I use EAS Whey Protein, got a 5lb bag in Costco for $30 and thought it was a good deal. 23g protein, 14g carbs per scoop.

As for sore biceps - this means that when you struggle with your final pullups, you are trying too hard to lift yourself up with your arms. When you feel you can't push anymore, just hang on your pullup bar, and try to lift your body solely with your back as much as you can. This is really when the muscle starts to grow.

Also, when you get to this stage, get the chair out, and again emphasize the back, not the arms or legs. Last week, I didn't use any chair-assisted pullups, and was doing 2-3 regular by the end, but this past Monday, I used more of the chair and got a better burn.

mp2437 wrote:

QUOTE:
I use EAS Whey Protein, got a 5lb bag in Costco for $30 and thought it was a good deal. 23g protein, 14g carbs per scoop.

As for sore biceps - this means that when you struggle with your final pullups, you are trying too hard to lift yourself up with your arms. When you feel you can't push anymore, just hang on your pullup bar, and try to lift your body solely with your back as much as you can. This is really when the muscle starts to grow.

Also, when you get to this stage, get the chair out, and again emphasize the back, not the arms or legs. Last week, I didn't use any chair-assisted pullups, and was doing 2-3 regular by the end, but this past Monday, I used more of the chair and got a better burn.

I use the EAS Protein from Costco as well. This is the first time I've ever used protein powder, and I don't know much about it, so I just went with what was cheap. I'm not very picky with taste, so I'm happy with the EAS powder.

Just read some reviews on AfterGlow, seems to be a good product, though pricey. Will go to a GNC one of these days and look for myself.

finished shoulders & arms and 1/2 of ab ripper.

Well, here's what I'm using and I'm gaining weight pretty quick . .

GNC Pro Performance® AMP Amplified Mass XXX™ - Strawberry

Its got about 900 calories per shakes (if u use 4 scoops)

3G of Creatine,Micronized Amino Acids (Glutamine (Micronized L-Glutamine) Arginine (Micronized L-Arginine) Leucine (Micronized L-Leucine)500.00 mg, 50G of protein, etc. . .

I take a shake of 4 scoops with 5 strawberries for carbs in the morning, then a shake of 3 scoops in the afternoon 1 hour before workout, then 1 shake of 4 scoops and 6 strawberries 20 min after workout, and then another shake with 2.5 scoops at night.

I do this everyday, and in the last week to 2 weeks I've gained almost 12 lbs. I am not substituting any meals, i eat the same but just drink the shakes to supplement my calorie intake as well as my workout needs.

I'm wondering if I should stop drinking them on the yoga X, Kempo, and Plyo days? My goal is to gain as much mass as possible (muscle mass) and put on the lbs. So far . . so good. I'm going to take pictures today/tonight even though I've kinda already started.

I'm also taking GNC's Men's multi-vitamin and I must say, I like them! I think they actually do help. I'm still considering buying a recovery drink, but I think the protein is working fine for now. Any ideas?

That's some serious weight gain! Question for all the guys looking to gain weight through creatine and shakes - does the new weight fill you all around, or does it give you a gut (i.e - bad weight)? I want to put on a few pounds, but worry whether adding weight too quickly will just leave me with excess fat all around. Thoughts?

Ok, when you guys say Chocolate milk do you really mean good old fashioned shamrock chocolate milk? Usually after i'm done I mix 3 powders. Glutamin, arginine and BCAA powder in with my shake. But i'm thinking of ordering the p90x recovery drink tomorrow.

I mix either whole milk or 2% with Hershey's syrup. Not the best nutritional drink, but it sure tastes good.

I do the Barbers Lowfat Chocolate Milk - http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/barbers/lowfat-chocolate-milk/

As far as weight gain goes - I don't think I'm trying to bulk up as much as global, just trying to put on more lean mass. Don't get me wrong, I still want to weigh less after all is said and done, but if I don't add some more lean mass, I'll just look like a skinnier me. I'm looking for those bigger pecs, biceps, and abs. Ya know, the stuff that makes you look good naked...

