371 replies to this topic

[Corbs]

Had a very hilly two hour off road bike ride this afternoon, then messed it up sharing a pizza with a mate. Damn.

[Sam Vimes]

Just wondering if theres any whey protein and creatine supplement users on here...?

Looking to change from the Body Fortress stuff i'm on now as the results aren't as noticable as i'd like. Be interested to hear from anyone else with any other experiences.

[Neverland]

Experimented with protein for a little while, I did however use creatine quite frequently when I was an athlete. I used BSN creatine and certainly found it extremely effective

Edited by HertsJames, 18 May 2010 - 03:03 PM.

[Sam Vimes]

Experimented with protein for a little while, I did however use creatine quite frequently when I was an athlete. I used BSN creatine and certainly found it extremely effective

Can you suggest the best place to purchase it, or are all outlets much of a muchness?

[luke90]

I'd say I'd disagree after recent experience.

I've started doing some work on my upper body recently (prior to that I used to do 90% cv work). I invested in a very tasty chocolate protein suppliment from Holland and Barrett (Bodyfotress protoplex delux - it was half price for a big tub).

Within 3 weeks people have already commented that I am notably a lot bigger. Admittedly I used to do weights quite a lot about 15 years ago (I'm 39) and I do eat like a horse as well on my training days as well though so I know it's not all down to the wondershakes.

Does anybody else use any protein suppliments? Any recommendations?

Experimented with protein for a little while, I did however use creatine quite frequently when I was an athlete. I used BSN creatine and certainly found it extremely effective

Id also be interested in if anyone has used these shakes and how much they think they have really helped to increase muscle mass by.

I currently train at the gym 3-5 days a week concentrating on different muscle groups. Ive noticed i am able to lift more since i started but havent really noticed a muscle mass gain which was what i was trying to achieve. Do i just need to stick at it more or am i doing something wrong?

I normally do 4 sets of 10 lifts on the weights, using both free weights and machines.

[Hyde]

I use whey protein supplements Gixxer, i can PM you a very nice tasting shake powder if you wish, it's a good price too.

Second thoughts, send me a PM if you'd like the link as i often lose track of where i have posted on here and will end up over-looking the thread.


For all others' reference - I go to the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday allowing for rest days inbetween.
I used to have a Whey Protein shake within an hour before, and an hour after each session but i recently changed when i have them because it was all sloshing around and affecting my performance.

I now have one within half hour after work-outs, and have a shake with my breakfast the morning after, to give me nutrients to assist in muscle repair and development when breaking out of the state of not eating for 9 hours.

Oh and general tips for weight lifters (bearing in mind i am no expert)

For Muscle Size = Less Reps, more weight. (Get a person to spot for you in the gym for H&S)
Muscle Definition = Less Weight, More reps (12+ ideally)

And the best tip i have received - Once you train one set of muscles, train the opposites after.. so
After Situps, work on your back.

After bicep curls, do your triceps.

Edited by ConstableMuse, 19 May 2010 - 05:47 PM.

[Nicholas_Angel]

Id also be interested in if anyone has used these shakes and how much they think they have really helped to increase muscle mass by.

I currently train at the gym 3-5 days a week concentrating on different muscle groups. Ive noticed i am able to lift more since i started but havent really noticed a muscle mass gain which was what i was trying to achieve. Do i just need to stick at it more or am i doing something wrong?

I normally do 4 sets of 10 lifts on the weights, using both free weights and machines.

Protein shakes are only a supplement, diet needs to be sorted first to see proper gains. If you're getting stronger, but not gaining size, I'd guess that you need to take a look at your diet, get yourself plenty of protein & make sure you're in calorie surplus.

Get a decent routine, search for 'bodybuilding splits' if you want to get bigger. The resistance machines aren't really going to help you, stick to free weights.

Oh and general tips for weight lifters (bearing in mind i am no expert)

For Muscle Size = Less Reps, more weight. (Get a person to spot for you in the gym for H&S)

That's not totally right; for hypertrophy (size) use a rep range of 8-12 with a weight sufficiently heavy that you find the final rep of that set hard. Fewer reps with a heavier weight is for strength.

Muscle Definition = Less Weight, More reps (12+ ideally)

This is for endurance (12-15 reps), not 'definition' (this will come through reduced body fat and larger muscles.)

And the best tip i have received - Once you train one set of muscles, train the opposites after.. so
After Situps, work on your back.

After bicep curls, do your triceps.

Situps are pretty much useless, just saying. Training biceps on a day when you use them in compound movements for other body parts (e.g. shoulders/back) and triceps on a chest day would be more beneficial imo.

Edited by Nicholas_Angel, 19 May 2010 - 07:02 PM.

[Hyde]

Yeah. I advised Luke to stick to freeweights and get the technique perfect which will bring the best results and help lots with muscle stability, since they will not be fixed to the exact same motion.

[Volante]

I've never tried supplements, I feel fine working "normaly" and I'm lucky enough to have a natural strength and bulk. Are they really that beneficial to training? I was going to try some whey protien as it was on offer Never did buy it though....

Edited by Volante, 19 May 2010 - 08:05 PM.

[Hyde]

I personally find that protein supplements help with my post-training recovery. I don't ache much at all the morning after a workout.. i used to be all stiff.

Cue the innuendos.

[Sam Vimes]

I personally find that protein supplements help with my post-training recovery. I don't ache much at all the morning after a workout.. i used to be all stiff.

Cue the innuendos.

Same here... i've found i'm nowhere near as stiff after exercise the next morning since using whey protein. The recovery is certainly a lot better.

