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Volcom's Optimus PRIME Log

That would be sic if he put some of the Shizandra extract along with the CSM found in recreate together :thumbsup:. For ppl with cortisol issues i think first and foremost use a product to normalize adrenal function so your body isn't over producing cortisol in the first place then go from there.

Good call on the vitamin C i believe that has been shown to lower cortisol 30% 2g's+ daily should be the norm.

Vitamin C isn't a supplement I need to go out and buy either. I'll add those 2g daily, thanks for the heads up.
 
Vitamin C isn't a supplement I need to go out and buy either. I'll add those 2g daily, thanks for the heads up.
As I was taking my Vitamin C the other day, I realized this was missing from Sam's arsenal; and although what he has is plenty, I figured I would mention it so that people who wish to also try cutting weight by lowering their cortisol don't have to buy all those supplements. They most likely already have the Vitamin C.

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This study examined the short-term effects of the daily ingestion of ascorbic acid (1,000 mg/d) on resting and postexercise concentrations of serum Cortisol (Cort), testosterone (T), and the testosterone:Cortisol ratio (T:C) in 17 junior elite weightlifters. Subjects were assigned to one of two groups equated for body mass and weightlifting total. GAA received ascorbic acid each day. GP received a placebo similar in appearance to the ascorbic acid supplement. Subjects participated in a competitive, high volume, high intensity training program. Blood (fasting) was drawn 5 times: baseline, Day 16 preexercise, immediate post, 1-hr post, and 24 hrs post. Exercise consisted of typical large-muscle-mass exercises familiar to all subjects and was standardized based on relative intensity (% 1-RM). ANCOVA, using preexercise ascorbic acid concentrations as the covariant, showed a significant difference (p = 0.02) for Cortisol at 24 hrs post. Testosterone or the T:C ratio did not differ between groups at any point.

The draw after 1 hour showed C lower but not significantly, however after 24 hours it was. Part of the reason why I picked up 500g on my last order.
 
I've already gotten weaker

My notable decrease in strength could be a combination of many things. #1. It could be the fact I'm no longer on PRIME, #2. It could be because I'm cutting, therefore, the lack of carbs and #3. It could be all of the above.

AM Fasted Cardio: 20 min street run.

PM Lift
Chest/Back

CHEST: Strength Work
Flat Bench
225lbs x 10
275lbs x 8 [-2 reps, where 10 used to be automatic]
295lbs x 6 reps [-2 to 3 reps]

Hammer Wide Press
250lbs x 15 reps [I don't know why I went so high, stupid. Actually I do know why, stupid nonetheless]
270lbs x 8 reps
320lbs x 6 reps

Free Weight Loaded Hammer Dips [done in a fashion to emphasize lower/outer pecs]
230lbs x 10 reps
240lbs x 8 reps
240lbs x 7 reps

Machine, Decline Press
160lbs x 10 reps
180lbs x 8 reps
200lbs x 6 reps

BACK: Maintenance Work
Machine Row - Neutral Grip x 3 sets
Machine Row - Underhand Grip x 3 sets
Lat Pull Downs - Behind The Neck x 3 sets


I had half a bi's workout this morning with my fasted AM cardio, but something came up and I couldn't finish, but here is what I was able to squeeze in

Db Curls x 3 sets
Db Hammer Curls x 3 sets
Barbell Reverse Curls x 2 sets, then I had to stop.
 
Just chiming in on the C issue, my .02 worth.. LOVE me some C! Always run minimum 2g when I'm cutting, and 1-1.5g just for maintenence. It's also in my 'secret formula' when I start feeling a cold coming on - I jack that up to 6g till that feeling's gone (usually only takes a day).
Got sick for the first time in 3 years before Christmas, and that was a damn virus..
 
