Strength and Physique

Just a heads up readers. SPV3: Tactics and Strategies is now available for purchase. Order your copy today!

“James, how is it going? I am starting my police officer program in September 09. Going back to school to get a 2 year or less degree, taking firearm training, hand to hand training, hand cuffs, baton training etc. I want in, and I will do whatever it takes as long as it’s legal obviously.

“I was wondering if I could get some guidance for work outs. I am 40 and used to be a hockey player, but I have not worked out since 2005 seriously. I have 2 kids and a wife, and we’ll be in school full time. However, I want to be ripped. I am 5′9 and 195 lbs.

“I appreciate any help you can bring!”
- Martin Parrot

My Answer: If you haven’t seriously worked out since 2005, then get back into training. Any type of strength training. You’re at a point where your primary goal should be consistency. Once you’re consistent, then figure out a specific training routine to follow. Hit the gym or weights at least 3 times a week. Do full body workouts no longer than an hour. If you have a home gym setup or can afford to create one given your space, then do it. This way you have no excuses. Or try working out at the school gym.

Once you are consistently training, then follow the principles outlined in my Strength Training for Fat Loss article.

“With the books you have out on Amazon, which one of them would you recommend first [given my back condition]? With my birthday being in September, I can tell a friend of mine to give me a gift credit from Amazon. Which one [of your books] do you think will benefit me the most right now? I am sure I will get the others also but not very soon.”

Thanks again,
Ryan

My Answer: Well given your ataxia, I would say none of my books are appropriate for you. I know it seems a little weird for me to tell you NOT to buy my books, but the fact is, I wrote these books for hardcore bodybuilders. I didn’t write them for the general public. The books are not about physical rehabilitation.

As an independent trainer, I am very frank and candid with people, because that is what a consultant does: tell it like it is. It should not be solely about money, contracts, sales or ego.

So I have to tell you that my books are too advanced for your condition. However, I’m sure you’re more interested in my books not for rehab, but because you want to sculpt the ultimate physique. In this regard, you will find a lot useful information, but it is up to you to make sure you’re training safely. For you, I would not recommend SPV2: Neo-Classical Bodybuilding, because the programs are very grueling and are meant for advanced bodybuilders. SPV1: The Articles and SPV3: Tactics and Strategies would be worth your investment, because both books have chapters on postural realignment and maintenance as well as physique enhancement.

Just a heads up on a couple of things:

1) I have a new article in the September/October issue of Planet Muscle. The article goes over the effectiveness of partial reps and the various ways you can implement partial reps to smash strength plateaus and incur new muscle growth. Check out the latest issue at your bookstore.

2) Production of SPV2: Neo-Classical Bodybuilding is on hold at this point, although you can still get SPV1: The Articles. SPV2: Neo-Classical Bodybuilding should be back in print hopefully by next week. By that time, Volume 3: Tactics and Strategies should be available as well.

“Hey James. My name is Andy, and I am a police officer in NYC. I saw your 4 Shocks Technique to Widen Your Back article on Bodybuilding.com. My main problem is my back is very weak, and I can’t do more than 5 or 6 pull ups! Any tips on how to strengthen my lats, so I can do more pull ups with my body weight or other exercises to help me improve? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again and stay safe.”

-Andy Barron

My Answer: Four to five pull-ups is better than none, so don’t worry. At least you have a foundation of strength with which to work on. I’ve written about this before: Increasing Your Pull-ups. For you, the first 2 methods are best suited for your level of pull-up strength.

“My name is Recruit Ruiz, and this recruit has just began training in the police academy. To give you a brief history, this recruit is a former correctional officer who has decided to make a career change to a police officer. The reason this recruit is emailing you is because this recruit would like to know if you had any recommendations of supplements/vitamins to aid in the muscle growth throughout training. This recruit would greatly appreciate any advice that would be offered and is not asking for a ‘get big quick solution.’ This recruit is asking for healthy additional fuel for the body.”

Sincerely,
Recruit Ruiz

My Answer: Recruit Ruiz, it’s OK. You’re in the real world, and nobody here in the real world refers to him or herself in the 3rd person.

I’m just joking with you Ruiz.

Anyway, to answer your question as far supplements, I’m partial to Biotest supplements for muscle. Protein Factory has some good stuff too, plus they allow you to customize your supplements with whatever ingredients you want. Bodybuilding.com has a wide variety of supplements and companies to choose from.

If you’re in the academy, then your primary goal is performance (athletically and mentally). Muscle growth is secondary, but the 2 goals are interrelated. Here’s what I suggest for both goals:

1) Surge Recovery Post-Workout Drink
2) Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
3) Fish Oil (this will help with recovery and conditioning)
4) Protein supplement consisting of a micellar casein/whey protein combo

This should be the core of your supplement program. If you add more supplements, then make sure it addresses an area where you are lagging, whether it be muscle mass, fat loss, mental clarity and focus, cardiovascular conditioning or recuperation.

Good luck!