Try pea protein or hemp protein, should be easier on the digestive system.
That's where I'm going next, giving up whey, and going for pea & hemp.Supplements the debate/discussion thread
- Thread starter Freefaller
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Try pea protein or hemp protein, should be easier on the digestive system.
That's where I'm going next, giving up whey, and going for pea & hemp.
Thanks Stina, I may well do that. Most of the stuff I read is read with scepticism until I can quantify it with science and fact, however from what I've read, alkaline diets are relatively interesting and make sense. It's not really about becoming a tree hugging hippy-type, hemp wearing veggy, but more like redressing an optimum balance in your diet. As some said our bodies are alkaline by design, but acidic by function which I think sums it up nicely.
Soldato
Thanks Stina, just researched the alkaline diet and it seems legit and appears to be able to aid in my skin problem as well, will try it out.
Edit: I would guess that having more alkaline foods on your plate and a piece of meat which is acidic, would make the dish more alkaline, therefore meaning that as long as you have more alkaline foods on your plate than acidic, you should be okay and create a relatively decent balance.
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You're welcome.
Soldato
My bad, thanks Freefaller.
Freefaller mentioned it firstI've had a definite improvement in my eczema while using it and read anecdotal reports of it helping psoriasis and acne, but your mileage may vary.
FF, what green drinks have you tried and do you have any useful links about their benefits? My dad gave me a tub of green superfood powder a short while back but I was put off by the look and taste (yes, I know it's not about how delicious it is.)
I just got mine from Bulksupplementsdirect (which is a pack I leave at the office) - I've tried a few different ones and they're all much of a muchness, but BSD's seem to have the best in terms of taste. I'd still describe the taste as "unusual"!!
No worries dude.
Right time for a mini review of SP250 for those of us that like to use N.O. Supps.
I trained Chest yesterday and Back today. I tried to keep my workouts as similar to those as when I was using the V-max. These workouts were a little more intense, not quite as heavy but with shorter rest periods. 1 minutes rest between sets.
Chest:
3 sets x 10 (or failure)reps -Inc DB Press
" -Flat DB Press
" -Flat Cable Flyes
" - Incline Cable Flyes
" -CGBP
2 sets of dips to failure around 5-6 reps as I was rather fatigued.
3 Sets of Lying Tricep Skull crushers.
Back:
3 sets, stopping a rep short of failure @ Bodyweight, 8, 7, 6
3 x 10 B.O.R's - Shoulder width grip pronated grip.
3 x 10 T-Bar rows
3 x 10 Wide Grip Pull Downs - super slow negs.
Bicep Isolation consisting of
3 x 10 high pully cable curls
3 sets of '28's'
A reverse/regular grip BB curl superset 7/7/7/7.
If it's possible I got a different kind of pump to that of the Phd V-max. With the V-max it was quite intense but didn't really feel dense, but lighter with volume. I felt more focused and more energised when on the Phd and didn't really feel fatigued.
With the SP250 I didn't feel as focused or as energised as with the V-max (I did still feel these just not as much). However I became quite red after each set on the bodypart worked sort of blotchy, no pain just something I observed. The pump feels a lot more dense, not quite as big as the V-max, but fuller if that makes sense.
I woke up today ,despite stretching thoroughly, very tight in the chest and also a little in the brachii towards the elbow (activation during flyes- which I tried to keep to a minimum). Whilst the pump wasn't as big as with the V-max it has faded slightly but no where near as much as with the V-max. I would really blow up quite well but then go down
This is happening with the SP250 but no where near as much and the pump sort of seems to be staying. I'm not saying I can see instant muscle growth but this is just what I'm observing.
Obviously to me the different make up of each product is having different effects. I find with the SP250 I don't quite have the extra endurance for squeezing difficult reps out that I did on V-max. They do come but in smaller numbers and with much greater difficulty.
Whilst I'm not bouncing of the walls I can however quite simply 'man up and bang them out' without much thought, so perhaps a different kind of focus.
Things to note:
In regards to my pressing and pulling I'm trying much harder not to 'arm it'. And really trying to establish a mind muscle connection to work the intended muscles. Something I wasn't focusing quite so much on when using V-max.
