I apologize for those who have been following, but with everything going on, I haven't had much time for anything but work. But had to give a quick update re "Body Composition and Look": 113.4 pounds at 9% bodyfat. 24 June I was 107.2 pounds at 8% bodyfat (and in the best aesthetic condition of my life to date), and even though it is only a 1% increase in body composition, the increase in both weight and girths over the last two weeks makes me feel so fat and uncomfortable, particularly with the bloating and water retention. I have a week to get back down to at least 8% bodyfat over this next week - I HAVE TO; I want to be and MUST be leanER and in better condition than I was when I competed last year!!! Hoping I can train as I need to, since I know that the lack of training [volume] - especially re weights - over the last two weeks has been a huge detriment to my physique (as well as highly noticing the difference re water once cessation of Erase).
Next week is not going to be a lot better than the last two weeks, with a lot more changes re work and long hours of travel, and not a lot of time for training, continuing to turn my life upside down and inside out, so far from ideal this close to competition. As evidenced by my body composition, my conditioning has gone backwards, and now I have a week to try and get back to where I was, but better. Trying to stay positive. I can only do what I can do, and although it's going to take more than a little luck to achieve what I want next week, I'm going to make sure it's as best I can to get where I want!
Also to note that as of tomorrow, the ONLY supplements that I will be using for a couple of weeks are MuscleGel Shots, RecoverPRO, and Vitamin C.
Showing posts with label Muscle Gels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muscle Gels. Show all posts
July 10, 2011
January 30, 2011
[Mini] Review of Primordial Performance's Maximum Absorbed Protein (Cranberry Splash flavour)
There are tubs of Maximum Absorbed Protein in our cupboards, and all the flavours have been, are, or gone (and yes, I've opened and smelt every one of them) 
I've held back from using Maximum Absorbed Protein because the reason I STOPPED using protein powder was that my stomach did not reacted well to ANY that I used, even if it is only a one-off, random scoop since early 2010 (and I have actually NOT used protein powder consistently in quite some time, using MuscleGel Shots as my exclusive source of supplemented protein for the last few months). Anyways, the feedback on Maximum Absorbed Protein has been so positive and good that I figured why not try just a scoop and see how it goes (I can put up with being uncomfortable for a day if it upsets my stomach). So I used a scoop . . .
What is it?
* Improves strength and recovery better than standard protein
* 2-3 times more effective than whey or casein protein
* No artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors
* No lactose. No bloating. No cramping.
For more information, review Primordial Performance - Maximum Absorbed Protein.
Formula: 10/10. Maximum Absorbed Protein is a perfect formula for someone like me, as it contains NO lactose, and little carbohydrates/sugars (I don't like to have carbohydrates in my protein, and if it has them, I prefer them to be complex). Maximum Absorbed Protein also contains an amino acid complex, which allows it to "double" as both a protein and BCAAs product. The fact that it contains actual FRUIT and not artificial flavours, sweeteners, and flavours is also a huge PLUS
Smell: 9/10. Smells like cranberries (I like cranberries)
Taste: 9/10. Cranberry Splash flavoured Maximum Absorbed Protein has a sharp, tart taste - true to eating fresh cranberries, and this tartness lingers at least a good 90 minutes post-use. I personally like cranberries and their tart taste - which was the primary reason I decided to try the Maximum Absorbed Protein in the first place.
Mixability: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker.
Texture: 10/10. Maximum Absorbed Protein has a very light texture, not like the heaviness of protein powder - in fact, it was just like shaking up and having BC+EAA, and I didn't feel like I was having protein powder at all, but rather something akin to a preworkout product or BCAAs formula (which it technically is, though).
Strength: N/A. After only one serving, this is not applicable. Not only that, but it was on a day where I did not perform resistance training. For noticeable effects in strength, a longer period of time would be needed to assess this, and even then, training goals and routines, as well as nutrition and other supplements used would affect this, so I would not be able to say whether it made a difference to my strength.
Recovery: N/A. I used the Maximum Absorbed Protein after a training session and was fine. I will not know until later in the day - or even tomorrow or a few days - how my recovery really was. Add to that the fact that I am already using products that help enhance my recovery, any recovery benefits will be a combination of everything.
