THE GOODS! First of all, I want to thank all the guys (and girls) out at Gaspari for sending me this great stack to log/review...I think it will really help me get motivated to get back on track in the gym.
Lil background info
I spent the summer studying abroad in Rome, and while it was the most amazing experience of my life, my fitness/training/nutrition greatly suffered. I was living with an Italian family, and the mother of the household was an incredible chef who took it personally if I didn't eat at least my body weight in the food she prepared (not that it was difficult, because everything was delicious). Unfortunately, the gyms in Rome are either incredibly expensive, or incredibly ****ty (or both). So other than a few soccer games every week, some body weight work, and a few trips to this local boxing gym, I basically took the summer off from the weight room.
Goals for this log
UMM...GET BIGGER!?!? I am now back in Austin, and have been working out at my home gym for the past two weeks trying to get back in shape. My goals for this log are to get bigger and stronger, as I feel I have lost a considerable amount of muscle over the summer. I have also put on a bit of belly fat, but I'm not worried about that right now (gaining muscle and strength is clearly more important, see pics in next post).
The Supplements
-Gaspari SIZEON Wildberry (intraworkout Creatine cocktail)
-Gaspari INTRAPRO Double Chocolate (protein shake/MRP)
-Gaspari INTRAPRO Strawberries and Cream (protein shake/MRP) NOTE(The below have been implemented 2 weeks ago, and are all supplements that I am very familiar with and thus will not effect my Gaspari review.)
-MHP Activite (multi)
-Palo Alto Labs Incarnate (to keep the Carnosine stores up, and joints healthy)
-Designer Supplements Replenish (immediately postworkout)
-USP Labs Anabolic Pump (3 times a day, with CHO containing meals)
Diet
2800-3000 calories on workout days with a 40/20/20 split, and 2500 calories on "off days," with a 40/30/30 split. If I'm not gaining after a week or two, I'll bump it up.
Workout Thoughts
Todays workout was really just designed to find out my 1 RM's for each of the core lifts...I need this information to enter into a spread sheet for the periodization program I am starting. After that, I really just tried to get a good pump (and succeeded) by supersetting and doing some high rep work. I was VERY surprised to be able to pull 295 with good clean form, as I have never really done 1RM's before...I think I was just really amped up to finally be starting this stack.
Supplement Talk
SIZEON-I chose the Wildberry flavor for this log, and man did I choose well...this stuff is delicious, and very easy to drink intraworkout. I think this was one of the flavors that they reformulated, and man did they do a great job. It is very refreshing, and you can almost feel the extra carbs helping to power you through the workout. No feelings of nauseousness /stomach discomfort at all. I mix mine with quite a bit more water than recommended, so the taste is very subtle, yet still noticible...sort of sour, not too sweet, and definitely BERRYLICIOUS
INTRAPRO DOUBLE CHOCOLATE-Double chocolate is the perfect name for this stuff, because it is soooo chocolatey (which I love). To make a comparison, I would say regular chocolate ice cream is to double chocolate fudge icecream, what regular chocolate whey (ie ON, Dymatize etc.) is to double chocolate Intrapro. I mixed 1 scoop with a little bit of greek yogurt, and sprinkled some raw cacao nibs on the top...my girlfriend thought I was eating a real chocolate mousse (I didn't let her have any, it was too good...but I'll let her try my stuff one of these days and report back).
Wildberry was re flavored over a year ago and is still my favorite.
__________________
"I'm special, you're special. We are all just a bunch of special fcukers!" - Stifler
Cytoleanv2 is HERE:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/cytoleanv2.html
www.GaspariNutrition.com Rep
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/gn.htm
www.gasparinutrition.tv
International Business Graduate
Going to enroll back in school for something else
Wildberry was re flavored over a year ago and is still my favorite.
It's really good. It's one of those supplements (similar to body octane ) that I really look forward to drinking. It sucks when you have to choke down something just because it works well, and it sucks even more when something simply doesn't work...but when you have something that works well, and tastes good all in one, then you definitely have a winner!
It's really good. It's one of those supplements (similar to body octane ) that I really look forward to drinking. It sucks when you have to choke down something just because it works well, and it sucks even more when something simply doesn't work...but when you have something that works well, and tastes good all in one, then you definitely have a winner!
I agree, SizeOn and BO are my 2 favorite supplements to drink.
BTW - did you like the PJ?