I'm also eating around 1000 calories less. To 'trim' post christmas but to also try and find the right amount as between around 3500 calories was excessive and expensive. I'm getting a much better macro of protein/carbs/fats.
What I found baffling is that when I stepped on the scales having consumed LESS water than during my chest workout yesterday and having eaten exactly the same (also being slightly leaner due to my new diet) is that I was 1lb heavier. While it's not a massive weight difference I still found this confusing.
Legs and shoulders tomorrow and friday so I will post another (much shorter
) review of how they went.
Kappa how are you getting along with the V-max, been about a week now?
OT: I've also dropped ZMA from my stack as it was interupting my sleep.
I trained Chest yesterday and Back today. I tried to keep my workouts as similar to those as when I was using the V-max. These workouts were a little more intense, not quite as heavy but with shorter rest periods. 1 minutes rest between sets.
Chest:
3 sets x 10 (or failure)reps -Inc DB Press
" -Flat DB Press
" -Flat Cable Flyes
" - Incline Cable Flyes
" -CGBP
2 sets of dips to failure around 5-6 reps as I was rather fatigued.
3 Sets of Lying Tricep Skull crushers.
Back:
3 sets, stopping a rep short of failure @ Bodyweight, 8, 7, 6
3 x 10 B.O.R's - Shoulder width grip pronated grip.
3 x 10 T-Bar rows
3 x 10 Wide Grip Pull Downs - super slow negs.
Bicep Isolation consisting of
3 x 10 high pully cable curls
3 sets of '28's'
A reverse/regular grip BB curl superset 7/7/7/7.
If it's possible I got a different kind of pump to that of the Phd V-max. With the V-max it was quite intense but didn't really feel dense, but lighter with volume. I felt more focused and more energised when on the Phd and didn't really feel fatigued.
With the SP250 I didn't feel as focused or as energised as with the V-max (I did still feel these just not as much). However I became quite red after each set on the bodypart worked sort of blotchy, no pain just something I observed. The pump feels a lot more dense, not quite as big as the V-max, but fuller if that makes sense.
I woke up today ,despite stretching thoroughly, very tight in the chest and also a little in the brachii towards the elbow (activation during flyes- which I tried to keep to a minimum). Whilst the pump wasn't as big as with the V-max it has faded slightly but no where near as much as with the V-max. I would really blow up quite well but then go down
This is happening with the SP250 but no where near as much and the pump sort of seems to be staying. I'm not saying I can see instant muscle growth but this is just what I'm observing.
Obviously to me the different make up of each product is having different effects. I find with the SP250 I don't quite have the extra endurance for squeezing difficult reps out that I did on V-max. They do come but in smaller numbers and with much greater difficulty.
Whilst I'm not bouncing of the walls I can however quite simply 'man up and bang them out' without much thought, so perhaps a different kind of focus.
Things to note:
In regards to my pressing and pulling I'm trying much harder not to 'arm it'. And really trying to establish a mind muscle connection to work the intended muscles. Something I wasn't focusing quite so much on when using V-max.
I'm also eating around 1000 calories less. To 'trim' post christmas but to also try and find the right amount as between around 3500 calories was excessive and expensive. I'm getting a much better macro of protein/carbs/fats.
What I found baffling is that when I stepped on the scales having consumed LESS water than during my chest workout yesterday and having eaten exactly the same (also being slightly leaner due to my new diet) is that I was 1lb heavier. While it's not a massive weight difference I still found this confusing.
Legs and shoulders tomorrow and friday so I will post another (much shorter
) review of how they went.Kappa how are you getting along with the V-max, been about a week now?
OT: I've also dropped ZMA from my stack as it was interupting my sleep.
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Im currently using phd synergy, i have been using it for the past 6-8 months.
Im thinking of trying something different off myprotein:
Impact Whey Isolate
Instant Oats
Is the Instant Oats worth getting for some easy carbs, and is it something i want to eat 1-3 times a day.
Also while im on the subject my breakfast is basically:
Mon/Wed/Fri (thats training days)
Porridge with prunes
Sun/Tue/Thurs/Sat (non training days)
Cereal
2 scrambled eggs on toast
Is my breakfast alright or does it need a bacon sandwich or something?
