You are here:

Strength Training/Questions Answered by Expert Phil Stevens

SubjectDate Asked
Could use a few pointers.7/17/2010
  Q: I understand your time is valuable and appreciate you being here on Allexperts. I could just use a ...
  A: Nice I'm Glad you using Rips program. I just happened to get off the phone with him about two ...
PT Exam7/5/2010
  Q: I am preparing myself for a law enforcement physical fitness exam. I am training myself ot FBI ...
  A: Seth Nice to hear you entering law enforcement. I have done this and was going to be a sheriff but ...
My body hurts.6/29/2010
  Q: I am a 19 year old male. i weight about 58 kgs and stand at 5 ft 7 inches.i dont wanna be a ...
  A: Pain happens, You likely over did it when you can back. Start slow and adjust to training and ramp ...
Protein powder6/23/2010
  Q: I am up to the stage where i want to cut the extra fat i put on during my mass building phase. I ...
  A: I recommended real food after the gym, Food choice that would fit your goal of losing fat. Whey etc ...
Sports,muscle mass and fitness6/22/2010
  Q: I really want to gain muscle mass but I have challenges with this. I have a thin bone structure. I ...
  A: Your asking multiple questions all that run in different directions toward different, at times, ...
Sports,muscle mass and fitness6/14/2010
  Q: I really want to gain muscle mass but I have challenges with this. I have a thin bone structure. I ...
  A: Danil- "how come people who work in the army,sailors, sportsmen etc. who spend hours doing physical ...
Bulgarian bag and medicine ball training6/3/2010
  Q: I have just constructed both a medicine ball 12 pounds and a Bulgarian bag 22 pounds and began some ...
  A: It depends on what your looking to accomplish Jake but very soon your going to need a lot more load. ...
Weight Training/Losing Weight5/28/2010
  Q: i am overeight by thirty pounds and i was wondering if a 1500 calorie diet, while lifting heavy is a ...
  A: That depends I would not drop calories that low right away for any reason take steps I would start ...
hiatal hernia5/25/2010
  Q: i have a sliding hiatal hernia ans gerd. It seem as though when I use my ab lounge my hh get worse ...
  A: Ann sorry to hear it. Its very possible as one of the causes of a hiatal hernia can actually be ...
how often should i exercise5/13/2010
  Q: im 14 years old nearly 15 and i want to achive a six pack, pecs and big arms i was recently ...
  A: Yes exercise and training is great for youth and more and more evidence everyday shows kids should ...
getting in better shape5/8/2010
  Q: I am applying for a police force and am trying to get in better shape. My goal is to increase ...
  A: First congrats on your choice I have many friends in the forces and was on my last process to ...
Getting Big5/4/2010
  Q: 5'10 and 160 pounds. i have good muscle mass and decent amount of body fat, one of the most built ...
  A: I have no clue what his training is I am not him and he is not one of the athletes I train. I would ...
toning5/1/2010
  Q: I exercise 1 day, sometimes 2 days a week because when I come back from work I am too exhausted to ...
  A: Of course something is always better than nothing. I would hit it as hard and heavy as you can if ...
Vitamin B12?4/29/2010
  Q: Phil This is a medical question but my husband is a bodybuilder and those guys seem to know more ...
  A: You both need to simply get a great relationship with eating red meat and other meat products, That ...
Flax seed oil4/21/2010
  Q: Phil I am an active 51 year old guy. I was taking flax seed oil supplements as I found they did ...
  A: Van- Personally I would put your efforts into the much more efficient fish oils as a supplement. ...
Program design4/17/2010
  Q: Age Gender b/f 14 Male 70 bpm 5'10" 120 pounds 11% Chris ...
  A: There is no need for that for him Just put a simple linear or better yet multifaceted progression ...
Program design4/10/2010
  Q: Age Gender b/f 14 Male 70 bpm 5'10" 120 pounds 11% Chris ...
  A: Base your training on squats, Deadlift, bench press, over head press, chins and rows, and power ...
Ankle Weights4/6/2010
  Q: I read that Christiano Ronaldo played soccer in ankle weights as a kid and that's how his legs are ...
  A: NO I think its a horrible idea. I would not have anyone run in ankle weights and it would also ...
burning fat3/10/2010
  Q: i'm currently 5'6" and 145 lbs but have a a very lean look (not much muscle). i'm looking to put on ...
