Does it get any more perfect?

(Another Tom Venuto article)
If you’re a serious competitive athlete or bodybuilder, I think you have to have a little bit of “compulsiveness” or “perfectionism” in how you approach your training. That’s just a part of the nature and personality of successful competitive athletes. No one gets to the Olympics by living a normal, balanced lifestyle do they? You don’t become a bodybuilding or fitness champion by being “normal” either. Athletes, especially bodybuilders, are a unique breed and many of them lead lives that aren’t totally balanced. Training dominates their lives at times. Frankly, if you’re going to set your sights for high levels of athletic achievement, then you’re going to have to be willing to pay the price and make some sacrifices.
Read more…

Posted on April 21st, 2008 by Adam Lea
Filed under: Health, Training | No Comments »

Yes I HAVE been looking for a reason to use a Pam Anderson pic!

(answer by: Tom Venuto)
Question: I swim 4-5 times per week, which is great cardiovascular exercise, but is it important to do weight bearing exercise, i.e. running/jogging or power walking? Is the fitness required for swimming different from that required for running? Whenever I try and run a couple of kilometers it nearly kills me, yet I can swim laps for an hour!

Answer: The type of cardiovascular exercise you choose should be something you enjoy; that way you will be motivated to stick with it. So if you enjoy swimming, by all means, continue to do it. In terms of pure aerobic conditioning for your heart and your health, swimming is right up there with the best of them. Like cross country skiing, swimming is one of the few forms of aerobic exercise that engages your entire body; arms, legs, torso, everything!
Read more…

Posted on April 21st, 2008 by Adam Lea
Filed under: Health, Q and A | No Comments »

A timeless question, and a timely answer!

Your Questions Answered By Tom Venuto

Question: Do you believe that women like myself, at the age of 43, can firm up just as much as girls at 20 or 30 years of age? I don’t need to lose weight, although I would like to believe that by sticking to proper training and diet, I will be able to tone and tighten my thigh and buttock areas. I would really appreciate your honest opinion. Thanks.

Answer: Honestly, it may be a little harder if you’re starting at 40 or 50 for the first time ever. People who have been working out their entire lives have a “head start” and that’s a decided advantage.
Read more…

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by Lori Braun
Filed under: Health | No Comments »

I am curious to hear what you can tell me about breaking plateaus.
I am successfully losing body fat but am approaching a point where I usually seem to level out and have difficulty pushing through.

Your Questions Answered By Tom Venuto
Read more…

Posted on March 28th, 2008 by Lori Braun
Filed under: Training | No Comments »

Your Questions Answered By Tom Venuto

Question: I’m pretty lean overall, but no matter what I do, I can’t seem to get rid of this last little bit of fat on my lower abs. What are the best ab exercises to burn the fat off?
Read more…

Posted on March 27th, 2008 by Lori Braun
Filed under: Training | 9 Comments »

By Tom Venuto, CSCS
NPC Natural Eastern Classic Middlweight Champ

EVERYONE who wants to get leaner should read this article. Yes, I know it says “Fat loss for beginners,” but sometimes we veterans forget what we once knew or we don’t practice what we now know. If you’re a beginner, this will be an introduction. If you’re experienced, let this be a reminder.
Read more…

Posted on March 20th, 2008 by Lori Braun
Filed under: Health | No Comments »

Question: What is a good diet to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time?

(answer by: Tom Venuto)

Answer: Losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time is possible, but it is the most difficult goal to accomplish and it is a very slow and inefficient process. It is common to see a large decrease in body fat accompanied by a small increase in lean body mass. It is also common to see a large increase in lean body mass accompanied by a small decrease in body fat. But one thing you will never see is a large increase in lean body mass and a large decrease in body fat simultaneously (especially if you are drug-free.)
Read more…

Posted on February 17th, 2008 by Adam Lea
Filed under: Health, Q and A | 2 Comments »