Another x-factor log...just had to try it..

[mxboardin09]

Maybe you guys are tired of these logs, but I'm pretty sure there are alotta people like me who are really interested in finding out how good this product is because it sounds really awesome. So I decided to try it myself and I'm gonna do a 50 day cycle like the testers did in the "official trials."

I'll be following a 4 day split that will go like this (also the current weights at which I do these exercises):

Monday-Chest/Tris
1) Flat Bench (5x5) - 170 lbs
2) Incline Dumbell Press (4x6-8) - 50 lbs
3) Dips (3x max reps)
4) Skullcrushers (5x5) - 65 lbs
5) V-Bar Push Downs (4x6-8) - 90 lbs

Tuesday - Back/Bis
1) Deadlifts (5x5) - 285 lbs
2) Rows (w/ barbell and cable row attachment) (5x5) - 100 lbs
3) Pull Downs (4x6-8) - 110 lbs
4) Barbell Curls (5x5) - 60 lbs
5) Reverse Preacher Curls (4x6-8) - 35 lbs

Wednesday - Off

Thursday - Shoulders
1) Clean & Press (5x5) - 85 lbs
2) Dumbell Shoulder Press (3x6-8) - 45 lbs
3) Cable Rotator Cuff Exercise (4x6-8) - 20lbs
4) Front Raise (w/ weight plate) (3 x max reps) - 35 lbs (10x10x10)
5) Dumbell Shrugs (4x6-8) - 80 lbs

Friday - Legs
1) Squats (5x5)
2) SLDL - (4x6-8)
3) Dumbell Lunges - (4x6-8)
4) Hamstring Curls - (3x6-8)
5) Calf Raises - (4x6-8)

The only other supplements I'll be taking while I'm on x-factor will be Prolab NlargeII and GNC PM Casein Protein. Diet-wise I'll just be eating 4 solid (clean as possible) meals a day with 2 Nlarge shakes somewhere in there, one being right after my workout and the other being in between meals at some point. Then obviously I will do the PM Protein before going to sleep mixed with just water.

I just started taking the x-factor today (Saturday) and won't be working out today or tomorrow because I have the weekends off, so hopefully after two full days of taking x-factor maybe I'll feel some pumps or extra soreness on Monday. I'll be doing a 2/2/1 daily cycle of x-factor (5 a day for 50 days). I'll do two in the morning, two in the afternoon, and one at night. Basically at the typical breakfast, lunch and dinner times I'll take my servings of x-factor. If anyone feels there are some serious problems with my workout/diet or anything let me know and hopefully I can change things up before I start my workout cycle for this week.

[Actual Size]

Good for you. Im using this product right now and doing a cutting log on it.

[mxboardin09]

How is it working for you for cutting? I'm going to be using it while bulking, but once I start cutting I might try it for that too if I heard some good feedback.

[Actual Size]

Search it. Put Cutting while using X-factor log.

[mxboardin09]

ok so I started taking it yesterday (saturday) so I haven't worked out yet...but tonight is the second full day of taking x-factor...just figured I'd add another post so it didn't look like I'd abandoned my log...haha...My calves felt kind of pumped today after walking up this hill to my dorm...but thats probably just in my head...haha...I'll post tomorrow after my workout

[pu12en12g]

Looks like this will be a solid log :cool:

Good luck man !

[mxboardin09]

I just finished my first workout since I started taking x-factor 2 days ago on my off days. I did chest and triceps, and while I always feel a pump in my triceps, I felt a crazy one in my triceps and my chest which I don't always get. I upped the weights on a few workouts so I'll record those at the end of this post for comparison to the ones I posted from last week, the starting lifts. I doubt that the increase in strength has anything to do with the x-factor and I'd be more inclined to say that I also had a "mental pump" that helped me to lift a little more weight.

I also weighed myself today at 206. I've been bulking for a few weeks now as it says in my first post. I've gotten stronger in the last few weeks but obviously as it always goes with bulking my %bf has increased, although I don't have any means of recording this unfortunately. If anyone is reading this log, I have a question...is it better to weigh yourself before or after working out? I weighed myself after working out today, btw...

Here are the new weights/reps for my trial while being on x-factor (the weights stated in my first post were prior to x-factor)-

Flat Bench (5x5)
175x5
175x5
175x5
175x4 and 1 assisted
175x3 and 2 assisted

This weight for my bench press is up from a full 5x5 at 170 last week.

Incline Dumbell (4x6-8)
50x8
50x8
55x6
55x5

Incline Dumbell Press is also up from last week, where I did 3 sets of 10 at 45lbs and 1 set of 8 at 50lbs (way too light, it was time to increase.)

