Joined Gym again........

[Bling]

Bling, when I was going through a very "down" period in my life I too decided to hit the gym and work on my tan. The result? Not only did I feel look better....I FELT better, had more confidence, more energy was overall a lot more positive.

So, GO FOR IT!!! It wont do anything but make ya feel better.

yep guess so. now i just need to figure out which supplemnts are best to gain weight ..... there are so many its disgusting i want to get to 150 and thats still underweight for my height but that will be fine for now at least......

[CrzyC]

Rich, any suggestions for the guy? I have no experience in weight gainers except for my own crappy eating habits. LOL!

[Bling]

I used to go to Porky's every now and then, but I go tot LA Fitness now. Dont skip the cardio altogether Danny, its integral to your entire workout. Its a balance of eating right, cardio and strength training. Also make sure you stretch A LOT.

I try to get in the gym a minimum of 3 times a week, and take a pilates or yoga class once a week. Most of my weight exercises are isometric - the slower you do them, the less you use your momentum to lift the weight, working out your muscles more.

Eventually when I get in shape, i'll start my ballet classes again. My fat ass isn't ready yet. *lol*

ballet? cool........ speakin of dancing maybe ...not now i should retake up salsa again . that was a workout holy crap...........

[Guest brwneydtrouble]

ballet? cool........ speakin of dancing maybe ...not now i should retake up salsa again . that was a workout holy crap...........

Ive been dying to find a Salsa partner. Thats definitely is a workout, and one that is so much fun. Not as fun as another one I can think of but as a dancer, it ranks right up there to me. *LOL*

[nexusgroove]

work haha

[Bling]

Ive been dying to find a Salsa partner. Thats definitely is a workout, and one that is so much fun. Not as fun as another one I can think of but as a dancer, it ranks right up there to me. *LOL*

damn i may actually go to bongos now ? any comps ? LOL doubt it... heh

[djrx06]

Rich, any suggestions for the guy? I have no experience in weight gainers except for my own crappy eating habits. LOL!

Here you go! This may be out of control but it's good reading. Bling, read up on the calories!

So you want to Cut. Well the first thing is understanding what “Cutting†means.

The Bodybuilding definition of cutting is quite simple = Lose Body Fat and do your best to retain Lean Body Mass (LBM)

Sounds simple, huh? Well, to be quite frank, its not. There will be many times that you want to give up and eat that cookie or ice cream but you need to decide what’s more important to you, that cookie or those abs. There is no magic pill or weight loss supplement that is going to make you lean, sorry but its not happening. Its your hard work, dedication and determination that will get you to your goal.

We all work so hard in the gym day in and day out and we hate the idea of losing our hard earned gains. So, if you want that 6 pack to show or striations in your shoulders then Cutting has got to be done. Many of us successfully cut with little to no loss of LBM. The trick is learning your own body and find what works best for YOU. You need to research, read and educate yourself. We can offer you the tools and our ideas on how to get started but ultimately its up. There are no rights or wrongs here, these are our opinions, these are things we have tried and found to work and these are our own experiences. You’re results can and will differ from ours as we are all different people with different bodies and with different needs.

Outline of a Healthy Diet:

1. 5-6 Meals

By eating every 3-3.5 hours apart we are increasing our metabolism. If our bodies go without food too long we go into starvation mode and our metabolism slows down. Why More Calories? Eating a smaller meal contain of protein, veggies, carbs and fat every few hours keeps fat loss going and supplies our bodies and muscles the nutrition it needs for the strenuous workouts.

2. 5-6 Liters Water of per day

Water is the source of life. Our bodies are mostly made up of water so a constant intake is essential to our bodies every function.

3. Lots of Fibrous Veggies

Eating more vegetables is essential to any healthy nutrition plan. They contain many vitamins and nutrients as well as countless overall health benefits.

4. Lean quality Proteins

Protein plays a very versatile role in the body. It is used to form strong muscles, bones and teeth. It is used to make hormones and enzymes, to strengthen the immune system, and to carry oxygen to the cells. Amino acids that form protein are classed as either essential or non-essential. There are about 28 known amino acids, of which the body can make only 19. The remaining nine essential ones must be supplied by our food. Protein is required for muscle repair and hypertophy.

5. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)

EFA’s are fats that are essential to the diet because the body cannot produce them. Essential fatty acids are extremely important nutrients for health. They are present in every healthy cell in the body, and are critical for the normal growth and functioning of the cells, muscles, nerves, and organs. Please see below for an article and links on EFA's.

6. Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbs with lots of fiber should be consumed in proper proportion for maximum health and vitality. Carbs provide us with strength in the gym by filling our glycogen stores for our muscles future use. Complex carbs with lots of fiber are rich sources of necessary vitamins and minerals as well as enzymes.

