simple and effective with no time wasted—just the way I like it.

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STNDRD, The App That Delivers Real Results

After three months with Chris Bumstead's bodybuilding app, I can confidently say it's been a game-changer. Not only did it help me increase strength and add lean muscle, but it completely transformed the way I approach bodybuilding.

"With STNDRD, you have an extremely unique opportunity," says King. "You get to stand on the shoulders of giants such as Chris and the STNDRD team. The nutrition, recovery, and everything else is outlined for you, and we are constantly bringing you even more and always our best."

Whether you're trying to gain muscle, improve your form, or take your fitness to the next level, STNDRD is the app you need. Give it a try—you won't regret it.