  A: What do I think of that? Craig knows his stuff and is a very good colleague of mine. His programs ...
Dominant Arm Injury2/26/2010
  Q: I've been lifting the last two weeks with 5/5 second repetitions, to exhaustion. I've been using ...
  A: There is so much in play in that area its very hard to tell. It sound like one of the rotators cuff ...
Workout Plan2/23/2010
  Q: This is my plan right now. I've worked out in the past pretty consistently, but have been busy with ...
  A: Travis its to much STUFF and not enough attention to one thing at one time. Just because you can do ...
help2/8/2010
  Q: I am a 1.93 man 118 kg, 46 years old who wants to make his body a Spartan body by doing pull-ups, ...
  A: Well you need to train your whole body, legs pressing move, squats, deadlifts, etc if you want to ...
Strength & Mass Gains2/2/2010
  Q: Is it possible to build increases in strength and mass with very low testosterone levels? My blood ...
  A: Yes yes it will. They are finding more and more every day now that they are finally researching ...
Strength & Mass Gains2/1/2010
  Q: Is it possible to build increases in strength and mass with very low testosterone levels? My blood ...
  A: To a point you can Yes Mike. I personally had a 500+ deadlift at a T level of 42. The hard part is ...
what is the right age for weight training1/31/2010
  Q: im 14 and going to be 15 years old after few months and i wanna become a boxer, so one has to be fit ...
  A: Yes you can start training id start children as young as 6 or 7 but what you need to do is learn ...
Here we go!1/23/2010
  Q: This will be long, but I will cut it down. i want to become buffer/stronger than i am now. Can you ...
  A: Eat like its your job the harder you train the harder you need to eat to gain muscle and strength. ...
Aerobic Program Structure1/4/2010
  Q: I have a question I am hoping you can assist me with or advise me on. I have been involved in Tai ...
  A: Richard- Interesting question. Rather open tom and lent more to thinking then to a direct answer ...
Plateau?1/2/2010
  Q: Mr. Stevens, I was wondering if you could help me answer a question I have about my weight ...
  A: Number one youve been doing this 6 measly weeks thats a drop in the bucket. You need to be patient ...
How to get a ripped body without weights.12/28/2009
  Q: I am a 15 year old, 105 pound sophomore and i want to get a really strong body for football ...
  A: Lance # 1 I would Pray!! your asking for a miracle. There is no better way then resistance training ...
Basketball and Athletisicm12/24/2009
  Q: Hey Phil, Im a 14 year old basketball player for my freshman team. I'm a shooting guard, 5'7" and ...
  A: In general do the reps controlled but fast, Speed does not mean sloppy and loose, move should be ...
Protein Products12/14/2009
  Q: Hey Phil, I take whey protein with my workout programs. The question i want to ask is that if I ...
  A: As long as you keep eating the required calories there is no reason your muscle will shrink. Whey is ...
Strength12/9/2009
  Q: Hey, i've really been trying to get a strong core and nice abs but i cant find the time or place ...
  A: Jay number one you need to do is find heavy things to lift, pick up put on your back, put over your ...
Basketball and Athletisicm12/6/2009
  Q: Hey Phil, Im a 14 year old basketball player for my freshman team. I'm a shooting guard, 5'7" and ...
  A: Chris- Yes strength training is where I would start. A simple two days a week for an hour or so to ...
Power Clean and Press11/24/2009
  Q: I was thinking about putting the power clean and press into my fullbody workout;how many sets and ...
  A: #1 John you should NOT be rowing a power clean at all the arms are not involved when done correct ...
Exercise11/15/2009
  Q: I’m 18 year old teenage boy. I have been doing freehand bodyweight exercises for 1 and a half ...
  A: Tahsan- Stop doing the dumbell flys then they are NOT a good or necessary move any way. Add some ...
build the legs10/11/2009
  Q: I do not have weights at home and I don't intend to go to gym. I would like to build my legs. How ...
  A: Eddie You want big legs but your not willing to go to a gym or buy some from of weights?? I would ...
building up9/5/2009
  Q: hey phil, my name is greg and im from australia. im really skinny. 16 years old, 52kg, 170cm i ...
  A: Greg- You just need MORE food, and every day. You dont need any magic supplement you juts need to ...
Working Out, But Not Burning Out8/24/2009
  Q: I play hockey (either game or practice) at least 4 times a week, but I want to get better, so I want ...