Im thinking of trying something different off myprotein:
Impact Whey Isolate
Instant Oats
Is the Instant Oats worth getting for some easy carbs, and is it something i want to eat 1-3 times a day.
Also while im on the subject my breakfast is basically:
Mon/Wed/Fri (thats training days)
Porridge with prunes
Sun/Tue/Thurs/Sat (non training days)
Cereal
2 scrambled eggs on toast
Is my breakfast alright or does it need a bacon sandwich or something?
As long as you are consuming some other protein and fats before training those breakfasts looks fine. If not I'd be inclined to get some in there. Remember to eat well on off days too as this is when you're growing.
Phd Synergy has a little creatine and a few other things in it I expect, BCAA's and L-Glutamine (both in their Pharma Whey). You could try pricing up making your own blend to see if it saves you money. I'm not sure if products like synergy and cyclone should be cycled between finishing tubs?
Fine powdered oats are good both pre and post workout as a low G.I. carb to help replenish depleted glycogen levels. 100grams is just short of 400 calories. The same scoop you use to get 20 grams of whey will give you '42' grams of oats (think thats on the BSD website). So roughly 2.5 scoops is 100 grams.
As long as you are consuming some other protein and fats before training those breakfasts looks fine. If not I'd be inclined to get some in there. Remember to eat well on off days too as this is when you're growing.
Phd Synergy has a little creatine and a few other things in it I expect, BCAA's and L-Glutamine (both in their Pharma Whey). You could try pricing up making your own blend to see if it saves you money. I'm not sure if products like synergy and cyclone should be cycled between finishing tubs?
Fine powdered oats are good both pre and post workout as a low G.I. carb to help replenish depleted glycogen levels. 100grams is just short of 400 calories. The same scoop you use to get 20 grams of whey will give you '42' grams of oats (think thats on the BSD website). So roughly 2.5 scoops is 100 grams.
Do you think im better off just sticking to the synergy as im getting nearly double protein intake with synergy rather than Impact Whey Isolate?
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Looking at the ingredients:
http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/14/1/Synergy.html
Try pricing together your own version with taurine, creatine, glutamine etc. You can even customise it to exactly what you require if you read up on supplements.
It depends on what you're trying to achieve really. While synergy isn't really a mass gainer it is quite calorie heavy from what I understand. It's also a 66gram serving, thats quite big and a tub lasts about 2 weeks?
Personally I'd be spending the money elsewhere on basic or the phd pharma whey as when I worked it out it was only a few £ more expensive that mixing it up yourself. Couple that with some oats too.
Are you seeing the results and gains you want? It depends on your training too. If you were trying to lean down I wouldn't be consuming that, however on a bulk perhaps. But for the cost you'll probaly find you can make the calories and nutritional value up from real food and save money. I've managed to make quite reasonable progress (in my eyes) without the need for products like synergy or cyclone so perhaps I'm not the best person to be asking!
Out of interest what else is in your stack or is synergy the only supplement you're using?
Im just using synergy.
As to my goal im trying to bulk up and get some muscles on me
I really think my diet is pretty good and my training is heading in the right direction. So maybe i could be recommended a different supplement unless synergy is the right one?
As to my goal im trying to bulk up and get some muscles on me
I really think my diet is pretty good and my training is heading in the right direction. So maybe i could be recommended a different supplement unless synergy is the right one?
Personally I wouldn't be using synergy.
You need roughly 1 gram of protein per lb of lean mass. So if you're not getting the correct amount from your diet and are eating as much as possible then you should look into supplements. Or if you want some quickly absorbed protein p/wo then they are good.
As we all know they aren't miracle grow and aren't replacements for good nutrtion and good training.
If I were you I'd change to a basic whey and add in some oats. Also fish oils are essential to maintain joint health as well as a few other things and aren't expensive.
Have you worked out your calorie intake? is in consistent? do you eat a wide variety of foods? little and often? Are you in a defecit or surplus?
I know it's a pain but figuring these things out will save you wasted time and effort. Also addressing your training volume and intensity along with form and frequency will all help.
Synergy and similar supplements are what I'd call a bit more of an advanced supplement and wouldn't be starting out on them. Not that they're anymore 'hardcore' because they're not. Just they cater to different needs. For example I don't think you need half the things in there if you're fairly new to training and haven't reached a plateau yet.
