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Thread: My grow season log - first bulk in years

  1. #161
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    My weight was hovering around 206-207 so I decided its time I start trying to build some muscle back. Abs are very visible and the goal is to keep them this way. I will be adding humalog at a hefty dose pre workout followed by a smaller dose post workout. Cardio will stay in at 20 minutes fasted everyday. Lantus on hand to add at some point but I may not end up doing so as insulin sensitivity is my primary concern here and lantus seemed to ruin that quite fast last time. The way I see it, the longer I keep my insulin sensitivity in check, the longer I can run insulin and keep seeing results.

    Diet wise, I have decreased fats to make room for more carbs. My total caloric intake has risen only 145 calories over the past plan posted on April 13th. Humalog 15iu pre workout followed by 10iu post workout will be the insulin protocol and I will adjust dosage and increase carb intake every few days as needed.

    Current diet:
    Meal 1
    3 Large eggs
    200g potato
    2 scoops vegan protein in a veggie smoothie with spinach, red peppers, carrots and cucumbers

    Meal 2
    8oz chicken
    150g white rice
    1/2 cup beans
    2 tbsp chipotle mayo
    2 tbsp sour cream

    Meal 3
    8oz chicken thighs
    150g white rice
    1 cup mixed veggies (bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower)

    60mins pre workout 3.5iu pharm HGH
    15mins pre workout 15iu humalog

    Intra workout shake:
    1 cup pure pomegranate juice
    2 scoops carb powder (cluster bomb)
    1 scoop hydrolysate protein
    5g Leucine, 10g creatine, 20g glutamine

    Immediately post workout 10iu Humalog

    Meal 5 (post workout shake)
    2 cups egg whites
    1 cup blueberries
    1 cup oats
    20g honey

    Meal 5
    6oz lean ground beef
    8oz sweet potato
100g white rice

    Meal 6
    2 scoops protein
    1/2 cup oats
    1 tbsp PB

    4335 cals, 458 carb, 96 fat, 394 protein

  2. #162
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    Yesterday I weighed in at 207.6, today 210.6. The only difference being the insulin . I missed my beef meal (750 calories) and still somehow weighed in 3lbs heavier. Shirt is much tighter today and I look really full/round. Let's see how this goes.

  3. #163
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    My scale fucks with me. One day I'm where I should be and the next I'm 5 lbs lighter. It's either female or needs batteries, or both.
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  4. #164
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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    My weight was hovering around 206-207 so I decided its time I start trying to build some muscle back. Abs are very visible and the goal is to keep them this way. I will be adding humalog at a hefty dose pre workout followed by a smaller dose post workout. Cardio will stay in at 20 minutes fasted everyday. Lantus on hand to add at some point but I may not end up doing so as insulin sensitivity is my primary concern here and lantus seemed to ruin that quite fast last time. The way I see it, the longer I keep my insulin sensitivity in check, the longer I can run insulin and keep seeing results.

    Diet wise, I have decreased fats to make room for more carbs. My total caloric intake has risen only 145 calories over the past plan posted on April 13th. Humalog 15iu pre workout followed by 10iu post workout will be the insulin protocol and I will adjust dosage and increase carb intake every few days as needed.

    Current diet:
    Meal 1
    3 Large eggs
    200g potato
    2 scoops vegan protein in a veggie smoothie with spinach, red peppers, carrots and cucumbers

    Meal 2
    8oz chicken
    150g white rice
    1/2 cup beans
    2 tbsp chipotle mayo
    2 tbsp sour cream

    Meal 3
    8oz chicken thighs
    150g white rice
    1 cup mixed veggies (bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower)

    60mins pre workout 3.5iu pharm HGH
    15mins pre workout 15iu humalog

    Intra workout shake:
    1 cup pure pomegranate juice
    2 scoops carb powder (cluster bomb)
    1 scoop hydrolysate protein
    5g Leucine, 10g creatine, 20g glutamine

    Immediately post workout 10iu Humalog

    Meal 5 (post workout shake)
    2 cups egg whites
    1 cup blueberries
    1 cup oats
    20g honey

    Meal 5
    6oz lean ground beef
    8oz sweet potato
100g white rice

    Meal 6
    2 scoops protein
    1/2 cup oats
    1 tbsp PB

    4335 cals, 458 carb, 96 fat, 394 protein
    How's digestion / bloating with protein at 394g?