  A: Caine- That answer is look at what most people do and do the opposite. That's usually the best ...
exercise guide8/19/2009
  Q: I have two dumbells at home each weighing 25 lb for a total of 50 lb. I use it to do dumbell squat ...
  A: Eddie- With the small amount of load you are limiting yourself to you will only accomplish so much. ...
weight8/16/2009
  Q: I have been doing a lot of running and lifting for sports and for weeks I was not eating enough. I ...
  A: Brian there is no way I can tell you that from what you sent without seeing you and knowing more. ...
Belly8/10/2009
  Q: I'm a 16 year old male and am Vegetarian. My decision for being vegetarian was not involved with ...
  A: Shelby- There are NO exercises that can target the fat just in that area. The muscle and the fat ...
Abs7/6/2009
  Q: i'm glad i got a chance to interact with a real pro expert, and discuss not sure if you consider it ...
  A: Tony- A set of Abs never won a fight or lifted a weight. Everyone has them its a matter of being ...
I'm a 100/200m Sprinter International Level.7/2/2009
  Q: I am a 100m/200m sprinter at international level. First of all i'll start with describing myself. ...
  A: Alan- How are things. I hope well as for your plan I dont like it, That is to much high intensity ...
Dumbbell Pullovers7/2/2009
  Q: I want to include dumbbell pullovers as part of my weight training routine, but when I do them my ...
  A: JoLYnn sure you have no need to do pull overs if you are doing various types of free weight ...
Too much?7/1/2009
  Q: although I don't feel tired and feel I am recovering well, from what I have read many suggest much ...
  A: Dom- No problem. If your doing EDT and that many times a week its no wonder you are not making the ...
Too much?7/1/2009
  Q: although I don't feel tired and feel I am recovering well, from what I have read many suggest much ...
  A: Dom- That really depends on a huge number of things. Yes you MUST have rest you have to remember we ...
i need 2 gain more weight6/27/2009
  Q: im 15yrs old im 5ft , 6in tall and i only weight 120 pounds i have been working out for 5 months i ...
  A: Sean The number one thing you can do and are battling if you need to gain weight is at the dinner ...
muscle volume6/13/2009
  Q: Phil, I have been lifting weights for over 38 years. Now that I am 54 years old, I have noticed a ...
  A: John- Congrats on your long standing relationship with training. The first thing I would suggest ...
Losing Muscle6/9/2009
  Q: Please answer my doubts, because I think I am overtraining and this may have bad consequences. Hi, ...
  A: Alberto- Sure I will answer your questions and like any other question I will be honest and upfront ...
Fatloss and toning up5/27/2009
  Q: im 35yrs of age 6ft 360lbs. im looking for a good workout to cut the fat. i was wondering if doing ...
  A: Ben- anything more then your doing now will help, be it walking or 5 sets of 20. I would rather ...
getting in shape5/23/2009
  Q: Okay so I am a 21 year old male who is 5'8" and about 155lbs. I am not in bad shape but could lose ...
  A: Harrison Anything is better then nothing START NOW. No you shouldnt take any supplements you know ...
Hey5/21/2009
  Q: OK here is the story. I'm 13 and I'm only 5 foot tall about 100 pounds. I'm the wimpy kid at school ...
  A: If you lose weight here wont be a thing left you need to concentrate on eating and training hard ...
Protein5/13/2009
  Q: OK, so I have been working out for a while and a lot of the people I workout with take protein ...
  A: John Yes protein powders are good and they help build and repair muscle but you have to be over ...
incline vs flat surface5/11/2009
  Q: My question relates to whether its healthier for my body, specifically knees and back to run on an ...
  A: No matter what running you do it IS!!! going to beat up your knees, shins and ankles, it just is its ...
WEIGHT LOSS / RUNNING5/7/2009
  Q: I've recently started running (I'm quite fit and have been going to the gym for many years - with ...
  A: Dolores- Great work you sounds like you in great shape. Have you considered High intensity ...
Supplementation4/30/2009
  Q: I've been lifting weights for a few months now, and the only supplements I've been taking are ...
  A: Andrew- Youve been only working out a few months honestly you should be making the nest and fastest ...
Very poor bench press4/21/2009
  Q: I am 16 years old, 5' 11", and weigh 135 lbs. I have recently began lifting weights for the very ...