Dips (3 x max w/ bodyweight) - 8/8/7 - This is less than the 3 full sets of 10 form last week, but I was much more tired after increasing my weights on both flat bench and incline dumbell.

Skullcrushers (5x5)
65x5
65x5
65x5
65x3 and 2 assisted
65x3 and 2 assisted

Skullcrushers way up from last week...I needed help on my second set of this last week. Especially surprising since I upped my benching weight.

V-Bar Push Down (4x6-8)
90x10
90x8
90x8
90x7

Increased push down by 10lbs from 80 lbs last week, handled it pretty well I think.

As you can see I upped the bench 5 lbs this week and surprised myself by being able to do 3 full sets of 5 before needing help on my 4th sets. After pushing myself decently hard on this (I make sure I've got perfect form and go down slow and explode upwards) I could barely even do dips. My triceps were also pretty tired but I managed to do 3 sets without help, while last week I needed help on the last 2 of the second set, so theres some improvement there.

I'm excited about this supplement, but I DO NOT attribute any of these gains to the x-factor so far, I'm a little too skeptical...probably cuz like many I got burned by MUSCLETECH in the beginning, so blame it on them...haha. I'll post again tomorrow after back/bis.

[mxboardin09]

So today is the first day after my first workout while on x-factor, and I'm really sore. Now again as I said in my post from yesterday after my workout, I'm skeptical of supplements and I'm not willing to attribute any of this soreness to the x-factor...yet. I think its most likely because I increased the weights on a bunch of the exercises I did. Although, my muscles do feel much firmer today. Going to the gym to work out back/bis tonight around 7 or so, so check back sometime later tonight for an update.

[mxboardin09]

Just finished my back workout...it went something like this...

Deadlifts (5x5)
295x5
295x5
295x5
295x5
295x4

I was so psyched about this because this is a 20lb increase from last week...I did a full 5x5 at 275 with relative ease so I figured I wanted to challenge myself and upped the weight 20lbs.

Barbell Rows (4x6-8)
50x10
60x10
70x9
70x9

Unfortunately I had to do these on the smith machine instead of with a free barbell because someone was squatting forever...sort of threw off my weight and stuff...I had to screw around a little to determine what was a good weight on the smith.

Pull Downs (4x6-8)
110x9
110x9
110x8
110x7

Upped the weight on pull downs by 10lbs this week and handled it pretty well, I'll probably go up again next week.

Barbell Curls (5x5)
60x5
60x5
60x5
60x5
60x5

Finished a full set of 5x5 this week so obviously next week I will up the weigh to 65lbs...this is good to see because my bis/tris are my weakest part...they sort of lag behind in gains compared to my chest, back and legs.

Standing Reverse EZ Bar Curls (4x6-8)
35x8
35x8
35x7
35x7

I felt a good pump while doing these...you may see that in my original post of my workout I was doing reverse preacher curls with the ez bar but I decided to switch to doing them standing up so that I get a better effect without the support of the preacher bench.

Overall I had a good pump again...not as great of a workout today as with my chest/tris as yesterday...I don't have my back/bi workout really dialed in as well as I have my chest/tri one...so if anyone is paying attention to this log, maybe you could help give me some suggestions for my back/bis workout. Also weighed myself today at 204lbs...2lbs lighter than yesterday...probably just water weight and stuff...although I was very well hydrated both times I weighed myself, so we'll see if I encounter weight loss like most other people did during x-factor.

[mxboardin09]

Despite a fairly crappy back/bis workout yesterday I'm still decently sore, especially my back...this is starting to alleviate some of my skepticism about this supplement and I think I might be starting to feel some of its effects. My muscles all over feel much firmer and although I've only lost about two pounds which is easily just water weight and stuff I do look leaner for some reason. Starting to like x-factor! Today is my off day, so I won't be posting again until tomorrow after my shoulder workout.

[mxboardin09]

Just wanted to make an edit to my previous post...as the day has worn on my back has become MUCH more sore...it hasn't been this sore in a while and I didn't even have a great workout yesterday...so far the x-factor is doing what I was told it would do...increase soreness, pumps and my muscle fullness/hardness has definitely increased. Shoulder workout tomorrow...expect a post tomorrow afternoon/night. Also I've been following Ry's x-factor log, as he is way ahead of me into his cycle...I'm hoping to experience some of the same gains that he's getting.

[mxboardin09]

Just finished my first shoulder workout with x-factor. The pumps are continuing to get better, and my strength was definitely up for shoulders (which are by far the weakest part of my body).

