Master Thread Maxxing out (or not): Health / exercise / supplement thread

[shiv]

I started on Saturday. Seems like I am a little more vascular during my workouts.

I started creatine and beets at the same time so I could have some double power going on

 

[LVRebel]

9 Reasons to Drink Lemon Water in the Morning

www.theepochtimes.com

 

[Mallory42]

Definitely noticing more of a pump during my workouts. And a little more endurance also.

 

[LVRebel]

Definitely noticing more of a pump during my workouts. And a little more endurance also.

Based on what? Which supplements?

 

[Mallory42]

Beet powder and L-Arginine

 

[shiv]

Beet powder and L-Arginine

You new in l-arginine? I’ve never tried it

 

[shiv]

I worked out hard 5 straight days. Took off today and taking off tomorrow, then back Friday.

I rowed 8x250m yesterday. Had solid times, but can’t remember what my normal time is per 250m. 8x250 as hard as you can fuckin sucks (doesn’t seem bad, but it’s brutal)

Starting to get more vascular as well

 

[Mallory42]

You new in l-arginine? I’ve never tried it

Been taking it since last summer.

 

[Mallory42]

Definitely noticed better pump & endurance with my workouts on the beet powder this week.

 

[Mallory42]

Bump

 

[LVRebel]

anyone have any rec's for straps or bands to use for bench press? A friend of mine mentioned them a while back, and how they can really help technique, and to isolate the right muscles, while reducing the stress on shoulders. I haven't seen him or talked to him much recently, so figured I'd check with you all. I'm not familiar with these at all, so don't know much about them.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Old Glory]

anyone have any rec's for straps or bands to use for bench press? A friend of mine mentioned them a while back, and how they can really help technique, and to isolate the right muscles, while reducing the stress on shoulders. I haven't seen him or talked to him much recently, so figured I'd check with you all. I'm not familiar with these at all, so don't know much about them.

Thanks in advance.

Straps and wraps is what I think you mean. Straps are for pulling exercises (deadlifts, rows, etc) and wraps are for pushing (bench, overhead press) or squats to help "protect" for your wrist. I use them all the time for any of the above exercises. They have zero to do with muscle isolation though. Frankly you are probably going to lift more with them, which is kind of the point, so I doubt it reduces shoulder stress. Straps for example will require less grip strength/endurance so you can pull more weight from the floor without grip strength/endurance being the limiting factor. Wraps help to keep your wrist neutral in a press which means less movement of the wrist. I also just "feel" stronger with them on, I'm sure there is science behind that but I can't explain it well.

There are tons to choose from. Typically wider and longer wraps are better because they will provide more support. There are different stiffness-es too (very stiff for more support, less stiff for less support). I'd start with less stiff and go up from there if you want to.

Here are the wraps I use, 36": https://markbellslingshot.com/colle...ngsta-flex-wrist-wraps?variant=12969854500958

And the straps:

IronMind closed-loop lifting straps for weightlifters-www.ironmind-store.com

www.ironmind-store.com

 

[LVRebel]

Straps and wraps is what I think you mean. Straps are for pulling exercises (deadlifts, rows, etc) and wraps are for pushing (bench, overhead press) or squats to help "protect" for your wrist. I use them all the time for any of the above exercises. They have zero to do with muscle isolation though. Frankly you are probably going to lift more with them, which is kind of the point, so I doubt it reduces shoulder stress. Straps for example will require less grip strength/endurance so you can pull more weight from the floor without grip strength/endurance being the limiting factor. Wraps help to keep your wrist neutral in a press which means less movement of the wrist. I also just "feel" stronger with them on, I'm sure there is science behind that but I can't explain it well.

There are tons to choose from. Typically wider and longer wraps are better because they will provide more support. There are different stiffness-es too (very stiff for more support, less stiff for less support). I'd start with less stiff and go up from there if you want to.

Here are the wraps I use, 36": https://markbellslingshot.com/colle...ngsta-flex-wrist-wraps?variant=12969854500958

And the straps:

IronMind closed-loop lifting straps for weightlifters-www.ironmind-store.com

www.ironmind-store.com

I'm familiar with the types of wraps and straps that you're talking about. It was my understanding that what he was talking about had more to do with keeping your elbows from getting too wide while pressing, especially when the bar is down at the chest level. I'll have to send him a text and ask what he's talking about. I've just dealt with shoulder issues the past couple years and don't want to go through the rehab junk again if I overdo it.

 

[LVRebel]

Could be something like this possibly. Not sure though:
Amazon product ASIN B00RTKEADW

Edit to add: Trying to add an Amazon link, but apparently it doesn't want to work.

