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Multivitamins are considered to be essential bodybuilding and fat loss supplements . At least I think so :) . There is a debate regarding multivitamins. So I decide to present to you the opinion of one of our experts Sean Nalewanyj and his reasoning regarding multivitamins.

Muscle gain truth Sean’s program, The Truth About Building Muscle, is a detailed plan of attack for quickly gaining the muscle mass you want. He covers the entire body in depth, from the chest and back all the way down to the calves. It is an excellent program and highly recommended.


Multivitamins: A Necessary Muscle-Building Supplement Or A Waste Of Cash?

By Sean Nalewanyj

One of the most currently debated issues in the supplement industry is in relation to the consumption of multivitamins and the role that they play in enhancing overall health both in and out of the gym.

Can bodybuilders benefit by supplementing with extra vitamins and minerals? Let’s review some basic biology as well as the function of each specific vitamin in order to find the answer…

In the grand scheme of things, your body is basically one giant mass of chemical reactions. Each of these individual reactions is fueled by small proteins called enzymes, which work by lowering the amount of energy that is needed for a specific reaction to occur.

Enzymes require the use of a “co-enzyme” which alters its shape and allows it to perform its job properly. Co-enzymes are also referred to as vitamins.

So when it all comes down it, vitamins are needed to fuel the thousands of chemical reactions going on within your body at all times. Not only does this play an important role in overall metabolism and body health, but it also plays a vital part in the muscle-building process.

Here is a list of the major vitamins and the ways in which they will aid you both in and out of the gym…

Vitamin A – Is crucial to the process of protein synthesis where individual amino acids are combined to form new muscle tissue. It also helps the body to produce glycogen, the stored form of carbohydrates within the body.

Vitamin B1 – Also known as “thiamine” and is heavily involved in protein metabolism as well as the production of hemoglobin which helps to carry oxygen around the body.

Vitamin B2 - Also known as “riboflavin” and aids in the fat burning process as well as helping the body to produce energy from carbohydrates.

Vitamin B3 – Also known as “niacin” and increases vasodilation within the muscle tissue, helping you to appear fuller and more vascular.

Vitamin B6 – Also known as “pyridoxine” and is very important because of its effect on protein digestion. Muscle-building diets require larger than normal amounts of protein, and this means that your body needs a higher amount of vitamin B6 than the average Joe.

Vitamin B12 – Also known as “cobalamin”, vitamin b12 ensures that the brain and muscle tissue are communicating efficiently and this has a direct effect on muscle growth and coordination.

Biotin – Helps the body metabolize amino acids and produce energy during workouts.

Vitamin C – Heavily involved in amino acid metabolism and the formation of collagen. Collagen is found in your connective tissue and keeps your joints strong and healthy. Vitamin C also plays a role in the production of steroid hormones in the body and also enhances the absorption of iron. On top of all of this, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which flushes out free radicals and prevents damage to your body cells.

Vitamin D – Helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus more efficiently. Calcium is very important during muscle contractions and also helps to maintain strong bones and joints. Phosphorus is involved in the synthesis of ATP, the usable form of energy within the body.

Vitamin E – A very powerful antioxidant which helps to hunt out and neutralize free radicals. This will help to flush out many of the natural metabolic waste products your body produces and maintain the health of your cell membranes.

As you can clearly see above, vitamins play a very important role when it comes to building muscle and gaining strength. Hard training bodybuilders certainly require higher amounts of these vitamins than the average sedentary Joe, as these vitamins are depleted during intense sessions in the gym.

In addition, a calorie-dense diet requires a higher intake of vitamins to aid in the digestion process. In fact, being deficient in just one vitamin can literally affect thousands of small process within the body.

So, are multivitamins necessary for bodybuilders?

Absolutely!

From protein synthesis to energy metabolism to digestion to vasodilation, multivitamins should be an important part of any effective supplementation plan.

Lear more about the author Sean Nalewanyj

Popularity: 33% [?]

Is Protein Powder really necessary? Does it really work? How much do I need? What kind should I take? What is the best? These are the common questions when it comes to any supplement. In our case this the protein powder Vince gives you the basic knowledge you need so that you have a clue what to look for next time you go protein shopping. Vince also besides answering those basic questions he talks about the difference between protein from whole food and the protein powder. In the ends he talks about the different types of protein powder like whey protein, casein protein and soy protein along with a simple guide to help you choose according to your needs.

No-Nonsense Muscle Building: Skinny Guy Secret's To Insane Muscle GainVince’s program, No-Nonsense Muscle Building, makes you a master in muscle building dieting, training and all other factors. It also has a version for females (Body Sculpting for women). This version addresses the concerns of the females and helps them build the fitness model body they want. Great stuff and highly reccomended for those serious about making a dramatic change in there physique.


Skinny Guy’s Guide To Protein Powder

By Vince Delmonte

So what do you really need to know about protein powder? After all, as a skinny guy or beginner to the whole bodybuilding scene you simply want to know a few answers. Is protein powder necessary? Does it really work? How much do I need? What kind should I take? What is the best? And finally, will any of these answers make a difference when it comes to getting jacked and attracting the ladies?