I'll definitely be adding 2g VitC daily to my arsenal of supps...I've only been taking 1g and whatever is in my food.
Well, the secret to my Thunder-riffic workouts is now out of the bag!! I've been taking 4 grams of Vitamin C daily for the longest time. IT WORKS!! :head:
 
i just bought some chewable c for preworkout. havent read any studies, but anecdotally ive heard some vit c is effective preworkout. maybe someone could shed some light on this bro-trition?

also, for the food fanatics, ill be cooking beef and brocolli and some sesame chicken tenders tmrw. both to be served over some whole wheat noodles. and cooked in the crock pot.

pics will be available upon request :thumbsup:
 
This is the reason I was newly inspired by Steveo's anti cort approach. My cuts have a tendency to go overboard with activity and the combination of the Relora, Rhodiola, 7-Keto, Ashwagandha and Phosphatidyl Serine (combined suggestions between Snag and IC) are adaptogens, anti exercise induced stress, cort control and the added lean xtreme for a final blow.

You know i love the ashwaghanda, im my book its one of the most underated supps out there, great for thermogenesis, and Endurance..Lots of studies to back it up too.
Lean xtreme is just the sweetest supp, i felt so happy on that, And really started to lean out, i bought more of that for future use, just for its relaxing effects.
Again on a cut i used 6 grams of vitamin c per day for this reason, but it does hinder the effects of rhodiola, and ashwaghanda, as vitamin c has been proven to stop the body adapting to stress.
 
i just bought some chewable c for preworkout. havent read any studies, but anecdotally ive heard some vit c is effective preworkout. maybe someone could shed some light on this bro-trition?

also, for the food fanatics, ill be cooking beef and brocolli and some sesame chicken tenders tmrw. both to be served over some whole wheat noodles. and cooked in the crock pot.

pics will be available upon request :thumbsup:

I never heard that, but ive seen studies showing its great post workout, reduces cortisol, and has anti inflammatry benefits too, so thus aiding recovery.
 
Not to complicate things, but getting the maximum out of Vitamin C (in the sense of ascorbic acid) supplementation might involve ensuring than the compound works as long as long as possible in the system. As is well-known, an agent known as dihydroquercetin, by recycling Vitamin C, not only dramatically extends the half-life of Vitamin C, but also significantly increases its potency. Some Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements come with dihydroquercetin in the matrix. This is my favourite ascorbic-acid formula. Sometimes, I take upwards of 6gr (6 tablets; where each tablet contains 1000mg Ascorbic Acid and 10mg Dihydroquercetin) of Vitamin-C-with-Dihydroquercetin daily without any gastrointestinal stress, something that may happen with straight Ascorbic Acid supplementation at a high systemic dose. I also like to dose the fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, namely Ascorbyl Palmitate, along with the water-soluble form (Ascorbic Acid), for maximum results.
 
also, for the food fanatics, ill be cooking beef and brocolli and some sesame chicken tenders tmrw. both to be served over some whole wheat noodles. and cooked in the crock pot.

pics will be available upon request :thumbsup:

Oh nice! I smelled those words first thing this morning, came running.. :D
 
your sig just blew my mind.
Russianstar is a very unique character. He has a great sense of humor. And a great knowledge of nutrition and supplementation. He is a tremendous asset to this board. And I am proud to call him my e-friend. :thumbsup:
 
Russianstar is a very unique character. He has a great sense of humor. And a great knowledge of nutrition and supplementation. He is a tremendous asset to this board. And I am proud to call him my e-friend. :thumbsup:

I Think your taking things a bit far here buddy, all this asset stuff, but very kind of you i am flatterd.
I am glad to have met you, and the feeling is mutual Tg, your a great friend here.:thumbsup:
 
Not to complicate things, but getting the maximum out of Vitamin C (in the sense of ascorbic acid) supplementation might involve ensuring than the compound works as long as long as possible in the system. As is well-known, an agent known as dihydroquercetin, by recycling Vitamin C, not only dramatically extends the half-life of Vitamin C, but also significantly increases its potency. Some Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements come with dihydroquercetin in the matrix. This is my favourite ascorbic-acid formula. Sometimes, I take upwards of 6gr (6 tablets; where each tablet contains 1000mg Ascorbic Acid and 10mg ) of Vitamin-C-with-Dihydroquercetin daily without any gastrointestinal stress, something that may happen with straight Ascorbic Acid supplementation at a high systemic dose. I also like to dose the fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, namely Ascorbyl Palmitate, along with the water-soluble form (Ascorbic Acid), for maximum results.


