JUST ASK Q&A ARCHIVE - YOUTH MAINTENANCE

If you are asking Warren for advice on Youth Maintenance, always consult a doctor before embarking on any fitness course or taking any drugs. We are not medical professionals on the site and cannot be held responsible for any damages or loss incurred from the advice Warren gives (standard legal disclaimer).

2003
Warren how did you get such a Hot body? -- Badbilly

Thanks. Well, you need to be completely dedicated on all levels. Diet, supplementation, & of course, weight training. Check out some of the previous answers for more details.

2003
Dear Warren, please let us know what you are eating these days. Want to know what your favorite healthy foods are, and your favorite unhealthy foods as well! -- Cara & Jeannie

HI. My diet has changed pretty drastically since we opened the restaurant last June. I`m eating more carbs now (pasta & bread); also I find myself having the occasional dessert. Since meeting my Vietnamese girlfriend, I`ve been eating that food 3 or 4 times a week. It`s tasty, spicy & healthy!

2003
Have you made any modifications to your training & diet lately (since summer 2002?) -- Angela

Yeah, I bought a restaurant. 2003 is time to get back in shape.

2003
We noticed that on the Access Hollywood performance, Wes Wehmiller is looking really cut these days! Has your lifestyle of healthy eating, supplements and bodybuilding had this influence on him? -- Terrence

Wes has picked up quite a bit from me on the nutrition end, but his love of skating & hockey is probably what is keeping him so cut.

2002
Hey Warren, Great job on that body. You must feel great to know you look even better now than a few years ago (you looked good then, but you know). Anyway, what is up with your stomach? Do you do tons of situps, or use a crunch machine? Also I have been doing situps daily for a couple months, and it`s paying off. Do you ever takes days off from your workout, or specifically your abs? And how many days off does it take someone so rock hard like you to start to feel not so buff? Keep up the hard work and please keep your photographers busy for us. Vegas is waiting for you! --Mark

Thanks for the compliments. I train 4 days a week, 1 bodypart per day. I recently started doing 75 minutes of cardio 2x per week as well. I hardly ever do any abdominal work. Diet is most important when it comes to revealing those muscles.

2002
I`ve been a fan for some time now. I was wondering if when you started working out, you had problems maintaining your penis size. Are there any "tricks" to keeping your size/length while working out? By the time I finish working out, I look as though I have just been removed from a vat of ice water!

Sounds like you`re having good workouts. What you need to be going for when performing an exercise correctly is getting as much blood as possible into that area. This will bring on a great pumped feeling. Your dick is the last thing you should be thinking about. When I do my nude shoots I never do any exercises before because I want the blood elsewhere. After training if you wait about 20 minutes, slap it around a bit, then check it, it should be back to normal.

2002
Warren, why on earth do you shave your body hair off? I bet you would look so good with a nice furry chest! Oh wee, you look great regardless! Thanks for the great site and especially all of the revealing videos! You are awesome! -Jason

Glad you like the clips. I don`t think I`ll ever let my body hair grow back in. Shaving is very easy for me because I don`t have any bad reactions to it. I like the look of clean hard muscles. Us white dudes have to do all we can to get those cuts to show.

2002
You have a lot of advice re. vitamins, supplements, et al. I began working out last year, but only routinely since October `01. I have seen pretty good results, but realize that changing my eating habits will probably never happen totally. For one, I hardly eat, so when I do I like to eat what I want, but my appetite isn`t large so I really don`t feel guilty. Aside from the meal suggestions you have made, are any of the "other items" some that may not be advisable for females? Or others you suggest? (or does it not matter at all?) Thanks! --- Teri

The only supplements that I might have mentioned on the site that aren`t advisable for females who want to remain feminine are the pro hormones. As far as your food goes, you better start eating 5 times a day. It was a real shock to me when I realized how much time I wasted by not doing things like I`ve outlined them in the Youth Maintenance section. Eat, & drink lots of water. Good Luck!!