This article is not meant for you if you want to learn the science behind the ion-exchanged, cross-mutaed, isotopically labeled protein tracers blah blah blah. In this article, I will strip away all the hype, science and confusion that surrounds protein powder. By the time you are through this article and put it to memory, you will become the resident protein powder expert and amaze your friends the next time you visit the sport nutrition store. No more 2-hour shopping trips for protein powder because you don’t really have a clue what to look for!

Is Protein Powder really necessary?

So, although protein supplements are not an absolute requirement for gaining mass, I have yet to meet any person able to get 400 grams of protein per day from cooking food. If your protein intake is greater than 200 grams per day I will suggest a protein powder – it will make your life a lot easier.

In addition, dollar for dollar, protein powders and meal replacement drinks tend to be more cost effective than whole food. Don’t get me wrong, though. Protein powders are still supplements in my book. Supplement means an addition to the diet. I emphasize this because the focus of any diet should be food. Whole food is often preferable to powders because it can offer a whole spectrum of nutrients that powders cannot.

Most of your dietary protein should come from meat, fish, poultry and eggs. However getting all your protein from whole food is not always practical or convenient, especially if you have to eat 6 or more times a day to get your required intake. I will stress to you, for optimal muscle gains, that you should limit yourself to a maximum of three per day or 40 % of your meals. To some this might sound like going ‘overboard’ and I would not disagree.

The bottom line is that both food and supplements are necessary to achieve a complete nutritional balance as well as the desired level of protein intake, especially if you’re not a big fan of cooking. And I assume that over 95% of you reading this do not have a personal maid at home cooking all your meals while you sit around waiting for your next meal. Do not make the fatal mistake of thinking protein powders can take the place of a solid training and nutrition program.

Does protein powder really work and are they healthy?

I get this question emailed to me almost everyday. I just showed how it ‘works’ as a supplement to help you hit your supplemental protein mark but you are probably still wandering, ‘Yeah, but is protein powder going to help me get muscular or is it a scam?” A better question would be, “Does protein really work?” and the obvious answer is ‘yes.’ You are fully aware that protein is composed of building blocks called amino acids which performs a variety of functions in the body such as build and maintain healthy muscles when combined with diet and exercise. Protein also:

  • Support red blood cell production
  • Boost your immune system
  • Keep your hair, fingernails, and skin healthy
  • However, not all protein powder is created equal. Most protein powder contains an array of questionable ingredients such as aspartame, saccharin, fructose and artificial colors. It’s interesting to note how unhealthy most of these protein powders actually are. Look for a protein powder with natural ingredients rather than products that are sweetened with chemicals and made with ingredients that are certainly not going to create an environment for muscle growth and fat burning.

    Also avoid products with refined carbohydrates such as fructose, sucrose or brown rice syrup. Make sure that the product is made from a reputable company that is genuinely interested in good health. Unfortunately supplement manufacturers will continue to meet the demands of bodybuilding consumers with unknown crappy products because we buy it and it is cheaper for them to create. Do your homework by seeking out unbiased reviews, investigating the companies history, and reputation. And then make a decision and take responsibility!

    In the past one of my criteria for a healthy protein product was that it was great tasting and that it should mix easily. Most protein powders mix quite easily, even with a spoon, however I was disappointed to discover that taste will inevitably be sacrificed for a safe and healthy product. I can live with this. You see, once a product is removed of all artificial chemical sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose, and simple sugars it is left almost tasteless and sometimes even gross.

    How much protein powder do I need?

    A better question would be, “How much pure protein do I need to achieve my goals?”

    Protein is an extremely important macro nutrient and should be eaten frequently throughout the day. I recommend at least 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass. This means that if you are 150 pounds and 10% body fat (150 x 0.10 = 15 lbs of fat leaving 135 lbs of lean mass), you will require at least 135 to approximately 205 grams of protein per day.

    I recommend that protein powder be used primarily for your pre-workout, workout and post-workout shake. This is when liquid food is more advantageous over whole food since it has a faster absorption rate.

    I do not recommend protein powder do be used for meal replacements for more than two meals. Here is what a typical day might look like:

    Meal 1 (breakfast) – whole food

    Meal 2 (mid morning) – liquid protein meal

    Meal 3 (lunch) – whole food

    Meal 4 (mid afternoon) whole food

    Meal 5 (pre and post workout) liquid protein meal

    Meal 6 (dinner) whole food

    Meal 7 (before bed) whole food

    What kind of protein powder should I use?

    Before deciding which protein powder is necessary, here is a short protein primer to help you make sense of the thousands of different protein powders from which to choose:

    WHEY PROTEIN makes up 20% of total milk protein. Whey is recognized for its excellent amino acid profile, high cysteine content, rapid digestion, and interesting variety of peptides. Since it is very quickly digested the best time to consume it is before your workout, during your workout or immediately after your workout. These would be considered the phase in the day where you need energy the most and when your body is in anabolic state.