__________________
"I'm special, you're special. We are all just a bunch of special fcukers!" - Stifler
Cytoleanv2 is HERE:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/cytoleanv2.html
www.GaspariNutrition.com Rep
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/gn.htm
www.gasparinutrition.tv
International Business Graduate
Going to enroll back in school for something else
I agree, SizeOn and BO are my 2 favorite supplements to drink.
BTW - did you like the PJ?
I still haven't used the full box, I had planned on using it this summer, but it really would have been a waste as I couldn't train regularly. I think I might run it after this Sizeon stack. One of my buddies gave me one of his blister packs to try, and I really liked it. It's amazing how long the effects really do last. I also have a tub of Superpump, so maybe I'll run the Gaspari Super Pumped stack after the Gaspari Mass Recovery Stack .
Step Ups on the Icaarin Squat Machine
180x12, 180x12, 180x12 (each leg)
Narrow Stance Leg Press
180x15, 270x12, 360x10
Seated Hamstring Curls
110x12, 120x12, 120x12
Workout Thoughts
Another workout geared towards finding my 1RM for the three main lifts. It was really hard/wierd to find my 1RM for SLDLs and Leg Extensions, and something I will probably never do again because I loose all the mind muscle connection when I go that heavy on those type of exercises. I wasn't surprised that my Squat 1RM was that low, as it is definitely my weakest lift. I really need to make my quads catch up with my hamstrings/glutes over the next month or so.
Supplement Talk
SIZEON-Good stuff, still no stomach discomfort, and I love sipping on it between sets to aid in recovery and strength. I have also noticed pumps during/post workout similar to those that I feel when using an Arginine supplement (most likely the Glycerol).
INTRAPRO STRAWBERRY-Not quite as good as the Double Chocolate IMO, but still very tasty. It sort of tastes like those strawberry cream savers. I actually mixed this one with water in a shaker bottle (usually I like to mix protein with yogurt/cottage cheese/oatmeal etc.) It clumped a little, but nothing a few more shakes at the end with a bit more water couldn't fix. Next time I will mix it in the blender with some frozen berries and some other goodies, as this is the real reason I chose the Strawberry flavor.
Shoulders
Standing BB Military Press
95x8, 105x5, 115x5, 125x3.5
Seated DB Lateral Raises
20x12, 25x10, 30x8
Freemotion Rear Delt Raises
15x15, 20x12, 20x10
15 Minutes Hitting the Heavy Bag
Workout Thoughts
This workout was done on Saturday immediately following my LSAT class (got out at like 12:30). I kept it short, as I had to get home to start getting ready for the first football game of the year. Didn't hit traps directly this week, but I figured they get enough work on Back and Leg days so no worries. Overall, I was pleased with the strength on standing BB military press, and it felt great to take out some aggression on the heavy bag. Can't wait for my favorite workout of the week on Monday (Chest+Bis).
DB Hammer Curls
27x12, 27x12, 30x10 *SUPERSET WITH*
V-ups on the bench with a 10lb weight
3 sets of 25
Workout Thoughts
This was probably the best workout I've had since being back in America. Intensity and mind muscle connection was solid throughout the entire workout. I haven't done high volume like that in a while, and it felt really good. Probably the most surprising to me was the 75x12 on preacher curls, as Biceps are traditionally a very weak area for me. Perhaps I am breaking through a plateau, because those almost felt easy.
Supplement Talk
SIZEON-So far I have noticed a definite increase in endurance, and intraworkout/postworkout pumps. I actually went and laid out by the pool after this workout, cause I was feeling SWOLE .
INTRAPRO STRAWBERRY-I mixed some of this up with some Cottage Cheese last night, and I really enjoyed it...moreso than when I simply mixed it in a shaker cup with water. I'd imagine that it tastes very similar to Nestle's Quick when mixed with milk.
Icarian Close Grip Rows
100x10, 120x8, 120x8 *SUPERSET WITH*
V-Bar Tricep Pressdowns
110x12, 120x12, 130x10 *SUPERSET WITH*
Hammer Strength ISO Hi Rows
140x12, 160x10, 170x10
DB Pullovers on Stability Ball
55x12, 55x12, 55x12 *SUPERSET WITH*
Rope Tricep Pressdown
90x10, 90x10, 90x10
Workout Thoughts
Another solid workout...the extra carbs intraworkout are doing wonders for my endurance. Can't wait to start getting into some heavier weights over the next few weeks on this periodization program, and see how this stack effects my strength.
