Because of the bombardment of misinformation over several decades many people who want to lose body fat think there is only one thing that matters when trying to lose weight: Calories consumed versus calories used. The calorie theory couldn’t be a more simplistic and untenable view. However, to the demise of many bodies, many self-proclaimed experts perpetuating the calorie theory including doctors, nurses, dietitians, nutritionists, trainers, coaches, and most of all the media, proselytize that a calorie of protein is equal to a calorie of fat is equal to a calorie of carbs, and that all you have to do is cut down the amount consumed to lose body fat. However, in order for this to be true,
"Carrying a set to a point where you are forced to utilize 100 percent of your momentary ability is the single most important factor in increasing size and strength." Mike Mentzer
Training frequency is arguably the most important component of a training program. Optimum recovery time between training sessions is essential if one is going to continue to make progress. Training frequency, which is determined by one’s recovery ability, is often a forgotten, and more often inappropriately applied part of most training protocols. You can never train too hard, but you can train too much. Training “too much” can actually be described in two ways. The first and probably the most common way, is training too often. The average person, who is training with 100% intensity, will not be able to train a body part any more frequently than once every six to eight days. Many advanced l
One thing that pisses me off as a coach, is clients who say they want to compete, yet when getting ready for a contest piss and moan about the way they feel, how hard the diet is, how they hate performing a particular exercise, or any other thing they perceive as uncomfortable. As the saying goes, “Circumstances don’t make the man; they simply reveal him to himself.” As human beings living our lives, there are many things we don’t have control over, e.g., the economy, physical traits, and some diseases. However, we all have control of how we approach life’s experiences, e.g., goals and hurdles, which is our mindset or attitude. Having the right mindset is imperative to achieving any goal. A
"You can have the best of intentions, but intentions mean nothing. It’s results that matter."
Like so many, Tom Platz moved to California with $50.00, and a dream of being a pro bodybuilder. In 1978 he won his class at the World Amateur Championships (Mr. Universe) and attained his pro card. He soon after became known for his unparalleled leg development. Although huge by any standard, it wasn’t just the sheer size that set his legs apart, but the shape, deep separation and striations. In 1979 Tom, made his pro debut placing 8th in the IFBB Mr. Olympia. This started a string of top ten finishes with his best being in 1981 where he placed 3rd. To this day many would argue he should have been 1st, with Danny Padilla coming in a close 2nd. Unfortunately, the 1981 Olympia, which sol
"The greatest problem of human life is fear. It is fear that robs us of happiness. It is fear that causes us to settle for far less than we are capable of. The only good thing about fear, if there is anything good, is that it is learned, and because of this, it can be unlearned." Brian Tracy
Did you know creatine is perhaps the most researched supplement on the planet? Yet data on the benefits of supplementing with this incredible substance continues to grow. Canadian researchers compared the changes in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) amounts in 2 groups of subjects. All the subjects performed at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity 3 -5 X’s per week for eight weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: One supplementing with creatine, the other, an iso-caloric placebo. Muscle biopsies were taken before and after the training period and analyzed for IGF-1 content. The creatine group had a 24% higher level of IGF-1. The creatine group also ha
Log: A detailed record of a voyage. Whether one has decided to get physically fit, become a competitive bodybuilder or powerlifter, it’s most advantageous to take a direct route from point A to point B. Unfortunately, there are very few times when someone is able to find the shortest path in any endeavor in life. You can read all the research in the world, talk to those who have been there and done that, and you will still make the occasional wrong turn, or proceed along the inevitable detour. As everyone who has succeeded has done, you are embarking on a voyage that is essentially uncharted. Does it not make sense to take the proper precautions to ensure the shortest, fastest, and safest