Other Effects: 10/10. Surprisingly, I did not experience any tummy upsets, bloating, air, or cramping afterwards - as I did with every other protein powder before I stopped using them altogether. The only "other effect" it has was causing me to feel slightly cold inside for a bit and a warming in my face - which is an effect I get when I consume tart things, fruit especially (and actually has similar effects on me as eating cranberries does, which is not surprising since it contains freeze-dried cranberries).
Overall: 9.7/10. Based on my experience with Maximum Absorbed Protein, and the fact that it doubles as a BCAAs product, and uses real fruit for sweetness and taste makes it very favourable in my opinion. In fact, as far as formula (re fitting my personal goals and needs), effects (no bloating, etc.), and flavour (especially flavour), Maximum Absorbed Protein is my #1 protein powder (and yes, this IS a call one can make after ONE serving of a protein powder), and I may even consider adding it in with MuscleGel Shots re supplemented protein.
Would I use again? If I used protein powder, then yes, I would. If I did not have any more MuscleGel Shots and was concurrently out of BC+EAA, I would use Maximum Absorbed Protein then - this says a lot, because I will not use any OTHER protein powder, period, even the ones that used to be my top and favourite protein powders. I may even consider adding it in with MuscleGel Shots re supplemented protein and replace my BC+EAA with this - get both benefits in one.
Would I recommend? Yes. Maximum Absorbed Protein has a solid ingredient profile. Feedback on the product is solid. Flavour tastes great. It can be used pre, intra, and post-training (intra and post re recovery effects), so an all-round product.
I've held back from using Maximum Absorbed Protein because the reason I STOPPED using protein powder was that my stomach did not reacted well to ANY that I used, even if it is only a one-off, random scoop since early 2010 (and I have actually NOT used protein powder consistently in quite some time, using MuscleGel Shots as my exclusive source of supplemented protein for the last few months). Anyways, the feedback on Maximum Absorbed Protein has been so positive and good that I figured why not try just a scoop and see how it goes (I can put up with being uncomfortable for a day if it upsets my stomach). So I used a scoop . . .What is it?
* Improves strength and recovery better than standard protein
* 2-3 times more effective than whey or casein protein
* No artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors
* No lactose. No bloating. No cramping.
For more information, review Primordial Performance - Maximum Absorbed Protein.
Formula: 10/10. Maximum Absorbed Protein is a perfect formula for someone like me, as it contains NO lactose, and little carbohydrates/sugars (I don't like to have carbohydrates in my protein, and if it has them, I prefer them to be complex). Maximum Absorbed Protein also contains an amino acid complex, which allows it to "double" as both a protein and BCAAs product. The fact that it contains actual FRUIT and not artificial flavours, sweeteners, and flavours is also a huge PLUS
Smell: 9/10. Smells like cranberries (I like cranberries)
Taste: 9/10. Cranberry Splash flavoured Maximum Absorbed Protein has a sharp, tart taste - true to eating fresh cranberries, and this tartness lingers at least a good 90 minutes post-use. I personally like cranberries and their tart taste - which was the primary reason I decided to try the Maximum Absorbed Protein in the first place.
Mixability: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker.
Texture: 10/10. Maximum Absorbed Protein has a very light texture, not like the heaviness of protein powder - in fact, it was just like shaking up and having BC+EAA, and I didn't feel like I was having protein powder at all, but rather something akin to a preworkout product or BCAAs formula (which it technically is, though).
Strength: N/A. After only one serving, this is not applicable. Not only that, but it was on a day where I did not perform resistance training. For noticeable effects in strength, a longer period of time would be needed to assess this, and even then, training goals and routines, as well as nutrition and other supplements used would affect this, so I would not be able to say whether it made a difference to my strength.
Recovery: N/A. I used the Maximum Absorbed Protein after a training session and was fine. I will not know until later in the day - or even tomorrow or a few days - how my recovery really was. Add to that the fact that I am already using products that help enhance my recovery, any recovery benefits will be a combination of everything.
