Hello everyone-I am so excited to have finally started the program but I have 2 questions. First, I am using the bands to simulate pull ups. I weigh around 100 lbs. Should I use a band that is the same. I was using a 40lb band and it just didnt struggle like I would with a bar. Second, does anyone know of a cheaper recovery drink? Or maybe something I could make. I just cant afford to buy it. Thanks for your time!

Welcome Skit

using the band is subjective as it involves a few muscles i.e. arms and back. the resistance will vary depending on your strength.
What you want to do when using light weight is work it to failure if you don't have the "right" band.
100lbs band might be a bit too much. just increase your reps on the 40lbs

cheap recovery drink = chocolate milk.

I make my own recovery drink and its fairly cheap and lasts awhile. Here's a list of all the things I get:

Fat Free yogurt (my favorite flavors are cherry and vanilla)
Skim Milk
Strawberries
Bananas

Depending on how much I'm making I put in two containers of the yogurt, 2 cups of skim milk about 5-6 strawberries, a full banana, and some ice and blend it all up. That usually makes me 2 drinks so I can have one after a workout if necessary and one before bed or just use one before bed and save the other one for the next day.

http://www.mm2k.com/post-workout-drink.html

QUOTE:

What to eat post workout?

It's called Afterburn (post workout shake). I invented it. You can make it yourself.

I mix it up myself and it works great. In a big freezer ziplock baggie (the non-freezer ones blow out on you), mix up the following:

Unflavored protein powder - for protein.

Nonfat dry milk - more protein, but it's mostly here for the carbs.

Creatine (the powder kind) - you know, creatine.

Gatorade powder (orange!) - electrolytes, carbs, insulin shove, tastes good.

Sugar (some) - carbs and insulin spiking.

2 packs unsweetened koolaid (mango and cherry in this batch) - tastes good.

Shake it all up. Now, after you are completely exhausted lifting and walking funny, sit down and get out a plastic shaker container of choice (old white lightening bottle, gatorade bottle, whatever), and dump a bunch (a big old scoop or so) of Afterburn inside. Pour in water. Shake like hell. Slam it. It's yummy. It will replenish you. It has it all. Afterburn!

Thats a great starter for a cheap "recovery" drink. Just modify it so but it explains what should be in there. If you want to make it cheap just take out the protein powder and gatorade. Replace it with something else that restore electrolytes. There are tons of things out there.

Also, I can see what you are taking about the resistance band. You are trying to match your weight like it would be on a pull-up. Although it does seem that way, the way you do a pull-up you really do not use all of your body weight. If you are trying to bulk up I would go maybe with a 50lb but if you are trying to tone, go with the 40lb.