Rick Scarpulla, the creator of The Ultimate Athlete Training Program, is a highly sought-after and renowned strength, speed and conditioning coach who works in developing top high school, college and professional athletes and programs throughout North America. You can follow him on Facebook and on Twitter.
Rick Scarpulla
Is Crossfit a Good Way to Get Into Summer Shape? — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
"Is Crossfit a good way to train to get into summer shape?" - Derek, 24, Cincinnati
Light Weight, High Reps or Heavy Weight, Low Reps — Which’s Better? — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
"Is it better to use light weight for high reps or heavy weight for low reps?" -- Tyrone, 23, Wichita
‘Is It Better to Do Cardio Before or After Lifting Weights?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
I've read articles stating cardio should be done before weights but some people swear it should be done after. Which is correct? -- Telly, 24, Nevada
In my opinion, too many people take a candy ass approach to training and that is why we have gyms full of men who lift like girls...
‘Is P90X Better Than the Gym?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
A couple of my friends swear by the P90X program. Is it worth trying or is it better to go to a gym? -- Tim, 28, Pottsville, PA
P90X and programs like it are good all around fitness programs and are fine if you are just looking to get "into shape" so to speak...
‘How Do I Train Like an MMA Fighter?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
Every MMA fighter is in sick shape! Is it possible to train and be as strong as an MMA fighter and skip the part where I've got to get my brain's punched in by another guy? -- Dave, 23, Iowa
‘Should I Hire a Personal Trainer?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
Are you for or against working with a personal trainer? Is there anything I should look for in a personal trainer if I decide to hire one? -- Farley, 22, Scottsdale, AZ
‘Are Ab Exercises the Most Effective Way to Lose My Gut?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
I spend a good amount of time in the gym doing crunches and ab work. Are abdominal exercises the most effective way to lose my extra gut? It doesn't seem to be working -- Brian, 21, Austin, TX
‘How Do I Maximize My Limited Gym Time?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
Because of work and family I'm getting to the gym at most 2 or 3 times a week. What is the most efficient way to train if I don’t have much time to get to the gym. -- Tyler, 29, El Paso
‘Am I Wasting My Time Working Out on Machines?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
"I've heard free weights are best but is there any benefit to using machines?" -- Todd, 23, NYC
‘Why Can’t I Get Any Stronger?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
I feel like I've hit a plateau in all of my lifting -- especially my bench press. I can't get past certain weights and I've tried everything. Is it possible that I just can't get any stronger? -- Tim, 23, Fresno, California
Everyone, regardless of age or gender, can ALWAYS get stronger...
‘Do I Have to Work Out My Legs?’ — Ask Coach Rick Scarpulla
I hate to work legs. I find it so boring. Do I really have to?