Dave Draper’s Musclebuilding Q&A

At 54, I find I can just cope with two intense 45-minute workouts a week. In fact, even with lots of good solid protein (tuna, salmon or sardines two times a day), as well as six-to-eight hours of sleep a night, I still sometimes feel bushed two days after my exercise night. What, if anything, am I doing wrong? Also, should I continually be trying to add to my poundages in all the exercises as I go along, using strict form, of course?

Try training less intensely four times a week — robust, yet more lovable workouts — tough, but not harsh — conditioning, without the max overload. This might be more sensible, valuable and open the door to some intense workouts in the future.

Once you become accustom to the new training style and input, a growing process in itself, you should begin a slow advance on the weight you handle. This can done with the old hit-and-miss technique for the fun and advantage of it.

Form and focus are imperative, but form is often compromised as we get older and injury and limitations rear their ugly heads — new grooves are invented to engage the muscles. Allow the body to move as a unit, a little thrust here and there where fair, and not in isolation. I’m not crazy about the word “strict.” Go with the flow.

There are the ups and downs and limitations common to all of us as the years pile up, but you should do fine.

Consider the value of nutrient-packed carbs and EFAs in your diet. EFAs are your essential fatty acids and nutrient-packed carbs are your living foods — the best of the fruits and vegetables and including nuts and legumes - vital energizers. You might be lacking in B-complex and creatine; I see no red meat…

Bomber Blend pre- and post-workouts and Super Spectrim for the past 30 years have helped, I do not doubt.

Keep a high protein anabolic environment and adopt volume training techniques to condition, detoxify and energize your body. Davedraper.com is full of accessible info about basic routines and basic nutrition — the best form.

If instinct and common sense don’t resolve the problem, might be time to visit a doctor for a check-up… some blood tests. As regular check-up is a real good idea for all of us from time to time.

Carry on the good fight… God’s strength… Dave