weightlifting, gym rats, bodybuilders,

[mikegiuliana]

Anyone here use Creatine Powder? I've been using it for the past few months and it's been a Godsend i have been able to increase my weight bit-by-bit with out compromising the movement or amount of reps and over this summer i've seen the biggest improvements ever....maybe it's cos i'm 19 going on 20....so does anyone use it?

Creatine ha sbeen around for about 15 years.. I remember when it became mainstream in the early 90's.. Creatine is found in red meat just to let you know... I have used several different creatines over the years, monoydrate from twinlab, cell mass from bsn, cell tech from muscle tech and none of them have ever helped me in any way. The only supplements that have ever helped me really is whey protein and l-glutamine, n bcaa's..

For me creatine is like throwing money out the window.. I think 10 percent of people have no gains with it...

A buddy of mine just started using a BSN product which you use before a workout called No Explode (i use it as well) and he has blown up, or should I say his muscles look a bit fuller.. That is like a pre workout creatine and besides an energy boost it gives me nothing, no strength or good pump (well better then my own natural one)

So ifit works use it because it can add mass... Just watch out for water retention which is what it basically does..

ideal training would be good protein source before a workout alone with a simple sugar, then intense training then a post workout shake very similar to restore glycogen// About 8 hours of sleep at night.. Bodybuilding is very touigh and sucks for people who work hard like mysekf.. I have a really good build but the sleep part is holdinhg me back a bit..

[Hammy]

Anyone here use Creatine Powder? I've been using it for the past few months and it's been a Godsend i have been able to increase my weight bit-by-bit with out compromising the movement or amount of reps and over this summer i've seen the biggest improvements ever....maybe it's cos i'm 19 going on 20....so does anyone use it?

Creatine ha sbeen around for about 15 years.. I remember when it became mainstream in the early 90's.. Creatine is found in red meat just to let you know... I have used several different creatines over the years, monoydrate from twinlab, cell mass from bsn, cell tech from muscle tech and none of them have ever helped me in any way. The only supplements that have ever helped me really is whey protein and l-glutamine, n bcaa's..

For me creatine is like throwing money out the window.. I think 10 percent of people have no gains with it...

A buddy of mine just started using a BSN product which you use before a workout called No Explode (i use it as well) and he has blown up, or should I say his muscles look a bit fuller.. That is like a pre workout creatine and besides an energy boost it gives me nothing, no strength or good pump (well better then my own natural one)

So ifit works use it because it can add mass... Just watch out for water retention which is what it basically does..

ideal training would be good protein source before a workout alone with a simple sugar, then intense training then a post workout shake very similar to restore glycogen// About 8 hours of sleep at night.. Bodybuilding is very touigh and sucks for people who work hard like mysekf.. I have a really good build but the sleep part is holdinhg me back a bit..

It just gives me an extra boost really i'm definately not into the bodybuilding dieting or stuff...

Creatine is fairly expensive thankfully i don't have to pay for it

It's Pure Creatine Monohydrate Hardcore Formula....which means very little to me, i go to the Gym with my Dad he's 59 and still going strong and he just teaches me everything he knows, he buys the stuff, it works for me so i have no complaints, i did not expect much but it's been great

[mikegiuliana]

I have switched up my hand grip on biceps.. What a difference the biceps are hit so much harder forcing you to drop weight.. Instead of the thumb over keep it under with all the other fingers.. What a pump n burn.. I had always did this with forearms..

I have finally found my perfect back workout..

Pullups

deadlifts

one arm dumbell rows

low pully rows

Love that one, it makes my back so sore.. Hyperextensions are done with abs for me..

[Surfrider]

I have switched up my hand grip on biceps.. What a difference the biceps are hit so much harder forcing you to drop weight.. Instead of the thumb over keep it under with all the other fingers.. What a pump n burn.. I had always did this with forearms..

I have finally found my perfect back workout..

Pullups

deadlifts

one arm dumbell rows

low pully rows

Love that one, it makes my back so sore.. Hyperextensions are done with abs for me..

Do you also use straps when you do your pullups?  I have found that they have the same effect that placing your thumb under the bar does with curls.  It takes your forearms out of the workout and focuses on the back (or biceps).

