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EAS
Creatine: This is the first supplement that I ever
tried. I didn't really follow the directions so I don't think I got
as much out of it as I should have. It did help my running
tremendously. While on this stuff, I noticed my timed miles being
clocked on average of about 4:45. Not bad seeing how our coach would
make us run 5 of these timed miles back to back to back to back to
back with only a few minutes rest in between runs. Part of spring
season training. Hell if you ask me, but I passed with flying
colors. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to increase their
endurance and/or strength. The gains will be somewhat incremental at
first but seem to taper off eventually. That's why I choose to cycle
my creatine following a 6 weeks on/2 weeks off.
Cell-Tech:
When I first tried this supplement, I was somewhat skeptical at
about the claims that you could put on "10 lbs" in only 7 days. After only 3 days on
Cell-Tech, I noticed my weight slowly increasing. Not to mention, my
strength went through the roof. I was hoisting weights which I had
never touched before. I gained 7 lbs in 5 days but most if not all
of this was water retention. I believe this slight weight gain
contributes greatly to the psychological aspect of bodybuilding. If
I'm bigger, then I must be stronger. I would definitely recommend
Cell-Tech to anyone who has hit a training plateau. Once again, I
would cycle Cell-Tech for 2 reasons: downgraded receptors from
continued use of creatine and PRICE.
BCAA's (branched
chain amino acids): I once read somewhere that for the
ultimate insulin spike, you should consume 5 grams of creatine with
4 grams of glutamine and 3 grams of BCAA's. So I tried it but I
really didn't notice much of a difference. This one is a shot in the
dark if you ask me.
EAS
Phosphagen HP: A wonderful supplement! I made some
remarkable strides while on this supplement. Once again, creatine
with carbs so a company can make a little extra money. Regardless,
if you have the cash this is one supplement that I would definitely
try. Once again, make sure you cycle it b/c it does contain
creatine.
Designer
Whey: My protein shake of choice when I first started
lifting seriously.
Two scoops gave you about 30 grams of protein which could be easily
handled by your body without all of those needless calories. Not to
mention, strawberry tastes pretty good too. A great protein shake to
have after an all out intense training session. Not a bad price
either.
Isopure:
My first protein shake ever. It contained 50 grams of whey ion
exchange protein which was supposed to be top notch. If you ask me,
I really couldn't tell that much of a difference. I did put on the
most size with this protein shake but I was also eating and training
accordingly. It was rather pricey but the Peanut Butter flavor
tasted like Butterfingers. I would give it a try if you've got the
money for it.
Vitamin
C: The ultimate of supplements. At one point, I was
taking about 8 grams of this stuff per day. Needless to say, I was
hardly ill and I was growing like crazy. My recovery time improved
greatly also. I was able to hit all of my bodyparts (excluding arms
and legs) every 4 days while increasing in strength at EVERY
session. Quite inexpensive and easily accessible. Definitely worth
looking in to.
Cytogenix Xenadrine RFA-X:
This stuff is unbelievable. Not only does it help me focus on
whatever I'm
doing, it also burns fat away like crazy. This is the only
supplement that I used while preparing for my first 2 contests. It
is inexpensive if you purchase it at the right places (A1Supplements.comom)
and if you take it in moderation (2-4 tabs per day) it will last you
1-2 months. I would recommend it to anyone that wanted to increase
intensity in the gym and to burn body fat while preserving muscle
mass.
CytoCell:
An anti-catabolic/anabolic formula from Cytogenix Laboratories. I
attribute my being able to compete 10 lbs heavier at Nationals to
this supplement. I have done some research on the ingredients of
this supplement and am still unsure of the specifics of how it
reacts in the human body. I would definitely recommend it to anyone
who has a tendency to overdiet and lose muscle mass while preparing
for a contest. The only drawback is that it is quite expensive
though.
EAS
Betagen HP: I believe that this stuff has helped me
transform my off season physique into something else. Bill Phillips of EAS gave a
rave review on HMB in one of his supplement review books. I decided
to give it a try and I am sure glad that I did. I was able to
increase my mass while actually stripping away body fat. Several
university studies have revealed that HMB actually decreases body
fat while helping collegiate athletes retain their strength or in
some cases improve upon. Even with my off season physique, I am
still quite vascular while weighing a healthy 192-195 lbs. Only
drawback is the price.
Glutamine:
The only thing I have to say about this amino acid is that if you
aren't taking it, you should! Pro-Athlete.net has a great price on
1000 g
of glutamine. Check it out! This is probably one of the most
important supplements I am taking right now. When I say one of the
most important, I mean Top 3. Nuff said.
Methoxy-Pro:
The BEST protein supplement that I have ever taken. Not only did my
strength soar through the roof, but I added on quality pounds of
muscle. This stuff has taken my physique to another level in
comparison to where I was a year ago. Althought it is quite
inexpensive in comparison to all the other supplements out there, it
is rather difficult to come by. Why? Because everyone and their
mother's aunts are trying to get their hands on some Methoxy-Pro. I
personally recommended Methoxy-Pro to one of my friends and he gave
it rave reviews too.
Z-Mass:
I heard a lot about this supplement from various sources. So I took
it upon myself to give it a try. What could it hurt? So I ordered my
first bottle of Z-Mass so I could stack it with a few other
supplements. I felt the effects of it immediately! I found myself
full of energy the next day and my sleep had improved. Perhaps I was
getting more "anabolic sleep" which bodybuilders desperately seek.
Bodybuilding.com has a very inexpensive price for this product so I
would strongly suggest that you give it a try. You won't be
disappointed.
Multi-Vitamin
& Anti-Oxidants:
You should be taking these even if you're not weight lifting!
Glucosamine/Chondroitin
Sulfate: If you want to handle heavy weights, then you
are going to tax your joints to their max and beyond. So I strongly
suggest that you supplement with a type of joint fuel to aid in
their recovery. It is quite difficult if not impossible to train
while pain radiates from your wrists when it is turned this way and
that. Inexpensive and easily accessible. Get it!
Vanadyl
Sulfate: I was once told by an enormous lifter in my
old gym that vanadyl sulfate helps you get and attain a better pump.
So after 2 years of having this information linger in the back of my
mind, I decided to give it a try. I don't think it does too much for
my pumps. I think your pumps are directly correlated to a myriad of
components in your system including the amount of carbs you have
consumed. I wouldn't recommend this supplement to those who already
have proper nutrition.
Prolab
Creatine: I just add this creatine to the
creatine already present in Betagen to help ensure that I get enough
creatine in my
system to saturate my cells with water. Creatine has somewhat of
osmotic properties. I do this b/c I know that the gatekeeper of the
body, our liver destroys most of what goes through it. This is true
of everything, including steroids. I would recommend this supplement
to anyone b/c Pro-Athlete.net has a great price on 1000 g of it.
Can't go wrong there!
Taraxatone:
This stuff is supposed to help dry you out and give you that sharp
look on stage or at the beach. I think I used it wrong so I really
can not comment on it. If I did comment on it, it would be negative
and I would not be give taraxatone its due. Perhaps it is a good
supplement and I just used it wrong. Perhaps it is just plain junk.
We'll find out for sure come my next contest.
Well, that about does it. As you can see, I have tried a plethora
of supplements in hopes of giving me that edge that steroid users
have. Truth of the matter is, nothing really can mimic the muscle
building property of anabolic/androgenic steroids. It all boils down
to what you feel is right for you. Personally, I feel that my
longevity is more important to me than being "huge." What good is
"huge" if you're 6 feet under?
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