2002
hi warren. well, I must say that I am your newest biggest fan. Luckily, I found out about you through spin mag. And of course, I think you`re really hot and as a result I am a recent member. But aside from that, I`m interested in some of your training tips. I read your reponse in youth maint. re. HGH and went out and bought two Dr. Klatz books. I think it`s really an interesting concept and apparently popular because GNC was full of all those aminos listed. I purchased a product called Secretagogue-One made by MHP. Are you familiar with it? It has You take it at bedtime once a day and it has many of the aminos mentioned in the Klatz books. Anyway I wondered if you had any insight on that. I have a protein shake also (soy), is whey better? and have yet to purchase the ECA stack. Would the flax seed oil do the same thing, you think? I have been working out 2-3 times a week, both resistance and cardio. Wish I could do more but I`m in med school and am ltd. on time. I`m still not sure what the selegeline does?

Thanks for all your interest. The key to choosing a good all in one GH releasing product is to check the amounts of each substance included, & then see what the suggested dosage is. If it doesn`t have 2 grams of glutamine for example, you`re being short changed. These companies may claim synergistic effects & so on but I have never really bought into that concept with GH releasers. If you really want to see if you`re getting a significant increase in growth hormone, you could have an IGF-1 test done. Do it before you start your products & then do one after you finish the cycle. (10 weeks later). Personally, I just go by how I look & feel.I don`t know what your personal goals are with your training, but the addition of compounds like glutamine, alpha dopa poppers (by Pinnacle), arginine, gaba, & selegeline are a great addition to your anti-aging program, which can only improve how you feel when you get in the gym. Regarding the next part of your question: Your protein choices should be varied. Meals that consist of a quality protein source like fish, lean beef, chicken, turkey, buffalo are all excellent. Protein supplements like a good quality whey/ casein blend are great in addition to the soy product you are using. Just mix in 1/2 scoop of soy to a scoop of the whey/casein blend. I recently discovered a new ECA stack product made by Met-Rx called Thermicore. It`s only taken 1 time per day (a.m.) & it sure does kick your metabolism into high gear. Good luck with getting the body you`re after, & best of luck in Med school.

2002
Warren! Your physique has changed drastically since the early 80`s. Everyone will agree that you are in perfect shape. So I thought I`d ask one of my idols some questions about working out and how he sculpted his body the way it is. I started the gym again late October and have seen some pretty good results so far. I just need some advice. First let me give you some insight on what I do and what I want to achieve. I currently go to the gym 4 days a week, around 2 hours per visit. I have quit fast food and now try to eat 6 smaller, and healthier medium sized meals per day, usually a carbohydrate based meal before the workout, and a larger protein based meal after along with a Whey Protein shake. My goal is to get those abs more exposed (which I hear has to do with dieting more so than ab workouts) and to tone up my torso area, including the chest, arms and shoulders. I don`t want to look like a bodybuilder, I just obviously well-toned, and slightly cut. My first question has to do with whey protein shakes. I`m hearing mixed instructions about its usage. What I hear and what I agree with is that the protein shake replenishes amino acids lost during a workout, therefore it should be taken after a workout for faster results and muscle growth. I was told a few times to take it before the gym, but that doesn`t seem right, what do you say to this? MY second question is in regards to ripped burner or ripped fuel. I do take that before the gym after the carbohydrate based meal I mentioned above. What`s your opinion on that? Is it worth it. My company actually makes tons of sports nutrition products so money isn`t the problem, I just want to know if they work from your own experience. Third, whatever advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Does it sound like I`m doing things right? Do you recommend any other supplements like Creatine or Hydroxy-Cut? Etc..etc...Thanks so much, you ROCK! Your #1 FAN, Gilbert "GQSioux" Macias