Do you do your back workout in that order?

I prefer to start with deadlifts (although I must admit, I am going lighter on these than I used to).  I then go to pullups.  Your workout looks pretty similar to my backworkout.  The only thing I do differently is that I add another pull, rather than two rows.  I have found that I only need one row, where I get a lot of benefit out of doing close grip pull-ups. 

[Surfrider]

Anyone here use Creatine Powder? I've been using it for the past few months and it's been a Godsend i have been able to increase my weight bit-by-bit with out compromising the movement or amount of reps and over this summer i've seen the biggest improvements ever....maybe it's cos i'm 19 going on 20....so does anyone use it?

I used it a lot in high school and college.  I am sure they have better stuff now.  I found that it had a huge effect on me.  I always got an instant boost the few weeks after I started using it.  I am not sure I would actually advise using it though.  I am not sure of the side effects it may have.  It is sure not worth the risk to be stronger now for health risks down the road.  Protein and vitamins should be sufficient to get in really good shape.

[Hammy]

Anyone here use Creatine Powder? I've been using it for the past few months and it's been a Godsend i have been able to increase my weight bit-by-bit with out compromising the movement or amount of reps and over this summer i've seen the biggest improvements ever....maybe it's cos i'm 19 going on 20....so does anyone use it?

I used it a lot in high school and college.? I am sure they have better stuff now.? I found that it had a huge effect on me.? I always got an instant boost the few weeks after I started using it.? I am not sure I would actually advise using it though.? I am not sure of the side effects it may have.? It is sure not worth the risk to be stronger now for health risks down the road.? Protein and vitamins should be sufficient to get in really good shape.

I heard using it too much can effect liver and kidneys or something, but controlled use is okay/safe enough, like i said i let my dad handle things, he's like my coach, i have 100% faith in him and know he would not give me anything harmful, he's like anti-drugs, smoking, steroids etc. so im not too worried.? It's more like an energy thing i find, at points in the workout where i would normally of been too exhausted too push the weight i get that extra boost.

[Surfrider]

Anyone here use Creatine Powder? I've been using it for the past few months and it's been a Godsend i have been able to increase my weight bit-by-bit with out compromising the movement or amount of reps and over this summer i've seen the biggest improvements ever....maybe it's cos i'm 19 going on 20....so does anyone use it?

I used it a lot in high school and college.? I am sure they have better stuff now.? I found that it had a huge effect on me.? I always got an instant boost the few weeks after I started using it.? I am not sure I would actually advise using it though.? I am not sure of the side effects it may have.? It is sure not worth the risk to be stronger now for health risks down the road.? Protein and vitamins should be sufficient to get in really good shape.

I heard using it too much can effect liver and kidneys or something, but controlled use is okay/safe enough, like i said i let my dad handle things, he's like my coach, i have 100% faith in him and know he would not give me anything harmful, he's like anti-drugs, smoking, steroids etc. so im not too worried.? It's more like an energy thing i find, at points in the workout where i would normally of been too exhausted too push the weight i get that extra boost.

Just drink a lot of water.  I am sure your dad has your best intentions at heart.  I just don't think there have been a lot of long term studies on the stuff.  I took it for awhile.  I have had a few health problems, but I am not sure what to attribute them to.  I would just say, better safe than sorry.  If you need energy then drink a cup of coffee.  It is probably psychosematic more than anything.  I would say it will probably do you more good than harm, but just thought I would give my two sense.  I definately would not go beyond creatine.  Half of that shit that comes out no one knows what the long term effects are, such as: Ephedrine, androstene, and other hormone type stuff.  Remember, this stuff is not FDA approved.  In other words, the FDA usually bans this stuff years after it hits the market, which is different than most drugs that the FDA approves before it hits the market.  Just be cautious. 

It is good to see that you are working out hard and with your dad.  It is nice to get help from someone that knows what they are doing.  Keep it up.  How old are you?  What kind of weight are you lifting?  Do you do high rep or low rep?  Do you ever max?

[D]

The Supplement industry has profited and gotten so rich off people.

