Questions For Trainers

[Belzoni]

Hey everybody, how're things? Well, I'm not a trainer.... I research a lot though! Doesn't really help. Anyway, the trainer at my gym, well, I wouldn't really take advice from him, I mean, I wouldn't pick him out of a crowd and say, wow, he's fit, like you would want your trainer to look. Am I wrong? Is that closed-minded?

So, I've been working out for about a year, I've lost ten pounds of fat, but I just don't seem to be able to get my abs. Using the calculators online, the average for me comes to be about 13% bodyfat, and I just can't lower it. Before anyone says either, abs are made in the kitchen, or, diet and excercise, or my favorite, step up the cardio, I've completed the first month of Insanity, and got nothing out of it, I mean nothing. I didn't even get tired. I really wanted it to work, so I was eating less, and on top of the program, I was running at least, most days I would run more, at least two miles a day on the treadmile. I would also jump rope frequently, though this was inhibited by the weather. I get to the gym every other day almost, and lift. I don't do too many abdominal excercises because I use my core for everything, and I didn't think it mattered if I still had fat over them.

Anyway, please help!

[illiniStrive]

Anyway, the trainer at my gym, well, I wouldn't really take advice from him, I mean, I wouldn't pick him out of a crowd and say, wow, he's fit, like you would want your trainer to look. Am I wrong? Is that closed-minded?

Would you pick this guy out of a crowd and say, "Wow, I bet he knows his stuff with gymnastics he's so fit"?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/06/18/bela_karolyi_k0ml68nc_2.jpg

Probably not. But he's trained both Nadia Comăneci and Mary Lou Retton.

Is that closed-minded? Yes. Maybe speak two words to the guy before you axe him. He might have some valuable advice, especially for someone in the beginning stages like you.

[Belzoni]

Would you pick this guy out of a crowd and say, "Wow, I bet he knows his stuff with gymnastics he's so fit"?



Probably not. But he's trained both Nadia Comăneci and Mary Lou Retton.

Is that closed-minded? Yes. Maybe speak two words to the guy before you axe him. He might have some valuable advice, especially for someone in the beginning stages like you.

True, but, did he used to be a great gymnast? I could see if that was true. I mean, c'mon though, would you take fitness tips from Kevin James? I think not. If I'm going to take tips on losing fat, wouldn't I want to take them from a thin person? If I'm going to take tips on gaining muscle, would I not want to take tips from a muscular person?

[MJRuffalo]

True, but, did he used to be a great gymnast? I could see if that was true. I mean, c'mon though, would you take fitness tips from Kevin James? I think not. If I'm going to take tips on losing fat, wouldn't I want to take them from a thin person? If I'm going to take tips on gaining muscle, would I not want to take tips from a muscular person?

Sometimes a less fit trainer is actually more knowledgable. They are often people with endomorphic bodytypes or other genetic disadvantages. So for them training has never come easy so they have really studied the science behind it all. Lot's of guys who are naturally in shape and never really had to work too hard at it, often make the worst trainers of all. They have simply never really had to overcome any sort of adversity when it comes to getting fit. Of course this is not to say that people with great genetics cannot also become great trainers as well.

[Belzoni]

Sometimes a less fit trainer is actually more knowledgable. They are often people with endomorphic bodytypes or other genetic disadvantages. So for them training has never come easy so they have really studied the science behind it all. Lot's of guys who are naturally in shape and never really had to work too hard at it, often make the worst trainers of all. They have simply never really had to overcome any sort of adversity when it comes to getting fit. Of course this is not to say that people with great genetics cannot also become great trainers as well.

That's a good point, but I'd still rather take advice from someone who has studied the sciences, and then implemented them. I wish Lee Priest was my trainer... Anyway, getting off of the trainer situation, any thoughts on my abs?

[sparkleys]

More info. Calories? Macros? Workout details?

[illiniStrive]

True, but, did he used to be a great gymnast? I could see if that was true. I mean, c'mon though, would you take fitness tips from Kevin James? I think not. If I'm going to take tips on losing fat, wouldn't I want to take them from a thin person? If I'm going to take tips on gaining muscle, would I not want to take tips from a muscular person?