Partial Clean and Press (5x5)
95x5
95x5
95x5
95x5
95x3

This was up 10lbs from last week and I almost completed a full 5x5.

Dumbell Shoulder Press
45x8
45x8
45x8
45x7

This was the same as last week, but I improved on reps on the last 2 sets to next week I'm going to have to move up to 50lbs.

Cable Rotator Cuff (4x6-8)
25x10
25x8
25x8
25x7

Could someone tell me if this workout is actually worth doing, if anyone is looking at this log? I definitely feel it working, especially in the middle and rear delts which is where i want to work to round out my shoulders...but I'd like some feedback on this exercise?

Front Raise (3xmax)
35x10
35x10
35x9

One less rep on the last set than last week, but its probably because I went heavier on the rotator cuff and clean and presses.

Dumbell Shrugs
85x8
85x8
85x8
85x7

Really shocked myself on this one...I upped the weight 5 lbs from last week and did pretty well with it.

I'm loving x-factor more and more every day. My muscles all around are starting to look fuller. This workout really pumped me up because my shoulders are my weakest area (physically and aesthetically) so hopefully I'll keep making good progress here. Leg workout tomorrow, post sometime in the afternoon/evening.

[Mountaineer]

Seems like a lot of shoulder exercises to me. I think most people that use the 5 X5 principle on do two more exercises w/ two sets each, 6-10 rep range. Personally i would burn out my shoulders pretty quickly on your routine especially if your doing heavy bench pressing also. I take it the clean and press is overhead?

[mxboardin09]

Yeah clean and press is overhead...I start at the waist, up to shoulders, and then up overhead...do you have a good recommendation for a good mass building shoulder exercise that you think I should try? I'd really appreciate it...I have the hardest time building mass on my shoulders.

[mxboardin09]

Just a little update so no one thinks I stopped keeping my log...haven't been eating as decently this past weekend as I usually, but still taking the 5 caps of x-factor each day...ready for a chest/tri workout tomorrow...hopefully I'll see an improvement from last week considering this will be starting my second week on x-factor.

[mxboardin09]

Just finished my chest/tri workout...don't even want to post now...horrible workout. Here were the results...

Bench (5x5)
175x5
175x5
175x4 / 1 assist
175x3 / 2 assist
175x2 / 3 assist

Incline Dumbell (4x6-8)
45x8
50x8
50x7
50x7

Dips - 3 sets of 9,8,8

Skullcrushers
65x5
65x3
55x5
55x5
55x4 / 1 assist

Push Downs
80x10
80x10
80x9
80x8

Worst workout I've had in a while...last week I almost finished a full 5x5 with 175lbs on the bench, this week I needed help starting on my 3rd set as you can see. Skullcrushers were the most disappointing part of the workout as for the last 2 weeks I've been doing 65lbs and almost finished a full 5x5 last week, whereas this week I actually had to drop the weight to finish my sets of skullcrushers. I also had to decrease the weight on push downs.

Overall just a disappointing and really frustrating workout...Its most likely because I slacked off this weekend too much on my nutrition...not that I have a strict diet but I usually just eat pretty well and this weekend I didn't get as much sleep as usual and ate crappier. Hopefully starting tomorrow I can pick up the workouts again. BTW, still managed to take 5 caps of x-factor every day.

[mxboardin09]

Finally a good back/bis workout...changed up the exercises a little bit but I was definitely stronger...

Deadlift (5x5)
295x5
295x5
295x5
295x5
295x5

Finished a full 5x5 this week at 295 and it seemed easier...I probably could've moved it up to 305...next week...

Rows (4x6-8)
90x8
95x8
95x7
95x6

Pull Downs (4x6-8)
110x10
120x9
120x8
120x7

Standing EZ Bar Curls (5x5)
65x5
65x5
65x4 / 1 assisted
65x3 / 2 assisted
65x3 / 2 assisted

Reverse Grip EZ Bar Curls (4x6-8)
35x8
35x8
35x7 / 1 assist
35x6 / 1 assist

Much happier with my workout today...I really think I'm feeling some of the affects of the x-factor, as my back and arms were pumped like no other by the end of my workout, and actually right now they're still pumped a little. I also felt a little more endurant, like no tiredness at all halfway or 3/4 of the way through my workout...I was able to do each exercise completely and as hard as I could push which was good. Next week I've gotta increase the weight on deadlifts and finally break the 300 barrier...

