View Full Version : Supplements- Where to start?
BostonsMommy
01-15-2010, 04:03 PM
I'm looking to drop that last 5lbs of BF and start gaining muscle. I've toned up well, but its that last "oomph" that I'm really looking for without getting too big. (I am 110lbs at 10.5% BF) Does anyone have any suggestions?
I was looking at the Mitotropin from Gaspari, but I started reading that a lot of women get sick on it. I'd rather not be struggling to keep my food down while I'm working in the gym.
Are you sure about the 10.5% BF? That is very very low...
BostonsMommy
01-15-2010, 07:11 PM
Are you sure about the 10.5% BF? That is very very low...
Its the most accurate reading available without having to pay for a DEXA scan...
Do you use any supplements? I do not really believe in using supplements for drastic weight loss, but these last few pounds of fat and the extreme muscle gain I'm looking for is just not coming from a heavy duty workout anymore. I think supplementing is my next option.
Emma-Leigh
01-16-2010, 01:37 AM
I'm looking to drop that last 5lbs of BF and start gaining muscle. I've toned up well, but its that last "oomph" that I'm really looking for without getting too big. (I am 110lbs at 10.5% BF) Does anyone have any suggestions?
I was looking at the Mitotropin from Gaspari, but I started reading that a lot of women get sick on it. I'd rather not be struggling to keep my food down while I'm working in the gym.
1. If you were to 'drop' 5lb of bodyfat - at 10% and 110# you only have 10# fat TOTAL - so 5% would put you at 5%... And as a female - you would be dead. ;)
10% for a female is a LEAN figure competitor (figure girls are usually 12 ish %).
And is on the top end of BODYBUILDING (usually 8-10%).
Anyway - supplements really do didly squat in comparison to a good diet and training program.
YES things like creatine, fish oils, calcium, and some energy formula's (eg: beta-alanine) can help.... But at the end of the day you would be better off spending money on food - it is the key to gains. ;)
BostonsMommy
01-16-2010, 06:27 AM
1. If you were to 'drop' 5lb of bodyfat - at 10% and 110# you only have 10# fat TOTAL - so 5% would put you at 5%... And as a female - you would be dead. ;)
10% for a female is a LEAN figure competitor (figure girls are usually 12 ish %).
And is on the top end of BODYBUILDING (usually 8-10%).
Anyway - supplements really do didly squat in comparison to a good diet and training program.
YES things like creatine, fish oils, calcium, and some energy formula's (eg: beta-alanine) can help.... But at the end of the day you would be better off spending money on food - it is the key to gains. ;)
I think the few extra lbs of BF is not actually BF- I think it is a little leftover skin from my pregnancy on my stomach. Thats what my fiancee keeps saying, but to me, it would be, well, skin. Just flabby. And while it is, I feel like its sort of fatty too. Maybe I am wrong. That's always a possibility :)
I have a good diet- It was built by a nutritionist and my workout plan just got a revamp. Im pleased with them both. What essentially I am looking for is that last boost to have the tight, toned muscles I'm looking for. I assumed supplementing was the best way to go at this point to build the muscle more. Can I take it you do not think this is true?
I say stick to your diet and work on building lean muscle mass, this would probably give you the look you are after. The last thing you need is to lose BF%. IMO you are too low, especially if you aren't competing or anything... You should probably be more in the 14% range (which is low end range of "athlete" BF%). What do your workouts look like?
BostonsMommy
01-16-2010, 09:13 PM
I say stick to your diet and work on building lean muscle mass, this would probably give you the look you are after. The last thing you need is to lose BF%. IMO you are too low, especially if you aren't competing or anything... You should probably be more in the 14% range (which is low end range of "athlete" BF%). What do your workouts look like?
I attached my workout.
How long have you been working out and/or using this program? With the high reps and low weight, it seems more endurance based vs. strength based. If you have been at this a while, maybe bump up the weight and go to lower reps. (I'm sure there are others here that can add more to this.) Adding weight won't make you "too big", so don't worry about that.
BostonsMommy
01-17-2010, 04:26 PM
How long have you been working out and/or using this program? With the high reps and low weight, it seems more endurance based vs. strength based. If you have been at this a while, maybe bump up the weight and go to lower reps. (I'm sure there are others here that can add more to this.) Adding weight won't make you "too big", so don't worry about that.
I'll up my weights and drop my reps to around 8-10, maybe slightly less. Thank you for your help- I really do appreciate you coming back to see my answers and responding so quickly.
I'll up my weights and drop my reps to around 8-10, maybe slightly less. Thank you for your help- I really do appreciate you coming back to see my answers and responding so quickly.
Try that and I think adding lean mass will help you achieve the look you are wanting. I probably wouldn't go lower than 8 reps... (for now at least, unless you are going for max's or personal bests). Stick to the 10-12 range and up the weight.
Hopefully, some others will stop by and add some more advice...