Getting my holiday flow on: Muscle Elements AmiNO Flow (a mini-log)

[InfiniteRecomp]

First, Big thanks to sschantz - boy, am I glad everyone voted to wait for coconut-lime to be back in stock!

GOODIES!!

Why?

• Promotes recovery from exercise sessions
• Supports muscular endurance
• Promotes muscle protein synthesis
• Promotes muscle fullness and pump
• Promotes nitric oxide production
• Contents per scoop: 5g BCAAs 3:1:2, 2g L-Citruline, 250mg Agmatine Sulfate, 8,575mg total Amino Acids & 750mg of electrolytes

ingredients:
Serving Size: 1 scoop (12.5g)
Servings Per Container: 30
Amount Per Serving
Calcium 100 mg
Magnesium 40 mg
Phosphorus 150 mg
Sodium 80 mg

BCAA Blend 3:1:2 & Recovery Elements™ 6 g
Instantized L-Leucine 2,499 mm
Instantized L-Valine 1,666 mg
Instantized L-Isoleucine 833 mg
L-Taurine 1,000 mg

Nitric Oxide Pump Elements™ 2,575 mg
L-Citrulline 2,000 mg
AgmaMAX® (Agmatine Sulfate) 250 mg
L-Histidine 125 mg
L-Ornithine HCL 125 mg
Grape Seed Extract 95% 75 mg

Electrolyte & Hydration Elements™ 750 mg
Disodium Phosphate 250 mg
Dicalcium Phosphate 250 mg
Dimagnesium Phosphate 250 mg


Other Ingredients:
Citric Acid, Natural & Artificial Flavoring, Sucralose, and Acesulfame Potassium., Blue Shade (Color).

Directions For AmiNO Flow: For intra workout, mix 1 level scoop with 10 to 12 oz of water. Mix 1 to 2 scoops for additional servings throughout the day as desired. For a Pre-Workout boost add 1 to 2 scoops to PreCre or your favorite pre-workout beverage. As a non-stimulant stand-alone pre-workout, take 2 scoops with 10 to 12 oz of water 15 to 30 minutes before your training session.





I might have to try as a standalone, non-stim preworkout… after I have a cup of coffee

2 scoops. Maybe with some of that 212º . Tried one of those earlier this afternoon. It's much more lime tasting than AminNO Flow which is also A-MAZE-ING, very coconut and 'creamy' (odd for an amino but oh-so-goood). We'll review all those factors shortly. Let's just say... NOMNOMNOMNOM

[dk5bdubs]

I'll be along for the ride!

[InfiniteRecomp]

I only have time for a quick check-in today as we're leaving early and tomorrow is a no tech day.

I've been following the Kris Gethin 8-week hardcore trainer. this is week for - higher reps and isolateral or unilateral movements. Yesterday was arms - All supersets. Bis & tris, tris & bis, tris and bis. 10 sets each x 2 arms, x 15 reps per set with less rest. I finished strong, which I love, and my triceps felt very wide and full for a while after (like a couple hours)

Today was lower back, hamstrings, and abs. I don't feel the hammies so much while I'm doing them, wondering if I did enough; but, if the results are anything like last week, I paid the price the following few days - ouch!

Quick Notes:

• Mixes dreamy
• Flavor holds up in 16oz water without having to use additional flavor packets
• Taste is unexpectedly creamy (wonder how that would mix with some spirits??? )
• I have enough energy to get through my workouts (40 mins to 70 mins, generally 60) and finish my last sets without gasping or aching - finish strong!

[sschantz]

Happy Thanksgiving and I like that you feel it is dreamy and creamy 8-)

[InfiniteRecomp]

extra dreamy but not too extra creamy. that would be weird.

Did a speed workout today. more isolateral movements. Upper back, some calves no rests (rest time was doing the other side), and felt good enough to sinish with some ab twists and 35 minutes of biking - I actually did the cardio the world has gone mad I tell ya!

