Muscle man Paul Haslam is an Australian representative body builder and fitness and personal training instructor. Want to ensure you're working hard and smart? Send Paul an email. He'll spot you, no worries.

I live in a small apartment. What are the three best pieces of equipment for me to invest in to build muscle and what sort of exercises should I be doing? GET THE ANSWER

If I’m trying to bulk up, when are the best times of day to drink a protein shake? GET THE ANSWER

My wife calls me “skinny man” – I’m 185 centimetres tall and weigh only 77 kilograms. What’s the best dumbbell workout to help me gain upper-body strength? Also, should I use protein shakes? GET THE ANSWER

I’ve just become a dad. I was hitting the gym four times a week, doing two muscle groups per session. I now only have time to go twice. What’s my best plan of attack to limit my losses? GET THE ANSWER

I’ve been going to the gym for a year but my arms are still scrawny. Any tips? GET THE ANSWER

Should I do a specific number of repetitions or just crank out as many as I can? GET THE ANSWER

I made a New Year’s resolution to be able to do three sets of 10 overhand chin-ups. I can barely do one set of eight! How do I achieve my goal? GET THE ANSWER

I run my own business and lack time to exercise. How can I get in and out of the gym faster? GET THE ANSWER

I’m probably going to need an ankle reconstruction, so I’ll be laid up for 6-8 weeks post-op. I’m worried that a few weeks off my feet might put my training back by months. What exercises can I do while I’m on crutches? GET THE ANSWER

Do isometric exercises work? And if so, how? GET THE ANSWER

I have been training now for about five months and seem to have hit a plateau where I can’t increase my weights and struggle to do all the sets and reps. What do you recommend? GET THE ANSWER

I'm 19 years old and 171 centimetres tall. Over the past six months, I've reduced my weight and body fat percentage drastically (74kg down to 61kg). I currently train five days a week but have to cut back due to study. What is the best way to maintain the lean body I've developed? GET THE ANSWER

I can't afford a gym membership so I'm working out at home with a set of dumbbells. Given that I don't have a chin-up bar available, what exercises can I do to help build my lateral and pectoral muscles? GET THE ANSWER