Bodybuilding Supplements -- Weight Loss Products and More!

Bodybuilding Supplements -- Weight Loss Products and More!

Abs Abs Abs Part 1

I've gotten several inquires about how to attain the coveted six-pack. The range of difficulty of getting shredded physique with a washboard stomach will vary person to person (especially in increasing idling America). And why is everybody so infatuated with abs anyway? I once saw a guy’s t-shirt that had an arrow pointing to his gut and exclaiming "fuel tank for the sex machine". Now a sense of humor can more sexier than a six-pack!

To be painfully honest, getting shredded abs is not going to be easy for anyone. But its not impossible. Let me give you little story:

I have to pictures on my wall of when I was back in college. They both had beaches in the background. Once was in Hawaii and the other in California.

My Hawaii photo was taken on spring break. This was one week after I competed in NCWA wrestling nationals. I had spent the prior 2 months working my butt off training. Tons of cardio to cut weight, weird dieting of vegetables, grains, lean meats. I had to make weight (165 lbs for competition) and I was already skinny.

Anyway to my unpleasant surprise I had a little stomach in my Hawaii photo. This was even more surprising since I just finished a 40 mile bike ride!

And then a few months later I started lifting heavy. During the summer I did a body part training program with little cardio except wrestling practice twice a week. It was early September and I decided to visit Santa Monica on a whim (I live in Denver). During this time I had to admit I'd been doing a little bit of drinking too (hey it was my last year in college). To my pleasant surprise, I had a shredded six pack at this time. Why? My resistance training had increased my metabolism rate and helped get rid of extra body fat.

So here are some tips for you guys (and girls)

1. Resistance Training: I recommend resistance training over cardio but both are very important. Heavy lifting that promotes muscle hypertrophy should be the initial approach of your program. I'll go into more detail about this in part 2.

2. Cardio: most people do this wrong. If you want abs you can't go for a 20 minute nice easy jog in the park and expect to incinerate a ton of fat. Your cardio needs to be tough and challenging. You needs to focus on INTERVAL training. My favorite is doing repeat miles on the treadmill. You got 1 mile at a very uncomfortable pace (but not to the point you can't go on) get off the treadmill and immediately hop on a stationary bike (or elliptical machine) for a moderate 5 min recovery. Get back on the treadmill for another mile. Repeat 4-8 times. This will help boost testosterone levels and spike your metabolism.

Warning: although I think swimming is an awesome cardiovascular workout I strongly advise against this method of training for fat loss.

3. Dieting: this one is so complex I'm going save it for part 3.

4. Supplements: did someone ask for the magic pill for abs? Almost as wishful as asking for the magic pill for financially security or a significant other. Alright I take that back. There are supplements available that can expedite your fat loss training regime. I just don't want you folks downing a bottle of ephedrine everyday and doing nothing else. Here are my favorite weight loss supplements (I linked to where you can find them).

Hot-Rox - I used this while I was getting ready for my last fight. I got my body fat down to around 6% (its normally around 8-9%). Hot Rox will increase your metabolism for up to 24hrs. Be careful though. Too much of this will give you the jitters. I recommend taking a max 3 capsules early in the day.

Hoodia Gordonni - This supplement is very effective appetite suppressant. Might not be a bad idea to help cut down on holiday/winter time binging.

Axis Labs SesaMAX (Chad recommended)- This nifty little supplement works to control your appetite uses the lignan sesamin which is a powerful thermogenic (fat oxidizing) molecule. The SesaMax complex also contains flax seed oil which help support healthy metabolic function, reduce oxidative stress, and reduce cholesterol.

Now if you are going to approach your ab routine correctly you should be doing heavy resistance training (you better not plan on sitting on the couch and popping weight loss pills). I would recommend some protein and ergogenic supplements.

Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey - Out of all the proteins available I found this one to be the most economical (much cheaper than myoplex). Its excellent for dieting since its really low in carbs.


Muscle Milk - this is best tasting protein drink on the market. It also contains a special MCT (medium chain triglycerides) that help promote leanness. Muscle Milk is an awesome product, but just one warning: don't overdo it. I've seen many folks consume too much muscle milk thinking that its “safe” since it’s a protein supplement. Remember that muscle milk does contain a lot of calories. One scoop before bedtime is what I suggest (I'll get more into this in Part 3 about dieting).

NE2 Nitric-Ester - While you’re doing resistance training you should consider nitric oxide supplements for quicker recovery. It’s believe to be more powerful than NO2 since it keeps L-Arginine molecule is coupled with ester to keeping the arginine intact is it passes through the large intestine. I found that nitric oxide helped me become leaner as well.


