[Resolve]

AppNut was kind enough to send me a tub of their Peach Tea Lit-Up. With 40 servings per tub and a decent profile to boot, I'm looking forward to giving this stuff a solid trial by fire.

More info on Lit-Up can be found here.

It's been a while since I've ran a log, so let me update AM on my current status: I'm weighing around 270 and am currently cutting with a goal of <10% BF. Following a Regressive Keto Diet at ~3000cals/day. I have a mysterious injury that has yet to be figured out by my doctors, and am under orders not to squat or deadlift, due to the heavy spinal loading they incorporate.

I'm currently lifting 4 days a week and employing full body routines - hey, if I cant sq/dl then hitting everything 4 days a week is doable.

Other supplementation:
Fish oil, zinc, magnesium, VitD3, VitC, Endosure before bed, Xtend + MAP intraworkout, Whey, Toco-8 and leucine.

Yesterday was my first workout for this log - here's how it went down:

Workout 12/9/11

Seated Press/Lateral Raise: 135x12/30x20, 155x12/30x20, 175x12/30x20, 195x10/30x15, 205x8/ran the rack

Meadows Row/External Rotation: Bar+75x20/who cares they're E.R.s?, +100x20 for 3 sets

Machine Hacks: 1plate/side x30, 2p/s x30, 3p/s x20

Fly Aways: 45 x10+10+10 for 3 sets

Unilateral Leg Exts: 120 x5+5+5+5 for 3 sets

Leg Curls: 205 x8 full rom +8 top half +8 bottom half, for 3 sets

Calves: all kinds of $#!+

Spider/Preacher/BB Curls: 90 x10+10+10 for 3 sets

Various Tricep extensions...

Initial thoughts on Lit-Up:
I wasn't feeling spectacular going into this workout, it's been a long and busy week and I'm on a large calorie deficit. Nonetheless, I made it through this session, which lasted almost 2hrs, with decent intensity and strength. I never felt really amped up, but I had no problem moving quickly between lifts and keeping rest periods fairly short. The Tea flavor is pretty darn good - it actually tastes a lot like iced tea, which is a nice change from the myriad of lemon pre-workouts out there. All in all, Lit-Up is making a good first impression.

Next workout is today, update will probably come tomorrow though, as I have 2 parties to attend this evening. Because I'm just so popular.

[JudoJosh]

Kill it brotha!

[Resolve]

Thanks for joinin' in Josh!

[R1balla]

hope you like it. how many scoops are you taking?

[Resolve]

hope you like it. how many scoops are you taking?

Just 1 so far - do you recommend more?

[Resolve]

It's been a busy weekend - haven't really had a chance to update on yesterday's session until now.

I was feeling pretty fatigued after a long week in the lab (finally got some results worth analyzing, which is quite demanding time/energy wise), so I opted to focus on conditioning yesterday, as I find it easier on the CNS.

So I performed a circuit of the following:
Dips, Chins, Jump Squats, Walking lunges. I did 5 runs through the circuit, 15reps per movement for the first "set", then 12, and finally 10reps for the last 3 sets.

I finished off with some Stairclimber and some time in the sauna.

Regarding Lit-Up: Still used just one scoop - it was fine for this sort of workout. I will be trying 2 scoops tomorrow as it will be a more demanding session. Looking forward to it. The stim-effect is... different. I'm not sure what to compare it to - I was alert and driven, but still able to get fatigued by the end of the workout. It hits hard after taking it, but so far I haven't felt "over-stimmed", which is definitely a good thing.

[Resolve]

Heading into the gym for Lit-Up workout 3!!!

[JudoJosh]

Just 1 so far - do you recommend more?

I do 2 scoops but Im a junkie!! lol

If one scoop is working then stick with it. Maybe just try 2 or even 1.5 out to see how it is but if 1 scoop works then stick to that

It's been a busy weekend - haven't really had a chance to update on yesterday's session until now.

