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Post by ickes on Jan 28, 2015 16:31:33 GMT -6
I've spent lots of time and money on supplements between researching them online, discussing them with friends, and purchasing them and field testing them myself. The supplement industry is huge, and to the beginner and sometimes even to the advanced lifter it can be an overwhelming task to find a quality supplement that does it's job well. I thought I would start this thread so we can share our knowledge on supplements and help each other out to weed through all the BS ones and find the good ones.
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Post by wisdom on Jan 28, 2015 17:54:07 GMT -6
Been using a generic GNC protein, but just ordered 5lbs of optimum nutrition whey. I can tell you that the formulation for the GNC protein is different in Singapore versus the US. They may add stuff to prevent clumping from the high humidity. Doesn't feel as thick or substantial as the US stuff.
I use Kre-Alkyline as me creatine supplement. Not too expensive and seems to give me a good boost.
Great thread.. would like to hear what you guys think works.
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Post by ickes on Jan 28, 2015 18:02:37 GMT -6
ARNOLD SERIES IRON MASS WEIGHT GAINER
I'm always skeptical of highly marketed big name
supplements with shiny or bright packaging, especially when they throw a celebrity name on it. However, MusclePharm (the maker of the Arnold series) is one of the few big name brands that I trust. I truly believe they make quality supplements with quality ingredients. So I strolled in to my local Vitaminne Shop to pick up my usual protein powder one day only to find that they were sold out. I saw the Arnold Iron Mass and I thought what the hell, I'll give it a shot. Boy am I glad I did.
The first thing that stands out to me is the calorie content of this gainer. Most gainers I've tried have a calorie content in the 600-1,000 range, Iron Mass comes in at 485 per serving or 565 calories when I figure in my 16oz of almond milk. This is actually perfect for me right now as I'm cutting to get my BF% down. This is a low calorie content for a gainer but the quality of the ingredients are top notch.
The protein is derived from beef protein and there's a whopping 40 grams per serving. The carbs are derived from sweet potato powder and barley starch, there's a good blend of Amino Acids, Creatine Monohydrate, a Digestive Blend, and there is a “High Performance Healthy Fats Matrix" which contains Sunflower Oil, Triglycerides from Coconut, and get this....Whipped Cream Powder! There is a lot of fat in this gainer, 190 calories from fat to be exact, but they are healthy fats. Also, another thing I really like about this gainer is that the sugar content is very low at 4 grams.
The flavor....oh the flavor. I bought Chocolate Malt and it is hands down, without a doubt, no contest, the single best tasting supplement I have ever had in my life. I feel guilty when I drink it, like I'm cheating on my healthy diet. You can seriously taste the whipped cream in it, it is so effing good. It literally tastes like a chocolate malt with some whip cream on top..,bomb fellas.
Overall this is a great product. I highly recommend this as a weight gainer or even as an every day protein.
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Post by wisdom on Jan 28, 2015 18:11:25 GMT -6
Might have to give that a shot when my supply runs out. Dude's like Arnold usually don't put their name on stuff without careful consideration.. except Kindergarten Cop and Jingle all the Way, I guess..
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Post by jeffrx on Jan 28, 2015 21:52:45 GMT -6
Nice thread Ickes.
I've been using Muscle Pharma supplements this month - the Combat protein powder, the creatine, and CLA. I also take fish oil, green tea extract, and a vitamin from other manufacturers. So far, so good with them. I have noticed some gains, which are of course from the work I've been putting in, but the supplements help.
The MP creatine is good, although I can't say there is likely an advantage over a regular quality monohydrate like CreaPure. It seems that if you take in 5 G creatine per day, you're good with any reputable brand. It's basically a mix of a few different forms of creatine. Again, I'm not sure this provides any advantage. Anyway, a 2-month supply for $15 is decent. They tell you you don't have to load, but I loaded with 20 g/d for a week and did not experience any adverse effects.