Ok. This all sounds really good. First of all, yes, you are on the right track. The reason my physique underwent a drastic change (between 1995 & 1999) was because I learned how to eat. Eating 5 or 6 meals a day, made up of cleanly prepared quality proteins, green veggies & rice or potatoes will give you the sustained energy & muscle repairing nutrients you need to progress in your training. You can use a meal replacement supplement like Lean Body by Labrada, or Opti pro by Optimum Nutrition, for example, to take the place of 1 or 2 of your meals. This drink can be used 30 minutes after you train to help get those muscle building aminos back into the bloodstream. A pure food diet works as well. I always have egg whites mixed with minced buffalo meat, & a bowl of oats with blueberries, after every workout. I suggest you stay with a 4 times per week workout schedule & train only 1 bodypart per session. Try to hit the muscle from as many different angles as possible, & vary your workouts from week to week so your body is constantly challenged. Keep your rep range between 12 & 20, performing 3 or 4 sets per excercise. Doing 25 minutes of cardio 3 times per week will also help to bring out the cuts you`re after. The use of thermogenics like ephedra & caffeine will accelerate fat loss in all individuals, though some will find their central nervous system stimulating effects a bit alarming. It`s best to start with a low dosage of these products & build up to the full recommended dose over a 10 day period. Your body will adapt & the side effects will become less noticeable. These substances (hydroxycut, xenadrine, thermicore) do work!! They are probably the only products you can purchase over the counter that will make a profoundly noticeable difference to your physique. Good luck! Keep on training, & don`t bother with the creatine. Lots of protein ( 1.5 gms per lb. of bodyweight) & low glycemic carbs, in combination with your cardio & thermogenic products, is still the best way to pack on quality lean mass.

2001
What is a good mild steroid like substance (legal) that I can buy - herbal/otherwise - which will help 1. Burn/convert fat to muscle 2. Get lean without wrecking kidneys/liver other body/brain functions mood/temperament 3. Work out less and get maximum benefit from workouts 4. Eat loads of sausages and cakes and still look like a sex god and 5. grow a larger penis, with longer delay to orgasm? ...from someone who you know quite well....

Hey, wow, you want it all, don`t you?!! Well, the only substance that I know of that fits the bill is Human Growth Hormone. There are different brands, if you want, I can find out the best for the money. It can be quite expensive for a 6 week cycle, but the results are supposed to be amazing. I have never tried it. What I do, is try and raise my natural GH levels. There is a book by Dr. Ronald Klatz called Grow young with HGH, which outlines the different ways of doing this. The one I think is best is: pre sleep, at least 1 1/2 hours after your last meal, take: 2 grams of L-glutamine, & 2.5 milligrams of selegeline. You can get the selegeline online from any of the smart drug/anti-aging sites. If you don`t want to take the drug, (selegeline) you can use, provided you do not have herpes, 5 grams of arginine. I would also use 3 milligrams of melatonin to complete this stack. Do this for 3 weeks, then stop for 5 days, & repeat. Done in this way, you can do it year round without negatively affecting your body`s ability to create the hormone. Increased GH levels should give you everything you`re asking for. To further enhance your training, I use a substance called Tribestan (tribulus terestrius) for a strength boost, & it is also aphrodisiac. Take it with meals 3 times a day, the dosage should be on the box, I think it`s between 1 & 1 1/2 grams total per day. Take 2 tablespoons of flax oil every day as well, to help speed up your metabolic rate. There are also some non stimulant fat burners that I`m experimenting with now & I`ll let you know if they work. Be patient, take it easy on the sausages & cakes, & you should feel & look a lot better.

2001
When did you start shaving the body hair? To what extent do you shave now?

I started shaving my upper body in 1995. I`ve done my legs a couple of times, but I don`t really like the look.

2001
Protein bars.... any one know of a good one. Taste as well as 30+gms of pro and low CHO. Some protein bars are so hard to get down cuz they taste so bad.(ya know ......... like uh......chalk). I`m sure there`s some out there that taste at least okay. Thanks (taken from the messageboard - from Choreocuc)

Hi, one bar that I like is the Designer Gourmet Chocolate Malt, or the pure protein blueberry cheesecake. I hear from a reliable source that the Labrada pina colada bar is killer. Happy tasting!

2001
I just did a little research on selegeline, and its side effects look kind of unappealing to me -- liver disease is mentioned consistently, as well as conversion into a methamphetamine when it crosses the blood-brain barrier. This is in the context of alzheimer`s disease research, though. It seems that a combination of broad spectrum antioxidants (NAC, alpha lipoic acid, etc) would eliminate a lot of the oxygen free radicals selegeline targets.... (from Matt, taken from the messageboard)

Matt, have no fear re: selegeline. 1st of all it`s best used by people over the age of 40. Dosage is usually determined by age. If you are aware of Michael Colgan`s work, you would know that he is very anti stimulants, & he raves about the fantastic benefits from the drug selegeline. Take my word for it, this ain`t no methamphetamine!!