    Curious to know the methodology behind the intro workout shake. Why the juice versus other options? and 10 vs 5 for creatine. I'm not an insulin user.
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  5. #165
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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    I'm not an insulin user.

    Me either as it still scares me, but damn I hate it when I hear how effective guys claim it is....
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  6. #166
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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    How's digestion / bloating with protein at 394g?

    Curious to know the methodology behind the intro workout shake. Why the juice versus other options? and 10 vs 5 for creatine. I'm not an insulin user.
    It's funny that you mention the digesting/bloating because it's been hell today. Digestion seems okay (no gas etc) but I am definitely bloated. I will be reducing my meat servings to 6oz... Don't seem to be getting hungry as I should be. I also started a probiotic a couple days ago with the idea that it would help with the higher protein intake. I may also need to add digestive enzymes..

    As far as my creatine and glutamine dose goes, I really just took Mike Arnolds template of 5g creatine and 10g glutamine in 2 separate shakes but went ahead and combined it into 1 shake which I sip on during my workout. I think I could get away with half the dose (as it seems like you were hinting as well) but at the same time, MA and Milos both have higher amounts of creatine in their protocols so I just went with it.

    I've always done juice in my intra with another carb source for really no reason other than I wanted to. It used to be pineapple juice or whatever else I had, always pure so I could justify it as getting my fruits in lol... Only recently have I started using pomegranate juice due to its prostate health and heart health benefits as outlined by Dante Trudel. Here's a post where Dante talks about this https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsXumSDKzI/?hl=en

  7. #167
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    Quote Originally Posted by kelkel View Post
    Me either as it still scares me, but damn I hate it when I hear how effective guys claim it is....
    I won't say its overrated but its definitely not for everyone and I feel like "effectiveness" is blown out of proportion. For a beginner, its a game changer mainly because you get the most insane pumps. Now, if you're a seasoned vet and already have the mind muscle connection down and have trained with BFR bands (so you know what an intense pump feels like), insulin will likely not give you insane pumps... Personally I don't feel anything over and above what I feel without insulin. Nutrient partitioning is my main reason. If I have an insane chest day and eat my ass half, I am that much stronger next chest day.

    To each their own. I know pro's who have never used it and on the other hand I know amateur gym rats who claim it is the holy grail.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    It's funny that you mention the digesting/bloating because it's been hell today. Digestion seems okay (no gas etc) but I am definitely bloated. I will be reducing my meat servings to 6oz... Don't seem to be getting hungry as I should be. I also started a probiotic a couple days ago with the idea that it would help with the higher protein intake. I may also need to add digestive enzymes..

    As far as my creatine and glutamine dose goes, I really just took Mike Arnolds template of 5g creatine and 10g glutamine in 2 separate shakes but went ahead and combined it into 1 shake which I sip on during my workout. I think I could get away with half the dose (as it seems like you were hinting as well) but at the same time, MA and Milos both have higher amounts of creatine in their protocols so I just went with it.

    I've always done juice in my intra with another carb source for really no reason other than I wanted to. It used to be pineapple juice or whatever else I had, always pure so I could justify it as getting my fruits in lol... Only recently have I started using pomegranate juice due to its prostate health and heart health benefits as outlined by Dante Trudel. Here's a post where Dante talks about this https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsXumSDKzI/?hl=en
    I use to get a lot of gas and bloating with similar macros which is why I asked. I thought it was dairy at first but just my body I suppose. I generally don't go over 250ish gram of protein in a meal plan for myself.

    I've watched a few videos from Milos Sarcev as well as listening to a few big names talk about his protocols. He almost sold me on trying insulin . I think if I never touched DNP I'd be willing to try it.

    Which Carb powder and protein powder are you using? With the juice do you use unflavoured? I like the idea of a fitness shake mixologist and combining fruity flavours.

    I have thought about Johns intra workout shake recommendation. All the cluster dextrin products seem crazy expensive unless i'm looking in the wrong place.
    Last edited by Windex; 04-22-2020 at 04:27 PM.
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  9. #169
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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    I use to get a lot of gas and bloating with similar macros which is why I asked. I thought it was dairy at first but just my body I suppose. I generally don't go over 250ish gram of protein in a meal plan for myself.

