Actually, I’m long overdue for a new one…I’ve been more-or-less marking time for the last 2-3 weeks.  Unfortunately, I’ve allowed myself to get too wrapped up in my work to write one up.  There’s no end in sight, either, so it occurred to me that I could use this as an opportunity to try out some of the “canned” workout programs in my possession…Lord knows I’ve got quite a collection on my hard drive and bookshelf.  That way, I don’t have to think too hard about what I’m doing, and can discuss each program as I go through it.

Continue Reading »

The Washington Post has an article on the results of an interesting…and somewhat odd study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting.  The study focused on the effects of human growth hormone (HGH) injections on athletic performance - but with a twist.  The researchers gave either HGH or a placebo to a group of 64 men and women who were recreational athletes between 20 - 40 years of age.  At the end of the two month study period, the subjects were asked to rate their performance improvement during the time they were receiving the injections, and to guess which group they were in.
Continue Reading »

People ask me lots of questions about their supplements, and it’s no wonder: many supplement labels are deliberately designed to be confusing.  Using scientific names for the chemicals, nutrients and herbal extracts creates the impression that the product’s been scientifically designed - yet this may not be true.

Take this supplement, for example.  The ad copy proclaims it’s “the World’s Most Powerful Formulation of Proven and Effective Muscle Building Components Ever Assembled…”  

Continue Reading »

I moderate two private fitness forums: “Fat Loss Revealed” and “Bodybuilding Revealed.”  These names are pretty self-explanatory…the first forum is dedicated to fat loss, while the second is concerned with building muscle.  

Not surprisingly, the majority of the members on the “Bodybuilding Revealed” forum are male.  Nonetheless, we have female members too - which is a great thing, in my view…I wish there were more.  However, one thing that I find odd - and kinda scary, to be honest - is the number of female members who are shocked when they learn they need to eat more than 1500 - 1600 calories/day to add muscle.  I’ve fielded queries from women who’ve used the “Calorie Planner” on the site, who are dumbfounded by numbers as low as 1900 - 2000 calories.  They’re afraid they’re going to get fat on that - I kid you not.

Continue Reading »

One problem with working in the bodybuilding industry, is that the focus is relentlessly on…well, bodies.  A lot of people lift because they want a leaner, more muscular, better-looking body.  Nuthin’ wrong with that: I certainly enjoy my body (and so does my husband).

But there’s so much more to it than that - especially for me, as a woman.  Quite honestly, it’s seriously cool to be strong.  I love being able to increase the weight and/or number of reps that I do for a particular exercise.  I was decidedly unathletic as a kid, and pretty much started at “-10.” Thus, it’s awesome to be able to do things that I never thought I’d be able to do: it’s been a tremendous confidence booster.  Continue Reading »