Time released vitamins are certainly more effective. I just fill a jug of water add the vitamin c, and sip it through the day, job done and very cheap too. No stomach problems, just the benefits. I know however that it is extremely usefull too supplement with dihydroquercetin as Studies demonstrate that dihydroquercetin acts to inhibit the oxidation of vitamin C, thereby helping to maintain its concentration and to recycle vitamin C throughout the body.
This synergistic relationship between dihydroquercetin and vitamin C greatly enhances the efficacy of both molecules in the body's organs and tissues.

Just so you all know what dihydroquercetin is, il explain..
Its basicly a more active form of dihydroquercetin and is close to quercetin and rutin, but it exceeds them on pharmacological activity within the human organism.

Hope that helps.:thumbsup:
 
My only concern about sipping something acidic like that all day is your teeth (my dad is a dentist, can't help it lol). Depends on how acidic it is, but you might want to consider a straw :)

Very nice tip dude. I do this myself when I utilize apple cider vinegar for cutting, for the very same purpose. A lot of guys don't understand the acidity will eat that enamel away quick! :eek:
 
Very nice tip dude. I do this myself when I utilize apple cider vinegar for cutting, for the very same purpose. A lot of guys don't understand the acidity will eat that enamel away quick! :eek:

Even if it's extremely watered down? Like, say you dropped 2g VitC in a gallon of water...
 
Even if it's extremely watered down? Like, say you dropped 2g VitC in a gallon of water...

Nah, you're probably cool with that. The problem lies in brushing your teeth afterward tho - with the acidity in the mix, you'll brush that enamel right off dem choppers.
Don't think this is as much of an issue here as it is with the ACV (oh dig the abbreviation there, haha), but maybe someone else will chime in..
 
I won't be popping VitC until later in the day, because I don't want to screw the cortisol thing up in the morning, but maybe I can break my 1g tablets in half, and spread those out?

12pm, 3pm, 7pm, 10pm?
 
I won't be popping VitC until later in the day, because I don't want to screw the cortisol thing up in the morning, but maybe I can break my 1g tablets in half, and spread those out?

12pm, 3pm, 7pm, 10pm?

Sweet. I break my 2g daily servings into 3 or 4 divided doses (depending on which multi I'm using & how much C is in it respectively) thru the day.
 
Good idea about the straw, Its true it does soften the enamel, but i swill my mouth out with water after, never had any trouble, no fillings, no decay, its shown to have less of an effect than having a sugary drink.
 
i tried using 1.5 grams vit c pre workout today. i need some more testing to make sure it is indeed the vit c, buuuut, i had a truly amazing trial workout with it today. chest and tris, pump so intense it was genuinely painful. i need to see if this is consistent for a few days tho, im a bit skeptical still.
 
I was freakishly 204lbs this morning, after weighing 208lbs consistently AFTER fasted AM cardio for 3-4 days. This means I must have been dry as hell or depleted as hell. I'm mostly likely looking at 208lbs tonight. Still, I haven't seen anything less then 211-15 for about a year, so water/glycogen or not, it was psychologically encouraging :thumbsup:
 
Nah, you're probably cool with that. The problem lies in brushing your teeth afterward tho - with the acidity in the mix, you'll brush that enamel right off dem choppers.
Don't think this is as much of an issue here as it is with the ACV (oh dig the abbreviation there, haha), but maybe someone else will chime in..

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Yikes. I will never forget to brush my fangs again..

Weight's melting off ya like water dude.. and of course that's the first thing to go. Very impressive. Have you upped/stabilized your cal consumption then? How are you feeling (other than excited)?
 
I know, I know. I just didn't want to seem as if I was being biased..

:)


:lol: I've already been "accused" of being an undercover rep for USP. Doesn't bother me, as long as I'm getting all those :twisted: :clean: :D :woohoo: "placebo" effects ! :thumbsup:


I was freakishly 204lbs this morning, after weighing 208lbs consistently AFTER fasted AM cardio for 3-4 days. This means I must have been dry as hell or depleted as hell. I'm mostly likely looking at 208lbs tonight. Still, I haven't seen anything less then 211-15 for about a year, so water/glycogen or not, it was psychologically encouraging :thumbsup:

NICE work V ! How is your strength keeping up with this, any ideas yet ?
 
