ASK THE EXPERT

Are leg curls a valid exercise to strengthen the hamstrings?

I am curious about the choice of leg curls to strengthen the hamstrings. Why bother? Isn’t deadlifting enough? Eric Cressey says...

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

Athletic Footwear – What is the Best Shoe to Wear for Fitness Training in the Gym?

I was wondering about your thoughts on the best type of gym shoes to buy. I am sure barefoot would be best, but some gyms have a shoe policy. What shoe (for male and female) would be best to get? Nike free? Vibram Five Fingers? Etc.

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

Do Artificial Sweeteners Inhibit Fat Loss?

Do artificial sweeteners help, inhibit, or have no effect on weight loss and fat loss? Aren't they a better alternative to sugar?

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

Exercise for Children

What types of exercise are best for children? My son is ten. He is not overweight, but he is relatively inactive. My daughter is 8, a little overweight, and not particularly physically-oriented. Is cardiovascular and calisthenic exercise the best thing for them right now?

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

How do I pick the right weight for a workout?

Coach, now that we’ve had our first training sessions together (and the workouts are great, by the way!), I need to know how to progress on my own, since I am not going to be working with you every time that I train. How do I know when to go up in weight, and how much?

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

How do I recover from adrenal fatigue?

Given the results from my recent Adrenal Stress Index panel, is it recommended that I cut out caffeine/stimulants? I normally just have one cup of coffee in the am and then Light Speed™ pre-workout. What supplements should I take for recovery of my adrenal glands?

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

I'm a Pro Athlete. How Do I Choose a Pure Supplement?

As a professional baseball player, I am now very concerned about banned substances and contamination of nutritional and performance-enhancement supplements with banned substances. What do you think about the list of certified pure supplements at informed-choice.org?

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

Pre-Training Preparation – Is Static Stretching a Good Idea Pre-Workout?

I was wondering about what you think about Ian King and his methods. He seems to share some similarities with Charles Poliquin, but in the area of flexibility work, he recommends static stretching pre-workout, which Charles Poliquin does not agree with. What is your stance?

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

Strength Training Periodization – What are Accumulation and Intensification; How Do They Relate to General and Specific Physical Preparation?

I am a massive Poliquin fan and I have been reading his stance on periodization with regard to accumulation and intensification. What is your approach to periodization, and if it is also accumulation and intensification, would it be possible for you to outline the critical points regarding each? I am also confused as to how this relates to GPP (General Physical Preparedness) and SPP (Specific Physical Preparedness).

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

Strength Training Teachers– Who is Worth Learning From?

I was wondering about what you think about Ian King and his methods. He seems to share some similarities with Charles Poliquin, but in the area of flexibility work, he recommends static stretching pre-workout, which Charles Poliquin does not agree with. What is your stance?

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

What Is The Best Foam Roller on the Market? How Do I Use It for Postural Correction?

…still doing great on the program…Just want to ask you about what you think about foam rollers. There's a product called Foam Roller Plus and I was thinking about getting it to help me with my thoracic spine mobility because I want to get rid of my forward neck posture. I found some foam roller exercises on StrongLifts that I want to try out.

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

What is the Best Post-Workout Shake?

If you have a few free moments at some point over the coming weeks, I'd appreciate if you could take a look at a few links to information regarding post-workout nutrition, as well as some information from Alan Aragon. I'd be especially interested in getting your take on those claiming that chocolate milk is as good as or better than a whey hydrolysate and dextrose or maltodextrin and BCAA mixture.

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

What is the cost and procedure for setting up a biosignature appointment?

A recent email query for biosignature modulation is answered in detail, and specifics that are often overlooked are brought to light. Biosignature Modulation is not magic, but when performed correctly, it can have profound effects.

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

Which Exercise is Best for Biceps Training, Standing or Seated Preacher (Scott) Curls?

I'm putting together a small training facility in my town. I'd like to get your expert opinion on a particular piece of equipment, the preacher benches made by Atlantis. Do you recommend their standing preacher bench or the seated variation?

[ DETAILED ANSWER ]

Ask The Experts at Physiqology: Got a question you want answered? Please contact us.