I love how they say, "Use this product for 6 weeks with diet and exercise and u will see massive results"


NO fucking shit!!!!

Its not the Creatine or whatever supplement, its the diet and exercise.

Ive been on a strict exercise and diet regimen without any supplements for 8 weeks now and Ive lost 14 pounds and U would swear I was on steroids.

Supplements are a mental edge, u take something and think by takin it and workin out u are guaranteed results so its a motivational tool but in reality, as long as u eat properly and workout properly, u are gonna get great results.


Andro,Creatine and supplements like that were invented to mask steroid use.

ask anyone who takes steroids and they will tell u they take andro,creatine,cell tech,No2 etc etc

Only thing guaranteed to make u huge in a hurry is Steroids, those over the counter supplements are ok, but not as beneficial as they lead u to believe.


Proper working out, eating right with proper protein and time will give u the body u want.

[Hammy]

Just drink a lot of water.

You mean to flush the shit out of my system? Well i drink a lot anyway, stupid and sad as it sounds i prefer water to other drinks and have a shitload of it i can't be doing with fizzy crap like coke and lemonade.

I am sure your dad has your best intentions at heart.  I just don't think there have been a lot of long term studies on the stuff.  I took it for awhile.  I have had a few health problems, but I am not sure what to attribute them to.  I would just say, better safe than sorry.  If you need energy then drink a cup of coffee.

He does have the best of intentions and he's like 59 (i think) i'm sure it's his 60th next year.  It's amazing what he can do for his age, could pass for being way younger easily, and he's being doing it for so many years (and properly to).  It pisses me off when you see guys at the gym doing things totally and utterly wrong.  Best thing to remember is; Train your body, NOT your Ego.  You see so many struggling to lift a weight which is clearly beyond them so their either twisting their backs or swinging into it (or when bench pressing often having a mate standing their helping them lift it).  It's BULLSHIT they are actually kidding themselves into thinking they can lift that weight, i've been taught that it's about reps and doing it properly and getting the full movement (the amount of people who do half-a-movement just to get more reps in is outstanding).  In a way i don't think it's THEIR fault, many haven't had someone to show them how to do it properly, still it's annoying.  Health problems suck especially when you don't know what their from, i've had a dodgy back injury for years, i don't know whether it is from years of doing a heavy ass paperound or years at Judo it messess up a lot though which is not good at my age and the physio has never sorted it out on a permanent basis.  As for needing energy, i think i must of mis-worded things, i meant energy in a more increased strength kind of sense, it gives me that strength boost (not energy), it's energy in one way because not only do i feel increased strength (so-to-speak), i can also keep going for longer.

I definately would not go beyond creatine.

Never would! Despite have a username like i do (i am fairly sensible).

It is good to see that you are working out hard and with your dad.  It is nice to get help from someone that knows what they are doing.  Keep it up.  How old are you?  What kind of weight are you lifting?  Do you do high rep or low rep?  Do you ever max?

Yeah it's awesome going to the gym with my Dad.  When i started like 3 or 4 years ago i wasn't that keen, and being at university last year i went less and less (for obvious reasons).  From about June though since i have been back home it's become part of my routine, i could n't imagine NOT going i get so much enjoyment out of it, it's my NEW addiction and the best one yet.  I realise though even this has to be controlled, the body breaks stuff down and needs time to re-build the muscle, i wish it was physically possible to go every day (there is such a thing as overtrain though) and when i go i want to put 110% into it.  Obviously i work different body parts each time so the rest can be re-building but the body still works like a team in the way you can often be physically knackered all over.  Now i've effectively quit smoking (apart from the odd weed binge now and then) i can start on the cardio-vascular stuff, getting another day in there.  I'm 19 soon to be 20 (i probably sound younger with my AMATEURISH knowledge).  What kind i weight am i lifting, mmmm..... (I'll probably sound clueless when saying this...) Well obviously with Pull-Ups and Bar-Dips it's my own body weight.  When i'm on the inclined bench press using dumbells (20kilos), when working the shoulders pushing dumbells above (14kilos....i have a dodgy arm injury like a trapped nerve....still waiting to see the physio....damn health service...which has caused my left arm to buckle several times even though i've felt fine), When i'm doing the same for the shoulders put using the machine it's 90 kilos, i can and have done more but that's the weight i can get a decent amount of reps out at.  I always do sit-ups in-between sets cures me occupied i hate standing around.  When i working the upper back (on this like cable pull down machine - i'm shite with the names of these things) i'm using 90kilos again.  Those are the things i can remember off the top of my head (i'm useless with the names), there's 3 other upper body things but i can't for the life of me remember (probably didn't know in the first place) their names.  Thing is always sucking at science at not having a good knowledge of the body it's upto my Dad to know what to do, what's good and right etc. I just learn from him, now i've improved it's more of a fun competiveness between us it's great it's awesome father-son bonding stuff, we both agree that we help motivate the other more and push each other.  I do like 8 reps no matter what i'm doing often i want to and can do more but my Dad tells me not to (and wisely to) as we try to do plenty of sets and their is no point exhausting myself and fucking myself up for later.  Depending on what we've been working at the end of thw rok out with what energy we have left we'll see who can do more reps on either pull-ups or bar dips (i love doing these so much, great way to start and finish...).

