ON LINE CONVERSATIONS WITH DAN WHITTAKER

REFLECTION OF MUSCLE AND SHAPE 

- AT MARINA FITNESS CENTER -

YOU CAN BUILD MUSCLE 
AT ANY AGE!

ROBBY ROBINSON - BICEPS CURLS - MARINA FITNESS, LA 2009

DIARY OF THE BLACK PRINCE

I LOVE BRILLIANCE. SOMEONE THAT SPEAKS WITH A CORE. A PERSON THAT HAS SELF STRENGTH AND VISION. 

AFTER READING DR. DANIEL WHITTAKER'S FIRST E-MAIL - IT WAS A HIGH. ALL THAT I HAD BEEN EXPERIMENTING SINCE RETIRING FROM BODYBUILDING WITH EFFORT THROUGH INTENSE WORKOUTS. 

IT’S VERY IMPORTANT 
TO UNDERSTAND 

THE GREAT IMPORTANCE

STRENGTH, SUPPLEMENTATION, HYDRATION AND EXERCISE PLAY SUCH A HUGE ROLE IN CONTINUED MUSCLE AND STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT AS YOU AGE. 

AT 63, MY CUP IS RUNNING OVER WITH ENTHUSIASM, VIBRANCY, ENERGY. I'M MORE DRIVEN NOW THAN I’VE EVER BEEN. 

THERE’S NO FEELING LIKE BEING 

STRONG, MUSCULAR AND HEALTHY

WITHOUT HIGH QUALITY DAILY EATING HABITS, NOTHING HAPPENS IN THE MUSCLE DEPARTMENT. 

I’M SURE ALL OF YOU WILL ENJOY THE ON-LINE RAP. READING HIS EMAILS WILL ENCOURAGE YOU TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE, NUTRITION PLAYS IN REACHING YOUR GOAL OF BUILDING MUSCLE.

PEACE , ROBBY.

DR. DANIEL WHITTAKER - ROBBY ROBINSON'S ONLINE CONSULTATIONS' CLIENT 

DAN WHITTAKER -

Hi Robby, 

I've been a fan of your physique since the early days. I grew up in Santa Monica and was doing teen natural bodybuilding in the 70s when there was no such thing. I drew inspiration from only a few bodybuilders, you among them. 

After 8 years in the service and years of all manner of other adventures in my life, always with bodybuilding, health, and vitality as a passion, I am now finishing a degree in Exercise Science and Bioscience at Cal State LA, with the intention of continuing on to do research and education on strategies for preventing the factors we associate with aging... through specific exercise and nutrition approaches, including supplementation. 

You are already ahead of the game, Robby. 

Awesome, as always! 

I was talking to someone about the best physiques I had ever seen and which still inspire me when I train, and of course you came up. I just found your website and am thrilled to see where you are today! What you have to say about health, exercise, focus, motivation, aging... it is all right on target. I strongly believe that intense, progressive, varied, training, coupled with optimal nutrition and supplementation, and topped off with optimal recovery and positive living, benefit us, all the way down to our DNA. 

I hope that I will be able to share some useful things with you as I start to organize what is known about reversing the trends usually associated with aging, over the next months of reviewing what has been shown to be useful in the research. Sorry to go on so long. 

Can't wait to see your videos. I never have gotten in shape to compete, other than power lifting and arm wrestling in Japan in the mid 80s. But I am working toward attainment of the best health and shape in my life and am just this moment starting again on building a more incredible physique, and I know your videos will contribute to giving my mind the best kind of pump! 

Sincerely, Daniel Whittaker 

Age 42 - 5' 8" 

Last (before starting back on my degree) in 2005: 200 pounds, 13% BF 

Currently 190, 15% BF 

Onward and Upward!

*****************************************

DAN - 

THANKS FOR THE GREAT E-MAIL. 

YOUR INPUT WAS APPRECIATED. 

CONGRATULATION ON RECEIVING YOUR DEGREE. CREDENTIALS ARE INVALUABLE.

IF YOU NEED HELP GETTING IN YOUR BEST SHAPE EVER GO TO MY ON-LINE STORE

CHECK OUR OPTION. THE DVDS ARE HOT AND HELPFUL WITH SHOWING TRAINING APPROACH.

