Working Out While Sick Part 1

Part 1

This week I struggled with a question that I'm sure plagues any of us who are dedicated athletes. Do I work out when I'm sick? And, if I do, how hard do I go? If I don't, how do I I know when I'm well enough to start again?

The No White Diet

I'm currently providing dietary advice for a client who is preparing for a figure competition. She's in good shape already, has striking features, and possesses an effervescent personality that is sure to translate into great stage presence. In other words, I know she's going to do well if we can whittle away those last few stubborn pounds.

The Best Way to Work Your Abs is to Shut Your Mouth

It happened again today. Someone approached me in the gym and asked to see my abs. As is usual, after I obliged by pulling up my shirt and flexing a little, they asked me what I do to keep my 6 pack so sharp, "what ab exercises do you do?"

Consistency is the Trump Card

I was recently asked what one piece of advice I would give to a new aspiring bodybuilder. My immediate response was that consistency trumps all other factors.

You can talk about optimal set and rep schemes, debate body part splits, and discuss ad nauseum the importance of nutrient timing, but if you aren't getting to the gym day after day, week after week, and year after year, none of those other things make a bit of difference.

The Font of all Blessings

Recently, a friend of mine was discussing his love of bodybuilding on FaceBook. He had just participated in his first contest, finishing second in his class, and was flying high on the feeling of attaining a long cherished goal. Unfortunately, he was not getting a lot of love from those commenting.

Where There's a Will There's a Way

For a while now, Billy, one of my good friends at the gym, has been working out with his wife, Katherine. Their enthusiasm and ability to encourage each other through a hard workout is inspirational for many of us.

The Best Workout Routine

Yesterday, two of my gym buddies were arguing about the merits of high volume vs. high intensity training. As the argument evolved, it got fairly technical, branching into questions of rep speed, time under tension, and year-long periodization.