Supplement Talk
SIZEON-I bought a much bigger container to mix my Sizeon in, as I got tired of constantly refilling my 20oz shaker cup. I like this much better...I tend to drink it way too fast when mixed in a standard shaker bottle (because it's so damn tasty and refreshing )
INTRAPRO CHOCOLATE-As much as I am growing to like the Strawberry Intrapro, Chocolate will always be my fav. I literally fiend for my daily Intrapro pudding (1 scoop of Intrapro+1 cup of nonfat greek yogurt+1 oz of raw cacao nibs).
Last edited by purefitness; 09-05-2008 at 02:16 PM.
I forgot to say that all rest times between sets are clocked at 45 seconds on the dot, which will help to explain the relatively low weight, and why I feel the need to mention an increase in endurance/recovery.
Workout Thoughts
Good workout...I am surprised how tough these first three exercises I've been doing all week (4 sets of 12 reps with 45 sec rest between sets) have been, despite being relatively low weight. This is the first time I've done such high reps/volume in a while, and it really feels good. It's almost like a rest pause set, and I feel I also get a good cardio workout when I keep rest times this low.
Supplement Talk
SIZEON-I am a big time stim junky, but I figured this log would be a good excuse for me to take a break from caffeine for a few weeks. Now I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss my precious preworkout energy drinks/powders, but I am very pleased that my energy/intensity in the gym has not dropped one bit. Sometimes I feel a bit sluggish 30 mins before my workout (those are the times when I get really tempted to just say f*ck it and pop open an energy drink), but once I get into my first set, get the music blasting, and start sipping my Sizeon, I get all the energy I need (pre/intraworkout carbs FTW!) I also feel much more energized hours after my workouts, and I certainly don't miss the postworkout crash that often accompanies extreme stim usage.
SONG OF THE DAY
You know those songs that you're kind of embarassed to like, but they make you feel funny inside because it reminds you of a significant other...
Last edited by purefitness; 09-07-2008 at 12:20 PM.
__________________
"I'm special, you're special. We are all just a bunch of special fcukers!" - Stifler
Cytoleanv2 is HERE:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/cytoleanv2.html
www.GaspariNutrition.com Rep
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/gn.htm
www.gasparinutrition.tv
International Business Graduate
Going to enroll back in school for something else
It's not bad so far...but honestly, until October 4th, school is taking a back seat to LSAT prep. I have even spoken with a few of my teachers, and told them that I will simply not have time to put forth my best effort until after this test is over...it's just too important.
Last edited by purefitness; 09-07-2008 at 01:35 PM.
It's not bad so far...but honestly, until October 4th, school is taking a back seat to LSAT prep. I have even spoken with a few of my teachers, and told them that I will simply not have time to put forth my best effort until after this test is over...it's just too important.
WOW and they understood, right?
__________________
"I'm special, you're special. We are all just a bunch of special fcukers!" - Stifler
Cytoleanv2 is HERE:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/cytoleanv2.html
www.GaspariNutrition.com Rep
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/gn/gn.htm
www.gasparinutrition.tv
International Business Graduate
Going to enroll back in school for something else
Yeah for the most part...I actually had two tests originally scheduled for October 3rd (day before the LSAT), and I got them moved to the following week which was extremely generous of them.
Workout Thoughts
I felt great during this workout, almost too great...as I feel I may have pushed myself too hard. I woke up the next morning and my neck/delt area really hurt, and not muscular soreness, but like I tweaked something. Luckily the pain eventually went away, but I need to watch myself on Shoulder day, and make sure I am really concentrating on good form and isolating the muscle.
Supplement Talk
INTRAPRO-I can't stress enough how great this stuff tastes/mixes. It is right on par with some of the other "gourmet" protein powders on the market, most of which have a much higher fat content than Intra (ie Musclemilk, UP 2.0 etc). I also love the versatility of the product, as it has the high bioavailable/quick digesting WPI, but also the fiber/healthy fat content to slightly slow digestion.
SONG OF THE DAY
One of my favorite workout songs of all time (although I usually don't listen to the live version)
DB Hammer Curls
30x12, 30x12, 30x12 *SUPERSET WITH*
V-Ups on Bench
10x25, 10x25, 10x25
Workout Thoughts
Well, I made the mistake of tweaking the numbers on the spreadsheet, because last week felt "too easy." I should have known this would come to bight be in the ass, and thus I didn't hit all my numbers. I will make sure to reset back to my original 1RM's for next week, and respect the program from now on.
