Weight lifters...

[Clay]

If sleep is your problem...melatonin is what you need to try.

Second, are you using a quality protein and how soon after your workout? Spend more and get an isolate whey, not plain 'ole concentrate. Then, you need to take it within an hour of your workout, 30 mins is optimal. After an hour though, you might as well have not worked out.

Next, stop avoiding carbs. Carbs and protein TOGETHER. Your body needs them both. Unless you're trying to really loose weight, don't avoid fats like the plague. Eat the good stuff especially. Almonds and peanuts should be a regular part of your diet.

Anything after the basics is just a little "bonus". Creatine and all the other stuff will help, but it won't take the place of the base foundation of simple hard work, good protein and rest.

[Flexin]

Originally Posted by Triple

I've used melatonin for several months. It helps me fall asleep faster than normal, but it does not improve the quality of my sleep. It also makes it more difficult to get up the following morning and I feel no more rested than if I hadn't taken it. I'll use it if I have nothing to do other than turn in early, which isn't often.



I take in most of my carbs through fruits and vegetables. I eat oatmeal for breakfast some days, but I've cut out most other grains. Very little bread, rice, pasta, etc. I eat a lot of beans and nuts, and I'll include corn or potatoes with some dinners.

Melatonin should be taken at the same time every night. It helps reset your body and after a while you will start to get tired at that time with out it.

How much are you taking?

James

[TYEster]

Originally Posted by Triple

Past five or six weeks I've been on a very high protein, low fat / low carb diet. Lots of whey, soy, lean meats, and vegetables. And I'm not looking or feeling any different than I did when I ate like crap. Other guys at the gym are advancing while I feel like I'm going backwards; even when I put a day or two between lifting sessions, I feel weaker and more tired than the last time I was there.

Maybe one of these vein-expanding supplements will give me some energy.

What exactly is your goal?

Even low fat or carbs can be detrimental to progress.

[TYEster]

Originally Posted by Triple

I'll be 29 in January.

What's an ideal testosterone level for someone my age? I had some lab work done in August and my level came back as 442 ng/dL. The reference range for "normal" on the paper I was given is 241-827.

That's about half way. It's decent but based on 101's recent test posts, you can alter those levels before you get tested so you can get a diff number each time.(an orgasm lowers testosterone for a few hours post, and thus saving up the spooge for a few days will raise it)

[Homeslice]

You're micro-managing the details, especially with all these supplements that really should only be used by someone who is actually competing in some way.

Start eating and sleeping at the same times, and your body will get into a regular routine where you'll become tired at the same time every night. Plus, do 40-45 min of cardio 3-4 days a week.

[TYEster]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

You're micro-managing the details, especially with all these supplements that really should only be used by someone who is actually competing in some way.

Start eating and sleeping at the same times, and your body will get into a regular routine where you'll become tired at the same time every night. Plus, do 40-45 min of cardio 3-4 days a week.

Sometimes the smallest oversight, can mean the biggest advantage.

[pauldun170]

Screw all this. Just work one bodypart

http://www.totalprosports.com/blog/i...rn-day-popeye/

[TYEster]

Originally Posted by pauldun170

Screw all this. Just work one bodypart

http://www.totalprosports.com/blog/i...rn-day-popeye/

I can understand the purpose. But seriously wtf. I remember using more muscles than JUST my forearm in armwrestling, since that's mainly for grip.

LOL that just looks funny though.

[askmrjesus]

Originally Posted by TYEster

since that's mainly for grip.

That guy must have the most frightened penis in all of Europe.

JC

[zer0t]

Originally Posted by Triple

Just ordered some ZMA, L-Arginine, and Force Factor NO supplements.

The ZMA is supposed to promote better sleep and boost testosterone, the others improve circulaion for more energy and endurance. I've never been interested in popping pills, but diet alone isn't working.

I don't believe that any supplements that claim to raise testosterone have actually been proven to work.