 

[LVRebel]

Reactive Sling Shot - Weightlifting Tool

The Reactive Sling Shot is more pliable, flexible, comfortable and a little easier to put on than the Original. Great for all skill levels. Order it at Rogue.

www.roguefitness.com

 

[Old Glory]

Could be something like this possibly. Not sure though:
Amazon product ASIN B00RTKEADW

Edit to add: Trying to add an Amazon link, but apparently it doesn't want to work.

That's a slingshot which I have as well. It's designed to overload your bench press, meaning you can lift more with it than without, like a bench suit in equipped powerlifting. I guess it might help keep your elbows in but you should focus on that yourself rather than relying on a piece of equipment to do it because at some point you won't lift with it and you will have to be the one keeping your elbows in. I sound kind of brash so I apologize for that, I'm just trying to be as honest as possible.

There are different types of barbells too that can alter your elbow/should positioning like this one:

Kabuki Strength – Opening Soon

store.kabukistrength.net

Taking a video of yourself benching can help to so you can see what you're doing right and wrong.

Original Sling Shot®

Take your bench press to new heights with the Original Sling Shot created by Mark Bell. The Sling Shot was designed to not only help increase your bench press strength, but to also help with shoulder pain and reinforce proper form/technique. Get the Original Sling Shot today!

markbellslingshot.com

I use that one for my overload exercise (meaning I lift more with this piece of equipment than I do without) to increase my bench. I only use it one day a week though and only during certain training blocks, so it's far from an all the time use.







Some good videos on pain/injury and what to do about it.



That is one of the doctors from those videos. He dislocated his shoulder three weeks ago and is already back deadlifting 600+ lbs. My point in sharing that is the human body is extremely resilient and even if you lift with "bad" form, your body will adapt to that.

 

[LVRebel]

That's a slingshot which I have as well. It's designed to overload your bench press, meaning you can lift more with it than without, like a bench suit in equipped powerlifting. I guess it might help keep your elbows in but you should focus on that yourself rather than relying on a piece of equipment to do it because at some point you won't lift with it and you will have to be the one keeping your elbows in. I sound kind of brash so I apologize for that, I'm just trying to be as honest as possible.

There are different types of barbells too that can alter your elbow/should positioning like this one:

Kabuki Strength – Opening Soon

store.kabukistrength.net

Taking a video of yourself benching can help to so you can see what you're doing right and wrong.

Original Sling Shot®

Take your bench press to new heights with the Original Sling Shot created by Mark Bell. The Sling Shot was designed to not only help increase your bench press strength, but to also help with shoulder pain and reinforce proper form/technique. Get the Original Sling Shot today!

markbellslingshot.com

I use that one for my overload exercise (meaning I lift more with this piece of equipment than I do without) to increase my bench. I only use it one day a week though and only during certain training blocks, so it's far from an all the time use.







Some good videos on pain/injury and what to do about it.



That is one of the doctors from those videos. He dislocated his shoulder three weeks ago and is already back deadlifting 600+ lbs. My point in sharing that is the human body is extremely resilient and even if you lift with "bad" form, your body will adapt to that.

Good stuff. Thanks for the info and videos. I'll have to check those out for sure.

 

[shiv]

That's a slingshot which I have as well. It's designed to overload your bench press, meaning you can lift more with it than without, like a bench suit in equipped powerlifting. I guess it might help keep your elbows in but you should focus on that yourself rather than relying on a piece of equipment to do it because at some point you won't lift with it and you will have to be the one keeping your elbows in. I sound kind of brash so I apologize for that, I'm just trying to be as honest as possible.

There are different types of barbells too that can alter your elbow/should positioning like this one:

Kabuki Strength – Opening Soon

store.kabukistrength.net

Taking a video of yourself benching can help to so you can see what you're doing right and wrong.

Original Sling Shot®

Take your bench press to new heights with the Original Sling Shot created by Mark Bell. The Sling Shot was designed to not only help increase your bench press strength, but to also help with shoulder pain and reinforce proper form/technique. Get the Original Sling Shot today!

markbellslingshot.com

I use that one for my overload exercise (meaning I lift more with this piece of equipment than I do without) to increase my bench. I only use it one day a week though and only during certain training blocks, so it's far from an all the time use.







Some good videos on pain/injury and what to do about it.



That is one of the doctors from those videos. He dislocated his shoulder three weeks ago and is already back deadlifting 600+ lbs. My point in sharing that is the human body is extremely resilient and even if you lift with "bad" form, your body will adapt to that.

Barbell medicine is so good. I did their program called The Bridge about 5 years back and it took all my maxes higher than they ever were.

I could rep 315 on bench several times and hit 450 on squats. Never had more weight than 450 so I couldn’t max dead but I could rep that pretty well.