Other than that, I actually felt pretty good. I am really impressed with my bicep strength lately, as this has always been my weakest body part. This is the first time in my life that I am really starting to see a bicep peak coming through.
SONG OF THE DAY
This song NEVER fails to get me pumped up.
Cable Bar Straight Arm Pressdown
90x12, 90x12, 90x12 *SUPERSET WITH*
Rope Pressdowns
60x20, 60x20, 60x20
Workout Thoughts
WOW...unbelievable workout. Deadlifts are my new favorite exercise, and the one "powerlift" that I can actually move some decent weight with. I can tell this is going to be a great mass maker for me as I continue to progress.
Supplement Thoughts
SIZEON-Strength gains are really starting to pick up, so I think it's safe to say that SIZEON is fully loaded. The pumps and endurance have been amazing from day one, but I have really noticed my strength starting to shoot up this week. Good stuff.
Workout Thoughts
Had to combine Shoulder and Leg days this week due to scheduling constraints, and thus kept isolation work to a minimum. Regardless, I was very pleased with my strength and endurance, considering the amount of weight/sets/reps of almost all compound movements. I was a little worried going in because my back was still kind of sore, but the pain went away soon into my first set. Sometimes I feel the best remedy for sore muscles is to get in the gym and WORK IT OUT.
Supplement Thoughts
This is more of a combination of supplement/diet/training, but I am up about 3 lbs since starting this stack, and I know I look both fuller AND leaner. It's nice to know that the strength/endurance gains in the gym seem to be translating to better body composition outside of the gym. The pump during/post workout is obviously great, but I am also noticing significant muscle fullness hours post workout, and even on off days.
SONG OF THE DAY
If this song doesn't get you amped up in the gym, then check your pulse...
Cable Bar Curls
60x15, 60x15 *SUPERSET WITH*
Cable Bar Stricep Extension
70x15, 80x15
Workout Thoughts
I have never worked out at this high volume before, but my body seems to be really responding well to it. I don't feel as though I am overtraining, as energy/sleep/libido etc. is at or above baseline (plus I'm only lifting 3 days a week now, and getting it done in 1 hour or less due to low rest times).
Supplement Thoughts
See workout thoughts^...I don't think I could achieve this kind of volume with the weights I am using without Sizeon. I need to take some pics post workout, because the full body pump really has been phenomenal ...I'm hesitant though because I have a feeling the pre/post log picture comparison is going to be quite impressive, and I don't want to take away from that with intra log pics...
SONG OF THE DAY
Saw this guy in concert a few weeks ago with Talib Kweli...amazing show
Legs
Squat
95x12, 135x5, 150x10, 150x10, 150x10, 150x10
SLDL's
215x10, 215x10, 215x10, 215x10
Leg Extensions
160x10, 160x10, 160x10, 160x10
Leg Press
360x12, 450x8, 540x6 *SUPERSET WITH*
Lying Leg Curls
180x12, 180x12, 180x12
Standing Calf Raises
300x20, 300x20, 300x20 *SUPERSET WITH*
Hanging Leg Raises
3 sets of 15
Workout Thoughts
Another good workout...but it's quite embarrassing that my Squat=Bench as far as weight My body simply isn't built to squat, and I really need to work at developing my quads, as I'm certain my lowerback/hammies are strong enough to move some serious weight.
Supplement Thoughts
Unfortunately I am almost out of Intrapro...but fortunately I still have quite a bit Sizeon left, so this log should be going for another 2-3 weeks
I did not update my three workouts last week because it was essentially a "cruise" week in the periodization program I am on the weights were at or lower than what I have been putting up thus far. This week weights jump back up again, so I will post my stellar Chest+Arms workout from Monday later on today, as well as the Back+Shoulders workout I am about to go do.
P.S. Weight is up 3lbs since beginning this stack...more importantly, I just feel solid all around. Considering the fact that I look quite a bit leaner, a 3lb gain is more than impressive thus far.
Workout Thoughts
Strength continues to go up, and I am still hitting all my numbers. I don't think I've ever pushed 160x11, and it actually felt kind of easy. It's hard to judge because I've never consistently stayed in this rep scheme before, but I feel great. The pump is amazing, and I think my body is really responding well to it.