[sschantz]

Sorry for late response as I was off the grid in Barbados last week. How are things?

Good Thanksgiving?

[InfiniteRecomp]

Wow! That's a good place to be. Any Rihanna sightings?

Let's see... I have eaten leftovers 5 or 6 times, now incorporating some leftovers into other things to break up the sameness.

Today I did Quads, Calves, Lower Abs - DTP Extreme style; little rest and for the most part sets of 30,20,10,10,20,30. Lighter weight but killing me. Preworkout was a scoop of Shock Therapy in 6oz water - I didn't get the tingles as much at all like last week. Maybe it was too cold for tingles. Since it was a leg day and cold, I tried out my new man-tights I was hoping to feel cozy and warm, but walking into the gym My knees and shines still felt cool for a while. I was wearing a pair of loose shorts on top and it didn't take long to warm up nicely. I even worked up a little sweat, so that pair went immediately to the laundry bin. I've got one more pair coming today. Looks like laundry will be weekly instead of biweekly.

My workout today lasted 63 minutes. With the amount of time I had I didn't do my usually loosening-up routine. With lighter weights and higher reps (and the pace) I should be ok. I didn't go too deep on squats, following the Gethin protocol for this day.

Intraworkout: 1 scoop AmiNO Flow + 16oz water. Lasted me through my workout, fortunately, and I left the gym not feeling beat down. My perception is that it actually helped me want to finish up instead of bailing early, though I was 20 mins past my deadline to get out of the gym. So I ran behind for work? what else is new? Gotta have priorities.

If you like workout details , here they are:
(rest = number of reps performed in seconds, expect as noted [peak set] and only enough time to change plates in most cases)

Leg Extensions
Set 1 : 20x30
Set 2 : 25x20
Set 3 : 40x10 - 120sec rest
Set 4 : 40x10
Set 5 : 25x20
Set 6 : 20x30

Superset: Barbell Hack Squat / Hack Squat with Narrow Stance
Set 1 : 115x30 / 90x20 - 30 sec rest
Set 2 : 125x25 / 90x25 - 25 sec rest
Set 3 : 135x20 / 90x30 - 20 sec rest

Barbell Squat (Speed Squat)
Set 1 : 115x30
Set 2 : 135x20
Set 3 : 185x10 - 120sec rest
Set 4 : 185x10
Set 5 : 135x20
Set 6 : 115x30

Barbell Seated Calf Raise
Set 1 : 185x30
Set 2 : 205x20
Set 3 : 225x10 - 60sec rest
Set 4 : 225x10
Set 5 : 205x20
Set 6 : 185x30

Abs Superset Windshield Wipers / Lying Windshield Wipers - 60sec rest
Set 1 : 7 / 6
Set 2 : 7 / 6
Set 3 : 8 / 7
Set 4 : 10 / 8
Set 5 : 10 / 8

• Session Length 01:03:12
• Actual Workout 00:45:03
• Wasted Time 00:00:00
• Rest Timer 00:10:32
• Weight Lifted 59595 lbs (good total volume)

[InfiniteRecomp]

Shoulda Carb Loaded...

I did that same 30,20,10 protocol today on Chest/Shoulders. As I was progressing through each exercise, I could feel the energy being sucked dry. I think this method depletes glycogen stores very rapidly. We did 1 scoop PPK - got itchy - made AmiNO Flow and proceeded to 'do work' for 54 minutes.

Shoulders were all done with weight plates: front raises, bent over rear flyes, lateral raises - so there wasn't any choice between 10# & 25# but in the end, each increment was more than plenty. I paused several times mid-set just to regroup and dissipate some of the burning.

AmiNO Flow (hereafter abbreviated as AN-F) Is still doing me good. Tomorrow is Arms day and I'm still considering trying out a mix of 212˚ + AN-F pre and a scoop of AN-F intra. I do need to see if the second 'P' is real, though.

