In this post I listed the supplements I’m currently taking. I was planning to raise the doses in 6 weeks, but upon more research I’ve decided to do so in 3. It’s been 1.
Observations:
These are essentially the same initial effects I noticed the first time I started on these supplements (again, I’d had to stop for awhile due to lack of funds).
So I’d been on a regimen of natural transitioning products for awhile, and had to come off of them before anything could really take effect due to financial stress. Thankfully, I’ve found a website where I can get them at an AWESOME discount - more on that in a sec - so I’ve started up on my regimen again, as well as whipping myself more into shape with exercising and eating more healthily.
The site I get them from is VitaCost, an online store for natural health products, from food (including organic specialty pet food) to vitamins and herbs to bath and beauty products for 30-75% off retail - I got $57 worth of supplements for $32 this week, plus a $10 off coupon brought it to $22 - and there was a free shipping deal that day. There’s always free shipping over $49, and if you DO have to pay shipping it’s minimal (like 5 bucks, regardless of weight).
If you decide to sign up, please use my referral link so we can both get a $10 coupon!
For anyone who’s curious, here are the supplements I take and the link to an awesome deal on VitaCost.***
Tribulus Terrestris - 40% saponins (minimum) - (1) 250mg capsule, twice a day with meals. (in six weeks, depending on how I feel, I’ll up my dose to 3x a day.)
The fruit extract is claimed to increase the body’s natural testosterone levels and thereby improve male sexual performance and help build muscle. May effect free testosterone and luteinizing hormone. It appears to do so by stimulating androgen receptors in the brain.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) - (1) 50mg capsule, once a day - before bed. (in six weeks, again depending on how I feel, I’ll increase dose to 2x a day.)
an endogenous steroidal hormone found naturally in the body; the major secretory steroidal product of the adrenal glands. It acts on the androgen receptor both directly and through its metabolites, which can undergo further conversion to produce the androgen testosterone - and can also produce estrogen.
ZMA - (3) capsules daily, on an empty stomach 30-60 mins before bed.
anabolic formula containing highly bioavailable forms of zinc and magnesium. Formulated with vitamin B-6 to further enhance zinc and magnesium absorption and utilization. a powerful non-steroidal, all natural dietary supplement clinically proven to increase free testosterone, total testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor levels and enhance muscle strength by promoting the conversion of protein to energy and muscle.
Good ol’ Protein Shakes - one a day.
I’ll update on effects and whatnot as I go along. and for a good collection of info, check out transtribulus.tumblr.com.
***I AM NOT A DOCTOR. Please do your research and consult your doctor before beginning any kind of supplements such as these. My choice of supplements comes from months of research into their effects, proper dosage, and risks, but every body is different.
“Little Man Syndrome”
I gave myself an extra ‘rest day’ this week because I could tell my muscles still needed some more healing time. As much as I felt compelled to push myself and work out again, the muscle is actually built on rest days in between workouts, and I know it’s more important to heal any torn tissue so as not to cause burnout (which actually causes muscle loss). So day 2&3 consisted of a 60 minute brisk walk and stretching. I’m glad I gave myself the extra repair time, because after working out today I feel fantastic and not nearly as sore as I did on Day 1.
I’m also drinking protein shakes once a day and have been taking Zinc and Magnesium which both help in the synthesis of protein/energy into muscle. I’m getting back into the habit of taking regular multivitamins once a day, which I’m really terrible about - but with starting this workout and being a vegetarian, I really need to stay on track with it.
Tomorrow I’ll have a walking day and then I feel like I should have no problem getting back into the full workout for Day 6, which will focus on arms/shoulders/back. Day 7 will be for sprinting and then Day 1 of next week theoretically should be my “OFF” day to really give my body a full rest. I’ll consider this an 8 day “workout week” and then start the next week with Day 1 of the regimen.
So far i’m mostly working on my arms and upper body strength, i’ve always been large being size 24 (UK Female) when i was only 14. Now i’m mens 36 (UK) most of my body is now muscle, and when i start T this will only improve.
I work out one day then two days off, then work out then two days off etc. After my work out i eat one tin (130g) tuna for the protien to repair any torn muscle tissue etc.
My routine is (after vigarous stretching):
Doesn’t seem much but its working really well. P.S have a 30 second break inbetween each exercise. Hope this helps someone. :) peace.
Hello, all!
I’m Frederick, 20, blah blah blah intro stuff. Go to my blog if you want to get to know me.
Anyway, I’ve recently begun trying to get fit, which for me means losing weight—I’m not too interested in building muscle right now. (Maybe I will be once I can actually see the muscles!)
But yeah, I’m a big guy, and physical exercise is akin to torture for me. So I’m starting off light, with changing my diet and walking every day. I started out trying to make sure that I walked for at least a half an hour (in addition to whatever I might have to do that day in the first place), and usually ended up doing about forty minutes.
Today I decided to up the ante and go to an hour, thanks to Aaron and some of the information he linked to. Let me tell you, those extra twenty minutes made a huge difference! It felt more like a day than an hour, and I finished up feeling exhausted but good. I’ve already noticed that my endurance is getting better, and exercise in general is easier. Just a few weeks ago I definitely wouldn’t have been able to to what I did tonight!
My goal at this point is just to lose weight and continue to do so, and to make my daily life easier. Once I get to a place where I’m feeling a lot better about where I’m at, I might get some more specific goals.
So anyway, I think I’m doing pretty decently with the getting fit thing so far. All I hope is that I can keep it up, especially when school comes along. Wish me luck!
Workout video: week 1
Taking one once a week to track progress and keep myself motivated.
No gym required - just my own body weight and a set of dumbbells.
This blog is all about community, so get involved, dudes! Submit some photos, tell us what your workout regimen is, or what challenges you face in sticking to a workout. For me, it’s the back pain and staying as enthusiastic about it as when I start. I’m planning to take body photos once a week, and record video of my workout once a week to help me see my visible progress and keep me looking forward to it each week. What are your goals? What’s worked for you so far? Submit!
That 2nd photo right there is what we call the lovely results of scoliosis - it causes me a lot of hell with back pain, so I’m hoping that strengthening my back will help with that pain.
Today’s my ‘resting day’ after day 1 and I feel really sore and really fantastic. Today’s workout consists of an hour brisk walk (fast walking burns just as many calories as jogging with none of the high-risk impact to your muscles) - I live in florida and it’s crazy hot, so I’m waiting for the sun to go down. I’m not feeling as up to it as I could, but I’m going to do it anyway. I’m determined to stick to this and see real results.