-D

mp2437 wrote:

QUOTE:
That's some serious weight gain! Question for all the guys looking to gain weight through creatine and shakes - does the new weight fill you all around, or does it give you a gut (i.e - bad weight)? I want to put on a few pounds, but worry whether adding weight too quickly will just leave me with excess fat all around. Thoughts?

I have noticed a little extra weight in my stomach, but you must understand, you will be burning this off during the AB-X and plyo, and kempo. Its way to early to tell if it is only held in my stomach, but I can tell you I've already put on muscle mass for sure. I am upping my weights from 15 to 20 or maybe 25. I'm maxing out in reps at around 20 lbs and 14 - 15 reps. So, I'm going to up to 25 lbs and hopefully max out at 10. I'm trying to put on as much muscle mass as possible. I'm a pretty skinny dude, so me putting on muscle mass will be like a normal guy look! haha. . . I'll just be ripped!

I'm heading down to GNC today to pick up some more stuff, they are having teh 50% off the second item sale so I want to grab 2 more packages of the protein shake and maybe one of the recovery. . . don't know yet. Will let you all know tomorrow.

Just did Yoga X. Took it easy today as I am very sore in the shoulders, back and hip. A long hot bath afterwards plus advil makes all the difference. ahhhh.... ready for tomorrow.... I think

Just ate dinner, and had pretty good %'s today. (including the chocolate milk protein shake I'm going to have post workout)

1,862 Calories
43.4% Protein
30.33% Carbs
26.26% Fat

I reaaaaly want to get to 50% protein, but that is very tough. I had been a little high on my carbs, so I made a conscious decision to watch those today. Lets hope I can keep it up! Those calories are a little low, and I'm going to try to hit 2,000/day. Who knew it was so hard to eat 2,000 calories when you're eating healthy?

Now, I'm going to let my food settle a bit before A&S + ARX.

UGGHHH!!! Ab Ripper X kills me every time. I still can't do those freakin' V sit ups. I think I need to buy another yoga mat or put some towels underneath my mat. My wood floor kills my back when I try doing those sit ups. I was amazed I was able to do the bonus torso twists though. Just Monday I was dying when it came to that portion of the DVD.

It's exciting to think about how strong we all will be in just 2.5 more weeks when we graduate from phase 1. I'm amazed how I'm able to do some of the exercises that I struggled doing just last week.

Is anyone doing the protein bars that aren't P90X brand? I bought the P90X bars and they're good but just wondered if anyone has gotten any from GNC or wherever that are just as good. I'd like to find some where I don't have to buy online and pay for shipping. I like the peanut butter/chocolate the best.

Have a good evening, everyone!!

kara

txnlivinfl wrote:

QUOTE:
UGGHHH!!! Ab Ripper X kills me every time. I still can't do those freakin' V sit ups. I think I need to buy another yoga mat or put some towels underneath my mat. My wood floor kills my back when I try doing those sit ups. I was amazed I was able to do the bonus torso twists though. Just Monday I was dying when it came to that portion of the DVD.

It's exciting to think about how strong we all will be in just 2.5 more weeks when we graduate from phase 1. I'm amazed how I'm able to do some of the exercises that I struggled doing just last week.

Is anyone doing the protein bars that aren't P90X brand? I bought the P90X bars and they're good but just wondered if anyone has gotten any from GNC or wherever that are just as good. I'd like to find some where I don't have to buy online and pay for shipping. I like the peanut butter/chocolate the best.

Have a good evening, everyone!!

kara

Try Titan Protein Bars
http://www.topsupplementsonline.com/Premier-Nutrition-Titan-Bar-Case-of-12-p-6511566.html

They taste really good and have low sugar content. Try one at GNC.

I went to GNC and got a goody bag of 6 different choc-pb bars and Titan was the best!!! I am going back to buy a case of them.

Keep Bringing It!!!!

Hello everyone!!!

Did S&A today. I was able to squeeze out 1 to 2 reps more out of every exercise. I was beat after. Since we are on the Protein subject, i've been using Dymatize Nutrition ISO-100 Whey Protein Isolate Powder. (Zero fat, zero carbs). I just add a banana and either pineapple or strawberries. Im also taking the creatine b4 and after my strength workouts. Even though I've been taking creatine, Ive lost a good 5 lbs.

