If you haven't been working out for 1-2 years, this routine isn't for you. I know the guide might say so... but honestly. In the first year or so, you are learning your body, figuring out the muscle links, and nutrition for such an intense workout. You are figuring out what your max might be. You are learning the proper form.
Nothing could be worse then doing 80%+ of your max weight and doing a squat really bad.
Nowhere does it say for a beginner. Nor does it say advanced. So actually I do feel the same way.
As it happens, I've been hitting the weights for some time. And I was in my gym for 2 years before even attempting this routine. Luckily I have a steady training partner in which to workout with that will help me on the heavy stuff.
Basically, I would do the 3 day split routine you mention. That is an excellent idea. Get into fitness. Slowly. Learn the exercises. How your body responds. Once you nail that, then maybe in December you can go heavy. This workout is pretty advanced. I don't think it's good for beginner's either. For exactly the same reasons you just posted. Because it assumes you have a certain level of understanding and then if you don't.. you get confused and frustrated.
Some can do this the first go.. some can't. I know I didn't.
You can certainly apply the principles of the workout. If you look at the Complete Max-OT post in the top of this forum, you will find the theory behind the routine. You can certainly take that into account as you experiment and learn what is going to work for you.
If you want a basic workout to get into things nice and slowly.. you might try this
Beginner Workout There's also an
advanced workout on the site. After you do those for a time, you can move onto the more serious stuff.
Thanks for the post. It's a really good point about Max-OT and advanced lifting.