AFTER RETIRING FROM BODY BUILDING IN 2001, MY 6 MONTH PHYSICAL EXAM SHOW MY OWN DNA WAS AT ALARMING LOW LEVELS. MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AT THE V.A, HOSPITAL IN L.A. WERE CONCERNED AND BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION, BUT DIDN'T TELLING ME WHAT I NEEDED DO TO REVERE THE SITUATION. 

AS YOU SAY, 

IT COMES RIGHT DOWN TO OUR DNA, 

THAT'S A TRUE FACT. 

WE HAVE A SMALL TEAM HERE WORKING ON THE MISSION TO INFORM. OUR CLOSE ASSOCIATE IS WORKING ANOTHER IMPORTANT ANGLE OF REVERSING WHAT WE'VE DONE IN A MECHANICAL SENSE.

I WOULD LIKE TO POST YOUR E-MAIL AS A BLOG. FANS AND BODYBUILDERS AND ATHLETES ALL OVER THE WORLD NEED TO HEAR THIS VALUABLE PIECE OF INFORMATION.

ROBBY

************************************************

Robby,

In advance, I apologize for writing so much again... it must be the excitement...

From the initial readings I have done, the DNA does seem to be a consideration. DNA has a natural tail that protects it from degradation as it reproduces (keeping our cells young and healthy) and that tail can get worn down. 

It was once believed that this was a major limitation of age: once the tail is worn down, the DNA is damaged and no good any more. So they thought that there was this sort of gradual depletion of DNA. However, if I read the newer material right, and I have just glanced over it and won't get back to it until next week after exams, this has been shown not to be the case. In fact, we know there is a mechanism wherein the DNA tail is lengthened.

Another consideration is that DNA can be damaged or reproduce incorrectly and this DNA is hopefully destroyed, allowing correct copies to proliferate.

One thing I am interested in uncovering is how we can enhance this lengthening and healthy proliferation. There are many unread articles that seem to go into this and I am eager to get to the bottom of it. I feel certain that if we optimally support the systems that perform these functions, they will do their job more fervently.

I am hoping to show clearly how we can enhance our natural longevity through this art of bodybuilding. 
I do also want to be sure that I can show the clinical / academic support for my theories. As I said, I believe very strongly in line with what you have said on your site about 
   TRAINING 
+ NUTRITION 
+ SUPPLEMENTATION 
+ POSITIVE MINDSET AND LIVING 
-------------------------------------------------
= GREATER HEALTH, VITALITY, 
   QUALITY OF LIFE AND LONGEVITY

Everything I have learned as a trainer, consultant, bodybuilder, researcher, and now student indicate to me that we are right. As an aside, in 2005 I was brought on as a Wellness Consultant to a group (CFEL.ORG) who are all over 50-60 and who have a 20 year business plan. They came to me to improve their health and longevity. One had just had stints put in his heart. Working with his physician, we got him on a new diet, a gradually progressive training program, and some top supplements. Last I saw him, he was roller blading and training with resistance bands in Central Park, NY.

Some time, I would be interested in knowing (confidentially) what you have heard from the physician who did your tests, what tests they did, what your tests indicated, what they feel may have been the cause, and what approaches you have learned about to address issues which came up. I know that your situation is very unusual, having been an elite Bodybuilder for so long, but what you are seeing would indicate the very limits to which someone has gone, and when you demonstrate improvement ... then that shows promise for everyone.

I will definitely share everything useful and promising that I learn about this topic with you. My ideal is, 

1. first: reinforcing health (prevention); 
2. second: promotion of optimal states; 
3. and finally but not least: mitigation of unhealthy states.

Are you doing Myofascial restoration as well? That sounds great...I am jealous! I may look into that as well. I have lingering issues from my time in the service and other life experiences, which I have addressed with self-myofascial release techniques.

Be Well Robby,

Daniel

P.S....