  A: Etahn- You 16, you only weight 135lbs and youve been training only 4 weeks. Of course thats normal. ...
6 pack abs4/17/2009
  Q: ! OK so here is my story... I am 17 years old 6 foot tall and currently i weight about 162. I was at ...
  A: Chris- NO dont lose more weight your 6 foot and 162lbs. Ive been there you lose more weight youll ...
Nutrition4/16/2009
  Q: I weight train everyday and am looking to add muscle and size. I am getting good results now ...
  A: Darryl- NO dont avoid it calories are needed to build muscle and your using them and burning it. ...
post weight loss3/29/2009
  Q: I hope this is your type of question- first time using the site so a little unsure, but hoping I'm ...
  A: Alex, what you have done is very common. You simply went from fat to skinny fat. It happens all the ...
abs, wicking3/25/2009
  Q: 1. Are crunches still the best exercise for abs, if you don't want to spend much? 2. I understand ...
  A: 1) no and they never have been in my opinion. They are popular because they are easy and you feel it ...
Help Mass Gain3/20/2009
  Q: Hey I'm 18 years old, male, 120 pounds, 5'6", ectomorph with a high metabolism. MY GOAL; To gain 20 ...
  A: #1 eat a LOT you dont have to have a protein shake there are many a HUGE stone physiques that were ...
Jogging and Strength training3/20/2009
  Q: I've been doing chin-ups for some time. I prefer to work out as much as i can so i feel sore the ...
  A: Jeff- Your seeking Pain not progress which is a horrible way to go. Pain is NOT an indicator of a ...
how to begin?3/19/2009
  Q: I would like to try some strength training to help out my martial arts , however i have no idea ...
  A: In general for your goals you need to lift brief and heavy. and keep it to BIG compound moves like ...
Creatine3/15/2009
  Q: I'm in the 9th grade and play football and basketball. I lift weights in the offseason and I have a ...
  A: Spencer- I would suggest creatine but only once you have your diet under control, meaning simply ...
My 3 day a week strenght training routine3/12/2009
  Q: I am trying to lose weight so have done lots of research and come out with my own nutrition and ...
  A: Shipra- I honestly dont like it but if you will do this then its a LOT better then doing nothing ...
hard abs3/12/2009
  Q: I already have a six pack, but my stomach is very weak. What are ways to make my stomach harder? ...
  A: Tony- You want a hard stomach eat some and train with heavy loads. Not sit ups sure you can do some ...
Core Training3/5/2009
  Q: Hye, is it true that by strengthening my core muscles may improve my vert jump up to 6"-7"? What I ...
  A: Yes to a point it will, But I would stick with BIG compound moves to do it. Squats, deadlifts and ...
Supplement3/5/2009
  Q: Im 6 Foot 217 lbs. I Am A Sophmore in high school and have gained 23 lbs since my freshman year. i ...
  A: Tim- The ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!! creatine that is lab proven to work and be safe and effective is plain ...
Wanting to gain a good physique quickly3/4/2009
  Q: I want to gain a good physique by the end of August this year. Ive been working out since 13th March ...
  A: Im saying yes you need to work your whole body or youll look like a light bulb. Stick legs and a big ...
Wanting to gain a good physique quickly3/4/2009
  Q: I want to gain a good physique by the end of August this year. Ive been working out since 13th March ...
  A: Peter- #1 your not working more then half your body and that part includes the largest muscle ...
stamina2/25/2009
  Q: ,,can u advise me how to increase the size of muscles????which exercises can be helpful and how to ...
  A: Like your endurance? Yes just constantly strive do do a bit more work in a set amount of time or ...
training2/24/2009
  Q: .i am a boy, 16 years old, 5ft 8 inches in ht... i have a slim body nd weigh 52 kgs... i am a tennis ...
  A: Avik- I am sorry but no I cannot give you a personalized diet and training plan, just ...
training2/23/2009
  Q: .i am a boy, 16 years old, 5ft 8 inches in ht... i have a slim body nd weigh 52 kgs... i am a tennis ...
  A: Avik- Sorry I cannot help you on your height thats all up to your parents and your genetics. What ...
muscle building2/22/2009
  Q: ,,can u advise me how to increase the size of muscles????which exercises can be helpful and how to ...
  A: Fahad- We are all going to have a little variance in one side from the other. I would simply worry ...
