A Newbie's Supplement Routine

[JimReynolds]

Hi everyone,

I've read various things about supplements, but I was hoping to get some feedback on a specific routine that was suggested for me. First, I should explain what we're dealing with...

I am the prototypical tall skinny guy, being 5'9" and 119 lbs. I am 26 years old, and I remember weighing 114 when I was 17. Since then, I've been as high as 125, but it has fluctuated up and down, and here I am at 119. I have done a little bit of lifting on and off over the years, but nothing major, and nothing that included any kind of supplement (other than multivitamins, which have also been on and off). I eat a lot, and it's a mostly healthy diet, though I'm sure I can increase the protein intake a bit. When I first heard about supplements I thought it might be a bad idea because of the whole messing with my body thing (which I am pretty serious about, as I've never even tried a cigarette or coffee), but I'm at the point where I'd really like to put on a little muscle, and it's just not easy for me to gain weight the old fashioned way. So I hope that lifting weights can be a solution, and I'm curious about the idea of supplements (including the potential downsides, such as if there's a chance for adverse effects like overworking the kidneys or something like that). Overall, I'm not looking to transform into 200 pounds, but 140 would be good at some point.

I happened to meet a trainer recently and they suggested that I use these:
1. Whey protein powder ("pure Whey protein isolate") - Have this in a shake right after a workout (and also have some actual food, such as chicken, after a workout). Potentially do 2 shakes a day.

2. Twinlab Amino Fuel (liquid version) - Take 2 tablespoons 15 minutes before a workout and then another 2 tablespoons immediately after.

They also suggested that I:
*Lift 6 days a week
*Rest 1-2 minutes between sets (as in, longer than some people--and drink water)
*Eat 4000-5000 calories per day
*Drink tons of water thoughout the day
*Don't do any outside cardio work

Does this stuff make sense for a fast metabolism type of guy such as myself?

Thanks,

Jim

[Spinman]

If you read around a lot in here you will learn so much so quickly.

But everything seems alright by your trainer. Drink your protein with water 30-1 minute before your workout so you have it their to aid the muscles. After Drink another shake immediately (1-30minutes after) to aid muscles as well. And eat. But your trainers right, LOTS of water, LOTS of good food, and the resting for a minute helps the muscles form before another set.

Im sure someone else will post a lot better than mine cuz im new and still learning, but i beleive thats the basic and a quick reply to your question

[RyanLRams]

I drink a gallon of water a day. If your going to be eating 4000-5000 calories a day, make you sure you drink at least a gallon of water a day too. It will help keep your kidneys clean and at peak condition, as well as move toxins through, and out of, your body.

Supplements: I drink ONE protein shake, in water, as soon as I wake up and then another after my workout. I also take BCAA's after my workout. I take fish oil and a multi-vitamin daily. Finally, I take a pre-workout drink right before I lift. I find that the pre-workout drink gives me energy for lifting and nutrients for my muscles, as well as Kre-Alkilyn (creatine). It is called FAST TWITCH by Cytosport... I really like it! I have been using it for a week and already am noticing that my muscles are tighter and I'm stronger.

Also, if you want to maximize your workouts for size, you HAVE to do legs. Squats and deadlifts.

[virus]

Bump to the above two posts. Your trainer seemed to give you some good advice, especially the calorie intake.

But lifting six days a week? Seems a bit much especially if your new to bodybuilding (no offense but at 5'9 n 120 lbs, I would venture to 'assume' you are new.)

BUT - depending on the workout/routine, it may be beneficial. Do you have a blueprint/outline of the routine your trainer recommended?

[JimReynolds]

Thanks for the feedback. Just to clarify, the trainer that I've been referring to is not mine but rather one that I met in a non-gym setting. We spoke about my situation and went over a possible routine, but I plan to get my own trainer for at least a little while to make sure that I learn everything properly since I've mostly just done some basics in the past.

Here's the breakdown of what they suggested:
Day 1 - Legs (Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads)
Day 2 - Chest, Back
Day 3 - Arms, Calves, Abs
Day 4 - Legs (Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads)
Day 5 - Chest, Back
Day 6 - Arms, Calves, Abs
Day 7 - OFF DAY

-Jim

[virus]

Originally Posted by JimReynolds

Thanks for the feedback. Just to clarify, the trainer that I've been referring to is not mine but rather one that I met in a non-gym setting. We spoke about my situation and went over a possible routine, but I plan to get my own trainer for at least a little while to make sure that I learn everything properly since I've mostly just done some basics in the past.

Here's the breakdown of what they suggested:
Day 1 - Legs (Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads)
Day 2 - Chest, Back
Day 3 - Arms, Calves, Abs
Day 4 - Legs (Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads)
Day 5 - Chest, Back
Day 6 - Arms, Calves, Abs
Day 7 - OFF DAY

-Jim

If your wanting to hit each muscle group x2 a week, i'd perfer/recommend this bad boy:

Monday - chest, tri's, shoulders
Tuesday - legs, bi's, back
Wednesday -off
Thursday - chest, shoulders, triceps
Friday - legs, back, biceps

Plus it cuts down on your gym time.

[RyanLRams]

Originally Posted by virus

If your wanting to hit each muscle group x2 a week, i'd perfer/recommend this bad boy:

Monday - chest, tri's, shoulders
Tuesday - legs, bi's, back
Wednesday -off
Thursday - chest, shoulders, triceps
Friday - legs, back, biceps

Plus it cuts down on your gym time.

Thats my workout schedule and I lover it. I am done lifting weights in 60 to 75 minutes.

[Gill]

I'd like to suggest Probolic-SR to you as well. I'm kind of a fanboy for it. Its a protein powder that includes whey, soy whey, and casein as well as tons of important AAs. In the end, it will save you money if you're buying separate AA complexes.

One thing you need to be prepared for, especially if you're jumping into such a high volume diet, is gaining fat. It will happen. It happens to every body builder who is bulking. Don't get discouraged or upset, you're not doing anything wrong. Once you successful bulk to where you are satisfied, go on a cutting cycle for a month to burn off the fat and unveil the new you.

Best of luck to you. I'm cheering for ya.

[JimReynolds]

Originally Posted by virus

Monday - chest, tri's, shoulders
Tuesday - legs, bi's, back
Wednesday -off
Thursday - chest, shoulders, triceps
Friday - legs, back, biceps

This sounds good, I like it. But just for the record, I wouldn't have a problem going on more days each week (if it made a difference).