Oh, why didn't I carb up preworkout? I did a shake of isolate/concentrate, so I wasn't completely empty; but this programme has me on 120g 'starchy' carbs on workout days this week. I haven't been following the nutrient plan that well in the prior four weeks, trying a bit better the last few days of week 4, but didn't see this drop coming. I's the second or third drop in this program, so I'm behind. He did comment that he's feeling a little sluggish but gotta keep pressing on. Just a few weeks to go and looking for some kind of dramatic change - even if only a few % BF for a kickstart I'd be good.

Moving ahead...

[InfiniteRecomp]

Oh gosh, time escaped me today. So very busy at work.

Today was Arms, and THE PUMP IS REAL!! I'll detail more tomorrow, but I tried out a packet of 212˚ + AN-F pre and 1 scoop AN-F intra. I also partook 30g quick oats with my morning shake. So arms got jacked without a full on preworkout... hmmmm.

[sschantz]

Wow sounds like alot of caff, assume you are not stim sensitive? LOL

[InfiniteRecomp]

I'm not getting it... packet of 212˚ sez 200mg, and AN-F has zero. I didn't stack that on another preworkout, not even coffee.

In contrast, PPK is 250mg, Shock Therapy is (arrgghh, propretary ) I'm guessing up to 350mg.

I wanted to see about AmiNO Flow's pump power without the complication of adding a regular preworkout.

Today was another DTP style workout. Low back & Hammies, and Abs. Only a few different exercises (Deadlift, DB Curls, Machine Curls) but the reps and 6 sets each killed me. Workout lasted an hour; so did my AN-F thankfully. Counting up to 30 reps and having to take pauses to get there sux. I couldn't wait to sip on some of that coconut-lime goodness in those few seconds between sets.

As a side note, last night my wife was busy putting out business fires, I was doing work; no dinner in sight. I started munching on cookies, pastry (tarts) and a piece of cheesecake. It was like a sugar/carb cheat!! I was feeling so drained from this reduced carb deal Kris has me on that I went nuts. I'm back in control today. We have people coming over for a potluck and I'm confident I can pick just a couple things and controlled portions to stay in my allowance. Right now its about 2000 cals, though he doesn't define a total. Just a specific protein grams and starchy carbs grams (which I include anything sugar) meaning you don't count vegetable carbs. And he doesn't count fats, though he says he gets them from his meats. I estimate 80g. He probably estimates lower, but I eat whole eggs and some bacon and other good stuff. I just don't go all out on things like sausages and junk meats (hot dogs) that are more fat than meat.


Oh well, I'm rambling. Until tomorrow...

[InfiniteRecomp]

Sorry it's been quite a few days since my last update. So much going on; BUT, That AmiNO Flow is keeping me going through some high rep workouts - fo' sho!

I'm leaving this page up to remind me to do a better, fuller update tomorrow.


Nitey-Nite!

[sschantz]

Appreciate you checking in

[InfiniteRecomp]

So, here's what's been happening. I've been cruising with my AmiNO Flow every workout. I really love the flavor in 16oz water : 1 scoop. Been bouncing back and forth between preworkouts depending on what day I'm doing: PPK vs Shock Therapy. No matter what, AN-F is my intra. Work and life, in general, have been very hectic; but , my commitment to getting some kind of workout in Mon-Fri keeps me feeling good. Not a shameless plug but this stuff helps me get through and bounce out of the gym ready for the day, instead of exhausted and figuring out 'what next?'.

The Formula: What I like --
The BCAAs having 2g leucine. The ratio is a little weird, but I read an article before that intaking leucine drops the other two, a little. So, if the most important one for recovery is leucine, then getting a little of the others is all one really needs. 833mg isoleucine ain't bad. I've seen some products shouting out 5g aminos, but the BCAAs portion is only 2.5g - SPLIT between the three (like 1.25g leucine). My optimal would be 3g (from more stuff I read), but 2.5 is at least decent.
Pumpy stuff. It may not be full-strength but certainly complements what I'd get in a preworkout to keep circulation going. 2g Citrulline, some agmatine, and I especially like that they called grape seed extract what it is - not some mysterious chemical name (& 95% strength).
Hydration. Electrolytes... all day... people don't get enough. We lose minerals and don't think about replacing. Intraworkout to me is a critical time when we burn them up or sweat them out. Gotta keep he motor humming.


