I am a 19 year old female trying to lose weight. I am currently 5’9” and 226lbs but according to my friends look much lighter. My doctor says it’s because I’m very muscular. I have PCOS which makes it difficult for me to lose weight but since he put me on metformin I have dropped 30lbs. So now I’m steadily losing weight but wonder what my goal should be. My doctor guessed I should actually weigh 170-180 because of my muscles but I think that still sounds like too much. What do you think?

I am a 19 year old female trying to lose weight. I am currently 5’9” and 226lbs but according to my friends look much lighter. My doctor says it’s because I’m very muscular. I have PCOS which makes it difficult … Continue reading

My 16-year-old son is addicted to working out. He’ll spend up to three hours in the gym on weekend days and after school he’s there at least two hours. It’s actually beginning to affect his studies. He’s not training for a sport, but says he wants to become Mr. Olympia. I know that you are considered the father of modern bodybuilding, but I’m concerned that he’s overdoing it.

My 16-year-old son is addicted to working out. He’ll spend up to three hours in the gym on weekend days and after school he’s there at least two hours. It’s actually beginning to affect his studies. He’s not training for … Continue reading

I’m 52 and going through menopause. In addition to the occasional hot flashes and mood swings I’ve been told by my ob/gyn that I’m at increased risk of bone loss. I currently take a multivitamin that’s designed especially for women, so it’s enhanced with extra calcium. Other than taking supplements (I don’t like swallowing pills) what else can I eat to help boost my calcium levels?

I’m 52 and going through menopause. In addition to the occasional hot flashes and mood swings I’ve been told by my ob/gyn that I’m at increased risk of bone loss. I currently take a multivitamin that’s designed especially for women, … Continue reading

I’m a 52-year-old woman and I’m very upset over the backs of my arms. Like my mother and grandmother, I’m beginning to get that turkey wing effect. I’m so self-conscious about it that I don’t even want to wear a short-sleeved shirt anymore! Being that I live in Tampa this isn’t much of an option though. Joe, what can I do??

I’m a 52-year-old woman and I’m very upset over the backs of my arms. Like my mother and grandmother, I’m beginning to get that turkey wing effect. I’m so self-conscious about it that I don’t even want to wear a … Continue reading

Is it possible to shape and build my muscles while losing fat at the same time? I’m a 47-year-old male who’s probably 30 pounds above my ideal weight. Ideally, what I would like to do is lose the belly and reveal a nicely developed set of abs underneath. Is this double the work? Should I wait to lose the fat first?

Is it possible to shape and build my muscles while losing fat at the same time? I’m a 47-year-old male who’s probably 30 pounds above my ideal weight. Ideally, what I would like to do is lose the belly and … Continue reading

I’m a woman who’s interested in sculpting my glutes. I need to lose about 20 pounds and I do know that I’ll need to diet and do cardio to help with this, but once those pounds have been shed I want to have “buns of steel” to show off. What, in your opinion, is the #1 glute exercise?

I’m a woman who’s interested in sculpting my glutes. I need to lose about 20 pounds and I do know that I’ll need to diet and do cardio to help with this, but once those pounds have been shed I … Continue reading

I know that you’re against taking steroids for athletics, but I’m 61 and am considering getting hormone replacement therapy. I’ve watched as my body has begun to decline with age and I don’t like it. I’ve heard about the amazing things testosterone can do and would like to try it. What are your thoughts on it?

I know that you’re against taking steroids for athletics, but I’m 61 and am considering getting hormone replacement therapy. I’ve watched as my body has begun to decline with age and I don’t like it. I’ve heard about the amazing … Continue reading

I’m a 21-year-old guy and am interested in adding some weight to my frame. Currently I’m 6’1” and only weight 160 lbs, which is obviously too light. Here’s my concern though – if I add, say, 30 pounds of muscle now what will happen to it when I’m 60 and don’t want to train anymore? Will it turn to fat?

I’m a 21-year-old guy and am interested in adding some weight to my frame. Currently I’m 6’1” and only weight 160 lbs, which is obviously too light. Here’s my concern though – if I add, say, 30 pounds of muscle … Continue reading

I’m 16 and starting to get into MMA. I have been taking karate since I was 10 and now am learning jiu jitsu. I am 5’8” and only 135 pounds and I want to add at least 20 pounds to my frame. I want to start lifting weights to bulk up but my jiu jitsu instructor told me that too much lifting could lead to stiff muscles. Is this true?