    I've watched a few videos from Milos Sarcev as well as listening to a few big names talk about his protocols. He almost sold me on trying insulin . I think if I never touched DNP I'd be willing to try it.

    Which Carb powder and protein powder are you using? With the juice do you use unflavoured? I like the idea of a fitness shake mixologist and combining fruity flavours.

    I have thought about Johns intra workout shake recommendation. All the cluster dextrin products seem crazy expensive unless i'm looking in the wrong place.
    So I cut out potatoes and took my meat serving size down to 6oz. Not only did it do the trick, I'm now getting hungry lol.

    The carb powder I use is cluster bomb by redcon (not cheap) and hydropure by nutrabolics. I use vanilla protein and some berry flavour or grape for carbs. Mixed with the pomegranate juice it actually tastes pretty good and just like you said, a fitness shake mixologist at work haha.

    True nutrition all sorts of carb powders at decent prices if you haven't checked them out.

    What was your bad experience with DNP if you don't mind me asking?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    So I cut out potatoes and took my meat serving size down to 6oz. Not only did it do the trick, I'm now getting hungry lol.

    The carb powder I use is cluster bomb by redcon (not cheap) and hydropure by nutrabolics. I use vanilla protein and some berry flavour or grape for carbs. Mixed with the pomegranate juice it actually tastes pretty good and just like you said, a fitness shake mixologist at work haha.

    True nutrition all sorts of carb powders at decent prices if you haven't checked them out.

    What was your bad experience with DNP if you don't mind me asking?
    I'll have to fiddle around with a few ideas. I've mixed Gatorade Powder with Xtend and Biosteel before with some success.

    Fouad has a supplement company now ". Wouldn't mind trying to support him and try his products. I think he lives in Kitchener or Windsor or something ?

    Have you noticed some labs jacking the minimum order ? I don't blame them - I wouldn't want to go to the bank and post office just to ship out a couple vials of test.

    I cannot decide what I wanna blast with. I really want to try new stuff got lots of time but also hard to break tradition with tried and true. Huge list of compounds I've never touched.
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  11. #171
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    I've done the gatorade powder idea as well. Added pineapple juice and vanilla protein powder to it. I've never really been huge on adding BCAA to my intra, I would always just opt for 0.5-1 scoops of hydro protein.

    Fouad's pre workout is pretty good. Im basing my opinion on a single sample that I got from him at last year's Canadian nationals and I would imagine the rest of his line being top notch as well. The energy from his pre was good (although i'm pretty caffeine sensitive) and the pumps were unreal. The thing is I have a wholesale account for my supplements so I likely will not be purchasing his products until they are sold in stores... Just can't justify paying more than double the price.

    Have not noticed anything in terms of minimum order pricing. I have a local rep so I wouldn't know anyways... guess I'm kinda lucky that way. I can't argue with the tried and true method. I tried something different with this cycle, I prefer NPP at about 600mg but I chose to try deca at a higher dose of 1000mg. I kind of wish I stuck to NPP as the strength was a lot better. I honestly do not feel like I am on a gram of deca at all. Puts things into perspective for me realizing that 600 NPP does more for me than 1000mg of deca. With that said, it's all an experiment... I wouldn't have known if I didn't try. Kind of actually debating dropping the deca when I run out (I have 1/4 bottle left) and just switching to NPP but it just seems like a waste of time to do that now.

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    Quote Originally Posted by kelkel View Post
    Me either as it still scares me, but damn I hate it when I hear how effective guys claim it is....
    Did you pull the trigger on MK677 ?
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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    I've done the gatorade powder idea as well. Added pineapple juice and vanilla protein powder to it. I've never really been huge on adding BCAA to my intra, I would always just opt for 0.5-1 scoops of hydro protein.

    Fouad's pre workout is pretty good. Im basing my opinion on a single sample that I got from him at last year's Canadian nationals and I would imagine the rest of his line being top notch as well. The energy from his pre was good (although i'm pretty caffeine sensitive) and the pumps were unreal. The thing is I have a wholesale account for my supplements so I likely will not be purchasing his products until they are sold in stores... Just can't justify paying more than double the price.

