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e-TRAINING: GAINS, GROWTH & %BODYFAT REDUCTION

8-Tom Platz, I would like to start by congratulating you are all your accomplishments in bodybuilding. I enjoy reading your articles. I know how it feels to be shawny. I weighed 140lbs. when I graduated from high school. It has taken me few years to get where I am today. I've recently lost 15lbs. and I'm down to 215lbs. My only problem is that I can't get my legs to grow. I've been working out off and on since 1990. I have an 18" neck, 18" biceps and a 48" chest. I just can't get my legs to grow. My legs are very strong. They just won't grow. What can I do to get my legs to grow? I know when I'm done with my leg workout, I feel nauseated and my legs feel like rubber. I have always felt like that after my leg workout. What am I doing wrong? These are the exercises I do now: Leg Presses, Leg Extensions, Squats, Leg Curls, and Seated Calf Raises. I don't know what else to do. Can you help me?
ANSWER: It quite obvious you are doing too much in one workout. Have you had a professional tweak a program exlusively for your body type? You may want to check out the testimonials above from people who have tried the AE Mentorship Programs. This might be worth the time and money to check into that. Regards, Tom Platz

8-Hey, Tom just wanted to say I've been following you for about 10 yrs now. Tom, I've been working out since I've been 18. My problem is I've really only worked on my chest and shoulders my upper body doesn't look back but
it looks like I got chicken legs. When I try and workout a program I feel like my chest and shoulders will suffer and I really feel bad will I lose my strength I only work my chest and shoulders every 4 to 5 days. Tom, you are a champion and I need your help if you would could give me some advise. Wayne
ANSWER: Anytime time to me that you need just a little tweaking if only your legs need developing, have you ever thought of working with a professional for a month or so just to fill in the gaps in your training style? Regards, Tom Platz

8-Tom, I am 5' 8 and 175, my body fight is about 22%. I've hit a plato and can not get pass it. I was at 210 a year ago, my goal is to gain muscle and drop my body fat. I train 4 days a week now , doing both weight's and cardio. What would you recommend for both weight training and cardio? Also what should I be taking / eating? Larry
ANSWER: Have you had a professional work on tweaking your program to better fit your body type to continually make gains? This might be worth your time and investment. You may want to check out the testimonials above from people who have tried the AE Mentorship Programs and who have had great success. Regards, Tom Platz

8-Dear Tom, My question that I have is in all your leg training time that you have put in, do you think that high reps or low reps built your quads the best, if you had to choose only one. Thanks for any info. Dave C
ANSWER: Hi, Dave, I did a little bit of high/low reps all the time, depending where I was in my training program. I choose both – if you pick one, you will obtain ½ the results you're seeking. Regards, Tom Platz

8-Mr. Platz, I heard through the grapevine that you'd granted an interview to Muscle and Fitness. Naturally, I picked up that issue, read the segment featuring you, then donated the magazine to my gym. Congratulations. It is not everyday one article redeems an otherwise... simplistic... publication. I've a question on hamstring training; specifically, the timing thereof--and who better to ask than the man I feel ushered in (along with Tim Belknap) the modern bodybuilding aesthetic. To wit: I train quads once a week. My workout is very intensive, comprising heavy squats, extensions, leg presses, lunges and finally, 4 sets of very strictly performed leg curls (seated or lying...depends on my mood). This workout takes place Friday afternoon. My major hamstring workout takes place the following Monday. This workout is equally intensive, comprising primarily leg curls, stiff-legged deadlifts, and occasionally, compound sets of the two movements. Am I over or under training my hamstrings? What might you do differently? My leg development is very good. I am no stranger to bodybuilding, which is to say I've been at it since the mid 80's, compete regularly. I suppose, what I'm saying is, sock it to me. I'll likely understand, and certainly appreciate any advice you'd be inclined to give. Lastly, I miss the days of Platz, Beckles, Viator, Coe, Padilla, Tinerino...you get the picture. It was a better sport then--more pure...more devoted to the training. You gentlemen were true champions, and represent, in my mind, bodybuilding's golden age. Fondest regards, Mark M., Seattle, WA
ANSWER: Mark, Thanks for emailing and the kind words. Since I don't what body type you are – I don't if you are overtraining. Personally, I squat once or twice a month, depending where I am in my light, moderate or heavy phases. As for hamstrings, same. Let me know if you would like to try a Mentorship Program to get your approach tweaked a little. Regards, Tom Platz

8-Dear Mr. Platz, I am sixteen-years-old and a competitive bodybuilder. I have plenty of mass in my legs, but I just can't get the deep cuts that I want. Right now, I'm doing five sets of squats, four sets of leg extensions, three sets of front kicks, four sets of leg curls, and three sets of deadlifts. I was wondering if you could give me any advice with my leg training. Dealing with legs, I couldn't think of anybody better to ask than you, as I'm sure everyone's familiar with your legendary thighs. Thanks a lot, Aaron E.
ANSWER: Aaron, first of all being 16, muscle maturity might be an issue. Also, extreme definition and muscle clarity are in direct relation to (1) diet (2) training periodization (3) genetics - fat cell placement (4) focus. Be patient and allow the body to recover between training days. Regards, Tom Platz

8-hello Tom, I recently stopped lifting, to lose about 25lbs of bodyfat, I'm 6'0 and weigh 242, would you recommend that?? I want to get lean, about 210-215, then go back and add about 60-70 lbs of muscle....any suggestions? israel
ANSWER: Israel, first of all, I wouldn't stop lifting except during recovery. Aerobic exercise is NOT the best choice for fat loss - weight training is the best choice. The more muscle your have, the more calories you need to consume. If you lose muscle, it is very easy to gain %bodyfat. In other words, the world at large, stay in the gym! Regards, Tom Platz