7. Say NO to Sugar

Simple sugars and other refined carbs, are released into the bloodstream more rapidly than complex carbs and can be used for energy or converted to glycogen. This elicits a large Insulin response, which in turn causes the excess sugar to be converted to fat.

8. Determination & Dedication

Your hard work will pay off!

To figure your caloric needs the best method is calculate and track 3-5 days of meals. Once you've figured what you need to maintain your bodyweight now you can figure what you need to cut. You are better to start out slow and drop cals as needed so that you have room to tweak as you go. As progress slows, you've left yourself room to drop cals as needed. Now that you have your maintainance number drop your cals by 200-300 and figure out your ratios.

The above is by far the best method to find your maintenance. However, if your not sure how to go about do this then you can always play around with some standard numbers. Remember these are for the average person so you may need to play around with it to find out what you need.

Cut - 10-13 cals per lb of bodyweight

Maintain: 13-15 cals per lb of bodyweight

Bulk: 15-18 cals per lb of bodyweight

Once you know how many cals you need to start cutting, now you can figure out your P/C/F ratio. Some of these ratios of Protein/Carbs/Fat many have successfully used are: 40/40/20, 50/20/30 or Isocaloric 33/33/33 to name a few.

Each Gram of Protein = 4 cals

Each Gram of Carbs = 4 cals

Each Gram of Fat = 9 cals

To figure this out is alot more simple than you think. For example, to follow a 40/40/20 ratio for a 200lb person.

40%

Approx: 2400 cals needed to cut

Now do the math:

2400 cals 40/40/20

40% of 2400 = 960 cals need to come from Protein

40% of 2400 = 960 cals need to come from Carbs

20% of 2400 = 480 cals need to come from Fat

Now that we know where the calories need to come from, its time to figure grams.

960 divided by 4 = 240G of Protein

960 divided by 4 = 240G of Carbs

480 divided by 9 = 53G of Fat

Then divide this up by 5 to 6 meals a day add in 3-4 servings of Green fibrous veggies and your done. Be sure that most of your fat comes from EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids)

Essential fatty acids (EFAs): are fats that are essential to the diet because the body cannot produce them. Essential fatty acids are extremely important nutrients for health. They are present in every healthy cell in the body, and are critical for the normal growth and functioning of the cells, muscles, nerves, and organs. EFAs are also used by the body to produce a class of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which are key to many important processes. Deficiencies of EFAs are linked to a variety of health problems, including major ones such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It has been estimated that as high as 80% of the American population may consume insufficient quantities of EFAs.

Very few health issues have received as much attention during the past several decades as the question of fat in the diet. Sixty-eight percent of mortalities in America are related to fat consumption and diet, including heart disease (44% of deaths), cancer (22%) and diabetes (2%). There are several types of dietary fats. Saturated fat is found mainly in animal products, including meat and dairy products, and avocados, and nuts. Cholesterol is a dietary fat that is only found in animal products. Cholesterol is also made by the body in small amounts from saturated fats. Heavy consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol has been linked to heart disease and cancer. Unsaturated fats are typically oils from vegetables, nuts, and are present in some fish. These are considered the healthiest dietary fats. Essential fatty acids are unsaturated fats. EFAs are the only fats that may need to be increased in the American diet.

Scientists classify essential fatty acids into two types, omega 3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, depending on their chemical composition. Technically, the omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, and two others called EPA and DHA. Alpha-linolenic acid is found mainly in flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybeans, walnuts, hemp seeds, and dark green leafy vegetables. Stearidonic acid is found in rarer types of seeds and nuts, including black currant seeds. EPA and DHA are present in cold-water fish, including salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel and cod. Cod liver oil is a popular nutritional supplement for omega-3 EFAs.

Omega-6 fatty acids are more common in the American diet than the omega-3 EFAs. These include linoleic acid, which is found in safflower, olive, almond, sunflower, hemp, soybean, walnut, pumpkin, sesame, and flaxseed oils. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is found in some seeds and evening primrose oil. Arachidonic acid (AA) is present in meat and animal products.