The point is how do you know? Yes, this guy could just be some slob who took a 3 week PT certification course and doesn't know squat about anything. OR, this could be a man with years of experience under his belt who's helped plenty of clients reach their goals. Younger trainers tend to be more "fit", because they have less experience, less client testimonials and are basically their own advertising. But older trainers (think sports coaches) have already proven themselves and for whatever reason may not keep up the lifestyle they had.

But how do you know unless you have a talk with the guy? Ask him about how long he's been training, who his clients are, what his philosophy is, something.

Otherwise.... to reference your original post. What does your diet look like? All you've mentioned so far is that you've done a lot of cardio (which is basically what most of insanity is). Cool for you. That doesn't mean anything if your diet looks like ****.

[djz]

excuses, excuses, excuses

trainers can be out of shape, never touched a weight ever, overweight, and obese! anyone can get certified, and become a personal trainer.

the obese neighbor just got certified through NASM yesterday. Let me go over there and ask him how to get lean

scary huh?

[theGuy045]

I hate unfit trainers, even if they could teach me how to fly

[halfpint11]

I dnt have many details but Try taking a break from working out for a week. Still go to the gym but light lifting stretching yoga light cardio. And same with your diet. You might need to reboot your metabolism. Look up troubleshoot for fat loss by Leigh Poole.

[theGuy045]

the trainer at my gym, well, I wouldn't really take advice from him, I mean, I wouldn't pick him out of a crowd and say, wow, he's fit, like you would want your trainer to look. Am I wrong? Is that closed-minded?

No


Before anyone says either, abs are made in the kitchen, or, diet and excercise, or my favorite, step up the cardio, I've completed the first month of Insanity, and got nothing out of it, I mean nothing. I didn't even get tired. I really wanted it to work, so I was eating less, and on top of the program, I was running at least, most days I would run more, at least two miles a day on the treadmile. I would also jump rope frequently, though this was inhibited by the weather. I get to the gym every other day almost, and lift. I don't do too many abdominal excercises because I use my core for everything, and I didn't think it mattered if I still had fat over them.

Anyway, please help!

Slow cardio on an empty stomach first thing in the AM. 45+min walking about 3mph. I take BCAA's before cardio if carbs are low.

[djz]

Slow cardio on an empty stomach first thing in the AM. 45+min walking about 3mph. I take BCAA's before cardio if carbs are low.

Where is your hr at? Is that 45 mins at hr, or does the time include getting your hr up to where you want it?

[Belzoni]

The point is how do you know? Yes, this guy could just be some slob who took a 3 week PT certification course and doesn't know squat about anything. OR, this could be a man with years of experience under his belt who's helped plenty of clients reach their goals. Younger trainers tend to be more "fit", because they have less experience, less client testimonials and are basically their own advertising. But older trainers (think sports coaches) have already proven themselves and for whatever reason may not keep up the lifestyle they had.

But how do you know unless you have a talk with the guy? Ask him about how long he's been training, who his clients are, what his philosophy is, something.

Otherwise.... to reference your original post. What does your diet look like? All you've mentioned so far is that you've done a lot of cardio (which is basically what most of insanity is). Cool for you. That doesn't mean anything if your diet looks like ****.

Well, the trainer's about my size and build, and I'm tempted to say age. I would talk to him more, but he doesn't really broadcast Mr. Personality. Oh yeah, and I've only ever seen him at the gym once. My diet is fairly simplistic. I try to maintain about 1500 calories. I wake up have protein & creatine shakes, about three hours later, I'll have portioned cottage cheese, a few hours later, I'll have a 100 cal yogurt, after that, I'll have dinner about three hours later, (if I get hungry before then I'll have a handful of almonds.) Dinner usually consists of a piece of chicken, portioned pasta or rice, and some veggies. After that, I usually don't eat much.


I hate unfit trainers, even if they could teach me how to fly

This


I dnt have many details but Try taking a break from working out for a week. Still go to the gym but light lifting stretching yoga light cardio. And same with your diet. You might need to reboot your metabolism. Look up troubleshoot for fat loss by Leigh Poole.