Side note- despite a crappy workout yesterday my chest is ridiculously sore and my triceps are decently sore. Also, I haven't posted a leg workout yet I realized...I did legs right before I started x-factor a little over a week ago (worked legs on Fri, started x-factor Sat) and then last week I unfortunately missed my leg workout, so this week I will be working legs on Friday.

[mxboardin09]

No workout today...off day...shoulders tomorrow...but my chest is incredibly sore from monday and my back/bis are crazy sore from yesterday and still so pumped...this morning it felt like I had just worked out because my muscles were so pumped still, even 12 hours after working out.

[mxboardin09]

So I said I would be doing shoulders today...but I switched it up, did legs today, shoulders tomorrow...good workout though...I had trouble making the 10 minute walk back to my dorm from the gym...haha...sort of eased in today though, I would've done leg press with my feet close together (to isolate quads) but since I haven't done legs in a week I didn't want to kill them...also went a little lighter on everything...

Squats (5x5)
205x5
205x5
205x5
205x5
205x5

Will up this next week to either 215 or 225...depending on how I'm feeling...felt good on these today though, good explosive movement from the bottom up to the top.

SLDL (4x6-8)
135x8
135x8
145x8
145x8

The biggest drawback of doing legs today instead of tomorrow is that my back was still a little sore from regular deadlifts on Tuesday...so next week I'll go back to what I would normally do with legs on Fridays. Anway, felt strong on these...my lower back was PUMPED to the MAX. I've never had a pump that crazy, but it felt good.

Seated Calf Raises (4x6-8)
70x10
80x8
80x7
80x7

My calves were so pumped after this...I felt like I was floating as I was walking around. Anyway I know this doesn't really help to see any progress regarding x-factor because this is the first leg post I've made, but just take my word for it that I felt much stronger today in my legs than I ever had as well as more pumped than they've ever felt, I just wanted to take it a little easier after missing leg workouts.

[mxboardin09]

Legs really sore today...did shoulders today. Workout went like this...

Partial Clean and Press (5x5)
95x5
95x5
95x5
95x5
85x5

Dumbell Shoulder Press (4x6-8)
40x10
45x8
50x6
55x5

Lateral Raise (4x6-8)
15x8
15x8
15x8
15x8

Cable Rotator Cuff (4x6-8)
20x10
25x8
25x8
25x7

Shrugs (4x6-8)
80x8
85x8
85x7
60x15

Good workout today...my shoulders seemed stronger especially on the dumbell press. Great pump too, my shoulders are much more pumped and they even seem more defined, like the three heads seem to pop out much more than 2 weeks ago...maybe its all in my head, I don' tknow..but i'm definitely feeling the affects of x-factor.

[mxboardin09]

Sorry...haven't posted in a while...yesterday I did chest/tris...chest is so sore today...switched up the workout a little bit to keep my muscles guessing...

Incline Barbell Press (5x5)
145x5
145x5
145x5
145x4 1 assisted
145x3 2 assisted

Dumbell Flat Bench Press (4x6-8)
55x8
55x7
55x7
55x6

Dips 3 sets of 10

Dumbell Skullcrushers
20x10
20x8
20x8
20x7

Push Downs
85x10
90x8
90x8
90x7

Strength is increasing slowly, nothing dramatic...but I am noticing a huge difference in my physique. I look so much leaner and I'm still bulking, I have been doing no cardio. My muscles look much fuller and feel so much firmer. I love x-factor...haha

[mxboardin09]

So today should be back/bis workout but I'm exhausted from doing some finals and stuff for my classes so today will be my rest day and I'll continue my split wed, thurs and fri. Update tomorrow for my back/bis workout

[mxboardin09]

Just finished my back and bis workout...sick workout today, I'm pumped...

Deadlifts (5x5)
305x5
305x5
305x5
305x5
305x3

Killed myself on these...kept perfect form though and went up 10lbs from last week, I've shown the most improvement in strength on deads so far I think.

Changed up the rest of the workout a little just for something different...

Bent Over Barbell Rows
95x8
95x7

Behind the Neck Pull Downs
110x8
110x8

Front Pull Downs
120x8
120x7

Standing Dumbell Curls (with good form) (5x5)
30x5
30x5
30x5
30x5
30x5

Reverse EZ Bar Curls
35x8
35x8
35x7
35x6

Good workout...awesome pump...feeling stronger...also weighed myself at 202 today, thats down 4 lbs from the last time I weighed myself...I look leaner in the midsection yet my shoulders, arms chest and back all look firmer and a little bigger. Feel like I'm really starting to notice the x-factor...or its all mind games...