    Have not noticed anything in terms of minimum order pricing. I have a local rep so I wouldn't know anyways... guess I'm kinda lucky that way. I can't argue with the tried and true method. I tried something different with this cycle, I prefer NPP at about 600mg but I chose to try deca at a higher dose of 1000mg. I kind of wish I stuck to NPP as the strength was a lot better. I honestly do not feel like I am on a gram of deca at all. Puts things into perspective for me realizing that 600 NPP does more for me than 1000mg of deca. With that said, it's all an experiment... I wouldn't have known if I didn't try. Kind of actually debating dropping the deca when I run out (I have 1/4 bottle left) and just switching to NPP but it just seems like a waste of time to do that now.
    Makes sense on the supplements. I discovered a company / online store called "Canada Protein". Aside from selling protein you can also buy things like carb powder in bulk. Cluster Dextrin is only $60 for 2kg. I don't know how relevant the other ingredients are in terms of cofactors when I read the labels of the brands.

    Battle Juice was another highly totes product but $60 for 20 servings is highway robbery to me.

    I think I can make my own makeshift intro workout using raw ingredients
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  14. #174
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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    Makes sense on the supplements. I discovered a company / online store called "Canada Protein". Aside from selling protein you can also buy things like carb powder in bulk. Cluster Dextrin is only $60 for 2kg. I don't know how relevant the other ingredients are in terms of cofactors when I read the labels of the brands.

    Battle Juice was another highly totes product but $60 for 20 servings is highway robbery to me.

    I think I can make my own makeshift intro workout using raw ingredients
    I actually use Canadian protein for some of my carbs and vegan protein. Thanks for the reminder, I just went on and purchased vanilla and chocolate vegan protein alongside some maltodextrin and dextrose. Their price on Cluster Dextrin is good as well, same price I buy for my clusterbomb, or just about anyways.

    Making your own using raw ingredients is the way to go. I've done it before and will do again in the future I'm sure.

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    So the past few days I have been in contact with Milos and really contemplating having him take over my off season and helping me grow and hit my weight cap for classic. My only problem is that I can't risk shelling out 5K (canadian) for the 6 months. If we weren't dealing with Covid-19 it would be a different story but I don't want to run into a situation where I need money for my restaurant.

    After speaking to him and getting his opinion on things, although I haven't decided for sure, I think I am going to go into a hard bulk and maybe hire him down the road if I can't work things out on my own... Everyone around me is telling me that I am too lean and that this is a good opportunity to take advantage of a "rebound". My prep coach came by last week and told me that I'm way too lean right now which is what sparked my interest in speaking with Milos.

    I don't plan on changing my cycle as it is kicking in full effect but rather adding insulin and high carbs for the next few weeks before I drop the deca and make way for other compounds.

    The main thing is to make sure my body is at 100% and I'm definitely really close to it. I am shoulder pressing a plate per side which isn't that great but its progressing every week. My close grip is back up to 225 x 10 and my incline BB is at 275 x 3 all very clean, 4 second negatives. I am doing 3-4 second negative on everything, 1 second concentric with no pause at the bottom and a 2 second squeeze at the top. The squeeze has been a game changer in terms of rehab... Not really sure why maybe its a shock to my body as I never really squeeze this way.
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    Morning weight: 211.4lbs

    Changed up my diet a bit. Three days a week I will be hitting 2 a days, those days I consume 5418 cals, 674 carb, 125 fat, 397 protein, 56 fibre. Another 3 days a week I will be hitting a single muscle group and I consume 4963 cals, 588 carb, 124 fat, 370 protein, 56 fibre. Yesterday was my first 2 a day and I was hungry after those meals. My carbs are timed mainly around my workout with 300g being pre and post on my single workout day. When I train twice, my largest carb consumption happens during my first workout (300g) with another 90g intra workout for my second workout.

    I will stick to this for a little while and see how my body responds. So far it is not responding the way I expected (usually I soak up glycogen and water and blow up) but as long as my strength progresses, we will call it a win.

    For 4-6 weeks I will be trying to add weight in a clean fashion. The 2 a days, combined with fasted cardio on my single workout days should help in that regard. Depending on how this period goes, I will either decide to take some time off the juice to let my body recover, or if things are going as they should, I will make another change and keep going. I plan on listening to my body and of course, take blood work into consideration.