Other Effects: 10/10. Surprisingly, I did not experience any tummy upsets, bloating, air, or cramping afterwards - as I did with every other protein powder before I stopped using them altogether. The only "other effect" it has was causing me to feel slightly cold inside for a bit and a warming in my face - which is an effect I get when I consume tart things, fruit especially (and actually has similar effects on me as eating cranberries does, which is not surprising since it contains freeze-dried cranberries).
Overall: 9.7/10. Based on my experience with Maximum Absorbed Protein, and the fact that it doubles as a BCAAs product, and uses real fruit for sweetness and taste makes it very favourable in my opinion. In fact, as far as formula (re fitting my personal goals and needs), effects (no bloating, etc.), and flavour (especially flavour), Maximum Absorbed Protein is my #1 protein powder (and yes, this IS a call one can make after ONE serving of a protein powder), and I may even consider adding it in with MuscleGel Shots re supplemented protein.
Would I use again? If I used protein powder, then yes, I would. If I did not have any more MuscleGel Shots and was concurrently out of BC+EAA, I would use Maximum Absorbed Protein then - this says a lot, because I will not use any OTHER protein powder, period, even the ones that used to be my top and favourite protein powders. I may even consider adding it in with MuscleGel Shots re supplemented protein and replace my BC+EAA with this - get both benefits in one.
Would I recommend? Yes. Maximum Absorbed Protein has a solid ingredient profile. Feedback on the product is solid. Flavour tastes great. It can be used pre, intra, and post-training (intra and post re recovery effects), so an all-round product.
January 20, 2011
Review of Muscle Pharm's MuscleGel Shots (Key Lime flavour)
I've been using MuscleGel Shots for some time now. The innovation behind them is great, and since the first one, I decided to use them as a staple, and not long after that, as my EXCLUSIVE source of supplemented protein . . . I've used all the flavours - not a fan of the Banana Cream and Cinnamon Roll flavours, but Tropical Mango and Key Lime are the best, the latter my favourite flavour! . . . When I made my first review, I did it after my first box of Tropical Mango - the rating I gave it was not even close! So here goes again . . .
What is it?
* Fast
* Convenient
* Complete
For more information, review Muscle Pharm :: MuscleGel Shots.
Formula: 10/10. 22g of protein, no sugar, and no fat makes MuscleGel Shots perfect for my wants and needs. As with all of their products, Muscle Pharm has delivered another awesome formula and a definite staple in my supplement arsenal!
Smell: 10/10. On opening the MuscleGel Shot, you can't actually smell it unless you put your nose right up to it. Faint smell of fresh limes for the Key Lime flavour.
Taste: 10/10. The Key Lime flavour is my favourite of all the MuscleGel Shot flavours - it tastes like one is consuming the juice from fresh limes, a very refreshing and tropical flavour.
Texture: 10/10. Smooth and silky and slides down your throat. Looking at the gel actually reminds me of a roll-up.
Convenience: 11/10. You don't have to mix MuscleGel Shots with water. You don't have to inconveniently lug around tubs and shakers, or bags with powder in, to make sure you get your protein when you want it. MuscleGel Shots fit anywhere and can be taken whenever and wherever you want, gone as quickly (literally seconds!) or as slowly as you desire (although you want to get it down as fats as you can because they are that good).
Body Composition: N/A. Although MuscleGel Shots would not be directly responsible for any changes in body composition, they definitely make fat loss or muscle gains more convenient and ensure that nutritional requirements for both are met. MuscleGel Shots (along with Shred Matrix and Assault) are going to play a hugely important role in my cutting cycle (the second one ever)!
Recovery: N/A. MuscleGel Shots are definitely a fast and convenient product for use immediately following training, allowing for a kickstart on recovery.
Overall: 11/10. I cannot say enough about MuscleGels Shots - although they are slightly pricier than protein powder, for the ease and convenience of the product and the fact that protein powder now upsets my stomach, alongside BCAAs, they are my exclusive chosen source for protein. When I have no appetite - which until recently was a very rare occurrence - MuscleGel Shots are lifesavers and I literally LIVE on them.
Would I use again? Yes. I have tried ALL the flavours now and have my favourites with Tropical Mango and Key Lime. MuscleGel Shots are a STAPLE for me, and my EXCLUSIVE source of supplemented protein.
Would I recommend? No hesitation - I would recommend these over protein powder, period!