losing weight2/21/2009
  Q: My name is Bryan and i am 15 years old and i am trying to lose weight for wrestling.I am at 215 ...
  A: Bryan- Are you sure you have 35 lbs of fat mass to lose?? and you wont sacrifice muscle?? thats is ...
Sports Nutrition2/11/2009
  Q: I need help. Is there any website or book that state based on people weight and height and sport ...
  A: Man there are literally tons of book on diet that go into what the author feels is best. Whats best ...
getting six pack abs and cutting fat1/19/2009
  Q: i need to condition for soccer and i need to know good ab exercises to to get a six pack fast. I ...
  A: Benjamin- Your a soccer player how the heck does having a six pack, and building big arms help ...
Body building1/13/2009
  Q: this is my work out routine i will be doing this for 6 weeks and every week i will add another set ...
  A: Alex Your workout is horrendous. Drop it and get basic. You dont need to do 18,000 exercises when ...
vertical12/2/2008
  Q: Hey, I was wondering if you could help me with my vertical jump. I was wondering if you could give ...
  A: Kat- No prob. You machine im sorry wont be great help, you need to be able to mainly do big moves ...
Soccer Strength12/2/2008
  Q: Hey i'm 16 years old and i'm playing both highschool and club soccer. I want to play in college and ...
  A: Carter- NO protein powder wont Bulk you up you can take protein powder and lose weight. I use more ...
Anti-inflammatories after lifting weights11/24/2008
  Q: I was just wondering if taking anti-inflammatories (for my hamstring pull) after lifting weights ...
  A: Justin- I tell you from a first hand perspective Ive seen and heard literature both way and a lot ...
Workout Routine11/14/2008
  Q: I want to get in shape and start running. The problem is I need a routine. What routine would be ...
  A: What kind of shape do you want to be in? Shape and fitness is a broad term. I would base my routine ...
Help me out please11/14/2008
  Q: I am an experienced football, rugby, baseball, track, cross country running and skiing,basketball ...
  A: Jay- Youve only been out 4-5 weeks. Youll bounce back fast you may have even recovered a great ...
6 pac11/10/2008
  Q: I'm 15 year old and i have been doing sit-ups for about 6 mouths now and i am starting to notice ...
  A: I would add a LOT of weight to your back and do squatting exercises and the like which employ the ...
strength needed11/4/2008
  Q: ive been throwing discus for 2 years playing football for 12 years 1st year wrestling well ...
  A: Nick ? 1)I really would not suggest any supplements for you to lose the 1 pounds. Id address it ...
weight loss10/31/2008
  Q: I've read that strength training helps weight loss because it increases metabolism and the muscle ...
  A: Just to confuse you BOTH are true Ha LOL aerobic exercise does burn more from fat during the ...
Burned out10/28/2008
  Q: Phil I am 50,in good health but a bit overweight. I lift weights and jog on my treadmill at least ...
  A: Bud- Couple things Get blood work done your 50 and I would see where al your hormone levels are. 2 ...
upper back10/6/2008
  Q: Phil I recently started a job as a bus river. After a few hours I tend to slouch and my upper back ...
  A: Your going to want to strengthen the Whole of your back as well as your hamstrings and glutes. They ...
running9/30/2008
  Q: i have several: what do anthropologists know about man'sneed to run? how can running make us ...
  A: What is this a quiz LOL ??? lets see we can have some fun #1 there is an interesting theory that ...
goblet squat9/12/2008
  Q: I have read in articles about goblet squat, whereby you cupped a dumbell vertically close to your ...
  A: Eddie The goblet squat is a great learning to to get a trainee to then be able to advance to other ...
Newbie here..9/9/2008
  Q: I have a few questions. I have just started exercising and have been attemmpting to build stronger ...
  A: Andrew- Your feeling the pushups in the arms more due to the fact that is what you would cal the ...
RE: Pain8/28/2008
  Q: I have been having pain on my forearm from my elbow on to my fingers and it has been just a constant ...
  A: Norma- This is a common problem. NSAIDS like an Aleve or simple ibuprofen is a good start. Have ...
healthy eating8/27/2008
  Q: I have been working out now for about a month, my question to you is my diet, what should i be ...
  A: Honestly?? This is a very open ended question, I can give some very general recommendations but ...