    I am leaning towards bulking up to 225 range, then cruising for 8 weeks or so at a low test dose, lets say 250mg while keeping cals up to maintain that 225lb. I'm okay with using HGH and insulin during this time to keep the weight up but bringing down AAS usage will be the focus. From there, I will bring on an off-season coach. Al though I considered it now, I think it would be wise to hire a coach after I take some time off so that my body is refreshed that way I get the most out of it. Plus, that would put my starting weight for the bulk right around my highest weight which should have me blast past my PR. As usual, its easier said then done but this is my plan going forward. It may change but I just thought I'd get it out there so people understand my mind set here.

    I should mention, the pro qualifier I was planning on doing is now cancelled until 2021. I already had the push to drop the men's physique shorts and switch over to classic/BB but now it's time to make it happen. I fully expect this to be a long journey which is why I want to plan for some sort of time off in the mix. I will be bringing on one of two coaches. Milos sparks my interest the most. Hearing his interviews over the years, for the most part I seem to be on the same page as him in terms of carbs around my workout. It seems to work for me. His body of work speaks for itself and his past clients have nothing but great things to say. Having a coach is a mental thing as well and having someone in your corner who cares makes the world of a difference (this is why I use my good friend and local coach for prep). The other coach I have been watching for the better part of the year is AJ sims. He keeps his guys lean all year round and is able to pack mass on them. Both guys use intense workout plans to increase caloric expenditure which allows the consumption of more food. All of this lines up for me. Neither guys are cheap but AJ is roughly about 2/3 the price of Milos so I do want to make sure my body is exactly where it needs to be to start with a coach... No use starting with one just to have them put me on a cruise to let my body "recover". Overall I lean towards Milos as my goal is off-season coaching... If prep was my concern than maybe I would be leaning towards AJ. Either way, I have a few months to make up my mind and in the meantime I plan to put in work to be in a good starting point to work with a top level coach.

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    Yesterday's morning workout consisted of monster sets so I did not log it. The goal was muscle activation and exhaustion and I felt logging my lift may get in the way of that.

    My PM workout was different. I hit arms. Two heavy movements for each of biceps and triceps followed by 2 monster sets. Here's how it went.

    Warm up with standing curls and cable press downs
    Ez bar curls 1 x 6-8
    35s x 8

    Incline DB Skull crushers 1 x 6-8
    45 x 10

    Close grip bench 1 x 6-8
    275 x 6

    Standing Hammer curls 1 x 6-8
    45 x 8

    Followed up with 2 monster sets of 5 exercises each. 10 second break in between sets and 120 second break between monster sets.

    Nothing impressive in terms of weight but I was extremely happy to get 275 on close grip for 6. Just a few weeks ago I couldn't even do a plate without pain due to my rotator cuff issue.

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    I'm not at your caliber of mixology but this is what I have so far:

    8g BCAA Blue Raspberry
    15g Carbs Orange Gatorade Powder
    10g Glutamine
    5g Creatine
    Will try with half scoop vanilla whey next workout
    Water + Ice

    I'm going to order from Canadian Protein today. Their unflavoured cluster dextrin and EAA's of some flavour.

    Also going to try with coconut water and maybe pinch of salt.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    I'm not at your caliber of mixology but this is what I have so far:

    8g BCAA Blue Raspberry
    15g Carbs Orange Gatorade Powder
    10g Glutamine
    5g Creatine
    Will try with half scoop vanilla whey next workout
    Water + Ice

    I'm going to order from Canadian Protein today. Their unflavoured cluster dextrin and EAA's of some flavour.

    Also going to try with coconut water and maybe pinch of salt.
    Coconut water would be great for the electrolytes. I can see salt being a great addition as well, I add it to my pre workout.

    Two things I would recommend, the clinic dose for improved performance is 30g of carbs. I've seen 20-30g but Fouad mentioned the clinic dose being 30g.

    For protein, It seems hydrolyzed whey works better for intra or really any time around the workout. I don't believe there is clinic evidence but rather bro science. I forget if it was john meadows or someone else who brought it up and they pointed to the possible higher dose of leucine in hydro.

