Bolded answers. I just got claritin D to help with my congestion, but doesn't do anything to my cough as i expected.

How effective are planche pushups?? When I watch people do it, my shoulders hurt from just looking at it... is it good for the shoulder joints to do it?

Burning fat comes from reducing total calories in, and increasing activity level. As long as your calories are below what your body burns, and your insulin levels are not constantly spiking throughout the day, you will lose fat.

That being said, cardio in and of itself will burn more calories than ab exercises. Ab exercises will serve to strengthen those areas mostly.

Overall it's not bad. However, 90+ grams of sugar per day is VERY high. You should strive to have no more than 30g sugar per day on cutting, and all from fresh fruit. You should eliminate the milk in your PWO shake, and use water instead with 40g protein. Try to lower the total carbs in general, by reducing the sugar this shouldn't be an issue. Try using Stevia in your oatmeal to eliminate the rice-cake, and that should help as well.

Hello there.

OK after what you've told me, I have the feeling that you are dealing with chronic allergies, with frequent exposure to unknown allergens.

At this point, you need to do the following:


1. See an allergist immediately and get a complete allergy panel completed. When you have the results, let me know what you are allergic to.
2. After the results are in, follow the below suggestions to eliminate allergens from your environment as much as possible:
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Allergy reduction guide -

1. Purchase a good air purifier such as the Alen A350 and run it on max 24/7 in your room. http://www.amazon.com/Alen-A350-Purifier-Floor-Standing/dp/B000R50KJE
2. Change your Home A/C Filters regularly with 3M Ultra Allergen filters (Purple label and make sure you match the correct size) once a month. http://www.amazon.com/3M-Filtrete-6-Pack-Allergen-Reduction/dp/B00066FKIU
3. Irrigate your sinuses with Sinus Cleansing Squeeze Bottle + Solution 1x per day (morning or night) http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/neilmed-sinus-rinse-original-sinus-kit/ID=prod2598807-product (only use for the first 2 weeks, then use it once/twice a week or AS NEEDED)
4. Change out the carpet in your bedroom with wood/laminate flooring and swiffer it at least once per week.
5. Get a set of new bedsheet covers such as the Allergy Armor Ultra and put it over your mattress, boxspring, and pillows. http://www.achooallergy.com/allergy-armor-ultra-bedding-packages.asp
6. Keep your room very clean and free of excess dust or pet dander.
7. Use Dust Mite killing detergent http://www.onlineallergyrelief.com/laundry/laundry.html (also make sure to wash your sheets and quilt in HOT water ONCE a week)
8. Try using Claritin one a day
9. Follow the below supplement guide:

A. Vitamin D - NOW! Vitamin D-3 (5000 iu) - take 1x per day
B. Immune Support - NOW! Immune Renew and Immune Support (take 1x of each per day)
C. Vitamin C - NOW! C-1000 Caps (take 1x, 3 times per day)
D. Multivitamin - NOW! Adam

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After the above is completed, and the allergy test results are in, let me know and we will go from there.

Given the fact that it's "allergy season" where you live, and there is construction going on where you work, it sounds very much like you are having chronic exposure to allergens.

Your lungs aren't to blame, but rather the microscopic particles getting stuck inside of them and causing irritation and inflammation.

Yes, planche pushups are VERY hard on the shoulders and elbows. They also aren't particularly useful for anything other than core balancing under chest and shoulder stress.

Realistically there isn't much of any reason to aggressively pursue planche pushups other than "showing off" that you can do them. For strength, size, endurance, etc. there are MUCH better exercises out there.

Thank you for the explanation. I'll be cutting calories a bit and raise my activity levels. I love doing 100 yard sprints, then doing a jog around the track (At our junior high, highschool fields). Then somedays i'll mix in some ab exercises.

appreciate ur help.

Hey man,

I'd really like to have your opinion on two powder BCAA supps (mostly considering their profile)

I've been looking at Xtend by Scivation and Allmax Aminocore. They're flavored though, so I'm looking to know if there's anything unhealthy I should avoid.


As always, thanks a lot!

My opinion is to always steer clear of these flavored amino drinks. Stick to regular unflavored amino powder such as:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/opt/bcaa.html

Then mix it with grape or apple juice and you combine the glucose with the aminos for the complete blend...and then won't have to worry about all the artificial BS in most flavored amino drinks.

Hey you say to no go high sugar on a cut.

But if all that matters is calories at the end of the day, why would sugar matter? How would insulin spikes affect your fat loss, even though you're in a deficit?

I'm currently on my last 10lbs or so of my goal.. my god is it ever a slow process.. is it me? Or is the last 10 lbs really going to take over a month, even at deficit?