Learning about suppliments....

jeremya · Wed, January 10th, 2007, 02:44 PM

I am going to be ordering some more Whey Protein so I go over to AtLarge's site and I am looking at all the products and thinking to myself I really have no idea what any of these things are used for. I basically drink a protien drink after lifting and an hour after cardio. Heck I don't even know if that is right.
Some Whey mixes have carbs some don't... Whats best...?
what is creatine?
etc etc...
Maybe some one can give me some pointers or point me to some info.

Thanks,

Jeremy

williamso · Wed, January 10th, 2007, 03:23 PM

I'm sure there's folks who can help much more than me, but here's my input.

I use Whey powder, too. It's quick-digesting protein. When your muscles are damaged from lifting weights, the whey can rush in and speed recovery and help rebuild quickly. Otherwise, it's best to use more complex, slow-digesting forms of protein (chicken, tuna, etc).

The other kinds of supplements, I think, are mostly for people who need to go from 8%BF to 7%. They might make a tiny bit of difference, but for those of us who have more than 10+ pounds of fat to lose, not really helpful.

I sure don't want to steal anyone's thunder, but those products are mostly for the guys who look like the models on the packaging, in my opinion.

Hoss · Wed, January 10th, 2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremya

I am going to be ordering some more Whey Protein so I go over to AtLarge's site and I am looking at all the products and thinking to myself I really have no idea what any of these things are used for. I basically drink a protien drink after lifting and an hour after cardio. Heck I don't even know if that is right.
Some Whey mixes have carbs some don't... Whats best...?
what is creatine?
etc etc...
Maybe some one can give me some pointers or point me to some info.

I think most people will agree that whey protein & a good multi-vitamin is about all you need.
I wouldn't necessarily mind the carbs in whey (most are below 3 grams).

Creatine is used as a performance enhancement (energy, strength) and is said to increase muscle mass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by williamso

The other kinds of supplements, I think, are mostly for people who need to go from 8%BF to 7%.

Like what? (Just curious)

bradh · Wed, January 10th, 2007, 04:02 PM

Its powdered protein.

Most use it has a workout drink and/or quick meals when you can't cook up a piece of meat. It just makes it easier to get lots of protein for your recovery.

I would go with a protein blend like Nitrean over whey alone anyday.

JoeSchmo · Wed, January 10th, 2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremya

I am going to be ordering some more Whey Protein so I go over to AtLarge's site and I am looking at all the products and thinking to myself I really have no idea what any of these things are used for. I basically drink a protien drink after lifting and an hour after cardio. Heck I don't even know if that is right.
Some Whey mixes have carbs some don't... Whats best...?
what is creatine?
etc etc...
Maybe some one can give me some pointers or point me to some info.

Thanks,

Jeremy

Actually, the best way to learn about supps is to just do searches on them and read up. It takes time, but you'll make better and more informed decisions once you've read and understand the pros/cons/limitations of any given supplement.

I wouldn't worry about the carbs in your protein powder .... they are probably pretty low. Besides, after weight training, it is a good idea to consume high-GI carbs anyway to facilitate recovery.

jeremya · Thu, January 11th, 2007, 01:10 PM

Thanks guys... I did some reading I decided to order some Nitrean and Creatine. I have never tried Creatine, but after doing some reading I thought it might be interesting to try it and see if it actually helps me.

Thanks again!

-- Jeremy

JustinMarchant · Tue, January 16th, 2007, 04:44 PM

Please also note- many believe that the creatine makes you gain weight alone. All it does is merely add weight the first few days due to water saturation of the muscles, and from there you CAN gain weight depending on the protein intake and workouts you follow it up with. The creatine simply allows your muscles to absorb more of the proteins that, with workouts, will ultimately cause a muscle growth...

jeremya · Tue, January 16th, 2007, 06:45 PM

From what I have read some people love creatine, some people say it's a waste of money. I figured it's not that expensive I might as well give it a try and see for myself.

-- Jeremy

Hoss · Tue, January 16th, 2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremya

From what I have read some people love creatine, some people say it's a waste of money. I figured it's not that expensive I might as well give it a try and see for myself.

-- Jeremy

I used it last night for the first time. Mondays are usually my crap days for lifting, but I actually completed my full workout with more reps/weight than usual.

However, I won't be surprised if I gain up to 10 pounds, most of which being water weight.

So, with the weight gain expected, I decided to do a loading phase rather than "maintenance" doses.

jeremya · Tue, January 16th, 2007, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoss

I used it last night for the first time. Mondays are usually my crap days for lifting, but I actually completed my full workout with more reps/weight than usual.

However, I won't be surprised if I gain up to 10 pounds, most of which being water weight.

So, with the weight gain expected, I decided to do a loading phase rather than "maintenance" doses.

Thanks for the info. I hope I don't gain 10 pounds, but I do look forward to adding some intensity to my workouts.

I plan on starting my loading phase on Monday so I will keep you updated.

-- Jeremy