Weight Training and Supplements

[BBeach]

Ive been doing this here and there trying various proteins as well as all the free samples my friend has been getting and was wondering if any of you have had good/bad experience with any particular ones or what have you found to work best. I've tried everything from muscle milk to generic gnc protein and a couple in between and have seen various results. Just recently though I've started taking muscletech protein with the mega mens vitamin as well as cellmass which is a creatine by BSN. Seems like a good combo and I try not to look at it as far as $1 a shake (about what it comes out to), I just think of it as a healthy alternative thats like a milkshake I could just buy at mickey D's. In any case, anyone have any recommendations as to what works and what to stay away from?

 

[riverfever]

I recommend more pork in your diet. Doesn't really matter if it's bacon or Oscar Mayers just get it in your system in large quantities. Personally...I like mine with an angioplasty.

 

[Sting25]

I like the Lambrada proteins V60 and the leanmass one, I like the taste of these. I use Cytosport when I am bulking. I like the taste of muscle milk but don’t need all the added stuff. I have been using CEE powder tastes like S#$T BUT ITS CHEEP . Then I take animal paks and Fish oil and Niacin...And I eat All the time

 

[Jeep914x4]

Do some research on creatine and protein shakes. They make your liver work pretty hard. Protein shakes are like drinking sand mixed in with water/milk. Creatine shouldn't be used long term.

I would say eat healthy and take your vitamins. If you eat well you don't have to supliment your diet with shakes. Eat fish, read meat and make sure you are getting enough protein. Eat something within an hour after you workout. That's when your body needs it the most.

Yogurt is another thing. It's great for breakfast and will actually help your immune system be stronger. Eat 6 small meals instead of 3 larger ones. Lots of fruit and drink plenty of water.

Another important thing is to stretch. In between sets, and after you workout. Make sure and take days off to let your muscles heal. When you workout hard you're basically breaking down your muscles. That's why you get sore. When your body rebuilds them they come back stronger. If you don't let your body rebuild it won't get any stronger. Rest days are key.

You can workout every day but alternate routines. Chest, tris, and shoulders one day. Then back, bi's, abs. Then do legs the next day. Always change your workout. Variety is a good thing. Don't always do chest on mondays or start with the bench every time. Change it up.

 

[Sting25]

X2 on eat right first...And Cycle your creatine I do 5 weeks on 3 weeks off and have regular blood work done..

Eating correctly is most important then wieghts then rest/sleep then suppliments..

 

[BBeach]

Yeah I've got the working out down pretty good, I try to make it to the gym at school every night. As far as eating, I wish I could do 5-6 smaller meals but I'm limited because of the meal plans here that are required not to mention they dont have the healtiest things here either. I've always worried about the effects on my liver and such but I should be getting my blood test in June so it should work out for me to see if there's something wrong.

 

[Sting25]

for meal 2 and 4 try eating something like Raw almonds and raisons..you don’t need a huge amount just a little boost..Maybe a protein bar if you think your short for the day..

 

[Ben H]

What about this stuff called Endothil-CR? Anyone use this stuff? Pros/Cons?

 

[Sting25]

there are lots of mixed reviews on it..I have not tried it..

You try and let us know!

But I think if your going to try random things you might as well take some Pro hormones at leaste you know they work......and mess with your liver.....

 

[Fergie]

Ahhh...supplements...for those that can't cut it on their own.

 

[yardape]

Do some research on creatine and protein shakes. They make your liver work pretty hard. Protein shakes are like drinking sand mixed in with water/milk. Creatine shouldn't be used long term.

I would say eat healthy and take your vitamins. If you eat well you don't have to supliment your diet with shakes. Eat fish, read meat and make sure you are getting enough protein. Eat something within an hour after you workout. That's when your body needs it the most.

Yogurt is another thing. It's great for breakfast and will actually help your immune system be stronger. Eat 6 small meals instead of 3 larger ones. Lots of fruit and drink plenty of water.

Another important thing is to stretch. In between sets, and after you workout. Make sure and take days off to let your muscles heal. When you workout hard you're basically breaking down your muscles. That's why you get sore. When your body rebuilds them they come back stronger. If you don't let your body rebuild it won't get any stronger. Rest days are key.

You can workout every day but alternate routines. Chest, tris, and shoulders one day. Then back, bi's, abs. Then do legs the next day. Always change your workout. Variety is a good thing. Don't always do chest on mondays or start with the bench every time. Change it up.

Ditto: I worked on a project with an Orthopedic Surgeon/Sports Medicine guy some time ago but don't remember all of the specifics. What I do remember is how he went on and on about the long term dangers of using some of those substances as mentioned above. The other issue is that these substances are unregulated so who knows what's really in them. As far as I'm concerned, there is no substitute for a healthy diet and exercise,.... been doing it all of my adult 54 year old life and as a result look better than most guys a decade and more younger.

 

[BBeach]

for meal 2 and 4 try eating something like Raw almonds and raisons..you don’t need a huge amount just a little boost..Maybe a protein bar if you think your short for the day..

I guess taking a protein shake could count then, and I usually get small grinder/sub to go from school. The only problem I've been having is not focusing so much on cardio but rather strength training. I've ran with my friend who's decent at track and can beat him in the 40, but anything after that im panting like a dog in heat. :smsoap:

 

[BBeach]

Also, where do you guys get your stuff. I only buy stuff on sale and usually go for the buy one get one half off in addition to the 20% off at GNC, it works out to be a decent deal but my friend always gets his stuff on bodybuilding.com or something.

 

[Sting25]

DPSNutrition.net
Saveonsuppliments.Com

Both ship fast with good prices

 

[Sting25]

Yes a protien shake counts as a meal...

I guess taking a protein shake could count then, and I usually get small grinder/sub to go from school. The only problem I've been having is not focusing so much on cardio but rather strength training. I've ran with my friend who's decent at track and can beat him in the 40, but anything after that im panting like a dog in heat. :smsoap:

 

[bjoehandley]

Good info guys, thanks!

 

[EricsXJ]

I'm not into supplements, but have tried lots, from amino acids, to creatine, to "Muscle Milk" type shakes. I've been working out since the 80's with a pretty long 'vacation' in the 90's. Currently I take zero supplements and am stronger than I have ever been. I think the key is a good diet, as mentioned earlier, and your routine. I lift 5 days a week for about an hour a day. But consistency is the key, meaning getting to the gym (not the sequence of the workout). You can't work out one week and skip the next and expect to make gains.

By the way, I stopped taking supplements when I started getting stomach pains from the creatine and I wasn't even taking a lot of it. If I was to go back to supplements, it would be aminos and thats it!

 

[Bdiddy11]

Go natural? Ever seen the special on TLC called " The man who's arms exploded" ? Small little fellow named Greg Valentino who sits 5'5" from New York. Had small man's syndrome which later turned into 'bigorexa' as the Dr. called it. Went natural at first... was always self concious about how he looked. Even though he was huge especially for his size, it wasn't sufficient. So... he started on the juice... Got to the point where his biceps measured 26"-28"...Got to the point where the performance enhancer made his arm go kapoot! And... pretty much exploded. I believe it was a hematura he developed in his arm.. he tried draining it with a syringe for 20 minutes... his bathroom looked like a murder scene with all the blood. He ended up going to have emergency surgery....Oh yeah, he holds the world record for biggest arms..

Not saying this will happen to you... but the stuff that crap can do to your body isn't worth being able to be beefier or look more toned or whatever you want it to do for you. Try adjusting your diet and working out more...

Before...


After...

 

[Sting25]

LOL I watched that, not so cool for sure. Steroids or "Juice" is a long way away from Protien, Creatine, and amino acids.......

Go natural? Ever seen the special on TLC called " The man who's arms exploded" ? Small little fellow named Greg Valentino who sits 5'5" from New York. Had small man's syndrome which later turned into 'bigorexa' as the Dr. called it. Went natural at first... was always self concious about how he looked. Even though he was huge especially for his size, it wasn't sufficient. So... he started on the juice... Got to the point where his biceps measured 26"-28"...Got to the point where the performance enhancer made his arm go kapoot! And... pretty much exploded. I believe it was a hematura he developed in his arm.. he tried draining it with a syringe for 20 minutes... his bathroom looked like a murder scene with all the blood. He ended up going to have emergency surgery....Oh yeah, he holds the world record for biggest arms..

Not saying this will happen to you... but the stuff that crap can do to your body isn't worth being able to be beefier or look more toned or whatever you want it to do for you. Try adjusting your diet and working out more...

Before...


After...

 

[bjoehandley]

LOL I watched that, not so cool for sure. Steroids or "Juice" is a long way away from Protien, Creatine, and amino acids.......

Yea, and that stuff he was using was even 1 step above steroids IIRC..............