The Combat powder tastes great. I mix 1 big scoop with a glass of milk and it makes a tasty shake. Each serving gives 25 grams of quality protein that the company claims will feed your muscles for up to 8 hours. I'm not sure if this is true, but that's their claim. It's most likely an exaggeration, but there are different types of protein in there that will release at different rates. You can take 2 scoops to get 50 g or 1 scoop to get 25 g. I only take 1 scoop with milk about 2-3 times daily. 150 cals per scoop. I get the big 4 lb jar so the cost is about $1 per serving, which is good enough for me.
I'm a hard-gainer, so I need all the help I can get.
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Post by ickes on Jan 28, 2015 23:45:07 GMT -6
Been using a generic GNC protein, but just ordered 5lbs of optimum nutrition whey. I can tell you that the formulation for the GNC protein is different in Singapore versus the US. They may add stuff to prevent clumping from the high humidity. Doesn't feel as thick or substantial as the US stuff. I use Kre-Alkyline as me creatine supplement. Not too expensive and seems to give me a good boost. Great thread.. would like to hear what you guys think works. Optimum Nutrition is another solid line. I use their multivitamin (OptiMen) and their Gold Standard Casein Protein at night before bed. I have used their Gold Standard Whey protein in the past plenty of times. It's actually what I use when I'm not taking a gainer. You can't go wrong with ON products, solid line. As for creatine.....I have used Kre-Alkalyn in the past along with just about every other type of Creatine out there and what I found was that I didn't see noticeable results from any of them. I'm not a huge believer in Creatine and I haven't used it in years. That being said, there is Creatine in my protein powder that I use, my post workout supplement I use, and my pre workout supplement I use, so I'm getting it in my body but I don't seek out a stand alone creatine supplement. I have read that some people do not respond to Creatine so if that is true then I believe I am a non responder. |
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Post by ickes on Jan 29, 2015 0:20:33 GMT -6
jeffrx, I believe MPs claim that Combat Powder gives you protein for 8 hours to be true. As you may know, different types of proteins are absorbed by your body at different rates. Whey is absorbed almost immediately where as Micellar Casein is absorbed steadily and slowly over an extended period of time. Casein actually forms as a gel inside of your stomach and slowly releases protein over time. This is precisely why it is recommended to drink a Casein shake before bed so your muscles get a steady flow of protein over night while you sleep. Combat Powder has both Whey and Casein, among several other proteins. Again, MP is a great company. I've used their CLA, Acetyl L Carnitine, Assault (pre workout), and the Arnold Iron Mass mentioned in my review above. Assault is one of the best pre workouts I've used. If youre interested in stuff to help you put on mass I can give you some recommendations as I'm a hard gainer as well.
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Post by exophobe on Jan 29, 2015 0:50:28 GMT -6
jeffrx, I believe MPs claim that Combat Powder gives you protein for 8 hours to be true. As you may know, different types of proteins are absorbed by your body at different rates. Whey is absorbed almost immediately where as Micellar Casein is absorbed steadily and slowly over an extended period of time. Casein actually forms as a gel inside of your stomach and slowly releases protein over time. This is precisely why it is recommended to drink a Casein shake before bed so your muscles get a steady flow of protein over night while you sleep. Combat Powder has both Whey and Casein, among several other proteins. Again, MP is a great company. I've used their CLA, Acetyl L Carnitine, Assault (pre workout), and the Arnold Iron Mass mentioned in my review above. Assault is one of the best pre workouts I've used. If youre interested in stuff to help you put on mass I can give you some recommendations as I'm a hard gainer as well. I tried muscle pharm combat powder in the chocolate milk flavor and it was so sweet that I couldn't stand it. Other favors you guys recommend? |
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Post by jeffrx on Jan 29, 2015 7:32:30 GMT -6
jeffrx, I believe MPs claim that Combat Powder gives you protein for 8 hours to be true. As you may know, different types of proteins are absorbed by your body at different rates. Whey is absorbed almost immediately where as Micellar Casein is absorbed steadily and slowly over an extended period of time. Casein actually forms as a gel inside of your stomach and slowly releases protein over time. This is precisely why it is recommended to drink a Casein shake before bed so your muscles get a steady flow of protein over night while you sleep. Combat Powder has both Whey and Casein, among several other proteins. Again, MP is a great company. I've used their CLA, Acetyl L Carnitine, Assault (pre workout), and the Arnold Iron Mass mentioned in my review above. Assault is one of the best pre workouts I've used. If youre interested in stuff to help you put on mass I can give you some recommendations as I'm a hard gainer as well. OK, fair enough on the casein point. I'd be interested to hear about products that helped you add muscle and strength. I'll keep reading the thread...it's interesting to me. |
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Post by brentkuz on Jan 29, 2015 9:57:45 GMT -6
Personal belief supplementation is just that. It's an addition to your nutrition to fill voids or convenience.
