Questions – 3/2/2012

TJ
Do you drink? Ever since I started my mission of packing on lean muscle and getting ripped I haven't been able to bring myself to do it.
2 March 2012

Tyler - In the past I would drink almost every weekend..hell I even drank before some of my shoots in NYC...I would party at the clubs all night then shoot the next day..very ignorant.  It wasn't until I linked up with Hany that I changed my whole perspective of training and nutrition.  I've only drank maybe 4-5 times in the past 6  months.  That being said I think you can still let loose at least once a month and still make all the gains you want.  You have to remember you only live once and take it from me you will go crazy if you just live like a hermit and don't go out and enjoy yourself every once in a while.

Jason
Tyler, im a bit concerned, i feel like sometimes my lower chest gets bloated or soft, but then other times my chest looks flat and toned... does this have to do with sodium manipulation or bloating of some sort? It's as if my i've gained fat in my lower chest nipple area temporarily. Im not sure if it's a sign of gaining fat. Im currently 15%bf, 175, 5,9, eating failry clean, but trying to put on mass. My diet has consited of alot of whole wheat pasta lately.
2 March 2012

Tyler - It sounds like water retention.  At this point you shouldn't worry about sodium but maybe try switching out your carb source from the pasta to something else...rice or potato.  Maybe add in some cardio to a few times a week. Even though your putting on size right now it's still important to do some cardio because ideally you should stay around 10-12% when trying to add mass.

Jamie
Are you doing morning cardio now cuz your trying to lean out even more, i.e. cut? You'll burn fat faster by doing morning cardio, right?
2 March 2012

Tyler - Yep your correct

Nolan
Me and some friends are arguing about the benefit of doing 'half reps' or partials like you do in some of your workouts. They're all hardcore oldschool lifters and think that if someone doesn't getting a full ROM then they're not trying hard enough. I think they're good to do at the end of sets or even a full set because it keeps constant tension on the muscle and saves joints as aposed to locking out on every rep. thoughts?
1 March 2012

Tyler - I believe they serve a purpose as an advanced technique to further muscle failure.  I don't ever do a full set of partials but towards the end of something like a hammer strength press once I can't get full reps anymore I'll add in 3-4 partials.  That being said I never lockout..always keep a slight bend in all of my joints.  check out my chest/bicep video I did in FEB I did partials in that along with my Back video from FEB

Baker
I see in your nutrition log you always take took scoops of protein, why is that?
29 February 2012

Tyler - Take took? not sure what your trying to say but whey protein is one of the fastest digesting proteins and I've consistently taken it every since I started working out when I was 18

Luke
hey tyler, Im 6'2" and 205 and trying to lose the spair tire, around 8 pounds. I was wondering how much cardio do you do, when do you perform it, and what type of cardio?
29 February 2012

Tyler - Right now I'm doing 4 days on one day off of empty stomach cardio for 45 minutes on an incline treadmill walk. steady state low intensity is the type.

Vic
Hi Tyler, i am starting to see results just like you said, But i am still Skinny ( 6"2 and i weigh 76Kg (Age 27)) i do drink whey Protein and eat very healthy, My goal is to get a 6pack and i can see it in correct lighting, but i need it to grow bigger so it stands out much more, i do crunches on a ball, heel taps, plank, side crunches, and the Ab wheel every other day. i see my muscles taking shape, but i stay skinny.
29 February 2012

Tyler - I sent over your questions to fill out yesterday. looking forward to working with you!

Dan
I trained solidly for a year then had to take a year and a half off from training. Do you have any advice for starting back training after so long out
28 February 2012

Tyler - Start off slow and progressively up the intensity.  Don't get discouraged and take each day as a day to improve.  Stay dedicated and you will get where you want to be.

Randall
I have a couple questions. In your post about pre and post workout nutrition you say that you cycle your carbs post workout. What influences whether its going to be a carb day or no carb day, what muscle group you work that day? Also whats ur current body fat percent?
28 February 2012

Tyler - On muscle groups I'm trying to bring up is when I'll have more carbs.  Not sure what my current body fat is I never get it checked.