Definitely will do, thanks!


No



Slow cardio on an empty stomach first thing in the AM. 45+min walking about 3mph. I take BCAA's before cardio if carbs are low.

I'll do this when I get up tomorrow! My protein, Body Fortress, said it has the essential BCAAs in it, but should I be taking more?

[jentanne]

I don't think you are eating ENOUGH. Believe it or not it can cause the opposite effect. I eat 1700 on a non workout day. Also, things may take longer than just 4 weeks. You may be giving up on things before they have a chance to work.

[Belzoni]

I don't think you are eating ENOUGH. Believe it or not it can cause the opposite effect. I eat 1700 on a non workout day. Also, things may take longer than just 4 weeks. You may be giving up on things before they have a chance to work.

I've been on this for a few months... I've been doing serious cardio and diet for a year, which is why I'm concerned with a lack of results. I've just done Insanity for a month. How can eating less cause the opposite effect? Doesn't the body first eat fat, then muscle?

[jentanne]

I've been on this for a few months... I've been doing serious cardio and diet for a year, which is why I'm concerned with a lack of results. I've just done Insanity for a month. How can eating less cause the opposite effect? Doesn't the body first eat fat, then muscle?

If you are not eating enough the body will do everything it can to hold on to EVERYTHING it can. There is a thread on here about that somewhere. I will try to post it. While I know this to be true, I don't know the exact science behind it off the top of my head so I don't want to give you any misinformation.

[labradarep]

You need to realize that at 15 years old your hormone profile is just starting to change. Therefore, you may have to wait a year or 3(4) to see any drastic changes. Lifting will help you become stronger through better Nervous System efficiency, but Hypertrophy (Increase in muscle size) may lag until your hormones change.

Eat clean, Lift 3-4 times a week & take part in many different athletic activities as possible while you are still young.

[JoeCannonMSCSCS]

Belz just wanted to touch on judging fitness trainers by how they look. Most of the experts -the people who write the books etc - dont have the best bodies in the industry. Dont judge a book by its cover. I teach personal training and come in contact with thousands each year. I can tell you by experience that when it comes to personal trainers, bigger is not always better. the trainers with the better bodies often spend more time training their bodies than their minds. I wish this wasn't so...

Also, having worked in a health club myself I can say that there is nothing healthy about working in a health club. Many trainers spend long hours often without eating well or working out eventually this can take its toll on anybody.
I have posted a lot of information about personal trainers on my blogs at my website www.Joe-Cannon.com

I hope this helps
Joe

[Belzoni]

If you are not eating enough the body will do everything it can to hold on to EVERYTHING it can. There is a thread on here about that somewhere. I will try to post it. While I know this to be true, I don't know the exact science behind it off the top of my head so I don't want to give you any misinformation.

Well thank you, this had not occured to me. Then what do you think about eating more though? If I eat more, then won't I burn even less?


You need to realize that at 15 years old your hormone profile is just starting to change. Therefore, you may have to wait a year or 3(4) to see any drastic changes. Lifting will help you become stronger through better Nervous System efficiency, but Hypertrophy (Increase in muscle size) may lag until your hormones change.

Eat clean, Lift 3-4 times a week & take part in many different athletic activities as possible while you are still young.

I've heard this, but do my hormones really have an effect on how I hold on to fat? Yeah, I'm trying to get into more school sports, but cross country and powerlifting don't really mix.


Belz just wanted to touch on judging fitness trainers by how they look. Most of the experts -the people who write the books etc - dont have the best bodies in the industry. Dont judge a book by its cover. I teach personal training and come in contact with thousands each year. I can tell you by experience that when it comes to personal trainers, bigger is not always better. the trainers with the better bodies often spend more time training their bodies than their minds. I wish this wasn't so...