    2g sea salt or pink salt pre workout is a game changer. It's a staple for contest prep especially the last few weeks when it is hard to achieve a proper pump. I've noticed the results are more profound in my natural clients however it definitely does a great job for me as well.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    I'm not at your caliber of mixology but this is what I have so far:

    8g BCAA Blue Raspberry
    15g Carbs Orange Gatorade Powder
    10g Glutamine
    5g Creatine
    Will try with half scoop vanilla whey next workout
    Water + Ice

    I'm going to order from Canadian Protein today. Their unflavoured cluster dextrin and EAA's of some flavour.

    Also going to try with coconut water and maybe pinch of salt.
    I should also mention, I did not like the blue raspberry flavour EAA by canadian protein. It tasted way too sweet but a fake sweet like you get with sweeteners. Even when watered down it did not taste good so I threw it away. I believe some reviews also stated that about the flavour so I would stay away from that one for sure. Personally I will likely use their unflavoured next time after that bad experience.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    Coconut water would be great for the electrolytes. I can see salt being a great addition as well, I add it to my pre workout.

    Two things I would recommend, the clinic dose for improved performance is 30g of carbs. I've seen 20-30g but Fouad mentioned the clinic dose being 30g.

    For protein, It seems hydrolyzed whey works better for intra or really any time around the workout. I don't believe there is clinic evidence but rather bro science. I forget if it was john meadows or someone else who brought it up and they pointed to the possible higher dose of leucine in hydro.

    2g sea salt or pink salt pre workout is a game changer. It's a staple for contest prep especially the last few weeks when it is hard to achieve a proper pump. I've noticed the results are more profound in my natural clients however it definitely does a great job for me as well.
    Sorry, I was a bit off. If your workout is under 75 minutes then your carb intake is fine. Over 75 minutes and 30g/hour is recommended.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008807/

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    I'll give it a read thanks ! And unflavoured EAA sounds like a smart idea can customize from there. I don't have any hydrolyzed whey just a blend. I use so little protein powder in my meal plan it takes forever to go through. The protein will give me another 3g if Leucine on top of the BCAA protein.
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  23. #183
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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    I should mention, the pro qualifier I was planning on doing is now cancelled until 2021. I already had the push to drop the men's physique shorts and switch over to classic/BB but now it's time to make it happen. I fully expect this to be a long journey which is why I want to plan for some sort of time off in the mix. I will be bringing on one of two coaches. Milos sparks my interest the most. Hearing his interviews over the years, for the most part I seem to be on the same page as him in terms of carbs around my workout. It seems to work for me. His body of work speaks for itself and his past clients have nothing but great things to say. Having a coach is a mental thing as well and having someone in your corner who cares makes the world of a difference (this is why I use my good friend and local coach for prep). The other coach I have been watching for the better part of the year is AJ sims. He keeps his guys lean all year round and is able to pack mass on them. Both guys use intense workout plans to increase caloric expenditure which allows the consumption of more food. All of this lines up for me. Neither guys are cheap but AJ is roughly about 2/3 the price of Milos so I do want to make sure my body is exactly where it needs to be to start with a coach... No use starting with one just to have them put me on a cruise to let my body "recover". Overall I lean towards Milos as my goal is off-season coaching... If prep was my concern than maybe I would be leaning towards AJ. Either way, I have a few months to make up my mind and in the meantime I plan to put in work to be in a good starting point to work with a top level coach.

    I can imagine Milos charges an arm and a leg....
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  24. #184
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    Quote Originally Posted by kelkel View Post
    I can imagine Milos charges an arm and a leg....
    Actually a bit more reasonable than I expected but still not cheap. 3500USD for 6 months. I'm okay spending the money but it's just tough with this covid stuff going on and myself being a restaurant owner. I do meal prep as well and likely thats keeping me afloat.

  25. #185
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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    Actually a bit more reasonable than I expected but still not cheap. 3500USD for 6 months. I'm okay spending the money but it's just tough with this covid stuff going on and myself being a restaurant owner. I do meal prep as well and likely thats keeping me afloat.