I was feeling pretty fatigued after a long week in the lab (finally got some results worth analyzing, which is quite demanding time/energy wise), so I opted to focus on conditioning yesterday, as I find it easier on the CNS.

So I performed a circuit of the following:
Dips, Chins, Jump Squats, Walking lunges. I did 5 runs through the circuit, 15reps per movement for the first "set", then 12, and finally 10reps for the last 3 sets.

I finished off with some Stairclimber and some time in the sauna.

Regarding Lit-Up: Still used just one scoop - it was fine for this sort of workout. I will be trying 2 scoops tomorrow as it will be a more demanding session. Looking forward to it. The stim-effect is... different. I'm not sure what to compare it to - I was alert and driven, but still able to get fatigued by the end of the workout. It hits hard after taking it, but so far I haven't felt "over-stimmed", which is definitely a good thing.

I assume your in college?

Whats your major? Chemistry?

Routine looks killer bud! I would have maybe added in some burpees, sprints and maybe KB movements but still it looks pretty good. Keep up the great work!!

I LOVE that lit-up doesnt deliver that cracked out feeling but at the same time gives you a little kick and push and plenty of focus, motivation and drive.

[JudoJosh]

Heading into the gym for Lit-Up workout 3!!!

Today is the 2 scoop day right? Looking forward to your thoughts on it...

PUT IN THAT WORK!!!!

[R1balla]

i start at 1 scoop for a week or so then bump it to 1.5 for a week then for the rest of the tub i stick to 2 tubs

[oli]

i felt that 1.5 scoops was perfect..enjoyed the uplifted feeling

[Tomahawk88]

The taste of the peach tea is something amazing.

[Resolve]

I do 2 scoops but Im a junkie!! lol If one scoop is working then stick with it. Maybe just try 2 or even 1.5 out to see how it is but if 1 scoop works then stick to that

I assume your in college?

Whats your major? Chemistry?

Routine looks killer bud! I would have maybe added in some burpees, sprints and maybe KB movements but still it looks pretty good. Keep up the great work!!

I LOVE that lit-up doesnt deliver that cracked out feeling but at the same time gives you a little kick and push and plenty of focus, motivation and drive.

Thankfully, I graduated sometime ago. I'm a molecular biologist, but also have a masters in Biochem/pharmacolgy. Currently working on a doctorate.

You're right, I could add burpees, sprints and other stuff. But I hate those. Like really hate burpees in particular. I prefer to run stairs or do farmers walks or spin sprints. Still, sometimes I end up doing the stuff I hate, mainly because I know they're good for me despite how I feel about them.

i start at 1 scoop for a week or so then bump it to 1.5 for a week then for the rest of the tub i stick to 2 tubs

I tried 2 today and it worked great, but it might have been overkill.

i felt that 1.5 scoops was perfect..enjoyed the uplifted feeling

This is exactly what I plan to do for my next workout on Wednesday! And thanks for joining in too!

The taste of the peach tea is something amazing.

Surprisingly, it really is. I imaging the guy who flavored this stuff worked really hard. Good to see ya in here, Tom.

Update from today's workout coming shortly, gonna finish eating first.

[Resolve]

Ok, just ate half a chicken and a bunch of almonds. Yum.

Anyways, took 2 scoops Lit-Up before the gym today, as was mentioned previously. I think the best word for it is "lucid." Lots of energy and focus, but it's far more mental than just taking a bunch of caffeine and getting wired. Reminded me vaguely of when I was recovering from surgery and was naive enough to use vicodin while drinking espresso. Anyways, after taking 2scoops there was about a 2min period where I was beginning to feel nauseous, but it turns out I just had a belch cooking. No negative sides whatsoever.