I’m 16 and starting to get into MMA. I have been taking karate since I was 10 and now am learning jiu jitsu. I am 5’8” and only 135 pounds and I want to add at least 20 pounds to … Continue reading

I am your age Joe. I am an 84-year-old woman and I think I’m doing pretty well for my age, all things considered. I walk almost every day for 20 minutes and do my stretching exercises each morning. I would like to know if you think I could begin lifting light weights. I don’t want to become Arnold Schwarzenegger of course, but I think I would like to see some new muscles on my arms.

I am your age Joe. I am an 84-year-old woman and I think I’m doing pretty well for my age, all things considered. I walk almost every day for 20 minutes and do my stretching exercises each morning. I would … Continue reading

This guy at school challenged me to a bench press contest and of course I accepted. I’m a pretty good bencher, but I want to make sure that I do my best. I don’t want to look stupid in front of everyone after school. What kinds of tips can you give me for improving my bench fast? I only have two weeks.

This guy at school challenged me to a bench press contest and of course I accepted. I’m a pretty good bencher, but I want to make sure that I do my best. I don’t want to look stupid in front … Continue reading

In your opinion, what’s the best supplement for gaining muscle? Also, what’s the best for losing weight? I don’t always have the time to eat and exercise the way I want, so I’m hoping the right supplements will help make up the difference.

In your opinion, what’s the best supplement for gaining muscle? Also, what’s the best for losing weight? I don’t always have the time to eat and exercise the way I want, so I’m hoping the right supplements will help make … Continue reading

I want to workout, but I’m too tired after getting home from work and I can’t exercise before work because I have to get my three kids ready for school. I can grab a half hour of exercise at my company’s gym during my lunch break however. What do you suggest I do to maximize this time?

I want to workout, but I’m too tired after getting home from work and I can’t exercise before work because I have to get my three kids ready for school. I can grab a half hour of exercise at my … Continue reading

I know that the squat is supposed to be the king of lower body exercises, but I injured my knee playing high school football and ever since feel a pop in my left knee whenever I reach parallel. Should I continue to squat, only not go so low, or should I totally give them up for a different exercise?

I know that the squat is supposed to be the king of lower body exercises, but I injured my knee playing high school football and ever since feel a pop in my left knee whenever I reach parallel. Should I … Continue reading

Is there any way I can trim down my thighs without losing too much weight around my arms and shoulders? I’m a 38-year-old woman who has had two babies and I’ve noticed since delivering my second that my thighs hold fat more easily than before. So I want to trim them down but I don’t want my upper body (which is leaner) to look too stringy. Does this make sense?

Is there any way I can trim down my thighs without losing too much weight around my arms and shoulders? I’m a 38-year-old woman who has had two babies and I’ve noticed since delivering my second that my thighs hold … Continue reading

How do you feel about taking supplements? I’m 17 and looking to get big as quickly as possible. I see a lot of things at the health food store that are supposed to put on muscle fast. Is it possible to live on these for a few months to put on the size, then go back to eating regular food?

How do you feel about taking supplements? I’m 17 and looking to get big as quickly as possible. I see a lot of things at the health food store that are supposed to put on muscle fast. Is it possible … Continue reading

Auto Draft

Four years ago I was involved in a car accident and as a result lost the use of my legs. I’m in a wheelchair and have recently decided to begin lifting weights. I’m only 21 and was thinking of competing … Continue reading

Auto Draft

Which is the most important meal of the day? I’ve heard breakfast, but it seems like dinner, or whatever you call the last meal of the day, would be crucial too. That’s a good question and one that isn’t easily … Continue reading

What are your thoughts on all the “superfoods” that are being advertised today? I’m talking about acai, goji, noni and mangosteen, among others. These are all supposed to be nutritional miracles, able to cure anything and everything that ails you. Do you know anything about them, Joe?

What are your thoughts on all the “superfoods” that are being advertised today? I’m talking about acai, goji, noni and mangosteen, among others. These are all supposed to be nutritional miracles, able to cure anything and everything that ails you. … Continue reading

Hi Joe – I’m 19 years old and I’m trying to get my shoulders as wide as possible. I’m 6’ and 180 lbs, so I’m trying to put on about 20 pounds of muscle anyway. But beyond that I want really wide shoulders. That looks impressive even in clothes. Problem is, it seems my shoulders structurally aren’t very wide. So is there anything I can do to actually stretch them out and make them wider? Thanks Joe!

