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05-22-2006, 08:59 AM
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TRAZ's X-Factor Log
I am beginning my X-Facor cycle/ log this morning (I just took my first dose 1.5 hrs ago).
Pics are being developed as we speak and will be posted in a couple of days. I just want to state a few ground rules for my log. I am open to criticism, but don't tell me stupid stuff like: You need to eat more or you need to work on your shoulders/ chest because I am well aware of my problem areas (I have many) and that I need to eat more. Suggestions on training or using different exercises are appreciated, but as I said I know that some of my muscles need extra work and I don't need people stating the obvious to me. I am going to post before cycle pics, after cycle pics, and pics from last year to show how far I have come this year (a drastic change so far). I will say that the past month or so my diet has not been the cleanest and i have gotten a little "gooey" This cycle will be one of clean food/ more cardio and hopefully a little fat cutting will result (X-Factor is supposed to help in this area). A little timeline so far: 2003: 202 lbs with probably 30% BF and little muscle to speak of. I was in terrible cardiovascular shape and had no definition and I was weak as a kitten. I drank every night to excess and got next to no sleep. I ate fast food on a daily basis and NEVER drank water...Only Mt. Dew. June 2004: 190 lbs and not much better, but I decide to start a "fitness program/ diet" that I came up with on my own. I was fed up. I had fallen down some stairs (only 5 steps actually) and caught myself and avoided injury, but was incredibly sore for like two weeks folllowing my fall. I couldn't believe how weak I was. So I stared to train and diet. It was really unhealthy and involved no carbs, no fat, and moderate protein. I had no idea what I was doing. I was training 6 days a week and doing full body routines with ridiculous sets, tons of useless exercises, and cardio 2x a day...I lost 50lbs rather quickly (as you could imagine), but I wasn't getting much stronger or putting on any muscle. I was horrible overtrained and I didn't know why. I was still drinking every night, starving myself, and relying on shakes mostly for protein. I was literally taking in next to no carbs and no fat. I had like two chicken breasts a day and that was it...Maybe the occasional glass of skim milk! May 2005: 138-140lbs and really thin and weak and not making any gains. I was getting frustrated. I finally started doing a little more research into what I was doing wrong, but was still training 5+ days per week (full body routines) and doing cardio 5x per week. August 2005: 160lbs or so. Katrina hits my town and I am unable to train for 3 weeks and I am pretty much starved for good food because we had so little to eat (quality food anyway). The upside is that I finally gave my body a break. I also decided to quit doing things my own way and to start doing things the right way. I developed a split that started working and cut my cardio to 2x per week. I also started eating more and allowing myself good carbs and good fats. December 2005: 180lbs. I discovered BB4U! At this point I had already done a ton of research and I had really gotten things together, but this site really pushed things into overdrive! I started training effectively, running CEE, and eating a TON of clean food! I was doing great by this point and making killer strength and mass gains! I really started turning a corner! May 2006: 195lbs. Probably 13% BF. I am doing great and seeing the best strength/ mass gains ever. I am growing every day and I have gained a wealth of knowledge. I am currently doing a 4 day split that looks like this: Monday: Bicep/ Tricep/ Abs Tuesday: Shoulders/ Chest Wednesday: Off Thursday: Back Friday: Legs Saturday: Off Sunday: Off I am 25 years old and I am 6 feet 2.5 inches tall. I am taking ON 100% Whey Protein 2x a day (PWO and before bed). Sometimes I have a shake in the morning if I am pressed for time and cant get breakfast. I just finished my second CE2 cycle and I use GNC's Mega Men Multivitamins. I will be taking X-Factor 4x a day, 1 pill per serving. I take one in the morning, one in the afternoon, one pre-workout, and one post-workout. I am excited about this, but please understand that I am not expecting drastic or steroid like results. Your input is appreciated, but once again don't suggest silly things. ~TRAZ
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"We're only alive on the edge of the moment." ~Zarathustra Last edited by TRAZ; 05-22-2006 at 09:14 AM. 
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05-22-2006, 09:03 AM
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This should be interesting. I dismissed X factor at the beginning but I look forward to your review.
Surfer
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05-22-2006, 09:10 AM
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Awesome Bro. I wish you the best, and I hope you accomplish you're goals. On you're split, how about doing Legs on Thursday and Back on Friday, because on Tuesday you're doing chest and shoulders, and even though there is a one day rest in between maybe an extra day would benifit.
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If I am not back in five mins wait longer.!!
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05-22-2006, 09:20 AM
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Quote:
UPDATE: I am getting a strange feeling in my head and stomach and my muscles feel a little weird. It is difficult to explain. Nothing too unpleasant really, just different feeling. Probably all in my mind, but I tend to be sort of sensitive to things the first time I take them. I am hoping my body is just getting used to the elevated Arachidonic Acid levels. When I take my second gelcap I will know if these feelings are due to the X-Factor or not...
