Someone has been telling me about a program that is far better than regular workouts. They call it SuperSlow created by Ken Hutchins. They are saying that exercises should be done extremely slow. That you only have to do one set and only once a week and they get better results. This doesn't sound right to me. Can you tell me anything about this SuperSlow? I haven't found any information on it.

The only time I would ever suggest this type of workout is in the first few weeks of training, to possibly teach technique. However, even this scenario is far down on the list of training options. Superslow is contraindicated for certain populations, such as those with high blood pressure and joint conditions. It is absolutely not enough volume to provide hypertrophy or strength gains in the long run, and is only effective in short term studies. Furthermore, even though it did moderately increase strength levels in the first four weeks of the study, bigger gains were made using a standard, periodized approach.

I have an athlete who is going to start training for a marathon and she wants my assistance. Are there any benefits to weight training for this sport, (realizing lower weight is desired), or just running, (including interval training with hills)? How about nutritionally? Any information or references would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Several studies have concluded that heavy weight training has no detrimental effect on endurance performance. This means that weight training is actually beneficial when preparing the body for the tremendous pounding of a marathon because it can strengthen joints, bones, muscles and tendons, and will not harm the athlete's aerobic performance. In addition to this, it will preserve muscle mass to some extent during the training. This makes for much better overall health and physical appearance.......The difference between the use of interval training and continuous training is not very pronounced. It appears that they BOTH have their place in endurance training. I recommend that BOTH are included, but constant speed training should be the focus. Interval training should be done with repeated bouts of exercise lasting from 1-2 minutes at an intensity a little higher than normal race pace. Then the athlete walks for 10 to 15 seconds and does it again......... The general nutrition rules for aerobic athletes are a slightly greater amount of carbs, and a slightly lower amount of protein than the normal strength athlete's diet. You should also read up on carbo loading. That will be key the week before the race.

You have posted answers as to the use of Andro on young men. I would like to know if there are any benefits for men over fifty years old. And if so, what would they be?

Most of the studies done on andro and DHEA have been on young men. Few studies have been done using men over 50. However, the one study I have seen used a group of men between 40 and 60 and showed that neither androstenedione nor DHEA increased testosterone. It is pretty safe to assume that andro does not work in increasing testosterone in anyone under the age of 60. The age group of 60+ is unstudied as far as I know.

What recommended strengthening exercises could be performed to improve symptoms of patellar tendonitis? I would recommend leg extension, leg curl, and flexibility and then move on to sport specific drills after inflammation and pain had subsided. Feedback is appreciated, also injury is not severe, just aggravated by sport.

If you are SURE that it is patellar tendonitis, then the client should not be doing ANY weight training that involves the quadriceps. This is an overuse injury that just becomes worse with more use. The client should go see a doctor for treatment, and will probably be asked to cut back on the training that involves the quadriceps. Once the pain and inflammation have gone away, the physician will likely recommend that the athlete begin training gradually, watching for signs and symptoms of the problem returning.