any other weightlifters out there?

[Socharis]

Im an avid weightlifter junkie, any one else?

[Dellit Tandannon]

apparently mol too :p hehe

[Semele]

Originally posted by Dellit Tandannon
apparently mol too :p hehe

yeah he is my muscleman!!!

[mol]

Originally posted by Semele


yeah he is my muscleman!!!

:eek:

I do enjoy it. :p

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by mol
I do enjoy it. :p

Well I don't! But I lift anyway. My costume for Halloween this year is a tight bodysuit, and I want to look good this year for a change!!

What are your thoughts on suppliments? I've had good experience with some of the fat burners, and I also had a lot of fun mocking my Intern this summer who always came in with protein shake spilled all over him.. heh..

[mol]

Originally posted by Illuminatus

What are your thoughts on suppliments? I've had good experience with some of the fat burners, and I also had a lot of fun mocking my Intern this summer who always came in with protein shake spilled all over him.. heh..

Supplements are great! When used correctly. I see a lot of people taking fat burners and sitting there wondering when they are going to burst into flames.

Not.

All a fat burner is (well, a normal one) is an ECA stack. Ephedra, Caffeine, and Aspirin. Used in conjunction you have a real metabolism booster there. And coupled with a good excercise regimen you have a combo that can really scrape off excess fat. But, just taking the pills...is not going to help.

Protein...where do I begin? i see a lot of people depending on protein shakes when they dont need to. Like the 180 pound guys sucking down these huge shakes, eating steak, and chowing beans trying to get more and more protein. Well, newsflash...you can only use so much. And thats overdoing it and a waste of money.

When you get up to 280 pounders to 400 pounders...then you need all the help you can get. Why? Because there is not enough time in the day for them to eat the amount they need to sustain that muscle. One can only eat so many chicken breasts you know? Their stomachs just are not going to be big enough. So, in combination with a LOT of food, they suck down protein shakes by the half gallon just for sustenance. And thats not even to BUILD!

As we go...we can learn a little more on supplements and usage of...

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by mol

When you get up to 280 pounders to 400 pounders...then you need all the help you can get. Why? Because there is not enough time in the day for them to eat the amount they need to sustain that muscle. One can only eat so many chicken breasts you know? Their stomachs just are not going to be big enough. So, in combination with a LOT of food, they suck down protein shakes by the half gallon just for sustenance. And thats not even to BUILD!



Yeah.. I JUST found out that once you build muscle... you have to maintain it! Like, if you stop working out, it goes away! WTFIUWTSY?????? I don't want to pay upkeep on my body!

[mol]

Originally posted by Illuminatus


Yeah.. I JUST found out that once you build muscle... you have to maintain it! Like, if you stop working out, it goes away! WTFIUWTSY?????? I don't want to pay upkeep on my body!

LOL.

You know...that is really not uncommon (although I know you are joking). That is when you see the older guys with the huge drooping boobs and the arms with skin just hanging from the bicep.

One thing that must be understood. Once you start....you can never stop. Unless you like the look I mentioned above...

[mol]

I should note...I said older guys...and that is a wrong assumption. It doesnt take long for your body to go to jello after you stop working out and taking care of yourself.

Essentially, and 20 year old powerhouse who has worked out for 4 years plus, will turn to complete mush in less than two years without upkeep exercise, etc.

[Myst]

Ephedra seems to be linked to heart problems in several studies.

From experience I'd say whey is safe though (it's a byproduct of cheese, heavy in protein, good for building and mending)... Be careful and test things carefully and according to instructions. Matthew (my fiance) tried creatine months ago (stuff recommended by the person who owns the gym he frequents as well as his sensei) and it gave him a fever, nausea, and made him grumpy. nasty stuff.

[Semele]

Ephedra BBBAAAAADDDD!!! I tell Mol that but he never listens to me!!

Oh, and don't even get me started on those Creatine supplements....kidneys....gOOOOdddd....creatine...baaaadddd!!!

[mol]

Originally posted by Semele
Ephedra BBBAAAAADDDD!!! I tell Mol that but he never listens to me!!

Oh, and don't even get me started on those Creatine supplements....kidneys....gOOOOdddd....creatine...baaaadddd!!!

No...its the usage and method of usage.

