Archived Questions and Answers

Index of Question Topics

Equipment

Heart Issues

Specific Exercises

Special Conditions

Equipment

1. "I am looking for the best home exercise equipment that will allow me to burn calories (fat) and increase muscle mass in my arms at the same time. Does such a machine exist? And what would be the best model to buy?" Answer



2. "I've read info on some exercise equipment. I would like to know why some "riders" vary from $150 to $500. Are the lower priced ones shabbily made or are the higher priced ones overpriced? I keep putting off buying one for lack of consumer information. Please advise because I need to get going! Thanks." Answer

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Heart Issues

1. "How do you calculate your maximum heart rate? I am 36 years old and cycle on an exercise bike 5 days a week for about 25 minutes. I check my pulse 3 or 4 times during the 25 minutes and it is usually in the range of 24-27 beats per 10 seconds. How am I doing?" Answer

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Specific Exercises

1. "If I do incline push-ups eg: my feet are on the edge of a high bed and my hands are on the floor, then I do my regular push-up. Will this build my upper pectoral muscles? Hope you can help. Thanks." Answer



2. "What is the FASTEST way to burn fat and build up muscle?" Answer



3. "I am 62, and have been lifting on and off for 4 years. I also walk 4 miles every other day, or as my work schedule permits. I work on a golf course in maintenance, which means I now rake pick up debris and also work in the shop with the mechanic.
   
   "My problem is that I never seem to have motivation like I used to. I do the walk and then the lifting, but I have started doing chest (bench, inclines and flyes) one day, then behind the neck, upright rows and shrugs the next time and arms the next. I started doing it this way because I was so exhausted when I did chest and shoulders on the same day.
   
   "I now have got tendonitis in my elbow. I cannot do the tricep work except for pushups which I hate, can you give me some advice.
   
   "PS, I only bench 165 max, incline 130 max, behind neck 100 max and upright rows 90 max. I can only do 80 max barbell curl and tricep push from the nose only 50 max. Not too good for someone who has worked for this many years.
   
   "Thanks for any help you can give" Answer



4. "2 questions:
   
   "I bench press as a large part of my strength training program. I am pretty good at it, however for seven years or so I have not been able to develop the kind of "pecs" I want. I am not disappointed in my strength level, but simply want to define, firm, and broaden my pectoral muscles. What exercises, sets, reps do you recommend?
   
   "My next question is simple: How do I best remove the typical male spare tire—that "hourglass" above the hips? Specifically, what situps or leg raises best target that area? Be as specific as possible." Answer



5. "I am a 21 year old woman trying to get back into good aerobic shape. In the past, (about 3 years ago) I was able to run a 9 minute mile comfortably, but I couldn't go much farther than that. Since then, my lifestyle has become more sedentary and I've found a loss of energy. Now, I can run only about an 1/8 of a mile before I have to stop.
   
   "My question is, what is a better meter of how aerobically in shape you are, running or walking? I can walk fast forever, I've tried a walking fitness routine that raised my energy level yet when I would try and run I still couldn't run very far. Should I be jogging to get back in shape? Jogging tends to feel much harder on my body, though, sometimes my knees twinge and I worry about hurting myself.
   
   "Other than that, I lift weights moderately three times a week, and bike ride almost every day. I find it conflicting the way I can walk or bike ride for miles, but only run for a short period. How do you know when you're in shape? (In shape meaning, to me, that I can do moderate to high level of intensity workouts and that I'm improving my life span and general health)." Answer



6. "How many calories do you burn when racewalking for one hour?" Answer

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Special Conditions

1. "Over the past three years I've become quite fit by using my NordicTrack ski machine. I exercise on it for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. I've lost 30 lbs and have been at my goal weight of 140 (I'm 5'7") for over a year. I'm newly pregnant which is great news. My other two pregnancies were during my couch potato phase. Can I keep up my routine? Dr. visit is not for 3 weeks. Don't want to lose my fitness gains. Please advise. Thanks." Answer



2. "I have been diagnosed as having a degenerative disk in my spine. The doctor told me I needed to strengthen my lower back muscles, but really gave me no specific exercises for this. Eventually, I may have to have surgery, but it isn't indicated as yet. I play golf in my spare time and am willing to do anything to be able to play. Any suggestions?" Answer

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