Also, having worked in a health club myself I can say that there is nothing healthy about working in a health club. Many trainers spend long hours often without eating well or working out eventually this can take its toll on anybody.
I have posted a lot of information about personal trainers on my blogs at my website

I hope this helps
Joe

Well, thank you for your take on it. I'd actually be kind of glad to have a really fit person who could just share experience on how they got that way, sort of why I use this site...

[hhsrudy4]

True, but, did he used to be a great gymnast? I could see if that was true. I mean, c'mon though, would you take fitness tips from Kevin James? I think not. If I'm going to take tips on losing fat, wouldn't I want to take them from a thin person? If I'm going to take tips on gaining muscle, would I not want to take tips from a muscular person?

This is where your completely wrong my friend! I'm 5'5 160lbs and most people look at me and WAY underestimate my strength because my arms are not as big as my head. However strength training is my specialty and have helped several people put on muscle and strength. I actually just got done with a session with my college soccer player I'm training right now. He's been training with me since May and has went from 155lbs Max Bench to Maxing out at 210 on his 6th set of bench tonight!! Keep in mind he's a soccer player and runs 5-10 miles a day so I've had to help him fight the calorie intake deficent due to all the cardio and everything else he's been doing. So as I was always raised be careful with passing judgement on someone with your first impression!

[KyleAaron]

Anyway, the trainer at my gym, well, I wouldn't really take advice from him, I mean, I wouldn't pick him out of a crowd and say, wow, he's fit, like you would want your trainer to look.
"My trainer doesn't have sixpack abs, so instead I'll ask random strangers on the internet."

I hope you make all your life decisions by this brilliant process :)

How do you know we're "fit-looking"?

But hey, you're 15, you have plenty of time to grow up.

[hhsrudy4]

"My trainer doesn't have sixpack abs, so instead I'll ask random strangers on the internet."

I hope you make all your life decisions by this brilliant process :)

How do you know we're "fit-looking"?

But hey, you're 15, you have plenty of time to grow up.

D*** good catch Man!! I really need to pay attention to peoples age before I go wasting my time responding!

[Buzz_Lightyear]

1) you're metabolism is probably beaten to death from the caloric deficiency and non stop increase in expenditure

2) you're 15, don't think you know your stuff. you don't know jack. listen to people, disregard what they look like

3) your hormones are all over the place, don't screw yourself up through dieting at this age

4) eat food, lift heavy, be active, have fun

the end.

[Simmo0508]

ITT: Ignorance personified.

The PT industry is actually not driven by the body image of a trainer at all. But at the age of 15 you already know everything don't you, so you won't believe the words of various successful industry experts on here.

And can we have a mod please auto-lock these type of threads now? Way too many at the moment talkin about the same **** that's been shot down time and time again.

[pinesfootball88]

1) you're metabolism is probably beaten to death from the caloric deficiency and non stop increase in expenditure

2) you're 15, don't think you know your stuff. you don't know jack. listen to people, disregard what they look like

3) your hormones are all over the place, don't screw yourself up through dieting at this age

4) eat food, lift heavy, be active, have fun

the end.

bingo! with emphasis on #2..kid before u go judging other ppl u need to get a reality check cuz u obviously dont kno ur stuff if u think that the less u eat the more fat ur gonna burn. if ur only eating 1k calories a day with that much physical activity ur body will find ways to be more efficient and at times it will go into "starvation mode" because of such a calorie deficit. u are only 15 so try to eat healthy and im sure you will be fine...u dont need to worry about calorie deficit at this age but if it worries u that much i would say find out what ur BMR is and eat to that number

[pinesfootball88]

"My trainer doesn't have sixpack abs, so instead I'll ask random strangers on the internet."

I hope you make all your life decisions by this brilliant process :)

How do you know we're "fit-looking"?

But hey, you're 15, you have plenty of time to grow up.

this made me laugh lol i love ignorant teenagers

[theGuy045]

Where is your hr at? Is that 45 mins at hr, or does the time include getting your hr up to where you want it?

5-10 minutes walk to warm up
5-10 min stretching
45-90 min walking @ 3mph @ 3.0% incline
5 min cooldown (walk at 2.7 @ 0% incline)
stretch

I don't worry about HR, but it's below 130. But who knows how accurate the treadmill is?