FYI...I have this on my desk to look in to:

There are theoretical reasons to believe that CHOLINE might have beneficial properties for DNA synthesis. The notion stems from its function as a METHYL DONOR. Methyl units are essential for RNA and DNA REPLICAION — a process ongoing in every cell of the body. The theory goes like this: Diets lacking sufficient methyl donors (such as choline) may cause an error in RNA or DNA synthesis, leading to a mutations which are targeted for destruction. However, we are not yet sure if choline supplements will have any effect in an adequate diet.

**************************

Hi Robby,

I know you, like myself, love to eat whole organic foods.

I happened to work in International Food Security as an instructor of Complete Diet Small Scale Organic Food Growing. At one time I also grew much of my own food on my own property and later at the Ecology Action research farm, as well as working with farmers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Russia, Mexico, etc. I had the opportunity to grow and eat some of the most amazing foods, and I thought you might be interested in a few of them. I will tell you about two right now.

Both of these are available in bulk or prepackaged at co-ops. I don't know if you have ever used either.

Since they are whole and unprocessed (unlike oats for instance) they provide more of natures natural unmeasured free energy. Something overlooked but an essential difference between even minimally processed food and whole food...this is in addition to the undisturbed enzymes, vitamins and nutrients in whole foods.

1) One is QUINOA.

This is a very nutrient dense grain like food that cooks like rice. However it is NOT a grass like all the other grains we eat. It grows beautifully and is easy to thresh. We would also get a soap from the grains after threshing them!

It is Carb rich with some protein, and packed with other nutrients as well.

Per 1/2 cup cooked:

• Protein 4g
• Carbs 20g
• Fat 2g
• Fiber 2.6g

It can be used like rice but has a nutty taste... 

I like to use it for this cold meal on the go:

Quinoa Tabouli

• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 Cup Quinoa
• 1 Cucumber, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 Ripe Tomatoes, diced
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 4 tablespoons parsley
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper

Bring 2 cups water to boil in a pot.

Heat teaspoon of oil and sauté quinoa until shiny and smelling nutty.

Add quinoa to boiling water, cover, reduce heat, simmer low for 15-20 minutes, until done.

Keep covered and allow to cool.

Stir together lemon, oil, herbs, and add vegetables, then stir into quinoa.

Salt and Pepper to taste. (add young green vegetables like baby kale fot more of a salad and more powerful nutrients!

Add your chosen lean protein to make it a complete meal!

2) The second is Amaranth

This is also a very nutrient dense grain like food that is NOT a grass, it cooks much like oats and is porridge like when done. It is also beautiful to grow and grows very quickly.

Per 1/2 cup cooked:

• Protein 5g
• Carbs 23g
• Fat 2g
• Fiber 2.6g

I prefer to cook this as a porridge in the morning. I cook it slow and longer, then near the time I will eat it I add freshly ground almond or cashew with a little flax, adding water and cinnamon to make it creamy, add essential oils, some walnut for more omega 3s, and with some fresh peach or nectarine.... cook slow and longer than recommended for a nice congee, but add more liquid to make it the texture you like. I even cook a large barch and put it in the fridge, add boiling water the next morning for instant power porridge!

--------------

Both of these will give you a very nice energy, and as they are new to your body, you will find the body responds very nicely to them...a result of new enzymes and proteins. They both have a very nice protein matrix.

Just wanted to share those!

Cheers!

Daniel

*********************************

DAN - 

GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU. 

I TOO GREW UP GROWING AND EATING FOOD, FRESH FROM OUR ORGANIC FARM AND GARDEN INCLUDING THE FRESH MEAT, CHICKEN, AND FISH. WILL POST YOUR BLOG THIS WEEK. WILL GIVE QUINOA TRY. 

I'M A HUGE FAN ON FARM FRESH EATING. 
THERE ARE 3 FARMER MKTS EVERY WEEK -WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY IN SANTA MONICA / VENICE .THIS IS WHERE I BUY MY FOOD FOR THE WEEK. 

WILL CLOSE, HAVE A GREAT DAY.

PEACE , ROBBY

****************************************

Robby,

I didn't know you grew up growing food! I grew up in Santa Monica in the 70s-80s and even then, the farmers market on 2nd street was important to the family. Of course, now farmers markets are much more important!

Venice / Santa Monica is certainly a great place for having access to fresh organic food!

