LL Cool J writes fitness book to combat steroid rumors, By: Alicia Quarles
NEW YORK — LL Cool J's muscular physique has been a part of his career since he was a young kid rapping in a Kangol.
For years, he's made women swoon and guys envious with his rock hard body, constantly flaunting his toned torso in videos. And even though he's become a seasoned actor, it's not uncommon to see his rippling muscles on the big screen.
Now, he's baring his body once again, but not to show off, but to show others how they can get fit. He's co-authored the new book LL Cool J's Platinum Workout, which divulges the tips and secrets that keep the 39-year-old looking buff.
In a recent interview with the Associated Press, LL Cool J talked about working out, rumors of steroid use, and staying away from edible temptations.
AP: Why did you decide to do the book?
LL: There was a lot of speculation. People were thinking I was doing steroids. People were thinking I was getting plastic surgery. They were thinking I had lipo, a rib removed. All these different questions people had. I felt like the most constructive and positive response that I could make was to put out a book to show people how I did it, how I got in shape, what I did to get in shape and hopefully it will inspire them to do the same thing.
AP: What was your response when people were saying you were on steroids?
LL: My first response was that any time you are successful in life or anytime you do something well it does one of two things for other people: It either motivates them or it shines a light on their flaws and causes them to be very uncomfortable with where they are at, because they know deep down inside they are not maximizing their potential. When you are a person who is not maximizing your potential, it is a lot easier to say, 'They cheated' or 'she cheated' than it is it admit you really haven't lived up to your potential or really made the best out of the opportunities you have been given.
AP: Was there a certain situation when you felt like you were at your breaking point and had to start working out?
LL: I wasn't maximizing my potential. I didn't look as good as I wanted to look. I didn't feel as good as I wanted to feel. It wasn't about taking my shirt off in videos for girls. It wasn't about the video thing. It was about me personally wanting to make the best out of my life. I remember on September 11th I was sitting there eating two pieces of pizza, one on top of the other and I was thinking to myself, "I am going to lose 40 pounds." I had become too burly and too big. It wasn't that I was so flabby or out of shape. At the same time I wasn't where I needed to be. I wanted to make sure I did something about that. So I did.
AP: Who is this book geared toward?
LL: This book is for that average person, that person who feels like it is hard to stay motivated. They want to work out. They want to look great. They want to feel good but they just find it difficult to stay motivated. That is who this book is for. It is a tool that will help you stay motivated. You don't need million-dollar trainer. You don't need a personal chef. You don't need a private jet. You don't need all of the trappings that come along with "success" to handle this workout successfully and achieve your goals.
AP: Are there times when you backslide and start eating junk food?
LL: What I like to do is give myself 10 pounds of leeway. In other words, if I am 210 (pounds) one minute and I am 220 in three months or I am 220 or 225, whatever weight I am maintaining, I am fine with that. That way I can kind of live my life a little normally. I follow the meal plans. I watch what I eat to a certain extent but on the weekends I can get busy and do what I want to do.
AP: Is your whole family on this plan?
LL: I didn't put them on the plan. My kids eat healthy but I still allow them to be kids. My wife eats healthy but at the same time we still eat dessert every now and then and have some fun. It is really a matter of moderation and then we still eat healthy most of the time. The majority of the time I eat healthy ... that way you can live life. No one wants to be miserable. Food is enjoyable too. You just don't want to use it instead of a hug. If you want a hug maybe you should go and get a hug instead of grabbing a biscuit.
AP: Could this book be the first of many lifestyle books for you?
LL: Absolutely. This book is just the beginning. It talks about working out, the mind-set and how to be consistent. There is a lot more to come. My focus right now and my passion is helping people realize they can look as good as they want to look and achieve their goals. It starts from the inside out. Most people think it is the outside in but really you have to get your spirit right and your mind right and this book helps you do that.
