What Supps give most Bang for the Buck??

needhelptogain · 05-08-2009, 10:18 PM

I'm getting started with trying to get muscular. I'm not. I don't have any experience working out and am trying to learn everything all at once. Everybody talks about supplements, but there are so many, and they are SO expensive! I can't afford to buy as much steak and eggs as it sounds like I need to eat.

SO HELP!! What stuff will give me the most of what I need to gain for the least amount of the cash I don't have!!

Ruthless By Nature · 05-08-2009, 10:25 PM

food food food food food food

if you haven't worked out before then get down a training routine and diet to fit your needs... supplements are to supplement your current workout/diet routine, not magically make you look amazing.

UFCFAN18 · 05-08-2009, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

I'm getting started with trying to get muscular. I'm not. I don't have any experience working out and am trying to learn everything all at once. Everybody talks about supplements, but there are so many, and they are SO expensive! I can't afford to buy as much steak and eggs as it sounds like I need to eat.

SO HELP!! What stuff will give me the most of what I need to gain for the least amount of the cash I don't have!!

Just get some Creatine and eat well yol do fine.

Creatine is cheap

DeltaValor · 05-08-2009, 10:32 PM

A good multi, protien, and creatine is what most on here would suggest! You don't need to break the bank to get quality supplements in all these categories. You can get a decent creatine made with CreaPure for under $15. In the multi category I swear by Animal Pak but it's on the expensive side. You can fine decent multi's in your local drugstore or on bb.com like NOW Adam. Protien is probably the most expensive thing you'll buy. $25 - $35 should get you a 5 pound tub. If you are under weight or trying to gain quickly and don't care if there is some fat gain I would look at weight gainers like Muscle Juice. Weight gainers will give you extra protien plus carbs, and fats that you won't find in protien powders.

Hope that helps a little!

ZombieClive · 05-08-2009, 10:38 PM

-18.99 will get you 200 servings of creatine mono off this site.
-about the same amount will also get you a 5lb tub of protein off wheycheap.com. just check daily until you find one.
-find a multi vitamin you like (aim for iron free)
-eggs are like 18 for 1.50.
-call your local supermarket, ask to speak to the butcher. ask what mornings are best to find "managers specials" on cheap cuts of steak/chicken. Mine is normally monday morning, and also after holidays. When you find sirloins under 3.99 lb, and chicken breast under 1.99 lb, look to spend 30-40 bucks, and stock up and freeze.

find a good work out program that is tailored to YOU, dont make up for lost time by telling yourself you will do more than you will. If you have 4 days a week, research a good routine that will let you lift every other day.

good luck.

_Translucency · 05-08-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

I'm getting started with trying to get muscular. I'm not. I don't have any experience working out and am trying to learn everything all at once. Everybody talks about supplements, but there are so many, and they are SO expensive! I can't afford to buy as much steak and eggs as it sounds like I need to eat.

SO HELP!! What stuff will give me the most of what I need to gain for the least amount of the cash I don't have!!

Whey Protein
Creatine
Fish Oil
Multivitamin

They are widely considered the basics and will be incredibly beneficial to your health / aiding in reaching your goals. Additionally, all of the above supplements are affordable.

FitPilot · 05-08-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

I'm getting started with trying to get muscular. I'm not. I don't have any experience working out and am trying to learn everything all at once. Everybody talks about supplements, but there are so many, and they are SO expensive! I can't afford to buy as much steak and eggs as it sounds like I need to eat.

SO HELP!! What stuff will give me the most of what I need to gain for the least amount of the cash I don't have!!

Good for you! You've come to the right place! There is a lot of good advice here, and when you have ANYTHING you want to try, you will find an answer!

The most important nutrient is PROTEIN, and you need it before and AFTER your workout (within 30 minutes). If you're trying to bulk up, I like Syntha-6 or Muscle Milk. They really taste great, and work well. I have tried lots of other proteins, but found that if I don't like them, I won't drink them!

First, drink a protein shake 60-90 minutes before you workout.Your AFTER workout protein is the MOST IMPORTANT part of gaining muscle. Take 40 grams of protein and 60-100 grams of simple carbs - the carbs will spike your insulin levels and help force the protein into your muscles.