I just starting to increase the intensity of my training and the body is responding nicely. Somewhere, I recall you said one of your favorite movements for back thickness was the T-bar... 

I love T-Bars. 

Putting the plates on the bar and grabbing the handles brought me right back to that feeling of Golds, 1980. Pulling out reps slow and intentional and feeling the whole body working hard. I love it!

Be Well!

Daniel

********************************************

Hi Robby,

I would like to ask you a question.

• Do you know if there was proposed to be any connection between your steroid use and the low DNA count? 
• Did the attending physician comment on this at all? 
• Was it just a "normal" reading for being 63? 
• Do you have any deeper insights on this?

Any insight into this would be very helpful to me, as I am trying to formulate a research focus and I have a few unanswered questions that I want to address.

Understand, there is a researcher at USC who is looking in to various methods for rehabilitation (to build muscle, strength and function) of the elderly. One method they are looking at is the combination of Testosterone and resistance training. I wonder if there are long term adverse effects at the cell or DNA level...

I wonder why they don't just pursue resistance training plus diet and supplementation! I think that will be my line of investigation. Someone needs to investigate this right!

My friend Old Navy, at 67 one of the Top Pro Lifetime - Natural Bodybuilders is on a mass building progression right now and is using a supplement stack similar to what you advocate. For 3 years, he has been competing at 138 or so, and because he has done so many competitions these last 3 years, he has had very little time to gain more mass. He is a very lean 161 right now and climbing. His last competitions will be in 2010. He is now a judge and promoter of shows...and I hope he will always train!

Anyway, Old Navy is having no trouble putting on muscle mass, and we know there is no trouble regardless of age from research already done.

Plus, the intense training when older is beneficial in many more ways:

You produce 50% more satellite cells (like stem cells) that the body can use for repair throughout the body, including for building muscle.

By training, you also increase the health and life of cells, particularly in the heart, by making them much more resistant to free radical damage!

OK, too much writing again!

If you are able to answer my question and provide any information and insight that you can, It would help me incredibly.

Thank you Robby!

**********************************************

DAN - 

AFTER 27 YEARS OF STEROID USE, 

I'M CONVINCED THAT THE STEROIDS CAUSED SOME DNA DEGENERATION. 

MY VA HEALTH CARE PROVIDER MADE A POINT OF BRINGING IT TO MY ATTENTION SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION... 

MY FIRST UPON MY RETIRING IN 2001. MY VA HEALTH CARE PROVIDER NEVER GAVE ME ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO BRING THOSE LEVELS BACK TO NORMAL. 

IN THE 4 YEARS SINCE THAT, MY BODY AND MIND ARE FRESH VIBRANT, ENERGETIC AND FULL OF OPTIMISM. 

FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS I USED JARROW FORMULA PRODUCTS ALONG WITH 8 MEALS AS A COMPETITIVE BODYBUILDER.

I ALWAYS USED THE 90 DAY TRAINING COUNTDOWN WHENEVER COMPETING. 

AFTER A COMPETITION I WOULD USE NATURAL ANABOLIC - RAW HERBAL FORMULAS WHICH KEPT MY HORMONES IN BALANCE: 

• RAW MILK THISTLE AND 
• DANDELION 

FOR HEALING AND CLEANSING THE BODY. I MIXED MY OWN HERBAL FORMULAS. 

THEN I RETIRED AND BEGAN A MORE REGIMENTED PROGRAM WITH JARROW'S ALONG WITH NATURAL BODYBUILDING TO REBUILD MY BODY TO 205 lb.

WE TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU,:

DIET AND SUPPLEMENTATION 
IS KING FOR BIG MUSCLE!

I'M STRONGER NOW 

THAN WHEN I WAS ON STEROIDS

IT HAS TAKEN ME 9 YEARS TO REACH THIS LEVEL OF MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT NEVER BEFORE ACHIEVED BY ANYONE. MY RECENT VA PHYSICAL EXAM AMAZED THE DR. AND THE NURSES. HEART, LIVER, KIDNEYS, OXYGEN LEVEL, BLOOD PRESSURE, CHOLESTEROL WERE EXCELLENT. 

THAT'S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT. 

NOTHING BEATS GREAT HEALTH !

PEACE, ROBBY

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