 

[shiv]

I need to refill my protein supplies. I’ve seen a couple recs in here, but what is the go to?

 

[shiv]

I recently switched protein to WheyCool by Designs for Health. It's well regarded as the healthiest protein out there. Expensive but worth it to me.

Design for Health’s Whey Cool Vanilla Protein Powder provides a great-tasting high protein, low carbohydrate functional food powder. It is made with an exceptional quality whey protein made from the milk of cows that graze on pesticide- and chemical-free, non GMO grass pastures in New Zealand, which is known to have one of the least polluted environments in the world. The milking cows are never fed grain, nor subjected to hormone or antibiotic treatments. This whey is instantized with sunflower lecithin (non-GMO), which helps it dissolve more easily in water and prevents foaming during blending.*

I would highly recommend the Ignition and Phormula 1 hydrolized protein also. It is expensive but has been well worth it. It recommends taking pre and post workout but I only take post workout as it would be too many carbs and this regimen works great for me.

I workout pretty hard and I never experience any muscle soreness after taking this. I was a little sore when I first started lifting again but it wasn’t debilitating and it didn’t last long. I also never have any muscle fatigue.

Here are the protein recs I found in the thread. Any other recs before I decide. I’ve always just gone with the optimum nutrition stuff

 

[Old Glory]

I need to refill my protein supplies. I’ve seen a couple recs in here, but what is the go to?

We’ve been using my protein whey isolate which has been fine. It’s fairly cheap so I’m not sure about the true quality but I’m wanting to try something new like Ryse, 1st Phorm, or Dymatize iso 100. They’re all more expensive and seem to be a higher quality.

 

[racernhra]

Here are the protein recs I found in the thread. Any other recs before I decide. I’ve always just gone with the optimum nutrition stuff

We’ve been using my protein whey isolate which has been fine. It’s fairly cheap so I’m not sure about the true quality but I’m wanting to try something new like Ryse, 1st Phorm, or Dymatize iso 100. They’re all more expensive and seem to be a higher quality.

Just to make sure, the 1st Phorm Phormula 1 protein is a rapid assimilation protein whereas their Level-1 is a sustained release protein. Combined with the Ignition the Phormula 1 is faster acting and absorbed versus the sustained release.

For the sustained release I use ProteinOne Nutraone protein. This, for me, is a great meal replacement when I mix with milk or almond milk, maybe some fruit too. There is a noticeable difference between the 2.

I take ignition and phormula 1 right after my morning workout. I immediately feel replenished and not any fatigue whatsoever. I then eat a big breakfast about 30 minutes later as I’m hungry. I wouldn’t be hungry if I drank the sustained release protein as it is more fIlling.

Its expensive but worth it to me. I buy the stack which includes the phormula 1 and ignition so it’s cheaper than buying separate. Also, I only take 1/2 scoop of ignition and 3/4 scoop of the protein as it works for me just fine and lasts longer.

 

[shiv]

Beet bros! Don’t know if it’s placebo but I’m definitely pushing to a new level. I’ve broke the mental plateau (I think I can’t do it but my body can). Not sure if it’s increase VO2 max from beets or just mental effects. Either way *cheers my beet juice glass*



Killed it on this today:

3 Rounds for time of:
12 Push Press, 60% 1RM
12 Toes-to-bar
15/10 Calories, Air Bike

3 Rounds for time of:
9 Push Press, 60% 1RM
9 Toes-to-bar
12/8 Calories, Air Bike

*Rest 3 minutes between each.

 

[Mallory42]

Beet bros! Don’t know if it’s placebo but I’m definitely pushing to a new level. I’ve broke the mental plateau (I think I can’t do it but my body can). Not sure if it’s increase VO2 max from beets or just mental effects. Either way *cheers my beet juice glass*

View attachment 84342

Killed it on this today:

3 Rounds for time of:
12 Push Press, 60% 1RM
12 Toes-to-bar
15/10 Calories, Air Bike

3 Rounds for time of:
9 Push Press, 60% 1RM
9 Toes-to-bar
12/8 Calories, Air Bike

*Rest 3 minutes between each.

Yes my workouts are really rocking since implementing the beet powder.

 

[shiv]

Yes my workouts are really rocking since implementing the beet powder.

I wish I hadn’t started creatine at the same time to better tell the effects, but in my head I believe I can push myself harder because I’m fueled by beets. Seems to really help cardio recovery time between intervals

 

[Mallory42]

I wish I hadn’t started creatine at the same time to better tell the effects, but in my head I believe I can push myself harder because I’m fueled by beets. Seems to really help cardio recovery time between intervals

I feel stronger&more in the tank to get through my workouts.

