Back to Basics

I don’t know how I came across your name, but somehow I did. I am going to be 40 and have trained all my life in between injuries and family. I am getting back into training after having broken my neck five years ago.

Now, I am about 4 months into it and I find myself wondering what is the best way to train to maximize my physique while running my business and being a father and husband. I have time to train 7 days a week. And I have a quite a personal gym at home to help me get the most family time and when they go to bed I train.

Can you advise me as to what books of yours would be best for me, and do you have any tips? I will say eating has always been a struggle to understand: what amount of protein and carb, etc. to eat a day to assist me getting back into great shape and low bodyfat.

Thank You,
Derek T.S.

My Answer: Well if you're able to train 7 days a week, then that's good. Not that you should train 7 days a week, but it's good that you have the option to train however many days you want.

As far as my books, a good place to start is the beginning: Volume One. It goes over the basics on program design, such as efficient training splits and effective exercise selection to develop the ideal physique. It also reviews diet and has a chapter on 7 strength training strategies for fat loss.

At 40, low to moderate volume done frequently throughout the week is best. Volume One reveals that ideal frequency. If you have issues with diet, then the diet chapter will make your food choices much simpler and clearer for you.