2001
I don`t understand the importance of the oily fish-thing. Explain? (taken from the messageboard - from Corene)

Corene, oily fish like salmon, mackeral & sardines are rich in omega 3 oils. These are essential for healthy arteries, and the body does not manufacture them on its own. Flax oil is also an excellent source of omega 3.

2001
Hey Warren, I have a question about the Acidopholis...you said you take 2 capsules a day, but if I remember correctly, they come in different "potencies" (is that the correct term?). Anyway, how many living cultures per capsule do you reccomend if taking 2 capsules per day? (taken from the messageboard - from Lisa)

The acidopholis I use is made by Jarrow. It`s got something like 3 billion of those suckers in there & 6 different species. It says to take them 30 to 60 minutes after eating. It also contains F.O.S.

2001
I have had a really bad year so far. With my Grandmother and a good friend passing away, I have lost my drive to get back into the Gym & I was wondering if Warren could give me a "Pep Talk" to try and help me get my enthusiasm back? Many thanks and best wishes, Kevin.

All of us have to deal with loss in one way or another at various points in our life. It`s never pleasant, always emotionally & physically draining. However, you can derive a great deal of strength from these times when you see how your friends & loved ones are there for you, all trying to get through the crisis together. The other thing to remember is that the person who has passed away would not want you to stop living your life. I played a whole concert tour in 1997 knowing that my father could die at any minute. He wanted me to continue on with my work. You should get back into the gym with a new passion for living, & be on a mission now to keep yourself healthy & fit. I`m sure the people that you have lost would be really happy to hear that you got yourself on the right track due to a renewed positive outlook that they were partially responsible for. Best of luck, Kevin.

2001
What do you think about yoga? Thanks!

Barb I`ve never tried yoga, but I know that lots of people really get a lot out of it, both mentally & physically. Since I get these same benefits from bodybuilding, I probably will never incorporate any yoga into my training regime. I think if I was to dedicate myself to learning another type of activity to complement my weight training, it would probably be martial arts.

2001
What supplements does the main man recommend taking, and can he give some dietary advice such as what kind of fat intake should you have, and protein, and cals?

I generally recommend 2 grams of protein per lb. of bodyweight. I know that`s pretty high, but it seems to work really well. This way, you're getting a good deal of your daily calories from the cleanly prepared protein foods & shakes. Fats should be from oily fish like salmon or mackerel & from raw flax oil (never heat this type of oil) or extra virgin olive oil. 2 tbs. of flax oil is fine per day, & you can use a teaspoon of olive oil on salads or on your steamed veggies. Try & keep your carbs low if you're trying to stay lean. Also your choice of carbs is important. You can get a decent amount just from vegetables, but sometimes you might feel a bit weak if you only use them without other carbs like steamed rice or a baked potato, or yam. Personally I use all of those & raw oats as well, but I never eat any starchy carbs after 5 pm. My dinner usually consists of a large piece of chicken or fish, with a mixed green salad & steamed green veggies. I really don`t watch or count calories, I make sure I eat every 2 1/2 to 3 hrs. every day, & my protein- fat- carbs ratio is 55-20-25. As far as supplements go, a good full spectrum multi/antioxidant, like Solgars V 2000 is essential, with vitamin C being equally as important, around 2 to 3 grams per day. If you want a boost for your workouts & for your metabolism, try something that contains ephedra, caffeine,& aspirin 2 to 3 times daily (not past 3 pm). This type of substance, used for 6 weeks on & 4 weeks off, 3 to 4 times per year, will help to keep bodyfat very low. 1 other supplement I recommend is L- glutamine. You can get it in powder form (avoid buying big name brands with this substance because it`s all the same stuff, so why pay an inflated price). Anyway, take it on an empty stomach (1 - 1 1/2 hrs before or after meals) 2 to 3 times per day. Each dose should be around 3 to 5 grams. You should notice a fullness to your muscles after about a month of using this product. Good luck.

2001
How do you feel about cosmetic plastic surgery? For example: liposuction for those wanting to lose fat "without the work" so to speak?