For the rest of my supplements, I generally make my own - 75-95% cheaper than buying pre-made stuff. You can sometimes find great buys on BB.com's satellite site, www.wheycheap.com, but there is only "1 supp a day, then it's gone", so if it's a good one, it usually sells out fast!

GOOD LUCK - STAY FOCUSED

needhelptogain · 05-08-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshferencz

-18.99 will get you 200 servings of creatine mono off this site.
-about the same amount will also get you a 5lb tub of protein off wheycheap.com. just check daily until you find one.
-find a multi vitamin you like (aim for iron free)
-eggs are like 18 for 1.50.
-call your local supermarket, ask to speak to the butcher. ask what mornings are best to find "managers specials" on cheap cuts of steak/chicken. Mine is normally monday morning, and also after holidays. When you find sirloins under 3.99 lb, and chicken breast under 1.99 lb, look to spend 30-40 bucks, and stock up and freeze.

find a good work out program that is tailored to YOU, dont make up for lost time by telling yourself you will do more than you will. If you have 4 days a week, research a good routine that will let you lift every other day.

good luck.

Great ideas! Thanks Bud!

needhelptogain · 05-08-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitPilot

... For the rest of my supplements, I generally make my own - 75-95% cheaper than buying pre-made stuff.

OK - everything sounded good until "I make my own". I failed Chemistry. I screw up putting cream in my coffee. How can you make your own supplements??? Those companies probably spend millions figuring out what works and what doesn't, right? Isn't that part of what this website is for?

Gx7Pyro · 05-09-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

OK - everything sounded good until "I make my own". I failed Chemistry. I screw up putting cream in my coffee. How can you make your own supplements??? Those companies probably spend millions figuring out what works and what doesn't, right? Isn't that part of what this website is for?

he probably isnt doing experiments with a chem lab in his basement. its probably more like mixing up your own preworkout energy drink from caffeine, some BCAAs, and vitamins.

and nobody mentioned BCAAs. my favorite is Glutamine. and on this site, its almost the same cost per serving as generic creatine mono. screw the multivitamin - just eat a variety of fruits and veggies every day, and you should get enough vitamins. i mean, you need to buy food, so might as well buy food with vitamins so you dont need to buy the multi.

...if your just starting to work out, dont take supplements yet. get a good workout routine first and a good diet. wait until you start to plateau before starting to take supps. im one of those guys who took supps right when i started lifting around age 16. and it didnt do much casue my workout sucked. my quickest gains were when i wasnt taking supps, but when i had a intense workout and good diet.

_Translucency · 05-09-2009, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gx7Pyro

he probably isnt doing experiments with a chem lab in his basement. its probably more like mixing up your own preworkout energy drink from caffeine, some BCAAs, and vitamins.

and nobody mentioned BCAAs. my favorite is Glutamine. and on this site, its almost the same cost per serving as generic creatine mono. screw the multivitamin - just eat a variety of fruits and veggies every day, and you should get enough vitamins. i mean, you need to buy food, so might as well buy food with vitamins so you dont need to buy the multi.

...if your just starting to work out, dont take supplements yet. get a good workout routine first and a good diet. wait until you start to plateau before starting to take supps. im one of those guys who took supps right when i started lifting around age 16. and it didnt do much casue my workout sucked. my quickest gains were when i wasnt taking supps, but when i had a intense workout and good diet.

Supplemental glutamine is useless. One would benefit far more from a quality, well-balanced multivitamin than they would from glutamine.

However, I do agree that one should have their diet and training in order before beginning supplementation.

FitPilot · 05-09-2009, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

OK - everything sounded good until "I make my own". I failed Chemistry. I screw up putting cream in my coffee. How can you make your own supplements??? Those companies probably spend millions figuring out what works and what doesn't, right? Isn't that part of what this website is for?

Yeah, they spend millions, so they can make Billions - off you! Yeah - supplements do work, but most of the stuff you can find on the shelves has a lot of "fluff" which is just thrown in there to confuse you...and justify charging $75 for $8.00 worth of actual proven product.

