Bullz-Eye.com Fitness Editor Michael Furci, Mike Furci

Mike Furci Columns

Q&A with Mike Furci (07/31/2008)
Sometimes friends give you great advice. Other times...well, not so much. Mike says to ignore people who tell you that you shouldn't weight train until you reach your desired weight. In his latest Q&A, Mike also discusses lightweight exercises, tempo, and the dreaded "man boobs."

Did you know? (07/16/2008)
Did you know that Mike can discuss calves and milk? Calves in your legs and raw milk, that is. He sheds some light on unpasteurized milk, vegetables used as an anti-aphrodisiac, growing your calves, and the link between low testosterone and heart disease.

Q&A with Mike Furci (07/04/2008)
Going the extra mile, Mike restates his theories and techniques to readers who question his earlier Q&A's. Mike reiterates his position that weight training, more so than cardio, is the best way to lose weight, adds detail about high protein diets, and says that genetics often can't be avoided.

"Oh, my aching back!" An interview with Dr. Aliann Young (06/19/2008)
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, but does it have to be? Mike recently discovered the amazing benefits of Active Release Techniques to alleviate his back pain. He chats with Dr. Aliann Young about this hands-on approach that treats the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Did you know? (06/06/2008)
Mike has all the numbers and gives you answers you can count on. He reveals the truth about low-carb, high-fat diets, the high rate of prostate cancer in the U.S., male pattern baldness and the best way to maximize your bench press workout.

Top 11 Tips to Look and Feel Better for the Summer (05/13/2008)
Summer is just around the corner and millions of Americans are looking for the best ways to get in shape for the beach and pool. Mike offers up his Top 11 Tips to Look and Feel Better for the Summer, a list that includes eating organic foods and starting a weight training program.

Fitness myth busters (04/04/2008)
Mythology is great for fans of Greek literature, but not for those looking to build muscle mass and improve their health. Mike debunks common fitness myths about healthy eating and exercise physiology, and challenges you to start with a clean slate.

More About Mike

Mike Furci graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1988 with a Bachelors of Science in Health Education. His curriculum included extensive training in anatomy and physiology, laying the foundation for his future in fitness and sports specific training. He owned and operated Club Olympia Fitness Center in Westlake, Ohio for more than 10 years.

Mike is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) as recognized by the highly acclaimed National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This certification requires continuing education and a four-year degree in a related field. Mike has used his education and knowledge to train athletes in a variety of sports, including golf, football and baseball. He also works with clients participating in triathlons and marathons. His education and expertise allow him to train his clients in accordance with their specific sports or activities as well as for increased fitness and wellness.

Mike is also a competitive bodybuilder and has won several overall titles, including the 1999 Mr. Ohio. He has been bodybuilding for more than 20 years. This experience has also allowed him to train and consult with many aspiring bodybuilders as well as people interested in getting into shape and looking their best.

Mike has appeared on many news stations as a fitness consultant. Mike's qualifications allow him to offer expert information on all aspects of health, fitness and sports specific training.

Send any questions you have to mike@bullz-eye.com.

Mike's Fitness Blog

Courtesy of Bottom Line Fitness

Common ingredients that add major calories to your meals: Men’s Fitness.com posted an interesting article about common ingredients in meals that surprisingly come jammed-packed with calories. DROWNING FOOD IN OIL Yes, it's heart healthy, but also high in calories. Sautéed vegetables only need to be misted with oil—not swimming in it. Buy an empty spray bottle and fill it with olive ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

30-Minute Ab Routine: If you’re having a hard time getting your abs to come in, make sure you’re not passing by the squat rack on your way to the exercise mat to do countless crunches. Squats and deadlifts essentially work your abs just as well (if not more) than standard crunches. If you’re looking ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

Watermelon the new Viagra?: Looking for a natural sex boost, gentlemen? Skip the pills and head straight for the fruit section at your local grocery store, because according to THE HUFFINGTON POST, watermelon is the new Viagra. In watermelons, these include lycopene, beta carotene and the rising star among its phyto-nutrients – citrulline – whose ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

Surprise Muscle Foods: MensFitness.com has low down on some surprise foods that can help you build muscle. MF also fills you in on how to prep the muscle foods, as well as properly cook them. 1. CLAMS Why they're good for you: Clams are loaded with iron and are one of the few meats high ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

Baked Potatoes vs. Sweet Potatoes: How do baked potatoes stack up against their brothers, the sweet potatoes? Cooking light.com pits them head to head. Calories 6 oz. Baked: 189 6 oz. Sweet: 214 Fat Grams 6 oz. Baked: .17 grams 6 oz. Sweet: .19 grams Fiber 6 oz. Baked: 4.2 grams 6 oz. Sweet: 7.1 grams As the article notes, while baked potatoes have less ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

It’s not enough just to have a spotter…: …make sure you have a competent one, too. Here’s a video clip to help encourage your ass to have a partner or spotter who knows what the hell they’re doing. (Thanks to one of our readers, Build Muscle Fast, for sharing the clip). The kid who breaks the fish tank and ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

Hair Triggers: In the Feburary issue of Men’s Health, the mag offers advice to fix four hidden causes of shedding: 1. Sudden Hair Loss The trigger is emotional or physical trauma. The shock can cause telogen effluvium, a condition that makes hair stop growing and fall out. “Imagine going bald overnight,” says Jessie Cheung, ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

Breakfast Pita: Here’s an interesting recipe from Men’s Health for a breakfast pita: 4 white mushrooms, sliced 1 Tbsp chopped onion 1 Tbsp chopped red bell pepper Pinch of ground black pepper 1 egg 1 egg whites ½ small tomato, seeded and chopped 3 Tbsp water or 1% milk 1 whole-wheat pita, halved and toasted ½ avocado, sliced Coat a skillet with ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

Weight Lifting Gone Wrong: Just a small reminder that safety comes first when lifting heavier weights: [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]

Getting to the bottom of high protein intake: In the October issue of Men’s Health, the mag debunks five nutrition myths concerning (among other things) protein intake, potatoes and salt. Among the five, the most interesting was Myth #1: “High protein intake is harmful to your kidneys.” The mag reads: The origin: back in 1983, researchers first discovered that eating ... [Continued at Bottom Line Fitness. Comments?]