    CASEIN PROTEIN makes up 80% of total milk protein. Casein is recognized for its excellent amino acid profile, slow digestion and interesting variety of peptides. Since casein is slowly digested into your bloodstream, don’t use it during workouts or after workouts – you need a fast absorbing protein at these times. Instead, use a casein protein for all other times outside the pre and post workout window.

    SOY PROTEIN is the most controversial of all protein types. While the soy groupies have gone to great lengths to label soy as a super food with magical effects, there is also a good amount of research that suggests soy protein may be contraindicated in many situations. BECAUSE OF ALL THE CONFUSION, IN MY PERSONAL OPINION, I SUGGEST AVOIDING SOY PROTEIN ALTOGETHER AND STICKING TO THE OTHER TYPES LISTED.

    Protein Blends are generally a combination of several types of protein blends such as whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, egg protein, casein protein, and soy protein.

    Why would you want a blend anyway? You will receive the full spectrum of proteins and you will receive varying rates of absorption from the different types of protein. Using a blend will create an anabolic environment from the whey and an anti-catabolic environment from the casein – use this kind at any time of the day but NOT before a workout or after a workout.

    Whey hydrolysates (also known as hydrolyzed whey protein, and are also called peptides), are powerful proteins that are more quickly absorbed; more so than any other form, since your body prefers peptides to whole proteins. Hydrolysates are produced through very low heat, low acid and mild enzymatic filtration processes, (those highest in the essential and the branched chain amino acids) and are potentially the most anabolic for short-term protein synthesis such as the the pre-workout and post-workout window.

    Whey Protein Versus Whey Isolate:

    Most whey protein powders that stock the supplement shelves are made up of whey concentrate and mixed in with a small portion of whey isolate. Comparing the two, whey protein isolate is more expensive than whey protein concentrate because it has a higher quality (more pure) and a higher BV (biological value). Whey protein isolate contains more protein and less fat and lactose per serving. Most whey protein isolates contain 90-98% protein while whey concentrates contain 70-85% protein.

    Whey protein isolate is the highest yield of protein currently available that comes from milk. Because of its chemical properties it is the easiest to absorb into your system. Obviously with its high concentration, it appears that an isolate protein would be the obvious choice instead of a concentrate. However, this is an individual decision because the isolate is more expensive, and just because it is purer does not guarantee that it will help build bigger muscles. Its extra concentration may not justify its extra cost.

    SO WHAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE? WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

    For the Pre-workout and Post-workout phases, as long as whey hydrolysate is the first or second ingredient on the supplement label then there is probably not enough in the product to influence protein synthesis to reap the optimal benefits. As stated, whey isolates are also a very extremely high quality whey and for maximal anabolism isolates should be combined with whey hydrolysates for only the pre-workout and post-workout phases of your program. The inclusion of small amounts of whey concentrates will not harm you but this should not be the first ingredient on the tub of protein powder.

    IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE STRONGEST PROTEIN POWDER TO EXPLOIT YOUR FULL GROWTH POTENTIAL DURING THE GROWTH AND RECOVERY PHASES (ANY TIME OTHER THAN PRE AND POST WORKOUT PERIOD) THEN USE A BLEND.

    You will receive the full spectrum of proteins and you will receive varying rates of absorption from the different types of protein. Using a blend will create an anabolic environment from the whey and an anti-catabolic environment from the casein.

    Conclusion

    I hope this article familiarized you with the basics of protein powder and gave you a foundation to work from when deciding on your next order. Don’t get caught up in the hype and start becoming a more educated consumer when you take your next trip to the nutrition store. Now you can tell the sales rep exactly what you are looking for instead of starring blankly at the shelves without a clue!

    Oh yeah, protein powder will help you get more jacked and attract the ladies but it’s not going to do it in a ‘ultra short period of time’ with the simple addition to your diet.

    More about the Author Vince Delmonte

    Popularity: 51% [?]

    To defeat your skinny genetics you need to play with different rules. This is one of the main statements Vince stands by in many different topics regarding skinny guys. Vince focus in this article on one of the main training technique most skinny guys forget about (i.e. strength training). Vince explains the six main reasons skinny guys should focus on strength training. After that he give you his 12 weeks strength training program for skinny guys “The 1 + 1 Skinny Guy Strength Program”. I suggest you give it a try and see the results yourself.

    No-Nonsense Muscle Building: Skinny Guy Secret's To Insane Muscle GainVince’s program, No-Nonsense Muscle Building, makes you a master in muscle building dieting, training and all other factors. It also has a version for females (Body Sculpting for women). This version addresses the concerns of the females and helps them build the fitness model body they want. Great stuff and highly recommended for those serious about making a dramatic change in there physique.


    Defeat Your Skinny Genetics and Own 2010 : The 1 +1 Skinny Guy Transformation

    Program

    By Vince Delmonte

    It happens every year. The New Year comes and every scrawny twerp on the planet swears this is going to be the year that he slaps on an extra 20 pounds of muscle. But if you didn’t pack it on successfully last year, what makes you think this year is going to be any different? Seriously?