For instance, Ephedra (in its pure form) can be linked to heart problems....but almost none of the ECA stacks use Ephedra! They use Ma Huang stem extract! For that matter, for caffeine they usually substitute a Ginseng formula and instead of aspirin they use White Willow Bark. Why? Its cheaper, natural, and safer to the body.

And Creatine is hard on the kidneys in powder form. The best way to take creatine is to use absorption. Liquid form. You drop a few drops underneath your tongue and the creatine is soaked into the bloodstream. This bypasses the harmful affects of the creatine powder being passed through the kidneys.

[Socharis]

Great im not alone :D

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by mol


LOL.

You know...that is really not uncommon (although I know you are joking). That is when you see the older guys with the huge drooping boobs and the arms with skin just hanging from the bicep.

One thing that must be understood. Once you start....you can never stop. Unless you like the look I mentioned above...

Never Stop?? Oh GOD, WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO!!!!

I didn't know!!!

I!!! DIDN'T!!! KNOW!!!!!!!!

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by Willow Raven
Ephedra seems to be linked to heart problems in several studies.

Hells yeah it has.. the first week I tried it, my heart raced like stock car... it was scary, it wouldn't slow down, even if I was resting. But that passed after a day or two, my body adjusted.

I have no doubt it can cause heart problems, but no more than the condition I'm using it to treat: my weight. I can throw the pills out when I'm done. Not so easy with excess fat.

[mol]

Originally posted by Illuminatus


Never Stop?? Oh GOD, WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO!!!!

I didn't know!!!

I!!! DIDN'T!!! KNOW!!!!!!!!

LOL. I'm mostly referring to bodybuilders. Sounds to me you are just working on getting into to shape and getting toned...once achieved..that will be a lot easier to maintain than a stacked 300 pound shelf of muscle.

[Semele]

Originally posted by mol


No...its the usage and method of usage.

For instance, Ephedra (in its pure form) can be linked to heart problems....but almost none of the ECA stacks use Ephedra! They use Ma Huang stem extract! For that matter, for caffeine they usually substitute a Ginseng formula and instead of aspirin they use White Willow Bark. Why? Its cheaper, natural, and safer to the body.

And Creatine is hard on the kidneys in powder form. The best way to take creatine is to use absorption. Liquid form. You drop a few drops underneath your tongue and the creatine is soaked into the bloodstream. This bypasses the harmful affects of the creatine powder being passed through the kidneys.

Ok we have had this discussion numerous times so I wont beat it to death....on here!! I do have to point out though, that just because something is all natural doesn't mean it can't harm you. People can and have gotten into serious trouble with herbs and supplements that are all natural. Vit A for one is a big deal...don't wanna take to much of that stuff unless under a docs care. Also Potassium...bad thing to mess with those levels unless you are getting routine lab work done. Something about that whole cardiac functioning!! Potassium levels that are too low are bad, but levels too high are even worse!

on the Creatine.....there is another issue other than it having to pass through the kidneys. if you are taking supplemental creatine and go in for routine lab work they find your creatinine clearance high so they question you. Ok so you tell them you take supplements and they say oh thats the deal and look no further, when there could indeed be a problem.

Ok, I am taking off my nurses cap and stepping off my soap box now!! Carry On!!

[Myst]

Originally posted by mol

No...its the usage and method of usage.

For instance, Ephedra (in its pure form) can be linked to heart problems....but almost none of the ECA stacks use Ephedra! They use Ma Huang stem extract! For that matter, for caffeine they usually substitute a Ginseng formula and instead of aspirin they use White Willow Bark. Why? Its cheaper, natural, and safer to the body.

And Creatine is hard on the kidneys in powder form. The best way to take creatine is to use absorption. Liquid form. You drop a few drops underneath your tongue and the creatine is soaked into the bloodstream. This bypasses the harmful affects of the creatine powder being passed through the kidneys.


Originally posted by mol
All a fat burner is (well, a normal one) is an ECA stack. Ephedra, Caffeine, and Aspirin. Used in conjunction you have a real metabolism booster there. And coupled with a good excercise regimen you have a combo that can really scrape off excess fat. But, just taking the pills...is not going to help

I was referring to that. Ephedra bad. Creatine threw him for a loop anyway. I'm thinking either way it gets to your kidneys and can cause problems. Of course that's jmho.