Being a huge believer, & recipient, of the benefits of a good, clean, balanced nutrition program in conjunction with doing a progressive resistance tralning routine, I have a hard time with the concept of going the surgical route, especially long term. 1st of all, people that I know that have had lipo have gained all the fat back, & then some. It was definitely not worth the pain or the money, believe me. Also, by making the necessary lifestyle adjustments I was talking about earlier, you are making yourself healthy. Let`s not forget that we`re not only talking about the look. Now, I know that we all have very different body types & genetic gifts or curses, as some of us might consider them, so we all have our individual needs & methods to deal with what we`ve been dealt on this physical level. For ex. in the case of someone who is very obese, besides the obvious consulting that would need to be done in such a case with a qualified health practitioner, to have all the necessary tests to determine why this condition exists, maybe lipo would be a great jump start on their road to continual, gradual, lifelong progress towards total health, & achieving all physique goals.

2001
Hey Warren, you`re my physical inspiration! I`m 39 and Italian and used to be your type of `80s physique at that time, but now I am bulking up, and if you can do it, so can I! Which non-lactose supplements would you suggest? I am using a lot of soy all the time, right now Soy Protein drink. Any welcome suggestions? Also "italoman9" with profile on Yahoo...thanks, you are De Man! :-) Gary in Boston, where your music WAS our 1980`s!!!

I`m very happy to be inspiring people out there to get active & eat right. You can find many low or no lactose whey protein powders in GNC type stores all over the world (check out Netrition for an one stop online shop). Soy protein is good as well, but I wouldn`t use it alone. You could mix a scoop of soy with whey, or just have a soy drink 1 time during the day & whey at another. The main thing is to consume frequent meals, high protein. moderate fat, moderate to low carbs, throughout the day. (5 or 6 times). Keep your choices of protein varied, skinless chicken breasts, turkey breast, lean beef, game, eggs, there`s loads of great stuff to eat that will keep your muscles full of all the important aminos they need to grow & recuperate from intense workouts.

2001
What`s your current body fat percentage?

My bodyfat always ranges between 4 and 6 percent.

2001
There`s times I`ve seen you almost reach competition condition ... vascular, totally ripped.... what the hell calorie intake do you hit when you`re on form like that? How GOOD does that feel?

I try to stay in near competition shape all year round. The ripped, vascular look is greatly assisted & accelerated by using an ECA stack (ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin). Products such as Xenadrine & Hydroxycut are herbal versions of this potent fat burning combo. Combining a little bit of light cardio work, like walking (3-4 hours per week), my weight training (4 days per week routine) with these products, I have absolutely no trouble achieving this much sought after look. Needless to say, my foods are always right on the money, year round & I only up my calories to get a fuller thicker look. (I usually get the extra calories from protein only).

2001
When did you start training?

I began weight training when I was 32 years old, almost 13 years ago.

2001
About four months ago, I pulled a muscle in my calf whilst working out...agony! It took two weeks to get back to normal then I rested it up for a whole month, but within two weeks of getting back to the regime it went again. So this time I`ve really rested it, but recently I got back to the grind.. but psychologically, I just can`t work my calves to the extent I used to be able to. Any advice?

My suggestion is to not train your calves for at least 1 month. The only thing you should be doing is lightly stretching them for about 15 min. per day. It might be wise to consult with a physiotherapist if you think there is damage there. Remember, your calves are always under stress just from walking, running, or even just standing.

2001
When you say to eat eggs & oats for breakfast, do you mean oats as in oatmeal? or just plain oats, or what? If I can`t have my artificial sweetener & skim milk, there`s just no way! -- Karla

Artificial sweetener and skim milk, no problem. Four heaped tbs. dry Quaker Quick Oats, plain water, and a little milk. Boil it up, keep stirring it, and there`s your oatmeal. Sweeten it with your stuff. Eggs should be done dry as possible - ie. omelette, scrambled. Use 3 eggs, and spray a nonstick pan with some kind of no-cal no-fat Pam-type spray, or pour about a silver dollar-sized bit of virgin olive oil in the pan, then wipe it around with a paper towel to coat the pan and soak up the extra oil. That works as well. Check it out.

2000
What made Warren give up being a vegetarian?

Phil Goglia from Fitness Concepts convinced me to get onto real food like fish, beef, turkey, chicken, all cleanly prepared.