Help! My Nipples Are Moving Across My Chest

Sam, I've been working on my chest very hard, but I've noticed something odd. When I look at other pecs for inspiration, I notice their nipples are somewhat centered. And when I look at my own, I notice that mine are pretty low and almost pointing to the left and right. Am I doing something wrong? Is this genetic? My upper chest is growing very well but as it grows my nipples seem to be heading southeast and southwest.
Help! —Chad

It's probably very comforting and reassuring to all of my female readers that females aren't the only ones who worry about this issue. It affects us guys too!

I have two theories as to what could be happening to you.

The first is skin displacement. In other words, when you work your chest muscles hard, (which causes growth) the skin can shift and stretch to accomodate the new growth, thereby causing what appears to be "nipple displacement."

Also, the prominence of nipple placement on the chest crosses a wide spectrum, depending on genetics. Nipples can be inverted toward the center of the chest, or, they can be positioned outward toward the outer edges of the chest.

Your problem was actually addressed by the great, late bodybuilder Steve Reeves. Steve said that a problem such as yours could be helped by only doing incline chest exercises to correct saggy, fatty lower pecs. To follow Steve's solution, you'd want to perform incline barbell bench presses, incline flyes and incline dumbbell presses, which all will help to develop the upper area of your pecs along the clavicles. This will help lift the entire chest and give your lower chest a more defined appearance.

Remember, genetics are a factor. You can only work within your genetic map. It's possible to optimize your given potential, but you cannot change it completely. I hope this helps. —Sam

The Best Joint Supplements

Hey Sam. I've noticed as I've entered my mid-to-late 30's that I've been having more problems with my joints. I'm wondering, in your opinion, what are the best supplements to help with this? --Kevin, Los Angeles

I'm not a huge supplement fan, but occasionally products make it into the marketplace which seem to help. When it comes to joint health, there are a few products which you may want to consider:

**Glucosamine

**Chondroitin

**MSM capusules

There are some other supplements which aren't as "widely known" for joint health, including alfalfa capsules, and one product called "Amino Sculpt" which contains a bevy of amino acids and also collagen which is known for joint health and connective tissue.

Other folks swear by the Ecoflow magnetized bracelets, which are worn on the wrist. Many people claim great relief with joint pain.

Again, very few of these supplements have had the rigorous, science-backed, double-blind placebo testing necessary for them to be considered widely by the medical establishment. When considering any supplement, it is vital to check with your doctor first, and also ask your doctor and pharmacist about any side effects that the supplements could cause with any medication you're currently taking.

Why You Should Train Your Legs

Sam, I hate to train legs. I know I should, but I really don't care. I already have decent leg size. I'm more concerned about my upper body and how that looks. Can you tell me why I should give a rat's ass about training legs? --Nick, San Diego

The reason you should care is that your legs are the base of ALL of your lifting. Think about building your body in terms of building a house. Your legs are the foundation. Strong legs will give you the strength and stability you need to build the rest of your body.

Working legs also helps to release a great deal of testosterone into your bloodstream, because they're the largest muscles in your body. This is a major anabolic hormone, meaning it causes muscle growth (hypertrophy).

This indirectly helps increase your upper body strength and size. If you don't work your legs, you're actually short changing yourself when it comes to your "beach body" or upper body progress.

Weve all seen guys with a huge, muscular upper body and thin chicken legs. And that physique, in my opinion, just doesn't look right. Because it's not symmetrical. Symmetry is beauty. If you want to create a beautiful, well-balanced physique, then leg training is essential.