All Questions in This Category

Strength Training

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Phil Stevens

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

I can answer questions related to any of the following areas general fitness, athletics, weight training, strength sports, personal trainers, personal training, health and wellness, diet/nutrition, weight/fat loss, dietary supplements, and bodybuilding

Experience

While pursuing both my Bachelors and Masters degrees in studio art found another passion, that of training and nutrition. A constant student, my real-world under-the-barbell and behind-the-fork approach has led to many an opportunity, experience, and change in my life as well as those I have worked. I have transformed my own body in numerous ways from an initial soft 300 plus pounds, to a 165 running enthusiast, and currently 240-260 pounds competing as a strongman and powerlifter. I am constantly picking, meeting, and reaching new goals; happy but never content, always striving to perform, learn, build, and pass on past lived experience. I have attended, competed in, and hosted various seminars, workshops, and strength events. Met, befriended, worked for, and with many of the tops in the fields of training, sports, and nutrition. I consistently and compassionately pass on my lessons learned and knowledge gained to anyone in need, or to those whom simply expresses a desire, passion to better them selves. My experience is varied, having worked both distance via the internet, and hands on. From consulting with high caliber competitors and athletes, training support on a women’s weight loss forum, to volunteering with children in high risk neighborhoods. I have helped any and all walks of life get closer to and achieve their personal goals. All the while insisting I have, and will continue to learn at least two fold in return from those whom I have / will help. I am currently a coach with Team Staley (www.staleytraining.com). I am also a working and showing artist (http://www.philstevens.com). My current personal fitness goals are to become a competitive force as middleweight strongman competitor, while building upon my power lifting experience in which I have seen as high as a top ten national ranking; with a two year goal of obtaining an elite ranking as a 242 or 275lb weight class RAW power lifter.

Organizations
APF/AAPF WPA NAS

Publications
www.staleytraining.com The Topeka Capital Journal

Education/Credentials
In this field directly most of my formal educational experience is where I feel it counts most. In the field, under the barbell, and behind the fork so to speak. In this day of age where PT certifications are handed out like candy to an ever growing field, it is sad the lack of real applicable knowledge being presented. I pride myself of having been there, and done that, on multiple levels with varied goals. Having the ability to understand a client from a personal level, in my opinion, is an irreplaceable attribute. My formal education is in the field of art having both a Bachelors and Masters degree. I have extensive time reading learning and working directly in the field with varied coaches and companies, at current, Charles Staley Training Systems.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.