Oh btw, the whey he got was from the cheese house, ie. no brand name, just plain whey.

[Mariposa De La Luna]

My SO got some ephedra pills and I threw them out when i found them and made him promise me not to get more. I gotta check up on that again, thanks for the heads up! :D

As for wieghtlifting, i used to do it a couple of years ago before I got pregnant. I loved the way it made me feel! I was only doing it to tone up, not bodybuild (I think bodybuilders look gross!) I weigh the same as I did then but now its fat, not muscle! I'm about a size and a half bigger and it shows! You definitely have to keep it up. I'm going back to the gym in a couple of months. Cardio work doesn't give me the same feeling and it takes longer to get used to and burn fat.

[Amora]

I guess I don't log on enough... But this is great I love to work out. Although I've been incredibly congested for the last few days so I've been taking it easy (and feeling real fat). I take some supplements but nothing too hardcore. I like good tone but I'm not a muscle junkie! I don't want to be a muscle woman. I usually take a soy and green tea supplement/ginseng/and drink Samantha's Protein Blast shakes for breakfast and a Met RX or Power Bar for lunch. I thrive on healthy, earthy stuff...sometimes the golden arches call and I reluctently follow....

[Oridian]

Weight lifting helps me feel great and keeps me going. Supplimentation can be a very good tool, one that needs to be designed around ones fitness goals. I have used many supplements, creatine, CLA, protien, ECA stack, and more. I have found protien supplementation to be very helpful, especially with the american tendancy to eat way too many carbs. Keeping protien and Carb intake about equal helps keep constant energy levels, especially eating many smaller meals instead of three binges.

I have to say that I really like CLA, has worked great in helping weight loss and its a great source of healthy fat. The ECA stack in any form i agree should be used in moderation and carefully. I wouldn't use it for more that a few weeks at a time and then go off for a few weeks. From the research I've done on ephidrine it can certainly cuase problems but from what I have seen it is ussually when it is used inapropriatley or when there is a preexisting condition.

[Myst]

Originally posted by SAHM
My SO got some ephedra pills and I threw them out when i found them and made him promise me not to get more. I gotta check up on that again, thanks for the heads up! :D


If I pulled that he'd just buy another bottle and hide it in his workout bag :) We've discussed it many times tho, and he knows my feelings on the subject as well as some of our friends who also don't approve. But he's a big boy and he can take care of himself, besides he's just taking whey (just a cheese byproduct full of protein) and a multivitamin now.

[Sephiroth]

i used to go to the gym and lift weights but my girlfriend thought i was ignoring her. so she forced me to quit and stay around with her methid of force will not be talked about:p ;)

[mol]

Originally posted by Oridian


I have to say that I really like CLA, has worked great in helping weight loss and its a great source of healthy fat. The ECA stack in any form i agree should be used in moderation and carefully. I wouldn't use it for more that a few weeks at a time and then go off for a few weeks. From the research I've done on ephidrine it can certainly cuase problems but from what I have seen it is ussually when it is used inapropriatley or when there is a preexisting condition.

Actually...ECA's...should not be used for more than a couple of weeks. Then take off about 2 weeks. Reason: They will lose their potency! Your body quickly adapts to the metabolic changes made when using ECA's.

[Shy Hawk]

I am a weight lifter. :D I'm not like huge and muscley or anything, but I do enjoy lifting. It's one of the only athletic things I can do (has no coordination or agility).

[Illuminatus]

I saw veins pop out on my arms for the first time today while lifting... I totally freaked out.. I was like 'OH SHIT WHAT IF THEY EXPLODE AND MY BLOOD GOES EVERYWHERE GUSHING AND PUMPING AND I DIE IN A BLOODY MESS OF A PUDDLE' so I stopped doing curls and the veins went back down.

Apparently this is supposed to be "normal" or "healthy" but I don't believe them, and my path tells me that veins belong INSIDE the body, and I know this deep down in my soul and I yelled at them for bashing my path. I don't think they got it. I don't think you get it either. Never mind!!!!!!!!

You are all welcome to make fun of my near-death experience! :)

- Illuminatus

PS I screamed like a little girl

[willowfairy]

:D

[Silver Venus]

This may sound really silly...

Up until the last couple of weeks I used to go to the gymn for cardio and weight training 3 times a week and the then practise Yoga the other three...

