1651
I am a Professional Natural Bodybuilder, Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, ask me anything about health and fitness and I will try my best to answer each of your questions with a video that'll make on the spot. AMA
Link to the playlist of all the 77 answers
list of all the questions + link
Thank you so much for this amazing experience. 77 videos in 1 day later, and I'm still pumped. I never expected such a great response. I'm going to do more videos and video IAMAs in the near future. Love the community vibe we had in the comments. Thank you so much. Chris Here is a thank you video for you
Update #3 UNBELIEVABLE. I hit the sac for a few hours and there are so many amazing questions. Thanks so much for engaging with me and asking questions that will benefit myself and the rest of the health and fitness community. I AM BACK TO ANSWERS QUESTIONS NOW. I am going to start working on answering as many questions via video. I cant belive I have already made 60 videos. In the meantime checkout the other videos. Really excited, thank you Reddit
Update #2 You guys are AWESOME. I cant belive I have already made 60 videos. I'm going to hit the bed and will come back in a few hours to answer more questions, so post your question and in the meantime checkout the other videos. Really excited, thank you Reddit
Update: WOW so many questions, I'm determined to answer them all with a video response. I'm still creating video responses, so feel free to ask your questions. Usually takes 20 min to upload the video and reply to your question. Let's do this.
Here is playlist of the answers so far :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpzlBDtg2zk&list=PLX11E43gB8F--Y3EyV4Fp1vVOOS1skQIX
If you find this valuable please subscribe to my YouTube channel where I'm going to make more of these kind of videos https://www.youtube.com/user/lydreambig
Hi Reddit,
My name is Chris, I am a Professional Natural Bodybuilder, Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, ask me anything about health and fitness and I will try my best to answer. I will reply to each your questions with a specialized video made on the spot. I will post the video link as a reply to your question.
Follow me Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Chrisliveyoungdreambig
Healthy recipes on Instagram http://instagram.com/chris_liveyoungdreambig
My Video Proof :** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ7fXIvcpDI
.A little about myself
I have been competing for the last 4 years as a Natural Bodybuilder and coaching others around nutrition and training since 2011.
This is what I look like today
This is what I looked like last year
This is what i looked like 4 years ago
This was 6 months after I started working out
Stats
Age: 24 Resides: Toronto, Canada Contest Weight: 165lbs Off-Season Weight: 180lbs Height: 5’7 Marital Status: Married
My outlook on health and fitness has changed dramatically since I first started in 2008, going from the TRADITIONAL HARDCORE or nothing mentality to more of a balanced and flexible approach to training and nutrition. Now I can actually live life lol.
Here is some insight :
3-5 years Ago
*Training: 3x a week, ONLY Chest and Arms, 5-10 sets of 10 reps.
*Nutrition: 2 meals a day, fruit in the morning and whatever I wanted for dinner.
*Philosophy: If I miss a meal or workout its ALL OVER, no going out with friends and supplements are drugs.
*Progress Pics http://i.imgur.com/DJ6JwlI.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ZMVSlGR.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ZMVSlGR.jpg
1-2 years Ago
*Training: Each body part 1x/week, Train to failure on all sets, train body parts equally, 20-30 sets 6-12 reps, Cardio 7 days a week 1 hour a day.
*Nutrition: 6 Meals a day, Only Chicken, White Fish, Sweet Potato, Brown Rice, Green Veggies. No counting macro nutrients just the type of food.
*Philosophy: Go hard or go home. If I don't struggle then I havent worked. If I miss a meal or workout I am a failure but keep going until you are PERFECT. I need my supplements at all times, have to bring my food everywhere I go, so tired I could not function after 7pm, didnt care about nothing but bodybuilding.
*Progress Pics http://i.imgur.com/BBoEzOZ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/SNFFHnU.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Mk6Z4p2.jpg http://i.imgur.com/O8MRJbQ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/TJYmj2Q.jpg
Over the last 6 months
*Training : Daily Undulating Periodization Training model, switching between power, hypertrophy and strength workouts during the week, Monday/Wednesday/Friday upper body Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday Lower Body, Cardio 4x a week totally 2.5 hours (mix between HIIT and LISS)
*Nutrition : Flexible Dieting, counting and tracking macronutrients to determine intake, eating any food I want within the macronutrient profile I am following, making and eating healthy alternatives to the food I love , not being bound to eating at certain times and certain types of food, making sure solid amounts of fiber and micronutrient intake.