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"We're only alive on the edge of the moment." ~Zarathustra
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05-22-2006, 09:26 AM
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It could be cause of the elevated levels on Arachidonic Acid. Kind of reminds me of when I first felt the effects of SD!!!!!! But it could be all mental, just the fact of knowing that you have introduced something totally new to you're body!!!!!! That is not the normal every day routine. Just my thoughts
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If I am not back in five mins wait longer.!!
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05-22-2006, 09:36 AM
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I am a little sweaty as well...You know sort of "hot under the collar"...My biceps are feeling particularly interesting...Strange!
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"We're only alive on the edge of the moment." ~Zarathustra
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05-22-2006, 10:02 AM
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I hope you dont mind Traz but here's a little info for those that are not sure what it is according to the makers:
 X-Factor™ contains a natural anabolic agent, patented for increasing muscle mass in humans (U.S. Patent #6,841,573). Every serious bodybuilder knows the awesome feeling of training in the zone. Banging off reps with a serious stack of plates on the bar, your muscles burning with a pump so intense you swear your skin is going to rip. Yeah, being in the zone is a big time thrill, and for sure helps you build freakish muscle. But, the zone is nothing without the “X”. The zone is how you train. The “X-Factor” is how you grow! If a powerful physique is what you want, then nothing is more important than the “X”. What we are talking about is revolutionary. It is the single greatest anabolic discovery of the new century. It will take your body to a new dimension, with more muscle, reduced body fat, and freaky pumps that will shred your clothes into a pile of threads. We are talking about a serious discovery made by one of the only men on the planet capable of such a powerful discovery. A man so dedicated to anabolic research that he literally wrote the book on it. We are talking about William Llewellyn, performance-enhancement scientist, ANABOLICS 2000 – 2005 author, and CEO of Molecular Nutrition. He is no lightweight when it comes to anabolic research and discovering new muscle building substances. Holder of several U.S. Patents on anabolic compounds, Llewellyn adds his newest and greatest anabolic discovery to the list. - “X-Factor” The search for the “X” began over a decade ago, when Llewellyn was seeking the missing connection between training and muscle growth. He was looking for the link, the signal, or biochemical event that started the anabolic cascade after the muscle fiber is stimulated and stressed from intense exercise. He dubbed this unknown factor the anabolic “X-Factor”, and was determined to find it. Miraculously, 35,108 hours of intense research and 5,832 published clinical studies later he uncovered the mysterious “X-Factor”. The “X-Factor” is a biochemical released from the muscle tissue during intense exercise. This anabolic-response amplification nutrient Llewellyn discovered is called arachidonic acid. This discovery was so significant to muscle building that Llewellyn appropriately named the substance “X-Factor™”, and applied for a U.S. Patent on his work. X-Factor™ is a powerful muscle building and definition-enhancing supplement that amplifies the muscle’s anabolic response to physical activity. X-Factor™ is the patented bio-chemical - arachidonic acid. By intensifying the release of the body’s main tissue-repair messengers (prostaglandins), X-Factor™ creates a powerful shift in post-exercise physiology, promoting muscle growth, strength increases, muscle endurance, and fat loss. X-Factor is a natural dietary supplement, and was approved a U.S. Patent on January 11, 2005 (# 6,841,573) for the purpose of increasing muscle mass in humans. While supplementing muscle reserves with X-Factor™, productivity from resistance exercise is significantly amplified. As the body’s reserves of X-Factor™ reach peak levels of effectiveness, users notice greater post-workout soreness, more intense and lasting pumps, and dramatic gains in muscle size and strength. X-Factor™ also intensifies lipolysis, producing an uncommon and highly desirable environment where fat loss coincides with muscle growth. Arachidonic Acid – The Body’s Principle Anabolic Nutrient X-Factor™ increases the production of tissue-repairing prostaglandins during exercise. Prostaglandins, which are produced in the body from arachidonic acid, are the core mediators of skeletal muscle growth. They are formed during intense exercise, and are responsible for controlling protein breakdown and synthesis rates, promoting vasodilation (increasing nutrient availability to damaged muscles), augmenting androgen receptor concentrations (allowing testosterone to be more active in local tissues), and amplifying IGF-1 signaling. Prostaglandins PGF2alpha and PGE2 – The core regulators of protein synthesis By sustaining higher levels of arachidonic acid in muscle tissue, X-Factor™ delivers powerful benefits to bodybuilders and athletes alike. It accelerates fast twitch muscle fiber growth, facilitates rapid strength and power increases, boosts muscular endurance, and reduces fat mass. And because it contains a powerful but natural polyunsaturated fatty acid, is not banned (nor tested for) by competitive sport organizations. Before the release of X-Factor™, natural anabolic supplements provided mainly temporary fixes, such as enhancing blood flow or water storage in the muscles with nutrients like arginine and creatine. With X-Factor™ it is finally possible to notice dramatic and lasting gains in solid muscle tissue, without drugs or hormones. It is a supplement so effective that amateur and professional competitive athletes are legitimately using it! Anabolic Response Amplification refers to a process in which the body’s core physiological response to weight training is amplified. It was only recently discovered that tissue repair during the post-training recovery window is initiated and controlled by arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is stored in the outer phospholipid layer of each muscle cell, and is released as the cell is disrupted during exercise. Many fatty acids are released during this process, and