Supplement Thoughts
Well I had my last bowl of Chocolate Intrapro pudding last night I need to order some more of this stuff, it really is one of the best tasting protein powders I've ever had (yes that includes UP 2.0, Syntha 6 etc.)
Workout Thoughts
Once again, I hit all my numbers (and even exceeded a few). I am certain that I have never pulled that much weight on Deadlifts before, and I feel amazing right now as strength continues to rise. Endurance has also continued to impress me, as I almost never feel overly fatigued, even after a fairly large volume of reps/sets (considering it's almost all compound movements).
Supplement Thoughts
SizeOn rocks, end of story. I actually just bought some of the SizeOn tabs off of Wheycheap.com last week, so once this tub of powder runs out (probably next week or so) I will be able to continue putting the SIZEON
I apologize for the delay, but the past few weeks have been extremely hectic, and I really only finished my tub of Sizeon about a week ago as I was only using it 3-4 times a week (tub lasted me damn near two months?!?)
WILD BERRY SIZEON Taste-I love how this stuff tastes...I would put it slightly ahead of the Arctic Lemon flavor. It sort of reminds me of red starbursts. I liked to mix it with a good deal of water (32-40oz), and this made it not so over powering, but still delicious and refreshing. Very easy to drink intra-workout. Effectiveness-THE most effective creatine I have ever used. Most notable were the increases endurance, strength, and pumps. Strength gains came every week, and some of the most notable increases were Flat BB Bench (Start-175x5, End-195x5), and Deadlift (Start-245x5, End-285x5). I gained about 6 lbs over the course of this log, which is just under my goal of 1lb a week, but I feel I put on little to no bf (and possibly leaned out) so this is more than satisfying. I don't know if it's the creatine blend, the glycerol, or the carbs, but something in this stuff just blows me up...I would look and feel huge for a good 3-4 hours post workout. Cost-At first glance, this seems like a very expensive product. But, the good people at Gaspari suggest that you only take Sizeon on workout days, and this alone makes the product actually quite cost effective. Bottom line is that in this industry, you pay for what you get...quality isn't cheap, and with Sizeon you are getting the best.
INTRAPRO DOUBLE CHOCOLATE-Double chocolate is the perfect name for this stuff, because it is soooo chocolatey (which I love). To make a comparison, I would say regular chocolate ice cream is to double chocolate fudge icecream, what regular chocolate whey (ie ON, Dymatize etc.) is to double chocolate Intrapro. My favorite use of Intrapro was to mix 1 scoop with a little bit of greek yogurt, and sprinkle some raw cacao nibs on top...delicious. I also mixed it with water and milk (no clumps) and it was good, but I just prefer to eat my protein. It also makes great sludge (two scoops in a bowl, with just enough water to bring it together). The thing I really like about it is it's versatility...many of the protein blends on the market are just too high in fat for me. Not that I'm afraid of fat, but I like to add my own sources (Peanut Butter, Raw Cacao etc.) As far as taste/formula I think Intrapro is right on par with some of the other more popular "designer" protein powders on the market (UP, Syntha 6 etc.)
INTRAPRO STRAWBERRY CREAM
Not quite as good as the Double Chocolate IMO, but still very tasty. It's almost identical to Strawberry Nesquick when mixed in milk. I really enjoyed mixing this with milk, frozen yogurt, frozen mixed berries, and a scoop of greens+ for a healthy meal replacement shake throughout the day. Mixability was obviously the same as above (no clumps when shaken vigorously for 5-10 seconds).
GASPARI SHAKER BOTTLE
Gaspari Shaker>BB.com Shaker IMO. I have had ZERO problems with this shaker (except once when I forgot to close the valve). Others have mentioned some leakage, but as long as you make sure the grooves are lined up, I feel this shaker bottle is nearly perfect.
). Unfortunately, the gyms in Rome are either incredibly expensive, or incredibly ****ty (or both). So other than a few soccer games every week, some body weight work, and a few trips to this local boxing gym, I basically took the summer off from the weight room. 
Starting Pics
)
) that I really look forward to drinking. It sucks when you have to choke down something just because it works well, and it sucks even more when something simply doesn't work...but when you have something that works well, and tastes good all in one, then you definitely have a winner!
Linear Mode