Both types of EFAs, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are necessary in a healthy diet. Deficiencies of EFAs have been brought about by changes in diet and the modern processing of foods and oils. Many nutritionists believe that a major dietary problem is the use of hydrogenated oils, which are present in margarine and many processed foods. Hydrogenated oils are highly refined by industrial processes, and contain toxic by-products and trans-fatty acids. Trans-fatty acids are fat molecules with chemically altered structures, and are believed to have several detrimental effects on the body. Trans-fatty acids interfere with the absorption of healthy EFAs, and may contribute to atherosclerosis, or damage to the arteries. Deep-fried foods, which are cooked in oil that is altered by very high temperatures, also contain trans-fatty acids. Many health professionals, including those at the World Heath Organization, have protested against the use of hydrogenated oils in food and the consumption of trans-fatty acids. Health conditions linked to the consumption of trans-fatty acids and hydrogenated oils include cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, immune system disorders, decreased sperm counts, and infant development problems.

Dietary changes that have contributed to EFA deficiency or imbalances include the increased use of oils that contain few or no omega-3 EFAs; the industrial milling of flour that removes the EFA-containing germ; the increase of sugar and fried foods in the diet that may interfere with the body's absorption of EFAs; and the decreased consumption of fish.

A balance of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs in the diet is recommended by experts. Americans typically consume higher quantities of omega-6 EFAs, because these are found in meat, animal products, and common cooking oils. Research has shown that too many omega-6 EFAs in the diet can lead to the imbalanced production of prostaglandins, which may contribute to health problems. Experts recommend that omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs be present in the diet in a ratio of around one to three. Americans consume a ratio as high as one to 40. Thus, the need for greater amounts of omega-3 EFAs in the diet has increased.

Symptoms of EFA deficiency or imbalance include dry or scaly skin, excessively dry hair, cracked fingernails, fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, allergies, mood disorders, hyperactivity, depression, memory and learning problems, slow wound healing, aching joints, poor digestion, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol.

General use

EFA supplementation is recommended for over 60 health conditions. EFAs are used therapeutically to treat and to prevent cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, high cholesterol, strokes, and high blood pressure. EFAs also have anti-inflammatory effects in the body, and are used in the nutritional treatment of arthritis, asthma, allergies, and skin conditions (e.g., eczema). EFAs are used as support for immune system disorders including AIDS, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and cancer.

Other conditions that may improve with EFA supplementation include acne and other skin problems, diabetes, depression, menopausal problems, nervous conditions, obesity, memory and learning disabilities, eye problems, and digestive disorders. EFAs are recommended for weight loss programs, as they may assist fat metabolism in the body. EFA supplementation is a recommended preventative practice, as well.

Preparations

Common EFA supplements are flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, black currant seed oil, hemp seed oil, and cod liver oil. Consumers should search for supplements that contain both omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs, because imbalances of EFAs may occur if either is taken in excess over long periods of time. Flaxseed oil is a recommended supplement, because it contains the highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids with some omega-6 EFAs, as well. Flaxseed oil is generally the least expensive source of omega-3 EFAs as well, generally much cheaper than fish oil supplements. Evening primrose oil is a popular supplement as well, because the GLA it contains has shown benefits in treating premenstrual syndrome and other conditions. However, evening primrose oil contains no omega-3 EFAs. Hemp seed oil is a well-balanced source of both EFAs.

Supplements are available from health food stores in liquid and capsule form. The recommended daily dosage is one to two tablespoons (13-26 capsules), taken with meals. EFAs can also be obtained from a diet that includes cold-water fish consumed twice per week, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, soy products, canola oil, and other foods mentioned above. Whole flaxseeds are a wholesome source of EFAs as well, and can be freshly ground and added to salads and other dishes.

Precautions

EFA supplements are generally fragile products, and must be produced, packaged and handled properly. Consumers should search for quality EFA supplements produced by reputable manufacturers. Products that are organically grown and certified by a third party are recommended. EFA products should be produced by "cold or modified expeller pressing," which means that they were produced without damaging temperatures or pressure. Products should be packaged in light-resistant containers, because sunlight damages EFAs. Packages should include manufacturing and use-by dates on them, in order to assure freshness. Stores and consumers should keep EFA products under refrigeration, because heat damages them, as well. Taste can indicate the quality of EFA oils: those that have no flavor usually are overly refined, and those that taste bitter are old or spoiled. Because of their low temperature threshold, nearly all the oils that are used as EFA supplements are not suitable for use as cooking oils.

Side effects

Side effects with most EFA supplements are rare, because EFAs are nontoxic and are used by the body as energy when taken in excess. The exception is cod liver and fish oil supplements, which can cause vitamin A and D toxicity when taken in excess. Side effects of vitamin A and D toxicity include headaches, skin discoloration, fatigue, nausea, and gastrointestinal problems. Fish oil supplements that have vitamins A and D removed are available.