*Philosophy: Live a balanced life, striving for perfection leads you down the road of failure, you have to give yourself a buffer zone to sustain over the long term, don't let health and fitness dominate my life. Strive for excellence in multiple areas of life.
*Progress Pics http://i.imgur.com/YcHpoMs.jpg http://i.imgur.com/BiE44Lp.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ozC9JnW.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Qm2IRWN.jpg
I want to share what I have learned through my experiences with the health and fitness community so hopefully people can live a more balanced life while still striving towards their health and fitness goals.
That's why I started Live Young Dream Big. To challenge the ideology of Perfection and share through my own life The Less Than Perfect Approach to a balanced life.
To follow my continuous health and fitness Journey connect with me on:
Youtube http://www.youtube.com/lydreambig Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Chrisliveyoungdreambig Instagram http://instagram.com/chris_liveyoungdreambig Twitter https://twitter.com/lydreambig
Website www.liveyoungdreambig.com
AMA about health and fitness and I will try and answer each question with a video.
Tallfire24 karma
What's your view on intermittent fasting?
If you've done it how did you feel and how were your results?
If not, what would be a better alternative to cutting body fat
lydreambig22 karma
cassmtz12 karma
What activities would you suggest a new mother do to get back into the habit of working out? I was relatively fit prepregnancy and want to get back into it.
lydreambig18 karma
Great question. Making the video now and will upload.
Thanks for the question and congrats on the new born
maxpain5110 karma
Hey there. I was wondering if you could shed some light on the whole ectomorph,endomorph, different body type stuff. I've been trying to lose weight now for around six months now and I'm down 32 pounds. I've always been one of those larger kids and my diet was pretty shitty stuff. Now I eat fairly clean except for one day out of the week. However, I noticed I could bust my ass in the gym, really just leave everything in there and eat as clean as a whistle and lose maybe 2 pounds. But if I don't go to the gym for two or three days, and maybe eat fast food twice a week I'll gain four or five pounds. The fucks up with that? Do certain people just gain weight way too easily? Or am I just in a blind carb frenzy where I shove a ridiculous amount of junk food down my meat hole and think it's only twice a week? Thanks buddy.
lydreambig10 karma
Solid question and congrats on the 32 pounds lost thats awesome. Video on the way
lydreambig31 karma
I am really big on the new Kayne Album right now.
In general I listen to hip hop to get me pumped. I use the app 8tracks. Amazing app that lets you pick premade playlists by your mood and tags.
Quotes: What the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve.
This always get me jacked http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsSC2vx7zFQ
Morsakin9 karma
As an individual with hyperthyroidism attempting to bulk-up in a progressive weight-gain fashion, I keep being told to avoid weight gainers (due to the preservatives etc. in the powder); my question to you is this: How the hell am I supposed to eat 5,000 calories a day eating only healthy foods? I work quite a bit during the week, which doesn't allow me to eat every 2 1/2 - 3 hours as I'd like to, so I pretty much stick to a mixture of: 2-3 weight gainer shakes (including a "Hulk" from Smoothie King, if you're familiar), as well as 3-4 regular meals. Any help would be appreciated.
lydreambig6 karma
Video response for your question
Viatus8 karma
What is your view on the whole crossfit program? I personally love it but I'm curious what you think.
lydreambig13 karma
Here is your video response to your question
Indydegrees27 karma
Thanks for doing this AMA!
So I'm a skinny guy, and I want to bulk up without getting fat. Any advice?
lydreambig9 karma
Solid question and video on the way buddy
Here is the video answer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYgk5d-050k&feature=c4-overview&list=UUfiyQKpvgbxjN6Uc5ihDagw
lydreambig7 karma
Here is the video answer buddy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP32qBDnxDk&list=UUfiyQKpvgbxjN6Uc5ihDagw
lydreambig10 karma
Pre and post workout nutrition is a super important topic. Video on the way
lydreambig17 karma
Hi Salinger here is my answer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNJP2HGx_r8
lydreambig3 karma
Here you go Video Response to your question
Bstpitch3 karma
Wish I could upvote this AMA into the record books! Answers with a video. Too cool
Bstpitch3 karma
Awesome AMA! I'm 5'11, 230lbs.... Guessing 20% fat... Pretty solid muscle base. Decent strength. Bench 1RM 345, dead lift 225 for reps.... If I could get on a quality/realistic cut I would look good. Any advice for people bringing my body type down to 12% or so? Eat clean, eat clean, eat clean. Duh. Carbs are my weakness. How easily can carbs set me back, etc?