Take Creatine - plain old creatine monohydrate has been studied intensively, and is proven to be effective. You can get a KILO of the stuff for about $20. At 5 grams a day, thats 200 days worth!!! 10 cents a day. Compare that to some of the mainline stuff for $60-70 a bottle, which has 25 servings. You can do the math.

needhelptogain · 05-09-2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitPilot

Yeah, they spend millions, so they can make Billions - off you! Yeah - supplements do work, but most of the stuff you can find on the shelves has a lot of "fluff" which is just thrown in there to confuse you...and justify charging $75 for $8.00 worth of actual proven product.

Take Creatine - plain old creatine monohydrate has been studied intensively, and is proven to be effective. You can get a KILO of the stuff for about $20. At 5 grams a day, thats 200 days worth!!! 10 cents a day. Compare that to some of the mainline stuff for $60-70 a bottle, which has 25 servings. You can do the math.

OK - so how is that "making your own"? I've been told by my friends to start loading up with creatine, so I already plan on that. good bang for the buck. what else can help? Ill look for good protein for sure. how about nitrous oxide?

FitPilot · 05-09-2009, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

OK - so how is that "making your own"? I've been told by my friends to start loading up with creatine, so I already plan on that. good bang for the buck. what else can help? Ill look for good protein for sure. how about nitrous oxide?

There's a program out there that tells you exactly how to "make" everything you need, and it really will save you a fortune. I probably saved more than the cost of the program within a couple of weeks, and have totally changed my supplementation strategy. Get the program at www.gottagetsupplements.com. Trust me, you won't regret it!

nitinsukhija · 05-09-2009, 02:58 AM

Get GreenMag bro
best bang for buck

jphansen · 05-09-2009, 06:56 AM

As far as foods go, Walmart oatmeal, peanut butter and cottage cheese are cheap for a lot. Those are superfoods in regard to weight training.

With supplements, creatine mono (creapure) like Prolab's ends up being $.10/day. A multi like AST 32X is also around that. Protein (whey isolate) will be around $.30-$.50/serving, but you can only take that post-workout; on off-days just eat.

You can get the most essential foods and supplements for very little money, good luck.

FitPilot · 05-09-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

YO - man you are jacked...(YES im straight) Are you taking something else there? what are you doing and how long did it take?

goto wheycheap.com right now. That neutrabolic protein is good, and its a good deal!

FitPilot · 05-09-2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

OK - so how is that "making your own"? I've been told by my friends to start loading up with creatine, so I already plan on that. good bang for the buck. what else can help? Ill look for good protein for sure. how about nitrous oxide?

There aren't really Nitric Oxide supplements - Nitric Oxide is produced by your body and, among other things, basically enlarges your blood vessels and allows greater blood flow. (It has also been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting and protect against myocardial infarction and strokes. ) Nitric Oxide is synthesized from the amino acid L-Arginine, so consuming Arginine and increasing its levels in your bloodstream will lead to an increase in potential Nitric Oxide production. That additional Nitric Oxide will cause vasodilation and greater bloodflow, which will engorge your muscles and give you a "pump"

The problem is that Arginine is quickly used up because it is also used to help your body get rid of ammonia - a by-product of your liver breaking down amino acids. The usage of Arginine by your body theoretically can be slowed by taking L-Ornithine, since the enzyme arginase converts arginine into ornithine and urea. There are also some other compounds that can inhibit arginase, which would reduce the usage of as much arginine...but we're not running a chemistry class here.

By the way - if you're looking for a good natural source of Arginine, go get some WATERMELON! Here's a good article:

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/...no-acid-source

damlurker · 05-10-2009, 12:09 AM

plain old basic Creatine man.. monohydrate or CEE..
That stuff lasts forever and its dirt cheap..
Plus its one supp that works at least a bit for most people..

FitPilot · 05-10-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

OK - everything sounded good until "I make my own". I failed Chemistry. I screw up putting cream in my coffee. How can you make your own supplements??? Those companies probably spend millions figuring out what works and what doesn't, right? Isn't that part of what this website is for?

