1) "No matter what I do, I can't get my teen-aged son to improve his eating habits. At what age do you recommend for ball players to begin taking nutritional supplements?"

     Generally speaking, at the point where a ball player begins to dedicate him/herself to doing more than just practice and games - rigorous, sport-specific strength and conditioning work.

     This type of work imposes increased demands on the body, which must be met with improved nutritional and rest habits. This is the only way for the body to adapt and grow, or the increased work and associated stress will result in physical breakdown.

     The first step in improving performance nutritionally is by eating right. In the case of those who won't do this, supplements can help. Click here for supplements I recommend for ball players.

2)  "I am looking into buying all three of your booklets, but just had a few questions/comments. I am a 28 yr old softball player. 5’8” 180lbs. And from my standards, out of shape. I have gained probably 30 lbs of pure fat in the past 3 yrs. I graduated college at 155 and was trim and fit. Now I pretty much don’t do anything but play softball. 

     "The strength program you have, is it only working the muscles specific to the sport, or will it help me get cut too? I know any amount of physical activity is going to help me get trim, but I am talking Ripped? I just want to know if I should incorporate a secondary workout with yours? Especially because you state the lack of aerobic activity."

     Yes, the workout is specific for baseball/softball, but you'll find that most/all of the exercises are ones you’re familiar with.  A key to the weight lifting program is that each muscle group on both sides of a joint are balanced in terms of reps/sets – the total work involved.  As for getting ripped, the amount of work in the 3 programs, if you do all of it, plus your practice/games, will be very sufficient from a calorie/energy expenditure aspect.  

     In terms of getting ripped, this is more of a dietary concern.  I'd suggest some type of specialized nutritional program to accomplish this goal. Click here for more info on baseball/softball-specific supplements.

3)  My coach tells me I need to get bigger. How do I do this, as far as workouts and diet?"

     This might be the single most commonly asked question I receive. Nutrition and science has progressed to the point where proper eating, supplements, and training can significantly affect athletic performance. Click here for an extensive report I have written on how to do this.

4)  "After 4 weeks of work and taking Muscle Synthesis, I can see some substantial lean muscle mass coming on Joe but no measurable weight gain. We are doing running drills for about—45 minutes 2 days a week.  Usually lifting on M-W-F and running T- Th.

     "Perhaps the running and exercise is exceeding his caloric intake, but I can’t seem to get him to eat anymore. He needs the quickness and agility drills as much as he needs the weight training.  I’m getting ready to increase the weight 5 lbs on each device beginning next week. I have told them in no uncertain terms that if you are going to train at this level it is important that you have 2 key elements; enough sleep and a good diet.

     "Do you have any feedback as to how we can get some weight gain to go along with the lean muscle?"