    Did you spend hours in the gym with no results? Did you spend the last year blindly following the muscle magazines only to look the same as you do now? Did you spend the year filling your body with mysterious supplements that only make you sick? Did you watch your friends train less than you but get twice as big? Sound familiar doesn’t it? I thought so. So the question is, how are we going to get a different result? The answer is simple. By doing something differently. Would you agree the best way to get the same thing is to do the same thing? And would you agree that the best way to get a different result is to do something different? Give me a amen if you have decided that 2008 is going to be different. Give me a amen-hallelujah if you are prepared to be a different person and prepared to do something different this year. Commit to having your best year, and I’ll take care of you, providing you with the best skinny guy transformation program.

    My Own Skinny Guy Experience

    Trust me, I know. I was a skinny beanpole all through high school and university and gained the nickname Skinny Vinny. I gawked at my room mates how displayed copious amounts of rock-hard brawn on there frame. I was inspired by the spectacular ‘before and after’ pictures in bodybuilding magazines. I read every piece of bodybuilding literature I could, got misguided by a slew of personal trainers, experimented with every legal supplement I could purchase, but despite my efforts, my 12 week pictures looked nothing like the supplement advertisements. The cruel scale needle stayed the same like it was cast in stone. Perhaps I was doomed to be skinny for life…

    Skinny Guys Must Play By A Different Set Of Rules

    As a weight training enthusiast, figuring out the most effective workout routine can become an endless source of confusion and frustration. Every single fitness expert and magazine has a different training theory or training angle which becomes more confusing than a trip for Jessica Simpson at Home Depot!

    Most skinny guys end up using routines designed and touted by those freaky monsters seen in the hardcore rags who have more than a little chemistry lab going on inside of them. Programs that include hitting the gym more than five times a week, focusing on 1-2 exercises per workout, 12-24 sets per exercise and overemphasizing isolation-type exercises. None of these components of a program helps improve the underlying foundation of a hardgainers success. Training to get bigger and more muscular, that is – your best body ever, must revolve around getting stronger and I mean really, really stronger. Increasing your strength remains the rock-solid foundation for defeating your skinny genetics and getting a head-turning physique for 2008.

    Since the vast array of exercise machines came on the market, along with infomercials, instant result programs, and fancy dressed supplement ads, people are no longer willing to spend the time in the gym to build the solid strength foundation that is critical for long-term progress. Since you’ve read this far, you won’t be making that mistake this year!

    Six Reasons Skinny Guys Must Focus On The Forgotten Factor: Strength

    • Strength training is incredibly taxing on the body’s central nervous system. Increasing your central nervous system’s work capacity through heavy and/or explosive movements; you directly increase the ability of your muscular system to produce increased levels of strength.
    • Strength training releases more growth hormone and testosterone. Using greater resistance loads than normal will release a greater abundance of these muscle building hormones necessary to maximize your genetic potential which will result in new muscle growth all over – especially on those lagging body parts!
    • Strength training creates a platform to achieve more sets and reps. When you build a stronger foundation, your ability to handle heavier loads in the higher rep ranges will dramatically increase, resulting in some impressive muscular hypertrophy.
    • Strength training benefits the smaller muscle groups as well. The pure strength movements do not just benefit the larger muscle groups such as the chest, back and legs but the smaller ones as well. An example: A skinny guy increases the amount of weight he can do on the bent over row from 135 to 225. The heavier poundages will result in significantly strengthening the assisting movers of the upper arm – brachialis and the brachioradialis – allowing him to curl much more weight on his curling exercises.
    • Strength training involves the maximal amount of muscle fibers. To defeat your skinny genetics you must use the maximal number of muscle fibers in each set. Do you think lifting weights at 60-80% of your threshold is going to stimulate the maximal amount of muscle fiber? Think of your muscles as lazy. They would prefer to sleep this entire next year. They would prefer to stay small. They have zero interest in growing larger. That is something you want to do. The only reason they will wake up (get bigger) is if they are attacked. If they are exposed to an assault (heavy weight) they have not experienced before. Out of survival, your muscles will grow bigger to prevent the same assault from occurring again.
    • Strength training does not eat up your precious calories. Unlike the 1-2 hour marathon training sessions that involve 12-24 exercises per body part or workout, strength training is much less demanding calorically. It does not burn up the calories your muscles need to grow because of the longer rests and shorter sets.
    • Strength training leads to progressive overload. If you are thinking, “But I don’t care how much I can lift. All I care about is not being skinny anymore and building a good physique. I’m not a power lifter or bodybuilder.” I would reply that strength training is a fundamental principle of muscle growth because it leads to progressive overload. The only way to make a muscle grow is to subject it to unaccustomed stress. Progressive overload basically implies that when a muscle is subjected to an usual amount of unaccustomed stress and effort, the muscle must respond by getting larger to manage and cope with the new stress.
    Still Not Convinced That Strength Training Is The Answer To Your Best Body This Year?

    How many people do you see with skinny arms that can curl 135 pounds? How many people do you see with no chest who bench press 275 pounds? How many people do you see with massive upper girdles that can dead lift 315 pounds? How many people do you see with chop-stick legs who can squat 400 pounds?I would say – not many. There are many more reasons why strength training will help you defeat your muscle unfriendly genes and get the body you deserve this year but I think you get the point. If ever in doubt, just take a look at the biggest guys in your gym. I bet they are lifting 3-4 more times the weight as you!