Hi Joe – I’m 19 years old and I’m trying to get my shoulders as wide as possible. I’m 6’ and 180 lbs, so I’m trying to put on about 20 pounds of muscle anyway. But beyond that I want … Continue reading

Auto Draft

Do all of those ab machines I see on late nught TV really work? It seems like every week there’s a new one on the market. I would like to get something to help work my abs at home, but … Continue reading

I’m a 45-year-old woman who’s an avid yoga practitioner who takes class three times per week. I’m considering starting a workout routine in addition once or twice a week, but am afraid I’ll make myself too stiff to do all of my yoga moves. Is there any way to avoid this?

I’m a 45-year-old woman who’s an avid yoga practitioner who takes class three times per week. I’m considering starting a workout routine in addition once or twice a week, but am afraid I’ll make myself too stiff to do all … Continue reading

What are your thoughts on all the “superfoods” that are being advertised today? I’m talking about acai, goji, noni and mangosteen, among others. These are all supposed to be nutritional miracles, able to cure anything and everything that ails you. Do you know anything about them, Joe?

What are your thoughts on all the “superfoods” that are being advertised today? I’m talking about acai, goji, noni and mangosteen, among others. These are all supposed to be nutritional miracles, able to cure anything and everything that ails you. … Continue reading

Do you have any thoughts on cross fit training or the “300” workout? It seems that kettlebells, bands and unusual lifts with names like the Turkish Getup have overtaken traditional weight training in terms of popularity.

Do you have any thoughts on cross fit training or the “300” workout? It seems that kettlebells, bands and unusual lifts with names like the Turkish Getup have overtaken traditional weight training in terms of popularity. Honestly, I don’t know … Continue reading

Joe, I have a complaint about fitness magazines (yes, even yours) and all those TV commercials for home gym equipment and diet pills and the like. They all feature people with perfect bodies – bodies I know are beyond my reach. I was born to big-boned parents and no matter how I try, I can’t get down to a size 4. I’m a size 8, which makes me the smallest woman in my extended family. I guess this isn’t so much a question as a comment. Thanks for reading it!

Joe, I have a complaint about fitness magazines (yes, even yours) and all those TV commercials for home gym equipment and diet pills and the like. They all feature people with perfect bodies – bodies I know are beyond my … Continue reading

I’m trying to decide whether to join my local gym or purchase a Bowflex home gym system, or possibly another kind. I’m a 38-year-old father of two who works a 9-6 job five days a week. Although I enjoy going to the gym (it’s a chance to “get away from it all”), the extra driving takes away from quality family time. Any recommendations?

I’m trying to decide whether to join my local gym or purchase a Bowflex home gym system, or possibly another kind. I’m a 38-year-old father of two who works a 9-6 job five days a week. Although I enjoy going … Continue reading

Should I be taking an amino acid supplement? I see so many of them on the shelves of the health food stores, from BCAA’s to individual aminos like arginine, glutamine and carnitine. I exercise five days a week and eat a healthy diet, so do I really need to buy amino acids?

Should I be taking an amino acid supplement? I see so many of them on the shelves of the health food stores, from BCAA’s to individual aminos like arginine, glutamine and carnitine. I exercise five days a week and eat … Continue reading

What are your thoughts when it comes to listening to music while working out? An old timer I know says it destroys concentration. At the gym where I train they often play “light” music, which really kills my energy. I often ask them to change it and when they do I feel my energy rise. Could this really be happening, or is it my imagination?

What are your thoughts when it comes to listening to music while working out? An old timer I know says it destroys concentration. At the gym where I train they often play “light” music, which really kills my energy. I … Continue reading

Stretching isn’t supposed to hurt.

Stretching isn’t supposed to hurt. Over the years I’ve seen any number of bodybuilders grimacing in pain as they stretch out before, during and after workouts. While stretching isn’t always easy, especially if you’re doing it right, it should never … Continue reading

Beware overtraining!

Beware overtraining! For some the thought of training too much may be near impossible to fathom, but for those of us who can’t imagine a day in which they didn’t perform some form of physical activity, overtraining is a real … Continue reading

Do not mistake muscularity with health.

Do not mistake muscularity with health. While the work required to attain strong muscles may well lead to good health, a fit-looking body does not necessarily equate an optimally functioning body. Unfortunately I have known plenty of bodybuilders who, while … Continue reading