Gold standard with milk 2hr before workout.
With water after workout. Add a little fiber in there as well.
I take creatine and fish oil and just started a thyroid supp.
I also take a daily multivitamin with no metals or heavy stuff like selenium or iron.
I'm not sold on the multivitamin and after I'm done with what I have I probably won't buy them anymore. I doubt the vitamin will solve or create any problems.
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Post by brentkuz on Jan 29, 2015 9:58:47 GMT -6
Products I think are a waste of money.
Mixed creatine supplements
Pre-workouts
Glutamine
BCAA in most cases besides fasted training times
Oh CLA as well.
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Post by ickes on Jan 29, 2015 10:26:51 GMT -6
brentkuz, well yeah, I agree...supplements are just supplements. Hence the name supplements. I guess I just take it for granted that everyone should know this but maybe some people do think you can live off of supplements, I don't know, but that's just silly. Healthy diet of whole foods is first and foremost. Pre-workouts a waste of money? I STRONGLY DISCONCUR with that one  . Pre-workouts are probably the one supplement that you see or feel a result within 15-30 minutes and know if it's working or not. I love pre-workouts. Sure, some are shit but there are some damn good ones out there.
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Post by jeffrx on Jan 29, 2015 12:23:53 GMT -6
Products I think are a waste of money. Mixed creatine supplements Pre-workouts Glutamine BCAA in most cases besides fasted training times Oh CLA as well. I might agree on CLA being a waste. I bought 3 large bottles and have been taking it 3x/d for about 4 weeks now. I'm not sure it actually does anything. I think it's definitely a good, quality fat, but whether it can make an actual difference as a "fat burner", I don't know. Given the relative high cost of CLA, I would agree that you are not getting a good bang-for-your-buck out of it. After my supply is gone, I probably won't use it anymore. For me, creatine and protein are the 2 biggies. I don't do the pre-workouts because I drink a lot of coffee and really don't need more caffeine. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2015 12:26:25 GMT -6
Products I think are a waste of money. Mixed creatine supplements Pre-workouts Glutamine BCAA in most cases besides fasted training times Oh CLA as well. I love pre-workout. If I can only buy two supplements, they will be pre-workout and protein shake.... Here are mine + BCAA capsules  |
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Post by ickes on Jan 29, 2015 13:09:57 GMT -6
I'm not completely sold on the CLA thing either. I've taken it in the past and I have read that you have to take it for 30 days or so before you start noticing results but I'm not so sure.
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Post by Winterland on Jan 29, 2015 13:33:22 GMT -6
jeffrx, I believe MPs claim that Combat Powder gives you protein for 8 hours to be true. As you may know, different types of proteins are absorbed by your body at different rates. Whey is absorbed almost immediately where as Micellar Casein is absorbed steadily and slowly over an extended period of time. Casein actually forms as a gel inside of your stomach and slowly releases protein over time. This is precisely why it is recommended to drink a Casein shake before bed so your muscles get a steady flow of protein over night while you sleep. Combat Powder has both Whey and Casein, among several other proteins. Again, MP is a great company. I've used their CLA, Acetyl L Carnitine, Assault (pre workout), and the Arnold Iron Mass mentioned in my review above. Assault is one of the best pre workouts I've used. If youre interested in stuff to help you put on mass I can give you some recommendations as I'm a hard gainer as well. I tried muscle pharm combat powder in the chocolate milk flavor and it was so sweet that I couldn't stand it. Other favors you guys recommend? I have been getting the cookies and cream as it is the only one they carry at Costco. $44 for 5lbs. It tastes good to me. Doesn't taste overly sweet. I am fairly easy though as I always feel like I am cheating when drinking protein powder/protein bars as normally I stay away from sweets/cookies etc. |
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Post by brentkuz on Jan 29, 2015 14:52:36 GMT -6
Ickes try taking caffeine and l-arginine not a pre-workout.