lydreambig1 karma
ZergPan3 karma
Where do you train in Toronto? And do you know good any good places? The only good place I found is fitness365 but its like 3 hours away. I'm ok with my current gym(YMCA) but I would prefer something better and cheaper.
lydreambig5 karma
I usually train at Goodlife Fitness for the pure convenience. With so many locations I go train no matter where i am.
Thats the kicker here. Make it as easy as possible to accomplish your health and fitness goals.
Take a look at Goodlife or something close to home/work
lydreambig2 karma
Here is my video response to your questions.
fyi82 karma
So basically I look like Snooki. The fat version. Strangers even tell me. What I want is to look like snooki NOW. So u have an idea of how tall I am, Im 5"2. What do I need to do. Ive gained so much weight this year im at 145. Super depressed about it. What confuses me... and my family is... I eat really well. Dont junk too much and eat a ton of good veggies and fruits.
What should I do... im starting to not fit in anything. Please please please help.
foreskinface2 karma
Pasting my questions from /r/bodybuilding . Those 4 years definitely show, 'mirin hard and congrats on the hard work! My questions are:
What does your routine look like? How does your offseason training compare to your contest prep?
Any broscience or gym myth you personally believe or just happen to enjoy hearing it?
I've heard from many sources, lots of it from this sub, that 'natural' bodybuilding competitions have a bad rep because even those guys cycle on the juice. What are your thoughts on this and do you think there's a way to change the stigma?
:D
lydreambig3 karma
Here is the video response to Broscience myth
lydreambig2 karma
Great questions and thanks for the compliments.
I will answer each individually with a video
lydreambig2 karma
Here you go video response to offseason vs contest prep routine
lydreambig2 karma
Video Response to Steroid use and natural bodybuilding
Bears-Beets2 karma
Hey Chris,
do you mind posting your specific workout plan? I know you practice DUP and looks like you go 6 days a week, but I'd be interested in details, exercises, sets, reps, and weight!
Thanks in advance.
lydreambig2 karma
Sorry Bears-Beets do to the respect of my DUP mentor and creator of the program Dr.Mike Zourdos, that would not be a cool thing to do as he charges clients for specific programs.
lydreambig2 karma
I hear this alot and the negative perception of what if only does the mind bad.
Focus on the positive and the great benefits associated with sticking through with health and fitness.
If you focus on at least being active 2-3 times a week over the next xx amount of years I would not be worried about getting fat
JB522 karma
How did you get over the mindset of having to count every calorie you eat and just be able to enjoy meals out with family and/or friends? I'm bulking now but have a sensitive stomach due to a stomach disease called gastroparesis. This makes me very paranoid to what I eat because if I eat something that doesn't agree with my stomach I feel like crap and can't eat much for the rest of the day if it's breakfast or lunch, or the next one if the meal is dinner. I'd like to be able to just go out to places and not constantly think about how many calories I might be eating and how much I'll have left over for the rest of the day. I'm not trying to be a bodybuilder or anything, just looking to get to a healthy weight and be in good shape and decently strong.
lydreambig2 karma
Video response to your question.
LiftThingsUpThenDown2 karma
You mentioned training power and strength as well as hypertrophy. What are your maxes on the big 3?
Also, I'm a power lifter who has some aesthetic goals as well. I've been playing around with the idea of tossing out the conventional V in favor of becoming as door shaped mofo just because I've got a wicked contrarian streak. How would you suggest programming for that?
lydreambig5 karma
Hey Man loading is taking a long time so I though I would answer via text.
Bench 340 Squat 475 Deadlift 455
I put tons of effort into building them over the last year with solid results using the undulating model of training.