What is it?
 | This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 630x418. |
* Fast
* Convenient
* Complete
For more information, review Muscle Pharm :: MuscleGel Shots.
Formula: 10/10. 22g of protein, no sugar, and no fat makes MuscleGel Shots perfect for my wants and needs. As with all of their products, Muscle Pharm has delivered another awesome formula and a definite staple in my supplement arsenal!
Smell: 10/10. On opening the MuscleGel Shot, you can't actually smell it unless you put your nose right up to it. Faint smell of fresh limes for the Key Lime flavour.
Taste: 10/10. The Key Lime flavour is my favourite of all the MuscleGel Shot flavours - it tastes like one is consuming the juice from fresh limes, a very refreshing and tropical flavour.
Texture: 10/10. Smooth and silky and slides down your throat. Looking at the gel actually reminds me of a roll-up.
Convenience: 11/10. You don't have to mix MuscleGel Shots with water. You don't have to inconveniently lug around tubs and shakers, or bags with powder in, to make sure you get your protein when you want it. MuscleGel Shots fit anywhere and can be taken whenever and wherever you want, gone as quickly (literally seconds!) or as slowly as you desire (although you want to get it down as fats as you can because they are that good).
Body Composition: N/A. Although MuscleGel Shots would not be directly responsible for any changes in body composition, they definitely make fat loss or muscle gains more convenient and ensure that nutritional requirements for both are met. MuscleGel Shots (along with Shred Matrix and Assault) are going to play a hugely important role in my cutting cycle (the second one ever)!
Recovery: N/A. MuscleGel Shots are definitely a fast and convenient product for use immediately following training, allowing for a kickstart on recovery.
Overall: 11/10. I cannot say enough about MuscleGels Shots - although they are slightly pricier than protein powder, for the ease and convenience of the product and the fact that protein powder now upsets my stomach, alongside BCAAs, they are my exclusive chosen source for protein. When I have no appetite - which until recently was a very rare occurrence - MuscleGel Shots are lifesavers and I literally LIVE on them.
Would I use again? Yes. I have tried ALL the flavours now and have my favourites with Tropical Mango and Key Lime. MuscleGel Shots are a STAPLE for me, and my EXCLUSIVE source of supplemented protein.
Would I recommend? No hesitation - I would recommend these over protein powder, period!
January 11, 2011
Day 11: Dreams take Building too
Quote of the Day
"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." - Henry David Thoreau
Music Video of the Day
Sevendust - Inside
Training
Cardio 20 min.
Arms (1 min recovery between supersets/trisets):
Superset A -
1. Close-Grip Pull-Ups 4 x 15, 10, 8, 6
2. EZ-Bar Biceps Curls 4 x 6
Superset B -
3. Dips 4 x 6
4. DB French Press (standing) 4 x 6, 5, 4, 3
Triset -
5. Close-Grip BB Bicep Curls 4 x 8
6. Alternate Hammer Curls 4 x 10 per side
7. Flat Close-Grip BB Bench Press 4 x 8
Stretch 20 min.
Comments
Sleep - Time and Quality: ~6 hours - bedtime a little late, but waking time getting closer to being acceptable.
Mood/Aggression: No matter what happens, tomorrow always comes, and every day is a fresh start. I'm making the most of mine - with a smile . . . The fact that I have energy is also contributing to my good mood . . .
Energy: Fourth day using the Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault. I actually experienced a few Beta-Alanine tingles today for a few minutes not long after dosing. Being withOUT stimulants but the small amount in Assault as been interesting, and I'm NOT suffering for the lack of them, like I would usually be (by now, I would have gone into serious withdrawal). Re energy, although it contains 9g of carbohydrates, they are minimal, but are potentially a small reason why I feel good using it, especially considering I train first thing on an empty stomach (well, the last week or so has been pretty much nothing but empty stomach almost all the time). So, definitely enjoying my time on Assault so far
Mental Focus and Clarity: I've done a lot today, and there's still a lot of day left.
Stress: Mind elsewhere.
Joints: Heavy weights and my left wrist are not a good combination - it's just going to have to suck it up and deal!
Endurance: Great.
Strength: Deliberately pushed the limits today - feeling protest from my left wrist, but did it.