D... i see what you're saying about the mental edge.  What makes me think it's NOT that is because when i used stuff in the past it did fuck all, i had very little faith in supplements and wasn't optimistic when using Creatine first few times i did not really notice anything (probably wasn't pushing myself enough...) but then after that without even thinking about it i noticed an amazing difference.  It's not a magic potion it's just an aid, but it still requires your own imput, you have to push yourself for it to carry you through, you push yourself and make the effort and it comes good, at least that's how it's been for me...

As for dieting never really been interested, i'm not overweight and feel theirs no need, i have no intention of being a bodybuilder and trimming way down seen too many people do it and look totally drained (+ they often use steroids to), for me it's about keeping in shaping, improving my body and enjoying myself, simple as that, it's all good

[mikegiuliana]

I have switched up my hand grip on biceps.. What a difference the biceps are hit so much harder forcing you to drop weight.. Instead of the thumb over keep it under with all the other fingers.. What a pump n burn.. I had always did this with forearms..

I have finally found my perfect back workout..

Pullups

deadlifts

one arm dumbell rows

low pully rows

Love that one, it makes my back so sore.. Hyperextensions are done with abs for me..

Do you also use straps when you do your pullups?? I have found that they have the same effect that placing your thumb under the bar does with curls.? It takes your forearms out of the workout and focuses on the back (or biceps).

Do you do your back workout in that order?

I prefer to start with deadlifts (although I must admit, I am going lighter on these than I used to).? I then go to pullups.? Your workout looks pretty similar to my backworkout.? The only thing I do differently is that I add another pull, rather than two rows.? I have found that I only need one row, where I get a lot of benefit out of doing close grip pull-ups.?

I can start with either but I like to go right to pull ups first.. part of my madness is so I can do a lot of pullups trhen rest my biceps during deadlifts to have more strength on my rows.. I have been known to do pull ups and chins then deadlifts then two rows.. it depends.. I give it a little extra because I hit each body part once per week.. Rest and nutrition is far more important then peiople think.. I am really loving ,muscle milk, and using BSN product.. Lot's of L-Glutamine to after my workouts.. I am a big believer in supplements for pre n post workouts.. Lots of fucking oatmeal to before (1/2 cup dry with my muslc milk, then No explode n nirtix before the workout)? I drink lots of water

Also for traps I have been using the rope attachement (smallest one I can find) doing high pulldowns n spreading them at my upper chest to develop that mid n upper traps thickeness

Also no i don't use straps.. I can shrug 4-5 plates and have an iron grip

[D]

Am I overtraining?

For 2 years I weighed between 240-245.

I didnt like the way i looked but I could run all fuckin day just about it.


the last 4 months Ive gotten back totally focused on my nurtrition, working out consistently everything.

I am now weighing in at 219 pounds. So ive dropped 25 pounds in about 4 months.