5. Patience, patience, perseverance

If you think your going to get a six pack in two weeks you are out of your mind. You can only lose about 1-2 pounds of real fat (any more is water and muscle) a week. You should plan on sticking to your program for at least 3 months.

I got plenty more to write on this topic. Stay tuned for abs abs abs Part 2 and 3.

Bodybuilding Supplements -- Weight Loss Products and More!

Bodybuilding Supplements -- Weight Loss Products and More!

What exactly is Nitric Oxide (NO2)? Why is it such a POWERFUL bodybuilding supplement?

What is Nitric Oxide anyway?

The chemical compound nitric oxide is a gas with a chemical formula NO. It is an important signaling molecule in the body of mammals including humans, one of the few gaseous signaling molecules known. Nitric oxide (NO) is not nitrous oxide (N2O) or with nitrogen dioxide (NO2). (Formal definition courtesy of Wikipedia)

What is L-arginine (the key ingredient used to produce Nitric Oxide)

L-arginine is an amino acid found in grains and fish, meats, supplements and passes through the intestine into the blood. From the blood, it enters endothelial cells, (these are the layer of cells lining the inside of the blood and lymph vessels of the heart) where it is used to produce nitric oxide.
L-arginine can be found in many foods such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and fish. The body also uses arginine to produce nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. For this reason, it has been used to treat cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure, intermittent claudication, impotence, female sexual dysfunction, and interstitial cystitis. (Formal definition courtesy of Wikipedia).
It can also be used as an ergogenic aid to supplement bodybuilding and sports endeavors.
L-arginine supplements cause a delayed release of Nitric Oxide into the blood. Ed Byrd (the creator of NO 2) called this the “pHyser3” effect of creating a sustained hemodilation or blood flow in the body.
How does this help with bodybuilding?
Nitric Oxide helps with a sustained blood pump in your body. The blood vessels that deliver muscle building agents (nutrients, creatine) to your muscles are “forced open” for an extended period of time throughout the day. This means quicker recovery, enhanced muscle gains, greater strength, more endurance due to the prolonged pump NO2 provides. You know how you feel “pumped up” after a workout? Nitric oxide helps perpetuate this muscle pump effect.

Are there other health benefits to Nitric Oxide besides bodybuilding?
There is evidence that nitric oxide can prevent heart disease and stroke. The vasodilation effect nitric oxide helps protect the blood vessels from dangerous constriction. This increases the blood vessel flexibility to blood can circulate at a lower pressure. Nitric oxide may also help control platelet function, reduce artery plaque and even lower cholesterol.

Where can I get nitric oxide?

Nitric oxide supplements is available at most supplement and health nutrition stores. Here are five nitric oxide products I would recommend:

-Nitrix by BSN. Nitrix has quickly gained the reputation as the world’s top Nitric Oxide (NO) supplements.

-NO-xplode by BSN. NO-xplode uses both creatine and nitrix oxide to help you explode you bodybuilding regimen. NO-xplode is highly recommended.

-A-AKG by Pro-line. This is perhaps the most economical priced nitric oxide supplement I could find.

-Mid-Cycle by Fizogen. Mid Cycle effectively enhances nutrient uptake, increases cell-signaling vasodilation and promotes improved muscle torque and intercellular energy levels.

-Cold Fusion by Legal Gear. This bodybuilding supplements is especially appropriate for serious athletes looking to maximize muscle gains with NO2. Cold fusion has twice as much NO per serving than any other nitric oxide product.

The Best Body Building/Weight Loss Supplements – Athlete’s Testimony about the benefits of Creatine Ethyl Ester

Creatine has become mainstream back in 90’s and now it’s evolving to even a more potent supplement. It can help you gain lean muscle mass and indirectly help you lose body fat. Here are some commons questions and answers about creatine.

• Exactly what is creatine anyway?

Creatine is a compound that occurs naturally in the human body or taken as a dietary supplement. The scientific term for Creatine is methyl guanidine-acetic acid. Creatine is composed of three amino acids – Glycine, Methionine, and Arginine. The human liver has the ability to combine these three amino acids and produce creatine. The other way we get creatine is from our diet/supplements.

• How does creatine help with exercise?

Human muscles use ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) for anaerobic exercise (short burst exercises such as weight training). During anaerobic exercise ATP is broken down into two simpler chemicals inorganic phosphate and ADP (adenosine di-phosphate). This process of ATP breaking down into ADP releases the energy which gives your muscles the ability to contract. ATP stores only remain adequate for 10-15 seconds of maximum exertion however. After the ATP stores are exhausted the muscle will no longer be able to perform at maximum exertion.