[theGuy045]

I've been on this for a few months... I've been doing serious cardio and diet for a year, which is why I'm concerned with a lack of results. I've just done Insanity for a month. How can eating less cause the opposite effect? Doesn't the body first eat fat, then muscle?

Learn to lift heavy weight. Squat, deadlift and bench press. You will need to eat a lot to have energy to do these lifts. Do cardio on off days and dont eat as much on those days. You must not have enough muscle to keep burning calories.

[theGuy045]

Belz just wanted to touch on judging fitness trainers by how they look. Most of the experts -the people who write the books etc - dont have the best bodies in the industry. Dont judge a book by its cover. I teach personal training and come in contact with thousands each year. I can tell you by experience that when it comes to personal trainers, bigger is not always better. the trainers with the better bodies often spend more time training their bodies than their minds. I wish this wasn't so...

Also, having worked in a health club myself I can say that there is nothing healthy about working in a health club. Many trainers spend long hours often without eating well or working out eventually this can take its toll on anybody.
I have posted a lot of information about personal trainers on my blogs at my website www.Joe-Cannon.com

I hope this helps
Joe

sounds like a soon-to-be out-of-shape trainer


gawd

[theGuy045]

If 95% of the out-of-shape trainers knew what they were doing, there wouldnt be an issue.


Stereotypes are just that for a reason.

[Belzoni]

You know, I am young, and I don't claim to know everything. That is why I asked for everybody's help. If you don't want to help, don't, but what do you want from me? Do any of you feel a little strange that you're arguing with a 15 year old kid? Now, true, I don't have a lot of mass, but I'm in pretty good shape. Some of you from avis look to be in good shape, and some of you from your stats seem to be in good shape. I may be a little ignorant as far as judging by appearance, but consider this; I may also be right; they may just be fat slobs who passed a course. So why would I want to take information from them?

[nickmanzoni]

sounds like a soon-to-be out-of-shape trainer


gawd
Hey, I personally think fasted cardio is a stupid technique to recommend to a 15 year old, but "gawd". I guess critical thinking skills trandscend being fit/fat...

[Belzoni]

Hey, I personally think fasted cardio is a stupid technique to recommend to a 15 year old, but "gawd". I guess critical thinking skills trandscend being fit/fat...

Actually, I read up on that, and on the list of cardio fat burning excercises, that listed pretty highly. I also learned that the body burns through glycogen before it eats bodyfat, and so I would assume that if you're doing fasted cardio, you're body will first burn through glycogen fast, for one because it's hungry, and two, it's going from sedentary sleeping, to suddenly active, and then it will eat fat.

[MJRuffalo]

Actually, I read up on that, and on the list of cardio fat burning excercises, that listed pretty highly. I also learned that the body burns through glycogen before it eats bodyfat, and so I would assume that if you're doing fasted cardio, you're body will first burn through glycogen fast, for one because it's hungry, and two, it's going from sedentary sleeping, to suddenly active, and then it will eat fat.

Unlearn what you have "learned"

[Belzoni]

Unlearn what you have "learned"

Am I wrong? Can you explain it then?

[MJRuffalo]

Am I wrong? Can you explain it then?

What exactly do you want explained?

[Belzoni]

What exactly do you want explained?

either why you think I am wrong, or why you want me to unlearn what I have learned.

[nickmanzoni]

either why you think I am wrong, or why you want me to unlearn what I have learned.
weight does not equal fat. You will lose weight on fasted cardio, but pretty much none of it fat.

[IkeFord]

Actually, I read up on that, and on the list of cardio fat burning excercises, that listed pretty highly. I also learned that the body burns through glycogen before it eats bodyfat, and so I would assume that if you're doing fasted cardio, you're body will first burn through glycogen fast, for one because it's hungry, and two, it's going from sedentary sleeping, to suddenly active, and then it will eat fat.


Unlearn what you have "learned"


Am I wrong? Can you explain it then?