Suggesting a program for become a door shaped mofo is a tough call man. I think its more complex then a specific program. But from a training perspective focusing on width building exercises like lat pull down etc. you should get that barn door growing.
superbuttblast2 karma
Just wanted to let you know, I'm totally mirin. Thanks for doing this AMA.
What are your favorite stretching exercises to help fix squat and dead lift form?
SordidCanary2 karma
As an overwieght 19 year old male what are simple diet and exercise routines that will help me shed body fat?
lydreambig1 karma
ArcanusFluxer2 karma
I am so glad you are here! I have really been stuck and confused on my chest exercises!
I have been working out for a while now and my arms are bigger and defined. but my chest is still flat with no improvement. When I do flys and presses for my chest, I do not feel anything in my chest, only my arms get tired. Does this mean I'm not really working my chest? How can I build some bulk on my chest?
lydreambig2 karma
Here is my video answer to your question.
SansGray2 karma
What are the best exercises a guy can do who just started working out and who doesn't have any equipment?
Erthern2 karma
I was wondering; what does it really take to be a personal trainer? And if it's a lot if work
friendly_pete1 karma
I had a motorbike accident in Thailand last year, since then while training shoulders and chest I get a very dull ache down my left arm (from the shoulder to the elbow). Do you have any tips on how I can work my shoulders without too much pain?
lydreambig1 karma
Here is my reply :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWxdd6sy-jk
Thanks pete
lydreambig2 karma
No problem best of luck recovering. Keep the end goal in mind buddy you will get there
bionicnipple1 karma
G'day Chris, thanks for doing this. I just started getting back into lifting after a few years off. I'm eating right and getting sufficient protein while going to the gym M-W-F. To get some muscle packed on, any great starting tips that you wish someone would have told you years ago?
lydreambig1 karma
No problem glad to chat with the others passionate about health and fitness. Video in the queue and uploading.
Thanks
lydreambig1 karma
Update #2 You guys are AWESOME. I cant belive I have already made 60 videos. I'm going to hit the bed and will come back in a few hours to answer more questions, so post your question and in the meantime checkout the other videos. Really excited, thank you Reddit
Watch the playlist here : http://goo.gl/uGWTM
Or a list of all the questions with links to the videos http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1hc0m3/i_am_a_professional_natural_bodybuilder_personal/casuytk
See you in a few hours.
r3nny1 karma
Is it bad for my joints if I do cardio every day? When I work out, I run somewhere between 4-5 miles.
HashtagWhoa1 karma
What qualifies as all natural? What can and can't you take?
Do protein supplements really work? And what type of supplements (Pre, Post, Intra, creatine, AA's, etc) do you really suggest that are worth the money on a rather low budget?
Do you have a routine that you usually do, and/or what routine would you suggest to build muscle for a college aged student who has some experience but has been out of it for awhile and trying to will his way back into shape?
I appreciate your time. I've always been interested in picking the brains of those who truly are proven to know what they are doing.
lydreambig1 karma
Great Questions Hashtagwhoa.
I am answering individually because they are valuable stuff for others to learn.
In the queue for uploading.