It'll also save you money.
I'll let somebody else say their peace. These are just my thoughts.
You need roughly 1 gram of protein per lb of lean mass. So if you're not getting the correct amount from your diet and are eating as much as possible then you should look into supplements. Or if you want some quickly absorbed protein p/wo then they are good.
As we all know they aren't miracle grow and aren't replacements for good nutrtion and good training.
If I were you I'd change to a basic whey and add in some oats. Also fish oils are essential to maintain joint health as well as a few other things and aren't expensive.
Have you worked out your calorie intake? is in consistent? do you eat a wide variety of foods? little and often? Are you in a defecit or surplus?
I know it's a pain but figuring these things out will save you wasted time and effort. Also addressing your training volume and intensity along with form and frequency will all help.
Synergy and similar supplements are what I'd call a bit more of an advanced supplement and wouldn't be starting out on them. Not that they're anymore 'hardcore' because they're not. Just they cater to different needs. For example I don't think you need half the things in there if you're fairly new to training and haven't reached a plateau yet.
It'll also save you money.
I'll let somebody else say their peace. These are just my thoughts.
Few comments on Phd VMax Pump.
Using it in the daytime, before lunch, feel fresh and awake as normal. The taste alone smashes my eyes wide open, and you have that feeling of you HAVE to expend that energy somewhere. It hit me a lot faster than N.O. X-Plode which took a good 20-30 mins for me to feel the buzz and energy. I think VMax has quite a bit more Beta-Alanine than N.O. X-Plode, feel the tingle in my ears and eyebrows! (No Xplode was just ears) and it kicks in within 5 mins! More on that later..
Whatever ingredients are in there to 'shuttle' the main components into action definitely work. Could have this 5 mins before the workout and still benefit.
I find myself doing 'fuller' sets, finishing them off, 15 seconds later feel like I can get right back on them, albeit underestimate how much I've trained that bodypart already. This can be dangerous, and as mentioned by Benny, lead to overtraining.
Did shoulders and back today, the pump I got wasnt as 'instant' as with NO Xplode, but definitely came on after a while, the shoulder circuit (similar to yours benny) I do definitely burnt me out, and after the whole session felt fully awake and ready to go again, until I lifted my arms and found I was as weak as a puppy! Quite possibly overdid it today!
What I am very happy about is I'm using the recommended dose and getting good results. Just hope it's consistent as time passes.
Must say I 'think' the Vassive I take after workout definitely makes me feel better and as though I've recovered faster, so good news on that front.
Now
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
--Beta-Alanine--
Yes, ... can make your skin tingle, if you are sensitive to it or have a larger amount, turn that tingle into a slight itch, its no biggie, just feels like you're buzzed up ready to roll. For me this occurs in my extremities, usually just the ears and/or eyebrows (with Phd). This disappears for me as soon as I lift a weight, it's like pent up energy ready to burst! I like it.
Now... heres what I learnt today, I havent slept properly this week (6hrs a night) so pretty tired at 5pm, thought the Vmax would sort me out for the gym. I took the VMax just as I left the office, the short walk to the car at -1c (in a suit, no jacket), turned me into an ice lolly. Anyway, so I was cold, my hands face ears feet cold. I believe this meant poor/slow circulation in my extremities.
The Beta Alanine kicked in, "nice", I thought, my ears and eyebrows. It turned into an itch and I was rubbing my ears and face, then soon my hands started to itch on the palms, WHILE DRIVING! Just grunted a few times and bared it.
As soon as I stood up my feet itched, and remember how it affects your 'extremities'? It got me in the most important 'extremity' of all! Walking like bear into the gym, trying my darndest not to grab my crotch! I got worried! Real worried! Like termites on your wang!
All ended well, the second I picked up the oly bar, tingling was gone!
Using it in the daytime, before lunch, feel fresh and awake as normal. The taste alone smashes my eyes wide open, and you have that feeling of you HAVE to expend that energy somewhere. It hit me a lot faster than N.O. X-Plode which took a good 20-30 mins for me to feel the buzz and energy. I think VMax has quite a bit more Beta-Alanine than N.O. X-Plode, feel the tingle in my ears and eyebrows! (No Xplode was just ears) and it kicks in within 5 mins! More on that later..