What I can deal with --
Artificial flavoring and Ace-K. Whatcha gonna do? I shouldn't complain about the flavoring, because it's phenomenal! I think I'm going to grab another scoop right now, just because. Also, I thought with coconut lime that coconut water would be listed. guess not. Good for hydration (but probable because coconut water is full of minerals - uh-huh.)

[InfiniteRecomp]

Some workout recaps:

Today - 13 Dec - Arms
Did 45 minutes plus a half-hour interruption to take an important business call. Hammered out all Supersets. Rep scheme was 20-15-10, then reverse the exercise order, 10-15-20; ~30secs rest other than between peak sets (#3 & 4) which was 90 secs. Most of the week is similar.

Cable Tricep Pressdown / Bicep Curl - (Cable Seated Curl / Cable Lying Extension on the way back up)
E-Z Bar Incline Extension / Seated Preacher(less) Curl [no preacher bench so I used my knees much like a concentration curl)
E-Z Bar Standing Curl / Bench Dip

With all the extended time interruption I felt considerably weaker before the end of my workout, lightening the weight a little more on the end sets versus the beginning sets as I was having trouble hitting my rep counts. I don't want to lighten it up so much to knock out reps, but I do want to lift a weight that will let me struggle to hit the planned count. There were a couple sets that I failed far short. I had to check my ego and re-orient myself as to how much stimulus I can handle. I had a good 4oz of AmiNO Flow left postworkout due to the short rest intervals and using that time to change plates. Still loving the flow and pumped AF! My arms felt blown up for hours after; not I'm getting sore - gonna love it tomorrow.

[sschantz]

Some workout recaps:

Today - 13 Dec - Arms
Did 45 minutes plus a half-hour interruption to take an important business call. Hammered out all Supersets. Rep scheme was 20-15-10, then reverse the exercise order, 10-15-20; ~30secs rest other than between peak sets (#3 & 4) which was 90 secs. Most of the week is similar.

Cable Tricep Pressdown / Bicep Curl - (Cable Seated Curl / Cable Lying Extension on the way back up)
E-Z Bar Incline Extension / Seated Preacher(less) Curl [no preacher bench so I used my knees much like a concentration curl)
E-Z Bar Standing Curl / Bench Dip

With all the extended time interruption I felt considerably weaker before the end of my workout, lightening the weight a little more on the end sets versus the beginning sets as I was having trouble hitting my rep counts. I don't want to lighten it up so much to knock out reps, but I do want to lift a weight that will let me struggle to hit the planned count. There were a couple sets that I failed far short. I had to check my ego and re-orient myself as to how much stimulus I can handle. I had a good 4oz of AmiNO Flow left postworkout due to the short rest intervals and using that time to change plates. Still loving the flow and pumped AF! My arms felt blown up for hours after; not I'm getting sore - gonna love it tomorrow.

Again really do appreciate your contribution and glad you are sticking with this. Not sure if you use thermos at all but our powdered 212 is alwaso coming out in Coconut Lime as well.

[InfiniteRecomp]

Thanks. I owe you at least that much

I got sample packets of 212º and AminoPM. See post #9 here. Two packets I took mid afternoon (not same day) and one of them I saved to use as a preworkout on arm day, mixed with one scoop AmiNO Flow; and then another scoop of AmiNO Flow intraworkout. It was an excellent combo to be sure. Solid energy focus and pump without that feeling I can sometimes get on preworkouts (burn it off NOW or go nuts!!! feeling)

The two are opposite ends of the taste combo and complimentary. 212º coconut lime is much more lime tasting to me. AmiNO Flow is much more coconut, almost creamy. Put them together and enjoy