Thing is I work out 5-6 days a week for about 3 hours a day.

this includes, running,lifting,swimming,steam room,basketball,sprints

thing is, When i was 240-245 I could run for an hour on the EFx machine no problem, with high intensity and just kill it.

now though here lately, within 10 minutes my legs feel totally juiceless and exhausted all the time. My legs feel dead as fuck.

So am I overtraining?

what should I do?


I know u dont lose 25 pounds and get in worse shape.

[Timothy]

i would say that you need to let your body recoup from the work out a little longer then you maybe doing .

Maybe instead of hitting the EFx machineas hard as you did the day before trying doing a little work out on it .

[Surfrider]

Am I overtraining?

For 2 years I weighed between 240-245.

I didnt like the way i looked but I could run all fuckin day just about it.


the last 4 months Ive gotten back totally focused on my nurtrition, working out consistently everything.

I am now weighing in at 219 pounds. So ive dropped 25 pounds in about 4 months.

Thing is I work out 5-6 days a week for about 3 hours a day.

this includes, running,lifting,swimming,steam room,basketball,sprints

thing is, When i was 240-245 I could run for an hour on the EFx machine no problem, with high intensity and just kill it.

now though here lately, within 10 minutes my legs feel totally juiceless and exhausted all the time. My legs feel dead as fuck.

So am I overtraining?

what should I do?


I know u dont lose 25 pounds and get in worse shape.

How do you find time to workout for three hours per day six days a week?  Do you work?


I agree with rest.  You are working out far too hard and too long.  I am not sure how you structure your workouts, but I would not workout for more than 1.5 hours at a time.  Maybe separate your cardio from your lifting?  The thing is, it doesn't look like you lost your weight too fast.  Maybe eat more?

[mikegiuliana]

Am I overtraining?

For 2 years I weighed between 240-245.

I didnt like the way i looked but I could run all fuckin day just about it.


the last 4 months Ive gotten back totally focused on my nurtrition, working out consistently everything.

I am now weighing in at 219 pounds. So ive dropped 25 pounds in about 4 months.

Thing is I work out 5-6 days a week for about 3 hours a day.

this includes, running,lifting,swimming,steam room,basketball,sprints

thing is, When i was 240-245 I could run for an hour on the EFx machine no problem, with high intensity and just kill it.

now though here lately, within 10 minutes my legs feel totally juiceless and exhausted all the time. My legs feel dead as fuck.

So am I overtraining?

what should I do?


I know u dont lose 25 pounds and get in worse shape.

no one trains that much... I am in the best shape ever... I train 4-5 times per week in the gym no more then 45-50 minutes, try to get plenty of sleep at night and usually eat small meals up to 7 a day..

You are obviously over trained... if you wanted to looose weight lift weights n do cardio just do cardio in the AM then lift in the pm

Everyone is different so I can't make out a routine for you, but all that stuff you mentioned is way to much,, Plus all that cardio steam room etc will drop your testosterone levels

Top pros are mostly in and out of the gym with split routines that are short intense sessions... Fuck marathon training

My back  have never been better just doing pullups deadlifts and one arm dumbell rows sometimes with hammer rows..

Things are very simple, good diet with multy muscle compund movements...  If I didn't have a fucking job with a family I would really make this my life..

Just remember good well balanced diet with small meals... As much rest as possible straight... Need the REM sleep, and I personally wouldn't hit each muscle more then once per week with heavy intense sets of compound movements with forced reps n drop sets spending no more then 45 minutes on a two muscle session..

I have been eating the omega 3 eggs and drinking whey protein along with keeping a good deal of veggies like broc, spinach n esparagus, tomatos in my diet.. Mostly getting carbs from brown rice n oatmeal.. It's no big secret just make a nice diet of food that contain the muscle building nutirients.. I also take l glutamine n BCAA's after my workout along with a nanna and whey prteins

[D]

Thanks Mike, u are definitely right, I am wayyyyyyyy over doing it.

I took a week off to kind of get back energized and Im ready to start back.

Im in between jobs right now as I recently moved to a new city, so while getting situated all ive really had to do is workout, cause only person I know is my fiancee and I dont have any friends so i basically stay at the YMCA all day long but its took its toll.


Thanks for the advice on the steam room, my strength has went ridiculously down as well.