    The 1 + 1 Skinny Guy Strength Program

    Stage 1: 4 x 4 Strength Phase Week 1-3

    Monday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Back Squats 4 x 4 311 2-3 m
    Bench Press 4 x 4 311 2-3 m
    Bent Over Rows 4 x 4 311 2-3 m
    Upright Rows 2 x 20 211 1 m
    Calve Raises 2 x 20 211 1 m
    Wednesday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Lunges 4 x 12-15 311 2-3 m
    Stiff Leg Deadlifts 4 x 12-15 311 2-3 m
    Dips 4 x failure 311 1 m
    Chin Ups 4 x failure 311 1 m
    Weighted Abdominal Work 3 x 30 211 1 m
    Friday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Deadlifts 4 x 4 311 2-3 m
    Military Presses 4 x 4 311 2-3 m
    Wide Grip Pull Ups 4 x 4 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Shrugs 2 x 20 211 1 m
    Calve Raises 2 x 20 211 1 m

    Stage 2 – 5 x 5 Strength Phase Weeks 4-6

    Monday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Back Squats 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Stiff-Leg Deadlifts 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Curls 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Shrugs 3 x 30 311 1 m
    Calf raises 3 x 30 311 1 m
    Tuesday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Dumbell Bench Presses 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Rows 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Dumbell Shoulder Presses 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Weighted Abdominal Work 3x 30 211 1 m
    Thursday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Deadlifts 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Lunges 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Close Grip Presses 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Shrugs 3 x 30 311 1 m
    Calve Raises 3 x 30 311 1 m
    Thursday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Incline Bench Presses 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Seated Row 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Military Presses 5 x 5 311 2-3 m
    Weighted Abdominal Work 3 x 30 211 1 m

    Stage 3 – 6 x 6 Strength Phase Weeks 7-9

    Monday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Back Squats 6 x 6 311 2-3 m
    Bench Press 6 x 6 311 2-3 m
    Bent Over Rows 6 x 6 311 2-3 m
    Upright Rows 3 x 15 311 1 m
    Calve Raises 3 x 15 311 1 m
    Wednesday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Lunges 4 x 8-12 311 2-3 m
    Stiff Leg Deadlifts 4 x 8-12 311 2-3 m
    Dips 4 x failure 311 1 m
    Chin Ups 4 x failure 311 1 m
    Weighted Abdominal Work 3 x 30 211 1 m
    Friday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Deadlifts 6 x 6 311 2-3 m
    Military Presses 6 x 6 311 2-3 m
    Wide Grip Pull Ups 6 x 6 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Shrugs 3 x 15 211 1 m
    Calve Raises 3 x 15 211 1 m

    Stage 4 – 7 x 7 Strength Phase Weeks 9-12

    Monday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Back Squats 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Stiff-Leg Deadlifts 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Curls 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Shrugs 3 x 30 311 1 m
    Calf raises 3 x 30 311 1 m
    Tuesday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Dumbell Bench Presses 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Rows 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Dumbell Shoulder Presses 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Weighted Abdominal Work 3 x 30 211 1 m
    Thursday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Deadlifts 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Lunges 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Close Grip Presses 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Barbell Shrugs 3 x 30 311 1 m
    Calve Raises 3 x 30 311 1 m
    Friday
    Exercise Work Sets Speed Rest
    Incline Bench Presses 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Seated Row 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Military Presses 7 x 7 311 2-3 m
    Weighted Abdominal Work 2 x 20 211 1 m

    Weight Training Program Notes:

    • You will notice Monday is a Quad Dominant day with Horizontal Pushing (Chest) and Horizontal Pulling (Rows). You will notice that Traps and Calves are opposite movements so have been paired up respectively.
    • You will notice Friday is a Hip Dominant day with Vertical Pushing (Shoulders) and Vertical Pulling (Lats). You will notice Traps and Calves are opposite movements so have been paired up respectively.
    • You will notice slight variation on some of the exercise selection. The exercise selection is not as critical as the load and set protocol. Feel free to tweak the exercises based on your personal preference. For example, if a Trap Bar Deadlift feels better for you than a normal Deadlift – go for it. If you know you will get better results with dumbell’s instead of barbells – don’t be afraid to follow your instincts and be involved in the training process.
    • For some, the 6 x 6 phase and 7 x7 phase will be too much volume on muscle groups like biceps and triceps. Feel free to modify these to only 3-5 sets. The goal is to keep the weight the same the entire workout. If your weights start to drop than simply record the number of sets you were able to do and try to beat it next week.
    • I am guessing 4 x 4 will be your first exposure to heavy lifting. Remember, next phase, you will be focusing on adding one extra rep to the same weight with one extra set hence the 1 + 1 Program. This program is based on increasing the amount of work you are capable of performing over a 12 week period.e.g. Let’s say you can do 185 lbs for 4 x 4 in phase one. Next phase, you will be aiming to do 185 pounds for 5 x 5. You might even be able to slip a few extra pounds on the bar, depending on the rate that you super compensate which will be bonus.
    • For time efficiency, opposing muscle groups like Shoulders and Lats, Chest and Rows and Shrugs and Calves can be super set together. I would not recommend super setting your legs. This is your personal choice though.
    • The 2 x 20 and 2 x 30 are unique additions I have added from my own personal experience. I have found, generally, that skinny guys responds better to higher rep ranges for the calves and traps.
    • You will notice that Monday and Friday can be classified as your Heavy days and Wednesday is an opportunity to increase your body weight strength and prevent your metabolic system from de-training. These higher rep exercises will counteract and help balance out the dominance of central nervous system training occurring.
    • The weighted abdominal work should come from Hanging Leg Raises, Weighted Ball Sit Ups, or Cable Crunches.
    • You will notice this is a three day program which will be alternated every three weeks with a four day program. I might suggest taking a ? week off at the six week mark if any symptoms of overtraining are suspected. Take at least one week off from the gym at the completion of this 12 week program.