    I'd imagine you can find guys just as good for half that. They just don't have the "name" to go with it.
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  26. #186
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    Quote Originally Posted by kelkel View Post
    I'd imagine you can find guys just as good for half that. They just don't have the "name" to go with it.
    100% agree. I'd argue AJ is just as good if not better. For me, I've been following and "copying" Milos' plans for a while. It would be nice to actually have the real deal as opposed to trying to decipher stuff I see online/in his interviews and make a protocol off that. It's just a personal thing I guess.

    Normally I would shy away from a big name because they likely won't give a damn about you but I know a local competitor using him and he had nothing but great things to say in regards to attention to detail.

  27. #187
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    Monday April 27 210.4
    Tuesday 211.2
    Wednesday 214.2
    Thursday 215.2

    Weight is progressing in the right direction. Muscles are full and round and I am still staying lean. Pictures below are taken today.

    My grow season log - first bulk in years-back-shot-april-30.jpegMy grow season log - first bulk in years-whatsapp-image-2020-04-30-9.32.45-am.jpeg
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  28. #188
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    Veinage!
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    Sweet progesss.

    Did yoh ever get water retention in finger/knuckles or or in ankles from MK or GH? I dropped my MK down to 15mg
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  30. #190
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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    Sweet progesss.

    Did yoh ever get water retention in finger/knuckles or or in ankles from MK or GH? I dropped my MK down to 15mg
    Water retention is ridiculous from MK and to a lesser extent from generic HGH as well. Right now I am on pharm and did not notice anything at all but I did gradually increase my dosage.

    I was debating adding another 5iu of HGH to my routine, that would be chinese generic. If I do that, I will definitely update about water retention and lethargy.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    Water retention is ridiculous from MK and to a lesser extent from generic HGH as well. Right now I am on pharm and did not notice anything at all but I did gradually increase my dosage.

    I was debating adding another 5iu of HGH to my routine, that would be chinese generic. If I do that, I will definitely update about water retention and lethargy.
    Any experience on Primatropin?

    I've been training at a private gym and went back to monster plex preworkout. Today I'm going to stop after 7 days. Appetite took a 180. Couldn't even ice cream with a gun to my head. My sleep also took a nose dive for two consecutive nights.

    In the future I'd only use it for 1 off workouts where I knew it was going to be max intensity with a training partner for drop sets, negatives, forced repatriation etc.
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  32. #192
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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    Any experience on Primatropin?

    I've been training at a private gym and went back to monster plex preworkout. Today I'm going to stop after 7 days. Appetite took a 180. Couldn't even ice cream with a gun to my head. My sleep also took a nose dive for two consecutive nights.

    In the future I'd only use it for 1 off workouts where I knew it was going to be max intensity with a training partner for drop sets, negatives, forced repatriation etc.
    I've used primatropin once but didn't notice too much from it. Could have been that I didn't give it enough time to work its magic before switching to another brand. It doesn't seem to be recommended very highly even tho the guys who carry syn typically carry it as well. On the other hand, the HGH carried by Inno's reps is typically backed by good reviews but no personal experience with those.

    In terms of appetite going to shit, I noticed in my logs that in the past I was using ginger root extract with heavy dose orals and had no issue. I recently picked up charcoal activated ginger and have recommended it to a few buddies with appetite issues and they've loved it. It can be found online or at a local organic grocer type of store.

    Monster plex is on my radar. Right now I have injectable dbol on hand which I will be adding once my weight plateaus a bit. Im up to 217 this morning... A bit softer and I have a cheat meal tonite and tomorrow night so chances are that I will be 220 with abs fairly soon but I will need to make some tweaks to ensure I stay lean... T3 addition being one of them. Nothing crazy, just going to start at 25mcg.

  33. #193
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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    So I cut out potatoes and took my meat serving size down to 6oz. Not only did it do the trick, I'm now getting hungry lol.

    The carb powder I use is cluster bomb by redcon (not cheap) and hydropure by nutrabolics. I use vanilla protein and some berry flavour or grape for carbs. Mixed with the pomegranate juice it actually tastes pretty good and just like you said, a fitness shake mixologist at work haha.

    True nutrition all sorts of carb powders at decent prices if you haven't checked them out.

    What was your bad experience with DNP if you don't mind me asking?
    The short version is DNP should've killed me.