But the last two Ive been trainging like a mad woman with all my excess energy from Reiki :D and love the buzz of the weights and actually managing to see and feel my biceps!.. I do allot of leg work and my legs are starting to look really toned :)

Then last week I put on my favourite pair of jeans and though ..hmm these are a bit tight.. wierd... and ended up having to take them off because they were so uncomfortable. Then this last weekend I went away to meet my bf parents and took three pairs of trousers with me.. two were evening.. and I couldnt fit into those either!

My legs have toned but also grown! around the hips because of my muscle gain and I dont really want to 'loose' my favourite trousers etc..

What do I do? Can I still train and have toned legs but stay the same size? Is there a way?
Or will I have to go up a size if I carry on?

Any advice would be great :) Thanks

[Oridian]

Genetics of course will play a big part but what is your leg work out routine?

[Silver Venus]

15 mins of running
15 mins of step
15mins on a kind of step machine but it going along on one level (sorry dont know the name)
or 15 mins on bike

Then a series of weights.. Im not clued up to the names.. guess I should just stick to the cardio although I find it boring after a while...

[Oridian]

I would encourage you to stick with the weights. If you are lifting heavy then maybe start lifting lighter with a higher range of repetitions.

Not to be too nosey, but what kind of build do you have/did you have before you started this program. The reason I ask is because if you have a significant amount of body fat initially you may notice an increase in leg size as muscle builds. If this is the case then continued muscle tone and even a little growth will just build your bodies metabolism and cause it to burn off excess stored fat. I suppose that I need to plug in a statement that this is all of course dependant a lot upon dietary intake as well.

I agree that the cardio can be a bit boring. I ussually try to run outside so that I can have scenery changes. Running in circles and in one place drives me crazy.

But then, perhaps this change in body is a reflection of your personal growth. With that in mind, is it nessecarily a bad thing if your old(favorite) clothes do not fit. Is it time for new favorites?

[mol]

Originally posted by Oridian
I would encourage you to stick with the weights. If you are lifting heavy then maybe start lifting lighter with a higher range of repetitions.


Oridian hit the nail on the head with that one. If you are interested in muscle tone (cut) and not mass then lighten the load on your legs weightwise. Step up the reps. For example, if you usually squatted 300 lbs for 8 - 10 reps then drop to 150 lbs for 20 to 22 reps. You probably get the idea.

[Silver Venus]

Thanks to both of you!
Im going to take your advice and try lots of reps with a smaller load and see what happens :D
I am naturally slim 5"8 and want to stay this way just tone and define my muscles more so I dont look like a stick! ...and I really like weight training anyway... The feeling of strength and power is great! so I guess I will have to go and buy some new trousers for now and try training in a different way so Im toning not building.
Thanks :sunny:

[Oridian]

You are very welcome, I'll pray that your trainning helps build the strength that you desire.

[Silver Venus]

Hi again!
Thanks for all your advice again :)

I spoke to a personal trainer at my gymn a few days ago and she told me about ~ Nuts and dried fruit (& dried Apricots shouldnt be orange ~ they dip them in acid to make them like the naural colour but they should be brown so try and get those in future ~ Ive tried 'Crazy Jacks' brand dried Apricots and they are delicious :mmm:)
Sesame seeds are great too ~ she told me that ~ 1 tsp of sesame seeds = 1 pint of milk! A brill Calcium boast!

Also protien! ~ our meal plates should be half protein then 30% veggies, 10% good fats and 10% carb ~ more or less..
& women dont store Calcium so its really good to take extra ~ Calcium Citrate.

Ive cut chocolate out of my daily diet and started eating nuts and dried and natural fruit ~ its great!

[Oridian]

I try and get a little more fat than 10% though always of the good kinds. In particular my Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Fish oil (from cold water fish) is very good for brain and body.

I guess I try to eat about a 50/20/30 protien/Fat/ carb diet. I don't really count though. I just try to get a good protien, complex carbs, and good fats with my 5 or 6 meals. I ussually use my fist or palm to determine serving sizes. I eat my mixed veggies ussually 3 times a day, have chicken breast, tuna, or other lean meat or protien 3/d and supplement all this with good fats. I then have a nice balanced snack a couple times to fill in the gaps between meals.

I find that this keeps my metabolism rocking and energy levels roaring. I also supplement with a multivitamin.