Today's Workout:

Complex #1: DB Shoulder Press/Lateral Raises/Inc DB Press/Inc Flies for 10-12reps each movement
- 65/30/65/45
- 75/30/75/45
- 85/30/85/45
- 85/30/85/40

Complex #2: Pull-Ups/Straight-arm pulldowns/Cable upright rows/cable curls, 10-20reps each
- bodyweight/140/140/140 for 4 rounds

Superset: Dips + Reverse Tri Exts, 3x15 each
- bodyweight/70-80

Machine Curls: 205x3x12

Didn't have the gas left to do legs - so I'll do a lower body day next session.

[AZMIDLYF]

Nice, it's been awhile. I love the taste of the peach. One of the best non-chemical tasting supplements out there. You could almost stick a lemon slice in it and imagine it was an iced tea. I usually hit 2 scoops with it and I have always felt that it was more of a mental connection than stim. The mind/muscle is very present. I rotate Lit-Up thru my pre-workouts all the time. Sorry to hear about the injury big man. I can relate. I am in the "specialist" phase of figuring my situation out. Workouts look great even with the issue!

[Resolve]

Great to have you join in AZ! You're right, I haven't done a log in a while; I've just been too busy. But I had something of a breakthrough on my project, and now know exactly what I have to do - which streamlines things and frees up some time. Plus it's Christmas so I'm trying to wind work down as I'll be going home for two weeks.

Sorry to hear you're having health issues too. It's a pain, as I feel fine most of the time and want to squat so bad, but any kind of heavy standing barbell work makes me entire right side feel like it's caving in. :/

[LiveToLift]

In, I'm finding that 1.5 scoops is probably a good sweet spot. Two scoops was good for a few days but then it did feel like it was overkill yesterday, dropped to 1.5 today and it seemed just right. Love that this product isn't over stimulating!

[R1balla]

Nice, it's been awhile. I love the taste of the peach. One of the best non-chemical tasting supplements out there. You could almost stick a lemon slice in it and imagine it was an iced tea. I usually hit 2 scoops with it and I have always felt that it was more of a mental connection than stim. The mind/muscle is very present. I rotate Lit-Up thru my pre-workouts all the time. Sorry to hear about the injury big man. I can relate. I am in the "specialist" phase of figuring my situation out. Workouts look great even with the issue!

actually, i mix mine with lemonade to make a pre workout arnold palmer. tea it up with lit up haha

[Resolve]

Not a bad idea. Maybe some Lemon bcaas or something similar to make it extra anabolic?

[Tomahawk88]

Not a bad idea. Maybe some Lemon bcaas or something similar to make it extra anabolic?

Ya I mixed mine with Wyked(lemonade flavored) and wow that combo was SWEET plus added stim. I think some lemon bcaas would be a great idea.

[Resolve]

Ya I mixed mine with Wyked(lemonade flavored) and wow that combo was SWEET plus added stim. I think some lemon bcaas would be a great idea.

That sounds intense

[AZMIDLYF]

Thinking about your injury Nick...sounds like a pinched nerve somewhere. Load the disks and the nerve gets pressured and shuts that side down. Just speculation on my part of course.

[Resolve]

Thinking about your injury Nick...sounds like a pinched nerve somewhere. Load the disks and the nerve gets pressured and shuts that side down. Just speculation on my part of course.

Ah, great minds think alike - that's exactly what I'm guessing/hoping is wrong. Actually had xrays of my lower back done this afternoon. The radiologist had to redo them as my midsection was more muscular than she was used to. Also said I have some of the biggest vertebrae she's ever seen. Not sure if she meant that as a compliment, but I'll take it!

[AZMIDLYF]

Means that you have a big frame. Built to handle alot of weight. I have a bird frame. Hell, my wrists only go 7" circumference. Hopefully they figure out where the issue is for you soon.

[Resolve]

To quote Cartman: "I'm not fat - I'm big boned!" ...Except I am fatter than I plan to be...

Anyways, have you guys seen this: Baked Avocado Fries?

I cannot remember the last time I had fries of any kind. I am so making these with dinner tonight!

[AZMIDLYF]

Those would be a nice compliment to my baked Yam fries.