Also - if you're a hardgainer (can't gain mass no matter what you do) try this:

Before bed, drink a low-cal or zero-cal protein shake (20-30g) with about 20oz water- casein protein is the best choice since it breaks down very slowly, but if you put a TBsp of fiber in it (I like BeneFiber) it will help slow digestion.

THEN (here's the secret) have another serving of protein by your bed, so when you get up to pee about 4 hours later, you have more protein there ready to prevent ANY muscle breakdown. Without a constant flow of protein, your body will begin to break down muscle tissue within about 4 hours, no matter WHAT else you do. That process is called Catabolism, and you want to avoid it at all costs. You want your body to stay ANABOLIC (muscle building) at all times!!

The primary mechanism of steroids isn't really the fact that they boost Anabolism - they prevent Catabolism, so you keep everything you gain (except your nuts! so stay away - NOT worth the damage to your whole body!)

Natural bodybuilders struggle with Catabolism, not really a lack of muscle building, as the main thing preventing big gains...so drink your 2 AM shake!

FitPilot · 05-10-2009, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damlurker

plain old basic Creatine man.. monohydrate or CEE..
That stuff lasts forever and its dirt cheap..
Plus its one supp that works at least a bit for most people..

Yeah - Definitely DITTO on that one

Heracles25 · 05-10-2009, 12:23 AM

Did not read any of the replies but I would go with Creatine/Beta-Alanine. Great combo and cheap. Both are effective with studies behind them as well.

FitPilot · 05-10-2009, 08:20 AM

Anybody else having problems with the BB.com store? It's not loading for me!

needhelptogain · 05-10-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitPilot

Anybody else having problems with the BB.com store? It's not loading for me!

Hey - thanks for all the info! What do you do, because you seem to know a heel of a lot, and you look like you know your SH*T!!

What kind of protein do you like best?

I got that program you mentioned a couple days ago, and after looking around for supplements at like gmc and stuff, that program will save a fortune!

FitPilot · 05-10-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

Hey - thanks for all the info! What do you do, because you seem to know a heel of a lot, and you look like you know your SH*T!!

What kind of protein do you like best?

I got that program you mentioned a couple days ago, and after looking around for supplements at like gmc and stuff, that program will save a fortune!

Yeah - I know heels pretty good! LOL

I like Muscle milk and Syntha 6 because they taste the best - like a real milkshake - so I feel like 'm cheating when I'm not. I also use Zero Carb Isopure, because, you know, there's times you just don't want carbs!

FitPilot · 05-10-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

Hey - thanks for all the info! What do you do, because you seem to know a heel of a lot, and you look like you know your SH*T!!

What kind of protein do you like best?

I got that program you mentioned a couple days ago, and after looking around for supplements at like gmc and stuff, that program will save a fortune!

What you use is really dependent on your body type and goals. What's your scoop?

needhelptogain · 05-10-2009, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitPilot

What you use is really dependent on your body type and goals. What's your scoop?

i'm 6'1 and about 155. always have been. can't gain to save my life

FitPilot · 05-10-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needhelptogain

i'm 6'1 and about 155. always have been. can't gain to save my life

OK - take 230g/day of protein like this: 40g right after workout with 80g fruit juice. That leaves 190g protein over 6 meals, or about 30g protein per meal.

I strongly advise a low carb protein shake at bedtime, and another in the middle of the night. Stay Anabolic! You WILL gain MASS!

kevin49 · 05-10-2009, 04:24 PM

whey
creatine monohydrate
multivitamin
omega 3-6-9

food... oats, canned fish, almonds, eggs, milk

Kobraa84 · 05-10-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin49

whey
creatine monohydrate
multivitamin
omega 3-6-9

food... oats, canned fish, almonds, eggs, milk

Omega 3!, the 6 you can get from poultry and eggs which I eat everyday....

Omega-9 is a nonessential fatty acid, since it is produced naturally by the body.It does not need to be supplemented. Omega-9 is mainly used when there is an insufficiency of either omega-3, omega-6 or both. When the body doesn't have enough omega-3 or omega-6, it tries to compensate by producing omega-9 fatty acids to take their place.