Taking creatine supplements can create more fuel for the body through the following process. Most of the creatine stored in the skeletal muscle bonds with phosphorus (also stored in the muscles) which becomes creatine phosphate. Creatine phosphate then bonds to excess ADP stores (which would be otherwise useless) which creates ATP energy stores. Hence taking creatine will create more fuel for your muscles!

• Is creatine a prohormone/steroid?

No. Creatine will not alter with your testosterone/estrogen levels the way prohormones can.

• What Creatine Ethyl Ester HCI?

Creatine Ethyl Ester HCl is an exceptionally soluble creatine resulting in advanced absorption, increased bioavailability, and stability. Creatine ethyl ester directly penetrates the muscle cell resulting in 30 to 40 times more functional creatine.

• Chad’s Testimony

I am a mixed martial arts competitor (ultimate fighter) getting ready for my debut fight in November. To aid with my training regimen I have been supplementing Creatine Ethyl Ester. My goal was to pack on some lean muscle mass to increase my metabolism and at the same time become stronger and more powerful.

In late July I weighed in at 175 lbs and my bodyfat was measured at 9.5%. I then spent the next six weeks concentrating to a serious weight resistance regimen and began taking Creatine Ethyl Ester before and after my weight training. I immediately felt the effects of this supplement as I was able to complete more repetitions and lift heavier weight in the gym. Every week I became stronger as I started lifting heavier weight than ever before. I noticed increased muscle mass all over my body, especially in my legs.

After six weeks of intense weight training I decided to take another bodyfat test. I physically felt much bigger and was a little hesitant to hear what my bodyfat % was. However I was pleasantly surprised! I weighed in at 178 lbs. My body fat had actually dropped to 6.3%. The trainer explained that I lost 5lbs of body fat and gained an incredible 8lbs of muscle. He later commented to me “I don’t need to write you a program….because whatever your doing….its definitely working.”

As it turns out my metabolism increased dramatically through weight training. My muscle gains were due to a combination of a solid weight resistance program, plenty of rest, proper dieting and the use of the right bodybuilding supplements. Creatine Ethyl Ester gave me an extra push to help me realize my optimal lean muscle gains.

For anybody looking to lose fat and gain muscle I would recommend focusing on a weight program (cardio is also important but often over emphasized). There is no substitute for hard work in the gym, proper dieting and plenty of rest (this last one is a common problem among hard gainers). If you are training vigorously I would recommend taking supplements for optimal performance. Make sure you research the supplements you are taking and try to find the best price possible. So far the best bodybuilding supplement / weight loss product store I’ve seen is www.discountanabolics.com and they offer inexpensive prices for creatine ethyl ester. I found them to be much less expensive than GNC and their customer service is excellent. They also had quick product delivery; it only took a couple days for my order to show up on my doorstep. If you are interested in body building supplements or weight loss products I would highly recommending check them out.

Trying to lose weight? Chances are you doing it all wrong. Here are 5 Effective Weight Loss Tips that work!

So you want to lose some weight? Here are 6 tips that will help you melt some body fat and lose some unwanted weight.

1. Throw away your scale

First off throw away your scale (okay don’t literally do that). You naturally gain and lose weight throughout the day due to slight changes in your metabolism and how well hydrated you are. Body weight is not always an accurate measure of a healthy body composition. Instead you should focus on your body fat percentage.

There are many inexpensive tools available to measure your body fat. Many electronic scales now come with electronic body fat measurements. These can be fairly accurate although they can have up to have 25% margin of error depending on your hydration levels (and if your taking supplements). If possible visit your local gym to get a body fat test. The caliper test (pinch test) can be very accurate. Also ask about getting your basal metabolism measured. Your basal metabolism is how many calories your body burns a day at rest. There are now many devices such as bodygem that accurately measure this.

2. Get off the treadmill and hit the weights

Unless you train cardio like Lance Armstrong you must do weight resistance exercise if you want effectively lose weight (i.e. bodyfat). The obvious goal of resistance exercise is to gain more lean muscle mass. One pound of lean muscle burns up to 50 calories a day in comparison to one pound of fat which burns around 9 calories a day. If you are able to gain 10lbs of lean muscle mass you will be burning an additional 500 calories a day. At this rate you will lose 4 lbs of bodyfat a month.

Don’t get me wrong about cardio; I think it is also extremely important for your weight loss program. It also has a benefit list about a mile long from decreasing your chances of heart disease to lowering depression. However you must put your weight training program before cardio if you really want to lose body fat.

If you are unfamiliar with weight training exercises it may be a good idea to hire a personal trainer to get you acquainted with the gym. Also try subscribing to magazines such as Men’s Health and Shape which often write beginner programs for people looking to start weight training programs.