Tried again to do ARX and was able to hack a bit more without cramping up like I had in the past. I did reduce my water intake during my S&A and think it did have a positive result on my ab workout.

Keep it up everyone!!!!
Bring IT, Bring IT, "X" Me!!!!

Hey guys and girls!! Sounds like everyone is doing great!

I just finished my S & A workout and boy are my wings tired . . . (cricket in the background) . . . ANYWAY . .

I'm really starting to rethink my take on my shakes. My stomach has been getting upset with me lately and I think its because of the amount of shakes that I'm taking in. I'm hitting the 2500 calorie mark a day just from the shakes alone! (Give or take a hundred or two.) So, I'm thinking I shouldn't be taking such a large amount of protein shake and instead actually start using a recovery shakes after a workout. Anyone have any ideas? (I would use the P90X, but it is soo damn expensive!!)

2500 seems a bit too much...remember, excess protein isn't good also, since your body just flushes it out. I would recommend you bring your intake of shakes to about 3 times a day, once in the morning, once before workout (1-2 hours before), and then one 15 minutes after.

I don't know about most of you, but after S&A yesterday, my body didn't like me. Not only in my arms, but more pain in the chest and back (perhaps dips and shoulder exercises had to do with it).

I tossed and turned all night because my body was aching, I think I overdid it.

Yoga X tonight - I think I will do about 30-40 minutes of it, then switch to Cardio X or Core Synergistics. Thoughts?

GLoBaLReBeL wrote:

QUOTE:
Hey guys and girls!! Sounds like everyone is doing great!

I just finished my S & A workout and boy are my wings tired . . . (cricket in the background) . . . ANYWAY . .

I'm really starting to rethink my take on my shakes. My stomach has been getting upset with me lately and I think its because of the amount of shakes that I'm taking in. I'm hitting the 2500 calorie mark a day just from the shakes alone! (Give or take a hundred or two.) So, I'm thinking I shouldn't be taking such a large amount of protein shake and instead actually start using a recovery shakes after a workout. Anyone have any ideas? (I would use the P90X, but it is soo damn expensive!!)

2500 calories on shakes alone?! That's pretty crazy. I guess it depends what you're going for, which definitely sounds like gaining weight.

But yeah, if it's making your stomach upset that much, perhaps you should consider a change. I'm not a nutrition expert, but I would suggest using a recovery shake instead of a protein shake after a workout. Your body burns carbs and fat during a workout, so after your workout, when your carb levels are depleted and your body is most efficient at absorbing nutrients, it is best to replenish those carbs. That's why recovery drinks have a high carb to protein ratio (4:1). I think protein shakes would be quite the opposite, in which your carb to protein ratio would like 1:4. You might not be refilling your body with enough carbs after your workout to restore your energy.

Not sure why that would explain the upset stomach, but I do believe it would be better to try a recovery drink over a protein shake.

Did Back and Legs + ARX. Boy, my traps were still sore from 2 days ago - now they are hating me! I too had problems sleeping the last few nights from muscle aches. I think we will all get used to it as the program progresses, but it's a drag being in pain.

I lost 2 pounds! Yay! B R I N G I T !!

GLoBaLReBeL wrote:

QUOTE:
Hey guys and girls!! Sounds like everyone is doing great!

I just finished my S & A workout and boy are my wings tired . . . (cricket in the background) . . . ANYWAY . .

I'm really starting to rethink my take on my shakes. My stomach has been getting upset with me lately and I think its because of the amount of shakes that I'm taking in. I'm hitting the 2500 calorie mark a day just from the shakes alone! (Give or take a hundred or two.) So, I'm thinking I shouldn't be taking such a large amount of protein shake and instead actually start using a recovery shakes after a workout. Anyone have any ideas? (I would use the P90X, but it is soo damn expensive!!)

You really need to stop taking so many shakes
no more than 3/day. Its NOT good for you! http://www.projectswole.com/your-questions/what-are-the-side-effects-of-protein-powder/