Thanks
lydreambig1 karma
Here you go. Do Protein supps work and what are the core supps to take on a budget. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1gzaE32N2k
Here you go What qualifies as all natural? What can and can't you take? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnC5UWQJN3A
lydreambig374 karma
Answers so far :
YouTube playlist of the answers http://goo.gl/uGWTM
Is it bad for my joints if I do cardio every day? When I work out, I run somewhere between 4-5 miles ? Video Answer
Do protein supplements really work? And what type of supplements (Pre, Post, Intra, creatine, AA's, etc) do you really suggest that are worth the money on a rather low budget? Video Answer
Out of Shape and where to start* Video Answer
What qualifies as natural bodybuilding Video Answer
Shoulder pain and how to workout Video Answer
How to pack on muscle and training Video Answer
Post pregnancy and how to start working out again Video Answer
I take a pretty intense class at the gym 4 times a week, and even though I eat breakfast before I go, I'm always starving afterwards. Can you suggest what I should eat before and after? I'm also in a racquetball league, but we play in the afternoons, not mornings, and I don't have this problem after racquetball. Video Answer
Hey there. I was wondering if you could shed some light on the whole ectomorph,endomorph, different body type stuff. I've been trying to lose weight now for around six months now and I'm down 32 pounds. I've always been one of those larger kids and my diet was pretty shitty stuff. Now I eat fairly clean except for one day out of the week. However, I noticed I could bust my ass in the gym, really just leave everything in there and eat as clean as a whistle and lose maybe 2 pounds. But if I don't go to the gym for two or three days, and maybe eat fast food twice a week I'll gain four or five pounds. The fucks up with that? Do certain people just gain weight way too easily? Or am I just in a blind carb frenzy where I shove a ridiculous amount of junk food down my meat hole and think it's only twice a week? Thanks buddy. Video Answer
Insanity workout problem good or bad? Video Answer
Bulking without getting fat Video Answer
Peak Week for Bodybuilding Show Video Answer
How to get muscle definition and carnivor protein powder Video Answer
Putting on weight and weight gainers Video Answer
What Exercises to do when starting, without equipment Video Answer
Cutting Carbs and Fat loss Video Answer
19 YEARS OLD and over weight where to start for working out Video Answer
Is it bad for my joints if I do cardio every day? When I work out, I run somewhere between 4-5 miles ? Video Answer
Do protein supplements really work? And what type of supplements (Pre, Post, Intra, creatine, AA's, etc) do you really suggest that are worth the money on a rather low budget? Video Answer
Out of Shape and where to start* Video Answer
What qualifies as natural bodybuilding Video Answer
Shoulder pain and how to workout Video Answer
How to pack on muscle and training Video Answer
Post pregnancy and how to start working out again Video Answer
I take a pretty intense class at the gym 4 times a week, and even though I eat breakfast before I go, I'm always starving afterwards. Can you suggest what I should eat before and after? I'm also in a racquetball league, but we play in the afternoons, not mornings, and I don't have this problem after racquetball. Video Answer
Hey there. I was wondering if you could shed some light on the whole ectomorph,endomorph, different body type stuff. I've been trying to lose weight now for around six months now and I'm down 32 pounds. I've always been one of those larger kids and my diet was pretty shitty stuff. Now I eat fairly clean except for one day out of the week. However, I noticed I could bust my ass in the gym, really just leave everything in there and eat as clean as a whistle and lose maybe 2 pounds. But if I don't go to the gym for two or three days, and maybe eat fast food twice a week I'll gain four or five pounds. The fucks up with that? Do certain people just gain weight way too easily? Or am I just in a blind carb frenzy where I shove a ridiculous amount of junk food down my meat hole and think it's only twice a week? Thanks buddy. Video Answer
Insanity workout problem good or bad? Video Answer
Bulking without getting fat Video Answer
Peak Week for Bodybuilding Show Video Answer
How to get muscle definition and carnivor protein powder Video Answer
Putting on weight and weight gainers Video Answer
What Exercises to do when starting, without equipment Video Answer
Cutting Carbs and Fat loss Video Answer
19 YEARS OLD and over weight where to start for working out Video Answer
Fitting in workouts with busy schedule Video Response
Top Foods to eat when cutting Video Response
Lagging Calve muscles and making them grow Video Response
Bulking routine for putting on Muscle Video Response
Get down to 10% body fat Video Response
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I look like the old Snooki but want to look like the new Snooki Video Response
Stretch marks and loosing weight Video Response
How to Lower Body Fat Video Response
Used to swim competitively and now put on weight Video Response
Can't gain weight and no energy Video Response
I cant eat 5000 calories. Do I have to drink weight gainers? Video Response
Gain muscle and loose fat Video Response
Does intermittent fasting work Video Response
Health and fitness and when you push it too far Video Response
Does the blood type diet work Video Response
How fast should I lift weights Video Response
Fitness Changed My Life (Motivational) Video Response
Protein Allergies and Substitutes to gain muscle Video Response
No more counting calories and diet Video Response
Paleo Lifestyle does it work? Video Response
How to Build Your chest Video Responses
Stretching for squats and deadlifts Video Response
Are steroids good or bad? Video Response
What it takes to be a personal trainer Video Response
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Natural Bodybuilding and offseason vs contest pre routines Video Response
Steroid use and Natural Bodybuilding Video Response
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Importance of Cardio Video Response
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Bro science and catabolic after 3 hours of no food Video Response
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