If you are woman and are afraid of “bulking up” please repeat after me, “I will not become bulky from weight training”. This is perhaps the single biggest misconception that women have about weight training. This is due to the fact “bulking up” requires certain anabolic hormones that occur in much high percentages in men. Unless you are a female body builder taking steroids your chances of bulking up are slim to none. Weight training will only leave you with a toner, slimmer better figured physique. Interesting fact: Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe lifted weights.

3. Mix it up

Fitness professionals use the fancy term “periodization” for adding variety in workouts. Periodization is a strategy to keep your body from hitting plateaus in training. A suggested cycle would look like this.

-Phase 1: 4-6 weeks of heavy resistance exercise (6-12 reps per set). Please limit cardio to 1-2 days week. Yes I do mean only 1 to 2 days a week of light cardio. Intense cardio can inhibit your weight training efforts to put on more lean muscle mass for the end goal of a higher metabolism.

-Phase 2: 4-6 weeks of moderate weight training/cardio. This phase is when you already built up some muscle. Now is the time to add some cardio on top of your elevated metabolism to reduce fat stores. Your week should have 3 days of cardio workouts and 3 days of resistance exercise.

-Phase 3: 1-3 weeks of mostly cardio and some weight training. You should be doing 5 days of cardio and 2 days of full body weight training.

After this cycle is complete repeat back to Phase 1.

3. Your Diet

This is probably the most confusing and misrepresented component of health weight loss. I’ve decided to break it down to a few key points

-Eat 5-6 small meals a day. Eating the traditional diet of 3 meals a day will inhibit your weight loss goals for several reasons. When you go past 4 hours without a meal your blood sugar levels begin to drop. When you finally do eat your insulin levels spike which encourages your body to store more calories as fat. You are also much more likely to binge which pushes your stomach out further and leaves only more hungry for the next meal

-Eat whole grains, fiber and veggies. Okay I know you’ve probably heard that million times. But complex carbs (not sugars), fiber and good fats (peanut butter) are crucial for your weight loss regimen. If you really miss your tasty fatty foods allow yourself one day a week where you can eat whatever you want. If you break this rule you will end up just cheating yourself.

-Drink up! Not only does water help your body recover quicker and keeps your skin looking healthy but it can help you burn more calories too. How? Try drinking ice cold water. It requires more energy from your body to warm up and will help you burn some additional calories.

4. Get to bed!

I know sleep is becoming a more of a luxury in modern day America. But not getting a full night of sleep (6-8 hours for adults) can make you fat! Here are a few reasons why:

First is lack of sleep interferes with your body’s natural mechanisms from recovering from a workout. Remember that when exercise you are only creating an opportunity to get in shape. The final hours of a good night’s sleep is when your body releases growth hormones to rebuild you’re broken down muscle tissue. If you cheat yourself out of those last couple of hours of sleep you’re cheating yourself out of gains from the hard workout earlier.

Lack of sleep can also throw off other hormones that regulate your metabolism and fat storage. Studies have shown that sleeping less than 5 hours a night can reduce bloodstream leptin levels by 15% (slowing down metabolism) and increases ghrelin by 15% (increase appetite).

Lack of sleep will inevitably make you less motivated to hit the gym because you are already fatigued! You want to be as well rested as possible before any workout. Get some sleep!

5. Supplements can help

I’m not telling you to go out and down a bottle of ephedrine every day. Supplements are intended to exactly what their name entails…they supplement your weight loss program. If you are on a weight loss program you should be taking a multivitamin everyday. There are some excellent weight loss supplements that can aid your weight loss efforts. If you can use these supplements responsibly I would recommend the following:

V/M Multivitamin complete by ISS. This is complete multivitamin supplement that is fortified with antioxidants.

Hot-Rox by Biotest – This non-ephedrine weight loss supplement can help increase your basal metabolism rate.

Lipo 6 by Nutrex – This supplement works to reduce your appetite. It can be very effective.

Lean System 7 by iSatori - This is a very potent weight loss product.

Myoplex Whey Protein by EAS - It is crucial to up your protein intake to gain more lean during resistance training.

I have experimented (and been ripped off a few times) with several supplement stores. I found GNC was the most accessible but way too expensive. So far the company I have been most pleased with is Rocky Mountain Sports Nutrition. They offer the best selection of bodybuilding supplements and weight loss products. When it came to prices and customer service their business was second to nobody. Check them out at http://www.discountanabolics.com.

New Product Specials

Discount Anabolics is offering now offering special discounts on Muscle Milk, NO Xplode, Nitrix and Vasopro! Visit www.discountanabolics.com to find the bodybuilding supplements you need to get gain lean muscle mass!

Bodybuilding Supplements -- Weight Loss Products and More!

Bodybuilding Supplements -- Weight Loss Products and More!