    I had

    - Hyperthermia
    - Tachypnea
    - Tachycardia
    - Dehydration

    All at the same time. This was on a very moderate and humble dose and only in the first week. I felt really off, a walking zombie one day. Admitted myself to the hospital where all of the above really started to happen. Gut feeling / intuition. Second piece of luck was both the doctor and poison control knew what DNP even was and had experience prior.

    Hilariously enough I was worried about the legal ramifications, maybe subconsciously I'd rather die than rot in prison lol.
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  34. #194
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    Quote Originally Posted by Windex View Post
    The short version is DNP should've killed me.

    I had

    - Hyperthermia
    - Tachypnea
    - Tachycardia
    - Dehydration

    All at the same time. This was on a very moderate and humble dose and only in the first week. I felt really off, a walking zombie one day. Admitted myself to the hospital where all of the above really started to happen. Gut feeling / intuition. Second piece of luck was both the doctor and poison control knew what DNP even was and had experience prior.

    Hilariously enough I was worried about the legal ramifications, maybe subconsciously I'd rather die than rot in prison lol.
    Damn dude that is crazy. Had I heard a story like that, I probably would not have even ever touched it.

  35. #195
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    Friday 217
    Saturday 217.2

    Lower back and shoulder pumps are insane. They are at the point where they are getting in the way of my workout... Similar to how I feel on a post show rebound. Makes me think that I got leaner than I had initially thought.. Being covered in hair head to toe makes it heard to gauge how lean you really are.

    Im still sticking to controller eccentric and controlled concentric movements for now with a squeeze to ensure proper rehab of my shoulder. This type of training seems to be building a much better mind-muscle connection as well. The next step will be incorporating DC principles into this which I will start to do later this week... Just going to listen to my body and not worry too much about lifting heavy until my body is ready.

  36. #196
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    Maintained 217 through the weekend. I will keep the calories the same to start the week (5k), reassess on Tuesday or Wednesday. Insulin protocol will be a bit different now with lantus and humalog in the mix.

    HGH 3.5iu ~30 mins prior to cardio
    Lantus 30iu ~60 mins prior to meal 1
    Humalog 15iu ~15 mins pre workout
    Humalog 20iu ~immediately pre workout.

    Last week I seemed the gain more weight after my 2 a days. Possibly due to more insulin? This week I will be doing fasted cardio and 1 workout per day everyday with the exception of Sunday. Although the twice a days had me gaining weight, I felt very drained so I will ease off this week and see if I feel better.

    My shoulder pump is insane. Im literally doing raises with 25s and pressing 45s and they are ready to explode. Still easing into weights as I don't want to get risky with my rotators just yet... Nor do I even need to as they are responding really well.

    My grow season log - first bulk in years-img_2384.jpg
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  37. #197
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    Delts are popping! Awesome! I friggin miss lateral raises....
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  38. #198
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    Quote Originally Posted by kelkel View Post
    Delts are popping! Awesome! I friggin miss lateral raises....
    I miss them too man. I've been doing partial side raises with a slight bend and they seem to help with the pain quite a bit.

    Currently looking on the market for a smith machine to add to my home gym. Only problem is that I don't want a cheapo unit and am either waiting for a smith+squat rack combo so I can replace my current squat rack or a commercial smith machine. I would be doing that exercise you recommended every shoulder day if I had a smith.

  39. #199
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    Quote Originally Posted by Livinlean View Post
    I miss them too man. I've been doing partial side raises with a slight bend and they seem to help with the pain quite a bit.

    Currently looking on the market for a smith machine to add to my home gym. Only problem is that I don't want a cheapo unit and am either waiting for a smith+squat rack combo so I can replace my current squat rack or a commercial smith machine. I would be doing that exercise you recommended every shoulder day if I had a smith.
    Looking great. I feel like I am just withering away after looking at people like you.


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  40. #200
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    Quote Originally Posted by charger69 View Post
    Looking great. I feel like I am just withering away after looking at people like you.


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    You'll be fine my man. That muscle memory will bounce back in no time once you hit the weights again.

    Im just extra motivated due to coming off my rotator injury. I had just been able to finally hit my upper body properly when all this Covid stuff happened and I was a few weeks into a heavy cycle. Otherwise I would have probably just taken some time off and let my body recover before hitting a blast after coming back into the gym... Which is precisely what people like yourself can do

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