What exactly do you want explained?


either why you think I am wrong, or why you want me to unlearn what I have learned.


weight does not equal fat. You will lose weight on fasted cardio, but pretty much none of it fat.


Most of these "sciences" are fads and the contradictory will be true tomorrow. Stick to the basics that you KNOW work.

[Belzoni]

weight does not equal fat. You will lose weight on fasted cardio, but pretty much none of it fat.

Why not? I've heard mixed reviews on this, but varying on the form of excercise, the body takes an average of 15-30 minutes before it starts to run on fat, so if I'm hungry before I'm excercising, my body will be burning more calories to feed itself, and that would speed up the glycogen processing, would it not? Then, since I'd be walking for more than 45 minutes, shouldn't I be in the clear? I know, I'm not the trainer, but doesn't that sound more logical than it just flat out not burning fat?


Most of these "sciences" are fads and the contradictory will be true tomorrow. Stick to the basics that you KNOW work.

Yeah, I wish it were that easy! What I know is, you have to eat less than you burn to lose weight, and that you must get an acceptable amount of cardio. Anything to add? But as it was presented to me before, I may be eating too little, and I may be getting too much cardio, therefore what I know isn't working, and so I am asking for help.

[Buzz_Lightyear]

5-10 minutes walk to warm up
5-10 min stretching
45-90 min walking @ 3mph @ 3.0% incline
5 min cooldown (walk at 2.7 @ 0% incline)
stretch

I don't worry about HR, but it's below 130. But who knows how accurate the treadmill is?
The treadmill, or elliptical, or bike, or whatever is not at all accurate.

LOL @ you having it down to a "T"... and 90 minutes of walking sounds completely absurd. I'd shoot myself, and feel bad for anyone I saw doing that. Literally spinning the wheels...

You know, I am young, and I don't claim to know everything. That is why I asked for everybody's help. If you don't want to help, don't, but what do you want from me? Do any of you feel a little strange that you're arguing with a 15 year old kid? Now, true, I don't have a lot of mass, but I'm in pretty good shape. Some of you from avis look to be in good shape, and some of you from your stats seem to be in good shape. I may be a little ignorant as far as judging by appearance, but consider this; I may also be right; they may just be fat slobs who passed a course. So why would I want to take information from them?

That could be very true. They may just be some random person who passed a test and is trying to make some money. This is why you have a conversation with someone, ask them questions. If they don't respond with things that seem to make sense, or is just straight up BS, you should be able to tell very quickly.

Hey, I personally think fasted cardio is a stupid technique to recommend to a 15 year old, but "gawd". I guess critical thinking skills trandscend being fit/fat...

I'm with you on that one. Fasted cardio is dumb as hell. I haven't recommended it to any of my clients that were in prep, and they got well below 5% and wound up doing very well at their shows, if they didn't win. I also never did any type of fasted cardio and got relatively lean and was successful at my last contest, as well.

It's just more bro-science and foolish crap people buy into.

[MJRuffalo]

either why you think I am wrong, or why you want me to unlearn what I have learned.

That depletion of glycogen is necessary to lose body fat.

[Buzz_Lightyear]

Why not? I've heard mixed reviews on this, but varying on the form of excercise, the body takes an average of 15-30 minutes before it starts to run on fat, so if I'm hungry before I'm excercising, my body will be burning more calories to feed itself, and that would speed up the glycogen processing, would it not? Then, since I'd be walking for more than 45 minutes, shouldn't I be in the clear? I know, I'm not the trainer, but doesn't that sound more logical than it just flat out not burning fat?



Yeah, I wish it were that easy! What I know is, you have to eat less than you burn to lose weight, and that you must get an acceptable amount of cardio. Anything to add? But as it was presented to me before, I may be eating too little, and I may be getting too much cardio, therefore what I know isn't working, and so I am asking for help.

calories in vs calories out.

if you take in 2k calories, burn 2500 calories you're in a caloric deficit.

a deficit is all that is needed for weight loss. whether it is muscle or fat is moreso dependent on diet.