Pump: Always strong on Arms' day.
Vascularity: Very noticeable in arms.
Quality of Training: An easy start with cardio this morning. Surprisingly, not a lot of sweating today (even though I was in a long-sleeved polarfleece and sweatpants - want to sweat the fever out) . . . Headed into some aggressive lifting. Painful, but pushing through. I'm going to have to consider modifying a few exercises, or go lower in reps with the heavier weights, to accommodate my left wrist a little (since ruining it more than it is already is not the aim) . . .
Recovery: I feel awesome - no aches or pains (surprising for the heavier lifting). Guess my body DOES get back into things pretty fast. Also, the Suma Root is Assault is a small gem.
Body Composition and Look: Got told that my definition is coming out again re abs, and in the gym lifting, my deltoids and arms are starting to come along. Need to cap my deltoids more, but it's getting there.
Other Notes: For some reason, IGF-2 has started upsetting my stomach if I take it pre-bed, so for a week I have stopped this dose, using only first thing in the morning . . . Right now I am not even using all my staple supplements, down to the bare minimum of BC+EAA, IGF-2, Organic VitaBerry, and Muscle Gels, with the addition of Assault - which is fine, since my body seems to be managing ok . . .
7-Keto DHEA Topical Notes: I've been using this for four weeks now. The last two weeks, the last one especially have been when I have noticed the most difference and change in my figure (and this was commented on by another as well). I have just under a third of the bottle left and don't want it to run out!
October 17, 2010
Day 288: Discipline in ALL areas please!
Training
No training today - my body is thankful!
Comments
Mood/Aggression: Very blah, "I can't be bothered" mood today.
Energy: Today is going to be a lazy day!
Mental Focus and Clarity: Next week it's time for all focus to be on STUDY.
Stress: Any stress I have, I am tucking away in a corner.
Immune System: Fine.
Libido: This is the ONLY exercise I'll be getting today!
Joints: Knees still giving me issues.
Recovery: My entire body aches today, so definitely glad for a day OFF.
Body Composition and Look: Not where I want to be yet - but I WILL be!
Other Notes: I definitely need to follow my training as planned, because doing this week backwards re resistance sessions has not been kind to my body. Nutrition has not been good this week, so at least I DID get training in, but it needs to be better and there needs to be no more issues. Think of this week as my 'easing' back into training after my week off - now you see why I do NOT like weeks off and why I refuse to have a complete seven days doing nothing anymore . . . I finish my third bottle of Alpha-T2 today. Also start back using MuscleGels - these are NOT going to leave my supplements staple arsenal from now on! Start CreaPure when it arrives next week - I definitely notice the difference when NOT using creatine! Been dosing EndoAmp Max at only one scoop first thing and will keep it like that And from tomorrow, I will be dosing Triazole at THREE caps daily: first thing, 6-8 hours post-Dose 1, and pre-bed . . .
September 19, 2010
Review of Muscle Pharm's MuscleGel Shots (Tropical Mango flavour)
I've wanted to try MuscleGel Shots since I first heard about them, and after buying a box, it's time to give my thoughts . . .
What is it?
* Build lean muscle
* Fuel fat loss
* Recover faster
* Fast, convenient, and complete
For the product write-up, please see Muscle Pharm FitGel Series - MuscleGel Shots.
Formula: 10/10. 22g of protein, no sugar, and no fat makes MuscleGel Shots perfect for my wants and needs. As with all of their products, Muscle Pharm has delivered another awesome formula with their MuscleGel Shots.
What is it?
* Build lean muscle
* Fuel fat loss
* Recover faster
* Fast, convenient, and complete
For the product write-up, please see Muscle Pharm FitGel Series - MuscleGel Shots.
Formula: 10/10. 22g of protein, no sugar, and no fat makes MuscleGel Shots perfect for my wants and needs. As with all of their products, Muscle Pharm has delivered another awesome formula with their MuscleGel Shots.
Smell: 8/10. On opening the MuscleGel Shot, you can't actually smell it unless you put your nose right up to it. Faint smell of mangoes.