    Cardiovascular and Flexibility Training Tips

    • During phases 1 and 3 while you are doing only three day of weight training per week I would recommend the following:
      • At least two or three 20-30 minute cardio sessions placed either on your non-workout days on immediately after you weight training workouts.
      • Use the form of cardio that, in your experience, holds the most muscle on your body. For some, this will mean doing shorter interval cardio sessions. For some, this will mean going for a easy run or swim.
      • Incorporate the cardio work to enhance your muscle gain goals – not detract. For example, you might benefit from a easy swim workout after a heavy upper body day. You might benefit from a easy bike ride to loosen up from a heavy lower body workout. Use common sense when choosing your cardio activities. For example, don’t try out for the soccer team at the same time you are trying to transform your body!
      • Incorporate your cardio based on your nutrition intake. Remember, your muscles grow on calories so the more cardio you incorporate, the more overall calories you will need to counteract the lost.
      • Try to stretch at least ? the amount that you lift. Heavy lifting requires long and lengthened muscles to allow full range of motion. Shortened muscles perform weaker and slower and have a higher incidence of injury. If you are weight lifting 4 hours in the week, you should be stretching at least two. This means at least ? hour of stretching before or after you weight training workout. This is my personal recommendation, any less, and your body will screaming for a injury.

    Take The Challenge

    Give the 1 + 1 Skinny Guy Strength Program a honest effort for the next 12 weeks and commit to making 2008 the year that you defeat your skinny genetics and build a body you can be proud of without spending any more time in the gym than you have to. Believe that you can do it. It can be done and it will!

    More about the Author Vince Delmonte

    Popularity: 1% [?]

    Supplements is it a must? Do you really need them? and which ones are really usefull to help you gain more muscle and lose fat?. The supplements issue can be a big debate sometimes .This Article from our expert Sean Nalewanyj will highlight the truth about supplements . You will learn about the basic supplements that can really help you develop an impressive, muscular physique.

    Muscle gain truth Sean’s program, The Truth About Building Muscle, is a detailed plan of attack for quickly gaining the muscle mass you want. He covers the entire body in depth, from the chest and back all the way down to the calves. It is an excellent program and highly recommended.


    Do Bodybuilders Really Need Supplements?

    By Sean Nalewanyj

    To supplement or not to supplement? That is the question, and an important one at that.

    “Do bodybuilders really need supplements?”

    Let’s examine that question.

    The first thing to look at when trying to answer the million-dollar question about supplements (with the ever-increasing revenues of the supplement industry I should more accurately call it a “billion-dollar question”) is what do we define as “need”?

    The question seems to be, “do we really need supplements”? But the answer to that completely depends upon what it is that we do or do not need them for. Let’s examine a couple of different definitions.

    “Do bodybuilders need supplements to become bigger and stronger?”

    The answer to this question? No!

    Regardless of what the million-dollar supplement companies would have you believe, supplementation is not mandatory in the pursuit of increased muscle mass and strength.

    Anyone who trains hard and focuses on consuming adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats from whole foods can and will see a significant increase in muscle size and strength.

    If you want to become bigger and stronger, supplements are not mandatory. Period.

    So given this fact, bodybuilders shouldn’t use any supplements, right?

    Wrong.

    Let’s examine the second definition.

    “Do bodybuilders need supplements to become as big and strong as they possibly can?”

    The answer to this question? Yes!

    Although supplements are not mandatory to become bigger and stronger, they ARE mandatory if your goal is to become as big and strong as you possibly can. By investing in the right products and using the proper amounts, you can definitely gain an extra edge and see superior gains than a person who has chosen not to go the supplement route.

    With the endless hours of hard work and dedication that you put in at the gym and at home on your quest to achieving the physique you desire, it only seems logical that a few extra bucks should be spent each month on a few reputable products in order to maximize your gains.

    The question you simply have to ask yourself is, “how much are my muscle gains worth to me?”

    If an extra boost in strength at the gym is worth the price of that bottle of creatine, then it makes sense to purchase it. If improving the convenience of your eating plan is worth the price of that tub of whey protein, then it makes sense to purchase it.