[popupwindow]

I'm guessing that the OP is looking for some abs to impress the ladyfolk right? Hows about you spend your time improving your conversational skills and comfort level around 15 year old girls, and you'll progress with them a lot further/faster than if you have some abs to show them. Sure, stay fit and whatever, but to reach that end goal, I don't think you're using your time in the most effective manner.

[tovlakas]

I'm guessing that the OP is looking for some abs to impress the ladyfolk right? Hows about you spend your time improving your conversational skills and comfort level around 15 year old girls, and you'll progress with them a lot further/faster than if you have some abs to show them. Sure, stay fit and whatever, but to reach that end goal, I don't think you're using your time in the most effective manner.

or, just give them a shot of vodka watered down 50% with water and watch as they magically become "blacked out" and let all inhibitions fly out the window.

[popupwindow]

or, just give them a shot of vodka watered down 50% with water and watch as they magically become "blacked out" and let all inhibitions fly out the window.

My favourite pick up line is 'does this rag smell like chloroform to you?'

[Belzoni]

The treadmill, or elliptical, or bike, or whatever is not at all accurate.

LOL @ you having it down to a "T"... and 90 minutes of walking sounds completely absurd. I'd shoot myself, and feel bad for anyone I saw doing that. Literally spinning the wheels...


That could be very true. They may just be some random person who passed a test and is trying to make some money. This is why you have a conversation with someone, ask them questions. If they don't respond with things that seem to make sense, or is just straight up BS, you should be able to tell very quickly.


I'm with you on that one. Fasted cardio is dumb as hell. I haven't recommended it to any of my clients that were in prep, and they got well below 5% and wound up doing very well at their shows, if they didn't win. I also never did any type of fasted cardio and got relatively lean and was successful at my last contest, as well.

It's just more bro-science and foolish crap people buy into.

Then by all means, share your strategy.


That depletion of glycogen is necessary to lose body fat.

I have said that multiple times.


I'm guessing that the OP is looking for some abs to impress the ladyfolk right? Hows about you spend your time improving your conversational skills and comfort level around 15 year old girls, and you'll progress with them a lot further/faster than if you have some abs to show them. Sure, stay fit and whatever, but to reach that end goal, I don't think you're using your time in the most effective manner.

It's not for help with the ladies. I think I'm doing ok there. I want my abs because that to me is just the sign that I'm in great shape. Until I look down and see abs, I will still see the chubby kid that started lifting and running a year ago. It would be great if they did impress the ladies, but that is by no means my primary objective.


My favourite pick up line is 'does this rag smell like chloroform to you?'

You my friend, need psychiatric help.

[Buzz_Lightyear]

Then by all means, share your strategy.





I already did.

[Belzoni]

I already did.

That bit about the deficit? That's all you do? You don't do cardio?

Well, I've cut back my diet quite a bit, and I saw gains, but since I'm not seeing them now, what do you recommend I do? I know, you're supposed to cut 500 calories from your diet, but if I'm only eating 1000 calories a day... that's unhealthy for anybody, so what do I do?

[Buzz_Lightyear]

That bit about the deficit? That's all you do? You don't do cardio?

Well, I've cut back my diet quite a bit, and I saw gains, but since I'm not seeing them now, what do you recommend I do? I know, you're supposed to cut 500 calories from your diet, but if I'm only eating 1000 calories a day... that's unhealthy for anybody, so what do I do?

I do cardio when I'm in prep...

And who says you're SUPPOSED to cut 500 calories from your diet?

If you're actually eating only 1000 calories a day I'd suggest you bump it up 12-1500 calories, so you're in a normal caloric state, and re-evaluate how you diet. Do some reading.

I did that with a client of mine and he was shocked when he ate more, did less cardio, and wound up losing 3 lbs the first week. Not to mention he had a ton more energy and was having better workouts.

EDIT: The above isn't suggesting you eat 1500 total calories, but rather around 22-2500.

[Belzoni]

I do cardio when I'm in prep...

And who says you're SUPPOSED to cut 500 calories from your diet?

If you're actually eating only 1000 calories a day I'd suggest you bump it up 12-1500 calories, so you're in a normal caloric state, and re-evaluate how you diet. Do some reading.