You feel it in your heart rate, blood pressure and the itchiness from the arginine
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Post by Winterland on Jan 29, 2015 14:56:42 GMT -6
I had posted this in the other workout supplement thread also. I keep supplements to a minimum. Beware it is a huge industry. Most are not needed. You can trim it down to what actually works and get things in bulk at a reasonable price. A good protein/whey powder- Muscle Pharm Combat powder. I have used many different powders. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, Cytosport 100% Whey etc. Watch ingredients for high cholesterol levels and sugars. Good article on Protein Powders here. www.bodybuilding.com/fun/south12.htm creatine- Now Foods fish oil- Costco Kirkland Brand Beta Alanine Powder intra workout- NOW Foods 500G multi vitamin- Source Naturals Life Force Multiple, No Iron, 180 Tablets intraworkout powder BCAA when cutting- Athletic Edge Intrabolic Workout Supplement Caffeine preworkout. coffee then moved to pills. cheap and works great- Allmax Nutrition Caffeine 100 tabs I have purchased all on Amazon except fish oil and protein powder, both Costco. |
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Post by ickes on Jan 29, 2015 16:33:12 GMT -6
Ickes try taking caffeine and l-arginine not a pre-workout. You feel it in your heart rate, blood pressure and the itchiness from the arginine I think we are debating over semantics here at this point. Taking caffeine and l-arginine before a workout is still taking a pre-workout supplement. I've gone that route in the past, making my own pre-workout supplement, but I've found that just buying a pre made pre-workout supplement works best for me. |
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Post by brentkuz on Jan 29, 2015 19:22:36 GMT -6
Ickes try taking caffeine and l-arginine not a pre-workout. You feel it in your heart rate, blood pressure and the itchiness from the arginine I think we are debating over semantics here at this point. Taking caffeine and l-arginine before a workout is still taking a pre-workout supplement. I've gone that route in the past, making my own pre-workout supplement, but I've found that just buying a pre made pre-workout supplement works best for me. Lots of other stuff in the pre-workouts seems too much for me. Tried 1MR and felt like I was going to explode. My roommate would just take caffeine and l-arginine. Are there any studies about l-arginine and effects with working out? |
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Post by ickes on Jan 29, 2015 19:48:20 GMT -6
brentkuz, totally agree that a lot of pre-workouts are loaded with fillers and under dose the important ingredients. 1MR is probably the worst pre I've tried. Have you seen the new Jim Stoppani line calked Jym? I'm currently taking two of his products and they work very well. He lists every single ingredient in his products and there are no magical proprietary blends that mask the amount of good ingredients vs fillers. I'm going to try his pre workout next. I have mad respect for that dude, he knows his shit.
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Post by ickes on Jan 29, 2015 19:50:17 GMT -6
or to be more specific, the JYM line lists the exact amount of every ingredient in his supplements. Critical for knowing what you're paying for and putting in your body.
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Post by brentkuz on Jan 29, 2015 20:38:02 GMT -6
That's huge. I always hated the prop blends. Never heard of that line I will look into it.
Guys don't take too much fish oil or your poop will look like oil droplets in water. Fair warning.
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Post by jeffrx on Jan 30, 2015 17:49:38 GMT -6
Don't take MP Combat protein shakes shortly after eating a large bowl of Chili. Trust me on this one fellas.
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Post by brentkuz on Jan 30, 2015 17:58:44 GMT -6
Don't take MP Combat protein shakes shortly after eating a large bowl of Chili. Trust me on this one fellas. Yeah that sounds like an odd time to take your shake. |
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. Pre-workouts are probably the one supplement that you see or feel a result within 15-30 minutes and know if it's working or not. I love pre-workouts. Sure, some are shit but there are some damn good ones out there. 