    “Do bodybuilders really need supplements?”

    If you’re serious about achieving the most significant muscle size and strength gains that you possibly can, then I definitely would recommend a basic and straightforward supplement plan to maximize your results.

    Here are the 4 most basic supplements that I would recommend:

    1) Whey Protein

    2) Creatine

    3) High-Potency Multivitamin

    4) Essential Fatty Acids

    This is a great place to start and will go a long way in increasing your lean muscle mass, strength and fat burning capabilities. There are definitely a lot of worthless, ineffective supplements out there, but these 4 basic products have been shown time and time again to be both effective and worth the cost.

    If you’re looking to gain an extra edge and are serious about reaching your muscle-building goals, they are definitely worth looking into.

    Lear more about the author Sean Nalewanyj

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    I’ve just started a new website for  Fitness reviews it will include a reviews to diffrent muscle building programs/ebooks and supplements. Also it is going to include reviews related to other fitness issues like weight loss and strength training. The website is still new and I will be adding reviews soon. no it is you chance go to bodybuilding reviews and submit your request for a review for any specific product.

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    This is a free video provided by Jeff Anderson the Author of Home Made Supplements Guide.This is a pre workout recipe. Jeff is kind enough to share with us one of the recipes from his Home Made Supplements Guide. After you watch this video you cand download the full recipe here.


    Download this recipe

    We also recommend downloading the recipe if you are interested in some explaintion of each of the supplements used in this recipe . Download this recipe

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    Glutamine is a “No Brainer” supplement. This is the common belief amongst bodybuilders. Vince disagrees with that and presents what could be the first article discrediting the effects of glutamine. Vince believes that Glutamine has no muscle-building effects whatsoever and stands by that. Now before you give up on Glutamine just read till the end to know what benefits of Glutamine have been proven. Yes benefits ! Glutamine still effective in certain situations. In the end it is your own choice.

    No-Nonsense Muscle Building: Skinny Guy Secret's To Insane Muscle GainVince’s program, No-Nonsense Muscle Building, makes you a master in muscle building dieting, training and all other factors. It also has a version for females (Body Sculpting for women). This version addresses the concerns of the females and helps them build the fitness model body they want. Great stuff and highly reccomended for those serious about making a dramatic change in there physique.


    The Skinny Guy’s Guide To Glutamine

    By Vince Delmonte

    When was the last time you read an article discrediting the effects of glutamine? Maybe this will be your first one? Unfortunately, the majority of bodybuilding and muscle magazines still have this supplement on their “Top 5 Lists.” I am not here to convince you to never buy another tub of glutamine again, but if stay with me, I will do my best to debunk some of the common myths that have led you to believe that this expensive supplement is necessary.

    But I Thought Glutamine Was A “No Brainer” Supplement?

    Creatine is a ‘no brainer’ supplement, protein powder is a ‘no brainer’ supplement, multi vitamins and fish oils are ‘no brainer’ supplements. Sorry, Glutamine, you did not make the team – despite the fact it gets its own message boards, chat rooms, magazine articles and its own section in the supplement store. I don’t need to remind you that the supplement industry is a billion-dollar industry. Since I used to be a skinny guy myself, I know how badly you want to build the perfect body – or at least one that gets you more dates and more respect at the gym!

    Since I have already wasted thousands of dollars on certain, not all, supplements myself, I feel an obligation to tell you the other side of the story. To reveal the glutamine research that NOBODY wants you to read. But this is obvious – nobody makes money disproving the credibility of a hot selling supplement!

    So here is where I will make my stand. Glutamine has no muscle-building effects whatsoever. Now before we get too deep, remember that I am not a PH.D student or a research geek. I will pass along the information and let you decide for yourself, and, in the process, do my best to make this fun and interesting.

    Glutamine 101

    Here is a quick introduction for you skinny guys who have never heard of glutamine. Glutamine makes up 2/3’s of the amino acids in our body, which could make a strong case for it being the most important. Understand that glutamine is also a non-essential amino acid which means your body produces it by itself. This does not mean you do not need it – only that external consumption is not mandatory. The most interesting fact about glutamine is that during times of stress (which is not clearly defined), our amino acid pool is depleted which can prevent muscle growth since glutamine makes up the greatest percentage of amino acids. Hence, the theory for supplementing with glutamine if you weight train.

    Glutamine Claims

    I cut and pasted these right out of random chat room just to show you I am more in tune with the word on the street:

    “…glutamine helps with weight training and prevents muscle soreness…”

    “…you need glutamine to repair your muscles.”

    “…supplemental glutamine can help prevent your body from losing muscle.”

    “…glutamine is not worthless. I train with bodybuilders every day and they recommend it.”

    “Glutamine is the most important supplement for bodybuilders…”

    “It boosts immune function which helps you recover from colds much quicker..”