[Resolve]

I had an OUTSTANDING workout yesterday! I can't squat, but I made the most of what I can do for my lower body. I took 1.5 scoops Lit-Up on my way to the gym and I think that's what I'm going to stick with - I felt great from start to finish, despite really pushing myself.

I'm wrapping up my last week here in TX before heading to CA for two weeks of Christmas vacation. I'll still be lifting in CA, and logging this of course, but I will be conforming my workouts to equipment available. Gonna try to lift at my brother's high school as they got a great weight room and it'd be fun to 'show him the ropes'.

Anyways, Yesterday's Workout:

Warm-up: Leg Press - 2plates/side x40, 4p/s x30, 6p/s x20 - I can do leg press with a narrow stance and have no pain bringing thighs to my belly. ROM is not as deep as it could be with a wider stance, but that would put more strain on my back than it should have.

Leg Press Dropsets: 8p/s x20 + 6p/s x20 + 4p/sx20; 9p/s x20 + 7p/s x20 + 5p/s x20; 10p/s x20 + 8p/s x15 + 6p/s x15
- Can't remember the last time I had 10p/s on the leg press, let alone doing 20 reps with it as part of a dropset. My quads and glutes were jello. I couldn't stand up for a few minutes. It was awesome.
- Supersetted each set with calf press

Reverse Hyper Machine: 150 x10 per leg for 5 sets.
- The AC wasn't working in the gym and it was so humid that condensation built up on the pedal that your foot pushes on this machine, to the point that I had to concentrate quite a bit on not letting it slip off. Kind of a pain.

Lying Leg Curls: 205 x5 for 6sets, each rep held in the contracted position for a 3 count.

Machine Calf Press: 430 x10 for 5sets

Unilateral Leg Extensions: 110 x18, x15, x15, x10 - each rep held contracted for 2 count

Standing Calf Machine: Dont remember, just used it to finish off my calves with a few more sets.

I had great mind/muscle connection, really focusing on using a given muscle to move each weight. Just walking out of the gym was a trial, and my abdomen/back feels fine.

[Resolve]

Well, I've been out partying and visiting friends all weekend, but of course I also had two great sessions in the gym. I've stuck with 1.5 scoops of Lit-Up and that really seems to be the sweet spot.

Friday - Upper Body, DC sets
DB Bench - 70x20, 80x10, 90x10+5+2, 100x10+2+3 x10+5+2
Seated Smith Press - 135x10, 185x10+5+1 x8+6+3 x10+5+4
Weighted Dips - +45 for 5x5
- DC just sounded like a fun change for this workout, and it certainly did the trick. By the time I got around to weighted dips, 45lb felt like a ton.

Meadows Rows - Bar +75x20, +100x20, +125x20, +150x10+3+2
Shrugs - 3plates/side x20, 4p/s x10+5+1, 5p/s x10
Rear delt Cable raises - 20 for a bunch.
Spider/Preacher/BB Curl triset - 95 for 3x10 each


Saturday: Lower Body, High Volume
Machine Hacks: 1p/s x30, 2p/s for 3x30 - Quads are burning already by the end of these

Split Squat/Walking Lunge Superset: 3 sets of 15-20 each, bodyweight only - great pump

Step-Up/Reverse Lunge Superset: 2 sets of 10 each, bw only

Seated One-Leg Curls/Sumo DB Swing Superset: 3 sets of 20 each, 100lb/80lb

Leg extensions: 3 sets to failure, didn't really pay attention to weight

- Believe it or not, this was an awesome leg day. Even though I couldn't handle huge poundages, I got a great pump and kept my heart rate elevated from beginning to end. It's from a routine written by Scott Abel, specifically designed for leg hypertrophy with lighter resistance.

[Resolve]

I leave tomorrow to head home for Christmas - two weeks off, what a great way to spend the holidays!

[AZMIDLYF]

Awesome Nick! We parents really do enjoy spending time with you guys. I am having a blast with my son who is home from school too.