Whatever ingredients are in there to 'shuttle' the main components into action definitely work. Could have this 5 mins before the workout and still benefit.
I find myself doing 'fuller' sets, finishing them off, 15 seconds later feel like I can get right back on them, albeit underestimate how much I've trained that bodypart already. This can be dangerous, and as mentioned by Benny, lead to overtraining.
Did shoulders and back today, the pump I got wasnt as 'instant' as with NO Xplode, but definitely came on after a while, the shoulder circuit (similar to yours benny) I do definitely burnt me out, and after the whole session felt fully awake and ready to go again, until I lifted my arms and found I was as weak as a puppy! Quite possibly overdid it today!
What I am very happy about is I'm using the recommended dose and getting good results. Just hope it's consistent as time passes.
Must say I 'think' the Vassive I take after workout definitely makes me feel better and as though I've recovered faster, so good news on that front.
Now
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
--Beta-Alanine--
Yes, ... can make your skin tingle, if you are sensitive to it or have a larger amount, turn that tingle into a slight itch, its no biggie, just feels like you're buzzed up ready to roll. For me this occurs in my extremities, usually just the ears and/or eyebrows (with Phd). This disappears for me as soon as I lift a weight, it's like pent up energy ready to burst! I like it.
Now... heres what I learnt today, I havent slept properly this week (6hrs a night
) so pretty tired at 5pm, thought the Vmax would sort me out for the gym. I took the VMax just as I left the office, the short walk to the car at -1c (in a suit, no jacket), turned me into an ice lolly. Anyway, so I was cold, my hands face ears feet cold. I believe this meant poor/slow circulation in my extremities.The Beta Alanine kicked in, "nice", I thought, my ears and eyebrows. It turned into an itch and I was rubbing my ears and face, then soon my hands started to itch on the palms, WHILE DRIVING! Just grunted a few times and bared it.
As soon as I stood up my feet itched, and remember how it affects your 'extremities'? It got me in the most important 'extremity' of all! Walking like bear into the gym, trying my darndest not to grab my crotch! I got worried! Real worried! Like termites on your wang!
All ended well, the second I picked up the oly bar, tingling was gone!
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I've never experienced the tingling sensation from beta-alanine
If/when I make my own stack I might have a play with some!
Yeah I was really surprised this time as it isnt that bad for me, normally just a tingle, but combination of tiredness and cold does not help!
After doing a lot of reading on HMB I'm not overly convinced on it. Whilst I have some free cash around I'd like something that I know has higher chance of increasing my gains.
Looking at EAA's. I used BCAA's about a year ago. Although I was making some slow progress I don't think I really benefitted from them due to a mediocre diet and average training. I understand they can also be used when your diet is defficient in amino's for example when cutting.
Is it anything somebody has read up on? I'm aware that EAA's already contain some BCAA's as it is.
Any suggestions for a dosage amount for pre and post workout? Around 87KG's currently with probaly around 16-18% bf?
Works out around that 1KG will last approximatley 2 months based on 15 grams per day. Was thinking of going the capping route if it was something I try as I hear they don't taste brilliant!
Looking at EAA's. I used BCAA's about a year ago. Although I was making some slow progress I don't think I really benefitted from them due to a mediocre diet and average training. I understand they can also be used when your diet is defficient in amino's for example when cutting.
Is it anything somebody has read up on? I'm aware that EAA's already contain some BCAA's as it is.
Any suggestions for a dosage amount for pre and post workout? Around 87KG's currently with probaly around 16-18% bf?
Works out around that 1KG will last approximatley 2 months based on 15 grams per day. Was thinking of going the capping route if it was something I try as I hear they don't taste brilliant!
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I did not even dare to taste them, as soon as I opened the bag the smell was like
Capping kit is about £15, and the 00 size caps are about £15 for 1000 caps.
1 cap holds about 0.5 grams of BCAAs as they aren't very "dense" - compared to taurine for example.
On a bright side, capping is easy to do and doesn't take much time. took me 5-10 mins to make 48 caps and that was when I did it for the first time, should get even faster.