AboutRich Ruffing Expertise I can answer to questions to all aspects of exercise: strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular, body composition, etc.. The questions can be general or they can be more specific or individualized. I can help you with workout design, exercise selection, recovery methods and any other aspects that are part of your program. Visit my website, www.richruffing.com, for more information.
Experience I have been training since 2000, working in health clubs and studios and working with a variety of clients.
Education/Credentials I have a Bachelors Degree in Sports Biology and am certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Currently, I am working towards my licensure as a massage therapist.
I need to inquire about 2 different issues; I hope you can help me:
My first question is about protein powders, calories products and drinks that are used for body building, food and diet supplement; also some types of high potency multi Vitamins. Almost every gym I went to I noticed many different types of these products, but studies in some eastern countries outside the United States showed that those products can cause sever or permanent damage to the body, and I heard several doctors and physicians saying that if I want to increase my body mass, I need to resort to eating more regular food, and they said that I have to stay away from protein and body building supplements that claim or pretend to add more weight to my body. Some men where training with heavy weight and in the same time using those products for few years, then after they stopped weight lifting, or they stopped taking supplements the boomerang worked against their will, against their goal, and against their body because they started facing more physical problems and challenges that can not be resolved anymore. What do you know about this topic?
My second question is about acupuncture. I live in Michigan and I need to take an acupuncture class, but over here colleges do not offer this type of course. The only possibility that I found is an online course offered by Harvard University, which will coast from $6000 to $9000, but I don’t like this. What I really like is to go take the course in the Middle East as first choice, India is my second option, and Europe is my third choice to study acupuncture. Please let me know if you have some possibilities available in those 3 areas. My employer is willing to pay half of the tuition and fees, so money is not a problem for me.
Thanks for your answers and consideration.
Answer Hi Sam. I'll answer your first question about muscle building supplements. The second questions, about acupuncture, is out of my expertise.
Doctors are right when suggesting that in order to increase muscle mass that you should consume more regular food. But honestly, how much protein do you think you're going to get in through meals alone? For this reason, I'd suggest a protein supplement either as a during or post workout drink or as a meal replacement for most people. Remember it's a supplement to your regular nutrition, therefore it will not be effective if your are not following sound nutritional practices. These are not something to totally rely on for adding muscle mass to your frame, but they can help.