I did that with a client of mine and he was shocked when he ate more, did less cardio, and wound up losing 3 lbs the first week. Not to mention he had a ton more energy and was having better workouts.

EDIT: The above isn't suggesting you eat 1500 total calories, but rather around 22-2500.

Well, the Lose Fat For Noobs thread in Fat Loss said that somewhere, and the TEEN Summer Cut Thread in Teen Bodybuilding both said cut 500 calories. So I should go up to a normal diet for a while? This part confuses me the most -- to lose weight doing that, should I get my recommended daily value in everything, or should I change the values in things I get, like, low sodium, high potassium, or low carb, high Vitamin B?

[BIGSTTNJFF]

You know, I am young, and I don't claim to know everything. That is why I asked for everybody's help. If you don't want to help, don't, but what do you want from me? Do any of you feel a little strange that you're arguing with a 15 year old kid? Now, true, I don't have a lot of mass, but I'm in pretty good shape. Some of you from avis look to be in good shape, and some of you from your stats seem to be in good shape. I may be a little ignorant as far as judging by appearance, but consider this; I may also be right; they may just be fat slobs who passed a course. So why would I want to take information from them?

When you are a trainer, your body is the best business card you can have!!!

[Buzz_Lightyear]

Well, the Lose Fat For Noobs thread in Fat Loss said that somewhere, and the TEEN Summer Cut Thread in Teen Bodybuilding both said cut 500 calories. So I should go up to a normal diet for a while? This part confuses me the most -- to lose weight doing that, should I get my recommended daily value in everything, or should I change the values in things I get, like, low sodium, high potassium, or low carb, high Vitamin B?

Depends on what your goals are. I already gave you my suggestion.

[MJRuffalo]

Well, the Lose Fat For Noobs thread in Fat Loss said that somewhere, and the TEEN Summer Cut Thread in Teen Bodybuilding both said cut 500 calories. So I should go up to a normal diet for a while? This part confuses me the most -- to lose weight doing that, should I get my recommended daily value in everything, or should I change the values in things I get, like, low sodium, high potassium, or low carb, high Vitamin B?

At your age I would just focus on eating healthy foods and really increasing your activity level. One thing I have noticed is that people for whatever reason think the body will become overtrained easily. This is not the case, and reall does not apply to teenagers.

At your age, you should be active up to 6-8 hours a day. That certainly does not mean 6 hours in the gym banging weights or anything, but getting a 2 mile run in the morning, then some weights in the afternoon, and then hitting the beach or playing basketball the rest of the day is fine. The human body is meant to move. Get off the computer, put the X box away and get outside.

[BIGSTTNJFF]

I do cardio when I'm in prep...

And who says you're SUPPOSED to cut 500 calories from your diet?

If you're actually eating only 1000 calories a day I'd suggest you bump it up 12-1500 calories, so you're in a normal caloric state, and re-evaluate how you diet. Do some reading.

I did that with a client of mine and he was shocked when he ate more, did less cardio, and wound up losing 3 lbs the first week. Not to mention he had a ton more energy and was having better workouts.

EDIT: The above isn't suggesting you eat 1500 total calories, but rather around 22-2500.



Also if you carry more lean mass, you will burn more calories 24/7 thus making you leaner.

[Belzoni]

Depends on what your goals are. I already gave you my suggestion.

Thank you, I appreciate it. :-)


At your age I would just focus on eating healthy foods and really increasing your activity level. One thing I have noticed is that people for whatever reason think the body will become overtrained easily. This is not the case, and reall does not apply to teenagers.

At your age, you should be active up to 6-8 hours a day. That certainly does not mean 6 hours in the gym banging weights or anything, but getting a 2 mile run in the morning, then some weights in the afternoon, and then hitting the beach or playing basketball the rest of the day is fine. The human body is meant to move. Get off the computer, put the X box away and get outside.

Alright, will do! Thanks!

[IkeFord]

[QUOTE=Belzoni;526294643]Then by all means, share your strate
LIFT LIKE A MADMAN!!!!!!!!!