Pre-workout supps

[Shane_Bos]

Any one tried them? I was chatting to some one the other day who said hes taking USP Jack3d and said it gives him a good amount of energy and awesome pump in the gym...

Now i did some research and its conclusive that most pre-workout supps do the same thing but i just wondered are they actually worth it? Do they actually aid repair and muscle growth?

My workouts are pretty good and i usually have the energy to carry them out and keep the intesity up so if all they are is an energy boost then theyre useless to me!

[Axlerod]

Never tried them but would be interested to know to. Anyone...?

[Shane_Bos]

There must be a use for them, otherwise people wouldnt take them... I would post the question on a bodybuilding forum but theyre likely to tell me to do 1 and do a search even though i tried searching! :lol:

When researching i did find one article of which i will quote this (http://ezinearticles.com/?Pre-and-Post-Workout-Nutrition---The-Science!&id=3248034)...
An article named ' "Effects of protein and carbohydrate on anabolic responses to resistance training" looked at the effects of carbs, creatine, and whey - taken alone and in different combinations - on LBM and/or strength. The conclusion was that the combination of all three (whey, carbs, and creatine) was the most effective and that there appeared to be a true synergism between these nutrients. This study also confirmed that these nutrients, taken both before and after training, have a greater effect on lean mass and strength than when taken at other times of the day. I don't think that comes as a big surprise to most people "in the know" about such things, but it's good to see it confirmed under controlled conditions.'

Now my current pre-workout nutrition is a bowl of oats (carbs) and a whey protein shake with milk (protein) and creatine added to the protein shake, based on studies and research like this, this seems more than adequate.

I know the theory behind most pre-workout supps are that they contain nitric oxide which promotes blood flow (which makes you feel more pumped in the gym) and consequently, gets nutrients around your body quicker. Im sure these supps do work and aid muscle growth but i dont like the thought of taking these supps and not eating anything (most state you must take them on an empty stomach). Seems to go against everything man has learned about nutrition...

[bigNtall]

I like PWO supps because they give me that extra kick when i'm trying to push out that last rep. I've tried jack3d and liked it a whole lot except for the fact that it made me break out. I recommend any Animal product, in this case, Animal Pump. I've used it for about a year and love it. Steady energy, no crash, amazing pumps.. Overall great product.

[Shane_Bos]

My friend got given a free tub of this (http://www.echosupplements.com/uploadImages/medium//product25image1.jpeg) a little while ago and i tried some. Felt slightly 'buzzed' and got half decent pumps so though id purchase some nitric oxide. Opted for one with better reviews... (click (http://www.cheapuksupplements.com/shop/shopimages/products/normal/dymatize-xpand-xtreme-pump.jpg)). This had me buzzing for hours off of just one scoop and set new pb's on my chest workout!

Took it an hour after last eating and had a whey protein shake 15 minutes after. Started working out 30 mins after the shake...

Recommended.

[The Big Banana]

Have you tried any of the caffeine free nitric oxide products? A big part of what you feel from these products is the caffeine, but caffeine increases cortisol levels which has a negative effect on muscle growth.

[Shane_Bos]

Ive not... I tried Jack3d a week ago and i was up all night so would be interested in a non-cafeine based pre workout...

At the moment im on a cutting a diet so taking something with no calories on an empty stomach to give me the energy for a workout is good. The Dymatize Xpand is doing its job at the moment although the potency has kinda worn off. Not as intense as it was (which is to be expected).