[Neverland]

So currently have cut the carbs right down, as it is that time of the year! Forgot how much of a struggle it is! How does everyone feel when they cut down carbs? I feel tired and lethargic

[Sam Vimes]

Well my diet is certainly where I fall down, not because it's overly unhealthy but because i'm eating the wrong types of food at the wrong time, and odd sneaky kebab on Public Order shifts.

Does anyone here have any diet-knowledge and would be willing to help me out with some sort of regime..?

[AlfoxUK]

I'm actually trying to bulk up and put on weight rather than lose it, so is there any advice on here for that.

I do weight lifting to put on muscle and also lots of compound excersises. I cycle alot on a BMX rather than my Mountain Bike as it takes more to push yourself up a hill without gears than with gears.

Any Adivice?

Edited by BradC94, 16 July 2010 - 04:36 AM.

[Sam Vimes]

If you read back quite a few people are asking questions with regard to bulking up instead of slimming, me being one of them.

As I said previously, my diet is what let's me down.

[GoAhead]

Does anyone on here use or has used Sida Cordifolia? I have recently bought a tub to assist in my exercise and weight loss. Just after some advice on the best routine for it

[Neverland]

GoAhead cant say I have im afraid. So it's been a while since anyone has posted in here, how are all my ermm.. fitness(?) buddies?

[SEADOG]

Does anyone on here workout with a personal trainer?

Is it worth the money?

[Kellym82]

Does anyone on here workout with a personal trainer?

Is it worth the money?

I had a personal trainer - he was fantastic, and set me a personal programme that really worked for me, and worked around me i.e. didn't make me use the treadmill during our sessions together when he knew I would do my best to avoid using it when training on my own! (treadmill is one piece of equipment I can't stand!)

I would say overall, yes, but shop around for prices, and for a trainer who is suited to you. Some people like shouty trainers, other people like trainers who have the softly softly approach.

What are you looking to achieve from a personal trainer?

[SEADOG]

I am looking for someone to suppor me during my work outs and to push me to achive my goals

I really don't want a shouty shouty trainer, that would just put me off altogether I think.

[LosingGrip]

I am looking for someone to suppor me during my work outs and to push me to achive my goals

I really don't want a shouty shouty trainer, that would just put me off altogether I think.

I've been using a personal trainer since January, and its the best thing I've done fitness wise. She pushes me, but isn't shouty at all. Its expensive at £140 a month for two hour sessions a week, but in my experience worth every penny. I've lost around a stone and a bit since I started. And I enjoy going to the gym now, which before I didn't.

As its the fitness thread, thought I would post how I've been doing. Around August I started to lose weight, I weighed a huge 21 stone 5 lbs, giving me a BMI of around 35/36. I've now lost nearly 4 stone (3 stone 12.3lbs) since then, which I'm really pleased with! My body fat percentage in January was 35, its now 25, another 5% and I'll be what they consider heathy/normal. Lost 10" from my waist, hips and chest. Getting there slowly! Seems to be a little bit at a time, and then a lot. Last few weeks I stayed the same, then last week I lost 6lbs in one week!

I've been thinking about joining the Army lately, was told I needed to lose 3 stone 9 lbs...although I can't remember what I weighed at the time! So aiming to get down to 16 - 16.5 stone and seeing what happens, BMI will be under 28, which is what they look at as well. Aim is to get to 16ish stone, start my application, but try and get down to 15 stone, which puts me at the top of the 'healthily' BMI range (although I don't think its very good), then look at bulking a bit as I've enjoyed doing the few weights I've done so far.

I've also started running a bit, used to hate it a lot! But enjoy it now, not doing great distances, around 2.5 miles in 30 minutes, but compared to before Xmas when I was doing 1.5 miles in 24 minutes a big improvement! Been following the Couch to 5k plan, well worth a look if anyone wants to start running!

[Josh'Grizzly'Gregory]

Two areas to focus on here:

1). I've maxed out the weights for the leg press available to me in uni (tops out at 180kg) so was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to how to go about safely increasing the weight so I can train my legs with the leg press? I would go to the free weights but need a spotter at all times according to the staff and no one will spot for me.

2). Anyone used the thermogenics Grenade stuff for a pre workout boost if so how effective did you find it? I know the stuff is pricey but if it works then I'm willing to give it a shot.

[Sam Vimes]

2). Anyone used the thermogenics Grenade stuff for a pre workout boost if so how effective did you find it? I know the stuff is pricey but if it works then I'm willing to give it a shot.

Yes, gave me horrendous stomach cramps and the poops which after 2 weeks I wouldn't put up with any more and went back to myProtein. I didn't see any noticeable difference in that couple weeks but then in a couple weeks of stuff going straight through you you're not likely to!

[Josh'Grizzly'Gregory]

Yes, gave me horrendous stomach cramps and the poops which after 2 weeks I wouldn't put up with any more and went back to myProtein. I didn't see any noticeable difference in that couple weeks but then in a couple weeks of stuff going straight through you you're not likely to!

Hmmm weird, after posting this question I spoke to a few people who have used it and had no issues at all. Only reason I ask is because I've tried a few others and can't seem to find one that works for me, where I can get the boost I need but also not having to constantly aware to keep myself locked in mentally. I tried sida cordifolia but wore off too quickly and then completely kicked in after my workout causing sleep loss :/

[Sam Vimes]

Hmmm weird, after posting this question I spoke to a few people who have used it and had no issues at all.

Each to their own but can only offer my own personal experiences. It may well just be me and you may get on fine with it, but that was my experience. Very much a personal choice, different people's digestive systems and metabolisms work differently.