    “Taking large amounts of glutamine before a workout contributes to huge pumps…”

    “Glutamine assists in situations of trauma which contributes to faster recovery…”

    What Glutamine Sales Reps Are Afraid Of You Discovering

    Although the majority of glutamine supplementation hoopla praises its contribution to increased muscle size and strength, decreased chance of overtraining and the other claims above, current research today gives no evident benefits for the skinny guy who wants to build muscle – never mind for any weight trainer in general.

    Recently I received an article from a fellow colleague, David Barr MSc., who collected a large batch of research with an exhaustive reference list supporting the notion that glutamine is useful for only very specific conditions (which we will discuss shortly).

    Here is a list of some of the most interesting data that David Barr found in his research with my extra commentary:

    • Just because glutamine has been proven to work in clinical stress testting does not mean it equates to exercise stress that you experience after a killer workout. Clinical stress such as severe burns, AIDS and extensive surgery are good reasons to warrant its, use but you simply don’t cause enough muscular damage during your workouts to justify its use.
    • A 2001 study by Candow et al determined that 0.9g of supplemental glutamine/kg/day during weight training resulted in no considerable effect on muscle performance, body composition or muscle breakdown on healthy adults. Since I am just over 200 lbs that is 80 grams of glutamine a day or over $1000 US in glutamine a year! If 80 grams was shown to have no anti-catabolic effects, why would you waste your money on taking the recommended 5-10 grams per day?
    • The majority of the research on endurance athletes has revealed minimal contribution in regards to enhancement of the immune system. More significantly, a number of studies disclosed information that glutamine supplementation does not alter exercise-induced suppression of the immune system. Contrary to popular belief, whether your glutamine levels drop or not after training, they have no impact on immunity. – Hiscock N, Pedersen BK. Exercise-induced immunodepression- plasma glutamine is not the link. J Appl Physiol 2002 Sep;93(3):813-22
    • Many claim that glutamine helps increase your ‘pump’ by improving cell volumization. Dr. John Berardi, Ph.D, did some preliminary testing and discovered nothing to support this. Glutamine supplementation has no response on total body water, intra-cellular fluid levels, or extra-cellular fluid levels. – Dr. John M Berardi, Ph.D., Appetite For Construction, JohnBerardi.com 2002 Nov 8
    • It is still a question whether or not glutamine improves glycogen stores post-weight training. But why should you care? If you are already consuming a post-workout drink with sugary carbs to replenish glycogen (this is mandatory for any skinny guy who wants to build muscle), then further supplementation with glutamine is unnecessary.
    • In conclusion, studies that tested athletes who consumed an amino acid drink post-workout showed an increase in protein synthesis by 48%. However, when glutamine was added to the drink, no additional benefits occurred. That blows the muscle-building theory out the window!

    So Is Glutamine A Worthless Supplement?

    Well, if you stopped reading right now you would think so! And you are probably confused as heck right now because everything you have heard on glutamine before today praised its holiness. Remember, the supplement industry is a billion-dollar industry and nobody makes money by disproving the effectiveness of supplements. In the end, you must decide for yourself what you wish to believe.

    When Glutamine Is Worth Using

    David Barr fingers a few situations when glutamine supplement will prove useful for the bodybuilder, so here is a chance to see if your glutamine should still be in your budget:

    • Glutamine supplementation could prove useful for bodybuilders who decrease their testosterone levels after coming off a cycle improperly. Muscle breakdown is at its highest in these circumstances despite a quality nutrition plan, so glutamine might help.
    • During a pre-contest training regiment that consists of very low calories and high volumes of exercise, protein breakdown is much more likely. Basically, any extreme dieting or fat loss program with the hopes of getting extremely lean can result in increased stress, therefore increased catabolism. Competitive bodybuilders and fitness models are perfect examples of those who might benefit from glutamine supplementation in this above-normal fat loss situation.
    • During incidences of extreme weather conditions and/or multi day training, there are situations where extreme stress can be counteract with glutamine supplementation. Triathletes and endurance athletes come to mind.
    • ” Glutamine supplementation would be beneficial for conditions where catabolic waste is at its peak. Severe burns, severe colds or flu’s, severe allergies, alcoholism, chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, irritable bowel syndrome are a few examples.

    In Conclusion

    At the start I stated that, “Glutamine has no muscle building effects whatsoever.” After reviewing this article, you will notice that is not as black and white as that. However, the take home message, especially to you skinny guys, is that if you are on a proper muscle-building meal plan and using solid post-workout nutrition strategies, glutamine is not a worthwhile supplement for you. Save your money and put it towards food if you are motivated to gain muscle weight.

    Save your money and put it towards food if you are motivated to gain muscle weight.

    I hope this supplement was a good example of looking at the evidence rather then the hyped-up muscle rags and advice from the ‘expert’ at your gym. In the end, you are free to believe what you wish, but remember that the current research today does not support the spectacular muscle-building effects supplement companies claim.

    References

    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    1. Barr, David J., CSCS, MSc. Candidate.

    Glutamine Destroying the Dogma,

    Part 1

    http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=461188

    Part 2

    http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=459884

    2.Berardi, Dr. John M, Ph.D.

    Appetite For Construction, JohnBerardi.com 2002 Nov 8

    http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/qa/afc/afc_nov082002.htm

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