 

[Old Glory]

Just to make sure, the 1st Phorm Phormula 1 protein is a rapid assimilation protein whereas their Level-1 is a sustained release protein. Combined with the Ignition the Phormula 1 is faster acting and absorbed versus the sustained release.

For the sustained release I use ProteinOne Nutraone protein. This, for me, is a great meal replacement when I mix with milk or almond milk, maybe some fruit too. There is a noticeable difference between the 2.

I take ignition and phormula 1 right after my morning workout. I immediately feel replenished and not any fatigue whatsoever. I then eat a big breakfast about 30 minutes later as I’m hungry. I wouldn’t be hungry if I drank the sustained release protein as it is more fIlling.

Its expensive but worth it to me. I buy the stack which includes the phormula 1 and ignition so it’s cheaper than buying separate. Also, I only take 1/2 scoop of ignition and 3/4 scoop of the protein as it works for me just fine and lasts longer.

Thanks for the tips. I'm willing to spend the extra money on something like that if it's worth it. I honestly don't need protein power to hit my macros currently which is a refreshing feeling because for so long as I was consuming more than what was probably necessary. I learned a lot from watching this video recently.



Renaissance Periodization is great as well. They provide TONS of free information. I've never purchased any of their training templates but I've been curious. They don't change the price on them based on how many days you choose to life (i.e. 3 vs 6) which seems strange to me. I question if the value of the 6 day lifting schedule is the same as the 3 day? Maybe someday soon I'll snag one but I digress.

 

[Mallory42]

Starting to believe the beet powder is the real deal. Workouts are at a different level.

 

[LVRebel]

Benefits of High Dose Vit. D for Vitiligo and psoriasis. May also be applicable to auto immune disorders.

High-Dose Vitamin D Dramatically Improves Psoriasis and Vitiligo

www.theepochtimes.com

 

[Jayhacker]

Fruits and Veggies. Thoughts? I’m tired of seeing the commercial 40 times a day.

 

[shiv]

Fruits and Veggies. Thoughts? I’m tired of seeing the commercial 40 times a day.

Is this some kind of supplement?

 

[shiv]

Starting to believe the beet powder is the real deal. Workouts are at a different level.

I was out of town last weekend so I had a few days off. I’m realizing I need to get off creatine because the weight gain is jacking up my BP

Beets only going forward. My workout yesterday murdered me though

 

[Jayhacker]

Is this some kind of supplement?

2 different supplements. One all fruits and the other all vegetable. Says 3 pills each per day.

 

[LVRebel]

Fruits and Veggies. Thoughts? I’m tired of seeing the commercial 40 times a day.

I don't think I've seen the commercial you're talking about. I'm assuming it's just powderized fruits and vegetables, which isn't too bad of an idea if you don't get too many in your regular diet. I'd have to see what you're talking about though.

 

[Jayhacker]

I don't think I've seen the commercial you're talking about. I'm assuming it's just powderized fruits and vegetables, which isn't too bad of an idea if you don't get too many in your regular diet. I'd have to see what you're talking about though.

If you watch Newsmax it seems like it’s every other commercial along with the My Pillow guy.

 

[shiv]

2 different supplements. One all fruits and the other all vegetable. Says 3 pills each per day.

We only consume powderized beets here

 

[tiderollsonu]

I have lost 15lbs in 3 weeks, went from 226 to 211, need to shave about 10 more off before I go to the Dominican in 2 weeks..... Gotta take my shirt off in public and got that melted ice cream look going.....

 

[shiv]

I have lost 15lbs in 3 weeks, went from 226 to 211, need to shave about 10 more off before I go to the Dominican in 2 weeks..... Gotta take my shirt off in public and got that melted ice cream look going.....

Hell of a description right there. Thats my excuse to myself for not losing weight,

How did you pull off the 15 lbs in 3 weeks

 

[tiderollsonu]

Hell of a description right there. Thats my excuse to myself for not losing weight,

How did you pull off the 15 lbs in 3 weeks

Quit eating bread, only minimal rice and tortilla/wrap sandwiches and I run about 10 miles a week. 2.2 miles in 30 minutes. Also moderate weight lifting 4 times a week about 39 minutes of strength training after my run 4 times a week.

 

[LVRebel]

Quit eating bread, only minimal rice and tortilla/wrap sandwiches and I run about 10 miles a week. 2.2 miles in 30 minutes. Also moderate weight lifting 4 times a week about 39 minutes of strength training after my run 4 times a week.

I love the "about 39 minutes" part. If I was going with about, I'd probably round up to 40 or 45, but hey, maybe you're just a much better estimator than I am.

Seriously though, great work on the weight loss.