Its just I am obsessed for some reason. Ive never been this focused and its like im training for the olympics or something.

i dont take any supplements either so im definitely messing myself up.

Im gonna do what u said, lift and maybe cut my cardio down to 20 minutes a day and see how that works.

my goal is to be 205 and Im just so close its like Im tryin to lose it too fast now instead of taking my time like I did with the previous 25 pounds.

[mikegiuliana]

well you'll get there quicker with less.. Sometimes less is teh answer, your body can only take so much, ......

small meal that are clean will rev up your metabolism, the early morning cardio (just take a whey shake) will use fat as energy and the pm weight training will give you enough time to have meals inside you for a good effort...  I would suggest you have something like a whey prtein shake after your workout with glutamine and a simple type sugar with health like a banana then within the hour a whole meal with protein complex carbs and healthy fats...

also just pic 3-4 movements per body part with around 3-4 sets then get out... It's crucial to be in and out to restore glycogen levels.. To marathon train you need to take in sugars proteins and maybe some bcaa's otherwise you'll use muscle for energy as well...

[Karma_Police]

I workout fairly regularly butI injured myself almost 3 months ago. I hurt my back doing deadlifts. My own fault I should know better. I've been wroking out for about 9 years and this is my first workout related injury. I let my form slip and that's all it took. I feel fine now and have for about a week. Gonna hit the weights again on monday. I'll be smarter this time.

I notice alot of you have a negative opinion about creatin. To be honest it's all relative to who uses it. I know people who don't use it because it just doesn't have an effect on them. Me personally though my body reacts amazingly well to it. I do use creatin in cycles. Useually 3 months on 3 months off. Though if I had to choose one supplement other than a protien supplement it would be Glutamine.  It helps minimize the deterioration of muscle and helps to speed recovery between workouts. Basically Glutamine doesn't discriminate the way creatine does. It will work for everyone.

[D]

well you'll get there quicker with less.. Sometimes less is teh answer, your body can only take so much, ......

small meal that are clean will rev up your metabolism, the early morning cardio (just take a whey shake) will use fat as energy and the pm weight training will give you enough time to have meals inside you for a good effort...? I would suggest you have something like a whey prtein shake after your workout with glutamine and a simple type sugar with health like a banana then within the hour a whole meal with protein complex carbs and healthy fats...

also just pic 3-4 movements per body part with around 3-4 sets then get out... It's crucial to be in and out to restore glycogen levels.. To marathon train you need to take in sugars proteins and maybe some bcaa's otherwise you'll use muscle for energy as well...

Thanks Mike

Today I ran for 30 minutes and made myself leave and the whole day i have felt amazing.

I took the week off and still weigh in at 220, so the time off didnt hurt me at all.
ive actually been doing pretty good with nutrition and thats what led to my 25 pound weight loss.

So im gonna only run for maybe 20 minutes a day on weight lifting days and maybe 40 minutes on non lifting days.

u are definitely right about less being more, I just would feel so guilty if I didnt do everything at once.

I got kinda fat there for a minute and I take pride in my body, so now im back in great shape I was just frantic thinking if I missed a day or didnt go 2 hours a day I would gain weight back.

now i realize that isnt gonna happen as long as I keep eating right and doing what Im doing.

have u ever tried any Xcience supplements?

[mikegiuliana]

never heard of those D.. I have been sticking with BSN and some designer whey protein.. The amount of companies with product ou there today is rediculous..

I notice alot of you have a negative opinion about creatin.

has never done a thing for me.. I think it's over hyped myself..

If I had to buy only a few products it would be l-glutamine, whey protein, and bcaa's all would be ingested pre n post workout

[Eazy E]

Ok, I need some help before the spring/summer weather starts to pick up.  This year I want to start playing a lot more basketball (because I've stopped for the past couple of years)... When is the best time to work in basketball with a weight lifting schedule?  When I'm at the gym I try to exhaust myself, and I don't think my muscles could handle playing basketball right after... and I also don't think my workout would be as good if I played beforehand... So what's the best thing to do?  If I play on the days I don't usually go to the gym, does it not rest my muscles as much as they need?