Taste: 7/10. I have the Tropical Mango flavour. Initial taste is like a burst of fruit in your mouth, and it's not until you've had it in your mouth for a little that the mango flavour really comes through.Texture: 10/10. Smooth and silky and slides down your throat. Looking at the gel actually reminds me of a roll-up.
Convenience: 10/10. You don't have to mix it with water. You don't have to use a huge shaker. You don't have to inconveniently lug around tubs and shakers, or bags with powder in, to make sure you get your protein when you want it. MuscleGel Shots fit anywhere and can be taken whenever and wherever you want, gone as quickly or as slowly as you desire.
Body Composition: N/A. MuscleGel Shots would not be directly responsible for any changes in body composition, but they could make fat loss or muscle gains more convenient and ensure that nutritional requirements for both are met.
Recovery: N/A. Definitely a fast and convenient product for use immediately following training, allowing for a kickstart on recovery.
Overall: 9/10. Although, MuscleGel Shots are slightly pricier than protein powder, for the ease and convenience of the product and the fact that protein powder now upsets my stomach, alongside BCAAs, they are my chosen source for protein.
Would I use again? Yes. I want to try different flavours as well.
Would I recommend? Yes.
September 11, 2010
Day 253: Can't wait for my Muscle Gels!
Training
Cardio 23 min.
Gym - Upper Body (1 min sec recovery between sets):
1. Hanging Straight-Leg Raises (hips to 90 degrees) 4 x 10
2. Alternate Bicep Curls 2 x 20 per side
3. Clean and Press 2 x 20
4. Dips 4 x 10
5. Rope Crunches 2 x 20
6. Supinated BB Bent Over Rows 2 x 20
7. Push-Ups (feet on floor, hands on fists) 4 x 10
8. Plank x 1 min
9. Side Plank superset x 1 [a. side (left) plank x 1 min, b. side (right) plank x 1 min]
Post-Weights Cardio 20 min.
Posing Practice 15 min.
Stretch 20 min.
Comments
Mood/Aggression: Easily annoyed.
Energy: There - even though all last night and so far today, I have felt like vomiting (and have on and off - disgusting)!
Mental Focus and Clarity: Can't be anything but focused - there's too much at stake.
Metabolism: Pretty damn good. Despite the nausea last night, I forced down a truckload of carbohydrates after work, and my body was fine (no bloating, water retention, or anything) this morning.
Stress: HIGH.
Endurance: Excellent.
Strength: Really, until my competition is over and done with, none of my sessions are going to be about strength, but INTENSITY - it means that while I will still be lifting as heavy as I can for the sets/reps I've set myself, it's going to vary a lot depending on my body on any given day.
Pump: AWESOME!
Vascularity: NOW it's starting to hang around longer - that's what I want.
Quality of Training: Even though I felt like being sick just lying and sitting this morning, and knew that running would aggravate the issue, I went running anyway - running is effective for me re fat loss, and it's one of the few cardio modes where no matter what, I don't have to try too hard to get and keep my heart rate well above 80-90% of my maximum heart rate. Managed - JUST - to get home and to the bushes, and then to the bathroom before the nausea prevailed . . . When it was over, it was straight into resistance training. Changed things up yet again. I was nauseous throughout the session, but didn't throw up (thank God for small blessings) . . . Afterwards, did some more cardio, just to make sure that my body was completely fcuked (and because tomorrow is my day off, so I can) . . . Posing practice had me sweating from the effort . . .
Recovery: Biceps are still a little tender. Otherwise, all good.
Body Composition and Look: I can tell when my body composition goes under 10% bodyfat - it's hard to explain, but it just feels different somehow. Tomorrow I will see what it is, but I know for sure that I am on target for competition.
Other Effects: Have not been as thirsty lately as I was. Been having a lot of cold, clammy, feverish sweats, though.
Other Notes: I have decided that every FOURTH day will be my high calorie/carbohydrate day - any longer than that, and I am like the walking dead pretending they are still alive . . . I also have some of Muscle Pharm's Tropical Mango Muscle Gels coming. So excited to finally get to try them - I have been wanting to since they were released! And since consuming protein powder just upsets my stomach now, I'm hoping that I will be able to use them in place of, instead of needing to have so much BC+EAA (I pretty much go through a tub every WEEK) . . .
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