:lol: I've already been "accused" of being an undercover rep for USP. Doesn't bother me, as long as I'm getting all those :twisted: :clean: :D :woohoo: "placebo" effects ! :thumbsup:
...

Glad you feel that way. :head: I used to be undercover USPLabs, until I posted this. Just blew my own cover! :D
 
Indeed ! I don't think I've ever seen you using the :head: smiley Strat ! Invalid Link Removed

Do you think this will get us to the Anonymous board ? That has been my secret ambition all along but Volcom beat me to it :sad:

:lol:
 
Careful there Mullet. Or you'll end up in the anonymous section. You know you wouldn't want that!! :lol:
 
Mad Dedication... or just mad

Fasted AM

5:30am: Ran 1.5 miles to work, fasted.

Lead my athlete in a 1 mile run (7 min) and trained him for the hour. I attempted to keep up with him on the Db cleans, but that wasn't happening.

Ran 1.5 miles back home, still fasted.

7:30 am.
1st Meal.

8:00am Lift
Barbell Reverse Curls
65lbs x 15 reps
75lbs x 12 reps
85lbs x 10 reps

Smith-Barbell Reverse Curls
95lbs x 15 reps
95lbs x 12 reps
95lbs x 12 reps
95lbs x 12 reps
95lbs x 11 reps

Cable, EZ Bar Reverse Curls
100lbs x 15 reps
110lbs x12 reps
120lbs x 10 reps
130lbs x 8 reps

No, I'm not trying to see who can fast the longest, but Tuesdays and Thursdays are my early morning training sessions, so I've decided for the time being, to use that as a facet for morning cardio, run to work, run around with the athlete at work and run home, then eat.

Cardio and lift in the PM still to come.
 
:lol: I've already been "accused" of being an undercover rep for USP. Doesn't bother me, as long as I'm getting all those :twisted: :clean: :D :woohoo: "placebo" effects ! :thumbsup:




NICE work V ! How is your strength keeping up with this, any ideas yet ?

My strength is not keeping up, it's not falling by the way side, but the most notable lack of performance was my 275lbs bench. While in the midst of my PRIME run and plenty o'carbs, my 275 set was a guarantee 10 reps, so much so, I started to skip it and go right to 295 as a first working set of 10. However, during my last chest session, I really worked to get 275 up 8 times.

BUUUUUT, I'm bringing the volume of my repetitions back up to the 8-15 reps. I think I need more simple sugars in my blood to really push those heavy, heavy weights (maybe I don't), but either way, I've stopped making strength gains, so its time to take my new strength foundation and add some volume to it.

One big struggle I have right now is that my killer instinct isn't solely focused on lifting, it's split between cardio and lifting. I'm doing cardio twice a day and lifting, and I don't skimp on the cardio effort. I'm drenched to the point of having to change my clothes before I lift. Historically, this is my pattern, but once my energy level starts to meet the demands of the activities I'm placing on my body, I'll be good to go.

I think I posted a few pages back, "I have a tendency to over-cardio" however, my diet is in a good place. Eating 6 times a day is making this cut easier. I'm not hungry and having to fight hunger pains all the time with a 3 meal a day thing, and I don't feel like I have to stop uber short of satiation when I eat. On top of that, my 6 meal diet is working out great in terms of effectiveness :thumbsup:
 
Yikes. I will never forget to brush my fangs again..

Weight's melting off ya like water dude.. and of course that's the first thing to go. Very impressive. Have you upped/stabilized your cal consumption then? How are you feeling (other than excited)?

My calorie consumption is good now Snag, it was just that first couple of days where I was eating like a 16 year old high school girl trying to fit into her prom dress.

I'm never hungry, except maybe 30 min before my next feed. My protein could be a bit more then it is and my carbs (though complex) could be a bit less then it is, but I'll fix that once I get to my next bulk cooking. That should taper down my kcals in a slow & controlled manner.
 
My calorie consumption is good now Snag, it was just that first couple of days where I was eating like a 16 year old high school girl trying to fit into her prom dress.

