I’ve been working within the Fitness Industry for over two decades now. And during this time I’ve received a variety of questions pertaining to muscle building, fat loss, dietary nutrition, supplementation and overall health. And to be honest, I don’t always know the answer to every single question that I receive. However one of the most important things that I have learned throughout the past 20+ years in this industry, is that what works for one person, does not necessarily work for the next. Therefore I’m incredibly careful when I answer a question that I know that the answer is based on multiply factors.
“How Quickly Will It Take Me To Lose 30lbs?”
I don’t know. How committed are you to consistency? Can you realistically train 5-6x/week in the gym? Can you follow your Nutritional Plan to a tee without cheating on your diet and giving into your cravings?
The fact of the matter is that if you are not consistent with both your diet and your training, then it’s going to take you a HELL of a lot longer to lose those 30lbs then if you were to buckle down, stay focused and get to work.
“What’s The Best Muscle Building / Fat Burning Supplement On The Market?”
Legally? None of them. Most supplements that promise “Quick Muscle Gains” and “Rapid Fat Loss” are garbage. Please trust me when I tell you this. I have wasted so much time, effort and energy into studying and reviewing these products, and have witnessed enough people waste their own hard earned cash on diluted powders packed full of artificial sweeteners and stimulants, to tell you that NONE of them actually work.
The fact of the matter is that unless you’re willing to start an Anabolic Steroid Cycle, the only way that you’re going to lose fat and build muscle is by busting your ass in the gym, and disciplining your mind in the kitchen.
“Do Steroids Work?”
You better believe they work! However, you would be surprised to find out how little they actually do work, unless you yourself are willing to put in the work as well. I know lots of people who have used steroids, but consistently cheat on their diets and “train” with low to no intensity in the gym. You can’t expect to develop a God-like physique just because you’re jabbing a needle into your ass every few days. If you’re combing your steroid cycle with burger and fries, while sitting on your phone cruising instagram while you “rest” in between sets, then I can guarantee you that steroids WILL NOT WORK for you.
On an obvious note, steroids can also be incredibly dangerous if not taken responsibly. Not to mention, that some of the nasty side effects that one can expect from taking these drugs for a prolonged period of time can become irreversible.
“Why Can’t I Poop Properly?”
As comical as this question may seem, it’s actually a question that I receive all the time from new clients. And it’s also a serious problem for many people. Whether someone is having chronic constipation issues or finds themselves running to the bathroom 10x/day, any type of bowel disease can be incredibly unpleasant and painful to go through.
Now unless the person I’m working with suffers from some form of IBS, is experiencing a chronic digestive disease such as Colitis, or has a IBD issue like Crohn’s disease, diet more often then not, can be the culprit for why the person isn’t pooping properly. Yes, both hemorrhoids and colon cancer can be of concern, and should be checked by your Doctor or Local Health Care Practitioner if you are experiencing symptoms of either. However, in my experience, when working with the general population, once I begin to dissect my clients’ diets, I usually find a few red flags that are cause for concern.
Fortunately these issues are usually quite easy to correct once we begin to clean up the diet. And this is actually one of the many reasons as to why I’m a firm believer in following a clean diet 95% of the time. I don’t implement daily cheat meals into my clients’ nutritional plans, nor have I ever or ever will prescribe an entire cheat day to anyone. I teach my clients to treat their bodies like a luxury car. And to only fuel their bodies “cars” with the absolute best vitamins and nutrients or “fuel”. No processed foods. No trans fats. No added sugars. Limited to No refined carbohydrates. And under no circumstances, NO frying and NO broiling food with butter and/or oils of any kind. Once these ground rules are put into place, then and only then do we start to maniuplate calories and macronutrients in order to build muscle and lose fat.
Taking The Smart Shortcut To Success
Well there you have it. These are just some of the most common questions that I receive from people on a regular basis. There are plenty more out there. Many of which I cover on our new Online Training Platform and Weekly Q&A Video which you can sign up to join through our website (enter shameless plug-in here).
Honestly, there are shortcuts that a person can take when it comes to building muscle, losing fat, and improving their health. But those shortcuts should only be utilized in an educated and intelligent manner. Hire a Professional Trainer/Coach with an established clientele base and who has an excellent reputation to help you get started in the gym. If you are suffering with severe digestive issues, it might be wise to work with a registered Dietician or Nutritionist who has a proven track record for success. Don’t be in a rush to achieve results. The results will come, as long as you continually show up and put in the necessary work.
Yours in Good Health,
Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance