any of y'all into working out?

[Slava]

Post about how it works if you don't mind. I liked having the boost and wouldn't mind trying one without the caffeine. I used it in the afternoon and by bedtime I felt tired, so I thought that I was fine.

[BergyBoy]

Originally Posted by ranchlandsselling

I'd guess the coloured drinks are more likely to be something with electrolytes in them or something like creatine but can't really say that with much confidence.


I'm looking for two new workouts.

Usually do chest / back one day
Shoulders / Arms another day
and legs on a third day

Would like to keep the days the same but need new workouts for the first two.

Chest and back day usually consists of:

Flat bench / Pull ups
Incline dumbbell / chin ups
Decline bench / dumbbell row
pushups / pullovers

They are supersets as I'm trying to get out of the gym in 40. Usually doing between 12-8 reps on each exercise, starting in the upper range and dropping as I tire.

Hey I just started a new workout with these splits that you were looking for. Try it out, it's so far so good.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/frea...&utm_campaign=

[Discoste]

Originally Posted by Drak

There's no caffeine on the label of the stuff I ordered.

My 2 cents/rant for Pre-WO:

BCAA are definitely recommended if you are training fasted. eg. first thing in the morning.

Pure BCAAs are pretty nasty - definitely need some flavoring
NutriForce Sports:Natural Amino is probably the cleanest Pre-WO.
Scivation Xtend is decent as well - has some artificial additives

Manufacturers put in "extras" in pre-workout due to the “pins and needles” (side-effect of Beta-Alanine) or a "pump" sensation. Not an indication of efficacy.

Keep creatine and beta-alanine to post-workout - works under saturation, NOT acute dosing.

One thing I didn't really see mentioned too much in this thread is the importance of SLEEP. We all want the easy route to recovery (supplements), but it can't replace sleep for recovery.

[t0rrent98]

I'm currently using Pep Test (Sour Patch Flavor) from ManSports as a Pre workout. Going to be ordering a different kind of flavor soon along with their amino stuff.

I don't drink anything during my actual workouts just plain water but I may buy some Amino stuff with my Preworkout stuff when my Pep Test is almost done.

[Neeper]

I was using beta alanine pre-workout, but I really don't like the itchy feeling it gives me, so I have stopped using it. I prefer caffeine. I really like Scivation Xtend for my BCAA.

I did my first power lift meet a couple months ago and it was awesome. I am totally hooked. I scored a 302 Wilks. My next goals are to be able to squat 300, DL 350 and bench 200 @ 130 lbs, which would give me a 334 Wilks. (I'm short).

Any of you guys powerlift?

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Drak

No sleep sucks. I was working out in the evening and was experiencing that sans caffeine. Too much stuff running around and adrenalizing my body I assumed.

Here's the label of the stuff I bought
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00J...ilpage_o00_s00

That looks like a recovery drink.

MusclePharm engineered Amino 1 to be THE ultimate recovery and hydration sports drink that tastes amazing. Specially formulated for all athletes, quick-absorbing Amino 1 brings stamina, hydration, muscle building and in-workout recovery in “1″ comprehensive formula. Amino 1 gives you power and supplies free form amino acids, instantized BCAAs, and a complete electrolyte balance. Amino 1 is intended to be your all day recovery and hydration drink that allows you to bathe your body in BCAAs.

[Pontine]

If you decide to buy supplements, I'd recommend avoiding GNC if you can as they're a huge ripoff even with their member "savings." Popeyes usually has sales, so I'd recommend subscribing to their e-mails as I usually stock up when they have them. Bodybuilding.com can still be good if you buy in bulk to spread out the shipping costs, and they have a lot of BOGO deals.

If you're just starting out, I would focus on improving nutrition first instead of spending money on supplements, which could get expensive very quickly.

Reading online and talking to others, the only supplements you really need especially when starting out should be protein, creatine and BCAAs. Buy creatine monohydrate instead of the brand name stuff with all the fillers. I bought a tub with 300+ servings for $25, and I still haven't finished it. It's flavourless and I just mix it with water after my workouts.

As for protein, avoid the cheap stuff that you buy at walmart or superstore, as the quality stuff mixes much better, good flavours and they're less likely to upset your stomach. Just make sure the majority of your protein still comes from food.

Pre-workout is usually expensive, so I only stock up when they're on sale, but you probably don't need it and may be able to get away with an afternoon coffee if you need a kick. Pre usually has to get cycled off because your body begins to build resistance to the stimulants. If you find that you're having trouble sleeping, maybe adjust the dosage to half of what they recommend on the label.

[Neeper]

I like getting my stuff from Vitamart.ca. They're up in Edmonton and offer free shipping over $50, which isn't hard to do. I stock up on Musclepharm from Costco when it goes on sale for about $45 a tub. I mix it with unsweetened almond milk. It tastes awesome!

[Discoste]

Originally Posted by blankall

That looks like a recovery drink.

Most BCAAs formulations are marketed as recovery and post-workout. I would still use them for pre-workout.

[brocoli]

So i'm looking for a meal replacement shake. I was doing Shakeology, but I just can't stand the taste and It didn't seem to fill me up like some others. I usually like to have one for breakfast as I'm really bad early in the morning. Anyone have one that they prefer? Taste does matter as well as making me feel full to start the day as I have a tendancy to snack if I don't.

[Discoste]

Originally Posted by Neeper

I like getting my stuff from Vitamart.ca. They're up in Edmonton and offer free shipping over $50, which isn't hard to do. I stock up on Musclepharm from Costco when it goes on sale for about $45 a tub. I mix it with unsweetened almond milk. It tastes awesome!

+1 for Costco. Couple times a year they have the Whey Isolate on sale for $45 for 2kg. I haven't seen whey isolate for cheaper than that.

Just got my first order from these guys.
http://www.canadianprotein.com/
No marketing, no BS. Just do your own research on the products you want.

[t0rrent98]

Anybody try doing the 100 squat challenge? minimal rest like 10-15 secs. Take as long as you need to do all 100 reps. Once you place the bar on the rack, its over.

My coworker showed me it and it just kills me. I tried it for the very first time last week with 90 lbs and failed, only did like 60 reps maybe not even as my lunges just couldn't take it anymore for some reason.

Did it yesterday with a lowered weight at 75lbs and managed to finish it but the last couple were killer. Ended up pacing myself with a 20, 20, 15, 15, 10, 10, 10. Should have paced myself last week instead of going all out at the start. I may up the weight a bit next week and try 80lbs.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Discoste

+1 for Costco. Couple times a year they have the Whey Isolate on sale for $45 for 2kg. I haven't seen whey isolate for cheaper than that.

Just got my first order from these guys.
http://www.canadianprotein.com/
No marketing, no BS. Just do your own research on the products you want.

I order from Canadian Protein as well, and basically just order 2 bags at once for the free shipping. I also have ordered the BCAAs from them (capsules). I have found the shakes really good and I think its a really good value in general for what you get.

[Drak]

Originally Posted by blankall

That looks like a recovery drink.

Prolly should have researched better.

Edit: on re-read it says taken before, during after workout. Provides energy etc.

[t0rrent98]

I have to get this off my chest, I have a buddy who says his legs are big enough and thinks he doesn't need to do legs what would you all say to that? I think it's a total joke as he's just avoiding having to do Legs and just work on his upper body.

Goes 3 days a week and none of that has anything to do with legs. He usually goes with another friend of his and both don't do legs at all because their legs are big enough apparently.

My buddy is probably 5'8 and probs weighs just over 200 some pounds and his friend is pushing 250 but is at least over 6 foot tall. He's taller than me for sure and I'm 6 foot.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by t0rrent98

I have to get this off my chest, I have a buddy who says his legs are big enough and thinks he doesn't need to do legs what would you all say to that? I think it's a total joke as he's just avoiding having to do Legs and just work on his upper body.

Goes 3 days a week and none of that has anything to do with legs. He usually goes with another friend of his and both don't do legs at all because their legs are big enough apparently.

My buddy is probably 5'8 and probs weighs just over 200 some pounds and his friend is pushing 250 but is at least over 6 foot tall. He's taller than me for sure and I'm 6 foot.

If he's already involved in another activity with a ton of legs, he might have a point. For example, if he plays rugby twice a week. It also really depends on his body composition. 5'8'' and 200lbs is very stocky. If he is already stacked and just wants to make some glam muscles pop out for aesthetics he may have a point.

However, if he is a chubby 200lbs, I'd definitely suggest throwing the legs in. Legs are going to increase your overall androgen levels and help you build muscle everywhere. Developing and using the large leg muscles will also burn a ton of calories. A lot of people who think they have big legs just store their fat more in their legs. Everyone stores fat differently.

[t0rrent98]

Originally Posted by blankall

If he's already involved in another activity with a ton of legs, he might have a point. For example, if he plays rugby twice a week. It also really depends on his body composition. 5'8'' and 200lbs is very stocky. If he is already stacked and just wants to make some glam muscles pop out for aesthetics he may have a point.

However, if he is a chubby 200lbs, I'd definitely suggest throwing the legs in. Legs are going to increase your overall androgen levels and help you build muscle everywhere. Developing and using the large leg muscles will also burn a ton of calories. A lot of people who think they have big legs just store their fat more in their legs. Everyone stores fat differently.

Ahh, that is good to know and no he doesn't do much sport activities.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Drak

Prolly should have researched better.

Edit: on re-read it says taken before, during after workout. Provides energy etc.

My issue is just with the immediacy before a workout that you need to take in protein and BCAA supplements and whether they have any efficacy as a "pre-workout".

BCAA are just a category of amino-acids that we get from our regular foods. This particular category of amino acids has been proven to increase muscle recovery, which makes sense as they are a key component in our muscle tissues.

However, BCAA intake does not help athletic performance:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18974721

Also, amino acid and protein metabolism does not work the same way as sugar metabolism. They don't enter our blood stream and metabolic processes as quickly. When you workout you also substantially shut downs your digestive processes.

In my opinion a lot of this "pre-workout" stuff is just a marketing gimic by the supplement companies. The scientific literature supports the use of BCAA intake as a recovery tool, but it doesn't state that you need to take it immediately before a workout. The only way to take it immediately before a workout is to take a relatively expensive "pre-workout" shake. There's been a jump between the scientific research and what supplement producers are marketing.

[AcGold]

I find the pre workout supplements entirely unnecessary. Had massive gains and I'm in the double bodyweight or higher lifting group. There are much better options imo, shilajit (85+ minerals) and cordyceps (adrenalin support for strenuous exercise) for example. I would wager those two are just as efficacious, are real ie not synthetics and are cheaper. I think the reasonable time to take those synthetic supplements is when you're a pro athlete and need to get from 6 to 5% bodyfat.

[t0rrent98]

When I first started going to the gym, I was never told about taking pre workout supplements like the Man Sports stuff I'm taking now. All I took back than was creatine and that was it.

Not sure why I decided to get into taking these supplements stuff now but its probably due to that fact that its been hyped up by fitness people who are decently well recognized around the world and that I probably got suckered into taking it.