I'm never hungry, except maybe 30 min before my next feed. My protein could be a bit more then it is and my carbs (though complex) could be a bit less then it is, but I'll fix that once I get to my next bulk cooking. That should taper down my kcals in a slow & controlled manner.

Awesome Sam.
You're strength (especially coming off the Prime) with lowered calories is logical to decline. I would not worry about strength at this time; focus on creating thermic release (i.e. sweat) thru lowered rest/higher rep combo. Let's bring some cuts into play! Your cardio is off the hook dude..kudos.
I might recommend some BCAA's (sorry if you listed this as a supp already) surrounding the cardio, just to ensure muscle preservation. If your protein is lacking thru diet, then this becomes even more essential.
Glad to see you're not eating like my daughter anymore! :stick: j/k
 
Awesome Sam.
You're strength (especially coming off the Prime) with lowered calories is logical to decline. I would not worry about strength at this time; focus on creating thermic release (i.e. sweat) thru lowered rest/higher rep combo. Let's bring some cuts into play! Your cardio is off the hook dude..kudos.
I might recommend some BCAA's (sorry if you listed this as a supp already) surrounding the cardio, just to ensure muscle preservation. If your protein is lacking thru diet, then this becomes even more essential.
Glad to see you're not eating like my daughter anymore! :stick: j/k

I had some samples of Xtend, this stuff is great. It's not cheap, but it really seems worth it. It actually tastes pretty great.
 
I had some samples of Xtend, this stuff is great. It's not cheap, but it really seems worth it. It actually tastes pretty great.
I thought the price wasn't bad. The only thing I don't like is the taste gets old for me after a few weeks. I tried Purple Wraath and it is delicious. That is a little pricey but I may give that a shot in the future.
 
Awesome Sam.
You're strength (especially coming off the Prime) with lowered calories is logical to decline. I would not worry about strength at this time; focus on creating thermic release (i.e. sweat) thru lowered rest/higher rep combo. Let's bring some cuts into play! Your cardio is off the hook dude..kudos.
I might recommend some BCAA's (sorry if you listed this as a supp already) surrounding the cardio, just to ensure muscle preservation. If your protein is lacking thru diet, then this becomes even more essential.
Glad to see you're not eating like my daughter anymore! :stick: j/k

Also, I'm definitely focused on cuts at the moment, so the decline in strength isn't a huge deal.
 
I thought the price wasn't bad. The only thing I don't like is the taste gets old for me after a few weeks. I tried Purple Wraath and it is delicious. That is a little pricey but I may give that a shot in the future.

I was going to recommend that to Volc, but it's got BA in it.
 
I didn't really notice much of the tingle effect until I chugged the last bit of it. I don't even know how much is in it. Gonna have to look that up.

We don't, but Sam will!

Among everything else, PW contains 2,700mg proprietary blend of Beta-Alanine, Citruline Malate, Betaine Anhydrous, Ginger root, L-norvaline.

I have no idea how much total BA there is.
 
We don't, but Sam will!

Among everything else, PW contains 2,700mg proprietary blend of Beta-Alanine, Citruline Malate, Betaine Anhydrous, Ginger root, L-norvaline.

I have no idea how much total BA there is.

IC's right, I have an abnormal-hypersensitivity to BA induced paresthesia. It makes me want to take a potato peeler and shave my skin off from the itch pains I get.
 
How do these scheduled cheat meals work? Meaning, how often? I'm not asking because I need one, I don't feel neglected or sacrificial at all right now, I thrive off of this kind of discipline, but I understand there is a "keep the body guessing..... boost the metabolism" effect. Or are cheat meals solely for psychological relief?
 
How do these scheduled cheat meals work? Meaning, how often? I'm not asking because I need one, I don't feel neglected or sacrificial at all right now, I thrive off of this kind of discipline, but I understand there is a "keep the body guessing..... boost the metabolism" effect. Or are cheat meals solely for psychological relief?

It's more than psychological. The body will adjust to your calorie consumption if you don't punch it in the face once in a while.

I'd say one cheat meal every two weeks, assuming you have routine carb-refeeds. If you don't have refeeds, one cheat meal a week would be fine. I need to start doing this again. I haven't had a cheat meal in a looooong time.
 
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