Interactions

To maximize the benefits of EFA supplements, several recommendations can be followed. EFA users should reduce the amount of fat, particularly saturated fat from animal products, in their diet. The American Heart Association recommends that a healthy diet contains 30% or less of its total calories from fat. For 2000 total calories per day, 600 calories or less should be from fat, including EFA supplements. Consumers should also completely eliminate hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils from their diets. This includes eliminating all processed foods that contain them, such as margarine and many packaged foods. Other foods that contain trans-fatty acids, such as deep fried foods, should also be eliminated. Recommended cooking oils are olive, safflower, canola, and sesame oils. EFA effectiveness may be increased by lowering the intake of sugar and alcohol in the diet. Nutrients that assist EFA uptake are the B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium. As with any supplement, EFA effectiveness can be augmented with a nutritious, high fiber diet that emphasizes fresh and natural foods, and the intake of fish two times a week.

[Bling]

thanks rich...........

[Guest brwneydtrouble]

damn i may actually go to bongos now ? any comps ? LOL doubt it... heh

I used to know Carlos there but I dont think he's there anymore. Its been AGES.

[djrx06]

thanks rich...........

Anytime bro!

[mursa]

..and another thing bling , in the gym you meet lots of hot & sweaty women man ! .... much better chances of finding a girl thats worthwhile than for example in a club .

... just wait till you see a nice sweaty camel toe staring you in the face while she's doing the leg butterfly machine , you'll be benching 200lbs in no time !

[djrx06]

..and another thing bling , in the gym you meet lots of hot & sweaty women man ! .... much better chances of finding a girl thats worthwhile than for example in a club .

... just wait till you see a nice sweaty camel toe staring you in the face while she's doing the leg butterfly machine , you'll be benching 200lbs in no time !

[CrzyC]

..and another thing bling , in the gym you meet lots of hot & sweaty women man ! .... much better chances of finding a girl thats worthwhile than for example in a club .

... just wait till you see a nice sweaty camel toe staring you in the face while she's doing the leg butterfly machine , you'll be benching 200lbs in no time !

LOL! Man I miss you!

[sobeton]

welp joined gym again after a year and a half. goin tomorrow to GNC to buy weight gainer again. and those pills that help increase ur appetite....... bring on the pain.......

congrats! a bit of advice. forget about the weight gainer products. stick with a clean diet balanced with carbs, protein, and clean fats (i.e., EFA’s, olive oil, etc).

supplement your diet with additional protein such as whey protein. stay away from the over processed protein that GNC tends to carry. check the label good whey protein will have a combination of whey isolates, whey concentrate, and whey peptides any thing less is garbage. the key to gaining growth naturally, is to keep your body in a positive nitrogen balance. this means eating every 2-3 hours. they don’t have to be full meals. small meals are best and better utilized by the body. try to get a least a gallon of water in a day.

a good source for workout routines and pictures of exercises is the Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding by Arnold. cheaper then a personal trainer and IMO more useful. combine free weights and machines. change your routines often, as your body adapts to workouts rather quickly.

finally if your goal is to gain weight aerobic exercises, are the very last thing you need. your already lean enough adding aerobics, at this point will simply defeat the purpose.

hope this helps. feel free to PM me if you need any help.

[blondboheme]

LOL! Man I miss you!

where did he go???

[blondboheme]

here's a new shirt to work out in

[mursa]

where did he go???

Yea, where did I go ?

[CrzyC]

Yea, where did I go ?

Nowhere I have been lately.

[Bling]

here's a new shirt to work out in

nice............

[mursa]

Nowhere I have been lately.

yep, our paths don't cross as often as once ...but hey, when they do, they sure are Nice !

...missing one makes the heart grow fonder .

[funketeer]

excersize is vital to mantain a possitive outlook in life, just like beer!

[CrzyC]

yep, our paths don't cross as often as once ...but hey, when they do, they sure are Nice !

...missing one makes the heart grow fonder .

[djss]

Get into your routine of weight training for atleast a month or two before taking supplements, otherwise your body and muscles will not utilize it and you'll just shit it out...protein mixes will be heavy on the stomach especially if its not being used by your body...to be short: you'll get the shits

once on your whey to body building (pun intended) try this

it has a great blend of effective protein and other essential nutrients, not to mention low carbs and lactose to prevent the shits.

this was an essential part of my diet when i was building hardcore

hope this helps

SS

[ernextnation]

damn i may actually go to bongos now ? any comps ? LOL doubt it... heh

Bling you shoudn't be laughing, when I was single I used to hit Bongos a lot. Theres a lot of hotties over there.

It never failed, I never walked along out of the Club, and it was surprising how many people go to Space when Bongos closes.

[dudeitzdiesel]

hmmmm...

some testovirine, pro weight gainer, and marijuana

will give you instant results.