the higher the concentration is of arachidonic acid is, the more will be liberated. Once freed, the arachidonic acid is rapidly converted to prostaglandins, which are strong cell-signaling molecules. Prostaglandins are responsible for altering the rate of protein synthesis (supporting repair and growth), and working with nitric oxide to dilate the microcapillaries feeding the muscles (increasing blood flow, oxygen delivery, and glucose uptake). Arachidonic acid also intensifies IGF-1 signaling, and supports muscle hypertrophy by increasing satellite cell (myoblast) fusion in muscle fibers. By amplifying arachidonic acid levels in the skeletal muscle tissue, X-Factor™ generates an anabolic response amplification effect. The muscle cells are bombarded with prostaglandin signaling during each weight-training session, causing local cellular physiology to drastically shift in favor of muscle anabolism. The body responds to the training with much greater physiological ferocity, resulting in rapid gains of muscle size, strength, endurance, and power. Arachidonic acid is liberated from muscle tissue during exercise (A). It is then rapidly converted to active anabolic prostaglandins (B). The resulting shift in the protein synthesis rate produces muscle growth (C).. Take 4 capsules per day if you are 200lbs or over, and 3 capsules daily if you are under. The capsules can be taken with meals, and are best divided into 3 or 4 separate applications (1 capsule, 3-4 times per day). Take for 50 days, followed by a break of at least 50 days. X-Factor™ is safe to take by both healthy men and women. Because X-Factor™ intensifies protein turnover in exercised muscles, you may need to increase your total daily protein and calorie intake in order to gain significant muscle bulk. This often falls in the range of a 500-1000 calorie per day increase. X-Factor™ relies on the body’s ability to convert arachidonic acid to active prostaglandins in order to be effective. This conversion can be hindered by the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs, supplements, or food products. The following is a list of things to minimize the intake of while taking X-Factor™: * Pain medications containing acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin * NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) * Omega 3 fatty acids * Flax and Fish oil supplements * N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) * Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) * Avoid the regular consumption of foods known to be high in omega 3 fatty acids or anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as cold-water fish, peanut butter, and sesame, olive or peanut oils. IMPORTANT: Remember to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily while taking X-Factor™. Surfer
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05-22-2006, 10:24 AM
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Thanks Surfer! I pretty much know all this stuff already, but it will be good for anyone who decides to check out my log to have a good read...It will save me the trouble of explaining...
__________________
"We're only alive on the edge of the moment." ~Zarathustra
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05-22-2006, 10:27 AM
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Quote:
mon: chest/shoulders tue: legs wed: off thur: back/abs fri: arms
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Trample the weak.....hurdle the dead
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05-22-2006, 10:33 AM
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Quote:
__________________
"We're only alive on the edge of the moment." ~Zarathustra
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05-22-2006, 11:11 AM
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It's also not a good idea to have Legs and back so close. You should have 72 hours between legs and back. Especially applies if you are deadlifting and squatting, which I am sssuming you are.
Perhaps you should think about this mon: chest/shoulders tue: legs wed: off thur: arms fri: back/abs Good luck bro
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05-22-2006, 11:36 AM
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Traz i wish you the best of luck....EAT....LIFT....REST....GROW.....REPEAT RIGHT!!! I've never really looked in to X-Factor, but I hope it goes good for you...maybe I'll buy a bottle if it works for you.....good luck man!
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Eat big...Think big...Train Big....GET BIG!!!
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05-22-2006, 11:38 AM
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*Angels singing from Heaven*
Finally! TRAZ my man! lol The day has finally come and you started a log!  I've been wanting to try X-Factor for some months now but it's too early for me but I'm glad you started it! I hope you get awesome results. I'm anxious to start my cycle.  I don't see that happening for another 6 months or so but oh well! Hopefully you can get some pics up soon! Let the pain begin
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"Supplements are supplements to your training, nutrition & most of all attitude." -Mehdi
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05-22-2006, 01:16 PM
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Thanks Danny and Iko!
I have a feeling that I am going to respond really well...I feel sort of sore already! I just took my second dose 45 mins ago and my forearms and biceps feel a little sore and tight...Kind of like the very end stage of DOMS where you aren't quite sore, but you can still tell you have lifted. I am probably going to do this split this week (following the good advice of my BB4U friends!): Today: Biceps/ Triceps Tuesday: Legs Wednesday: Off Thursday: Chest/ Shoulders Friday: Back/ Abs I would do chest and shoulders today, but I need some better bicep and tricep shots for the pics and I want a good pump! 
__________________
"We're only alive on the edge of the moment." ~Zarathustra
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05-22-2006, 03:03 PM
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Ya mate best of luck with it. Im kinda new to all this stuff, logs and all that. Realy good thread doh getting all the different routines off the members, good read, great site alright. Must look into that X stuff myself.
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You are what you put in That goes for everything Make the right choice
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