Ask Joe Weider

Tip of the Week: Over the years, I've often been asked whether one should begin a workout with cardio or weight training. The bike or the barbell? My answer is that there isn't one "right" answer to this question, only options for each person's fitness objectives.

Of the many bodybuilders I've known, very few have performed any appreciable amount of aerobic activity prior to a weight-training session. Many opt for 10-15 minutes on the stationary bicycle as a way of raising their core temperature, thus ensuring a more productive workout. Any longer could zap the energy they need for their weight sessions.

I do realize that the typical gym-goer is at least as interested in losing weight as in gaining muscle, however. In this case, I would say that doing cardio before working out is fine, just so long as you don't go for more than 45 minutes or so. This way you can get your metabolism percolating without drawing too much energy for the workout to follow.

Q: My 81-year-old grandmother doesn't move the way she used to just a couple of years ago, and I was wondering if you thought it would be OK if I got her some light dumbbells and maybe some resistance bands to get the blood flowing?

Joe: Let me start by saying I think it's wonderful that you want to take an active role in getting your grandmother moving again. I wish more young people would get involved with the older generation, of which I happen to be a member.

While I do think what you're trying to do is terrific, I must urge you to first speak with your grandmother's physician and caregiver before helping her begin an exercise routine. As we age, the maladies begin to pile up, many of which can be exacerbated by exercise. Even something so simple as curling a 2-pound dumbbell could lead to a pulled ligament.

Should your grandmother get a clean bill of health, though, I absolutely think you should encourage her to begin an exercise routine.

Remember to start very simply and with very low resistance. If you're using bands, start with the thinnest one available and have her do partial movements, slowly increasing the range of motion with successive workouts. If it's dumbbells, begin with 2 pounds. For her lower body, simply take her out on a walk to start and then get a feel for what kind of resistance, if any, her back and legs might be able to endure.

Remember, your grandmother is like a fragile piece of art — treat her with love and care, and her beauty will shine anew.

Q: How do I get my wife to exercise with me? She just doesn't seem very interested in joining a gym with me, but I would like it if we did some form of exercise together.

Joe: You say your wife isn't interested in joining a gym, but do you know if she's interested in another form of exercise? Exercise can take many forms, and one that's appealing for one person might not be for another.

As hard to understand as it may be for you or me, many people are not enthused by the idea of going into a gym for an hour or two a day. For them, the outdoors is the place to get fit. For others, it might be the pool or even rowing in a kayak on the ocean. Just as we all have different body types, hair color and food preferences, each of us gravitates to their own preferred form of exercise.

My advice to you is to simply ask your wife which form would appeal to her. If it's running, go out shopping for a new pair of running shoes for her and for yourself, then join her on her runs. Or maybe it's rock climbing or bicycling. Whatever it is, find out and suggest you do it together. Of course, she could just prefer to exercise alone. I've known many people who want that, too. But the most important thing is to communicate with her and learn of her needs.

Joe Weider is acclaimed as "the father of modern bodybuilding" and the founder of the world's leading fitness magazines, including Shape, Muscle and Fitness, Men's Fitness, Fit Pregnancy, Hers, Golf for Seniors and others published worldwide in over 20 languages.To find out more about Joe Weider, write to him and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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