How strong is Cistamax?

tyrub42

tyrub42

Well-known member
Hi everyone,

I am organizing my next run, which I will be logging on here. I am going to do a 2-month run. The first will be Erase Pro (old formula), but I am not positive what I will go with for the second month. I have a bunch of stuff on hand that I haven't tried yet: Cistamax, new ABE formula, and EP1c (which I tried at 1 cap per day for three weeks with a weak workout routine and schedule, but haven't tried at full dose with a decent workout plan). Out of those, I am thinking I would love to try Cistamax. Part of that is logistical: I think I should wait and run new ABE without the EP leading up to it so I can better compare it to the old formula, and I have about 100 caps of EP1c so that should only really be used all in the same run, but I don't really want to do a 10-11 week log.

My only concern is that I have no idea how strong Cistamax really is, and most of the reviews and logs I have seen are combining it with a whole lot of other stuff, making it almost impossible to tell much about Cistamax as a standalone. I am just wondering, from anyone who has used it (including reps if you have experience), how strong you felt it was, and what specific things you noticed from it. Would you say it has an effect strong enough to run as a standalone and expect very noticeable results? Thank you all for your input!

Best,
Tyler
 
I ran cistamax teamed with erase pro and enjoyed the combo a lot. The biggest highlights I noticed was gym performance increase especially in strength, endurance and recovery. It took until about week 2 for me to really start feeling it kick in but when it did I was thoroughly impressed.

If I were you I would limit how many products you run alongside of it. This way you can be sure what you are getting can be attributed to the product. Maybe just team it with erase pro like I did. I also recommend doing a full 8 week cycle with the product as surprisingly the product really shined late into my 8 week run.

Drop a link to the log for me I would love to follow along bud.
 
What I have noticed from it most is an increase in work capacity (endurance and repeated efforts at a certain intensity) and libido.

I actually only have 1 more bottle and am pretty sad about it. :lol:
 
bolt10 said:
What I have noticed from it most is an increase in work capacity (endurance and repeated efforts at a certain intensity) and libido. I actually only have 1 more bottle and am pretty sad about it. :lol:
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I'm in the same boat brother. :(
 
bolt10 said:
What I have noticed from it most is an increase in work capacity (endurance and repeated efforts at a certain intensity) and libido.

I actually only have 1 more bottle and am pretty sad about it. :lol:
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Great info, thanks! Any increases in strength or muscle gains that you noticed? Also how would you compare it to OG Anabeta?
 
tyrub42 said:
Great info, thanks! Any increases in strength or muscle gains that you noticed? Also how would you compare it to OG Anabeta?
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Ya the increased work capacity translated into better strength for me over time which led to shifts in body comp. I do feel OG AnaBeta served me better in body comp, pumps, and muscle fullness, but CistaMax gave better performance benefits. CistaMax + AnaBeta Elite was money though haha, really liked that combo.
 
tyrub42 said:
Great info, thanks! Any increases in strength or muscle gains that you noticed? Also how would you compare it to OG Anabeta?
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More performance effects than og anabeta. Anabeta really helps change body comp, I feel like the only noticeable body comp change with cista has been vascularity which is still great, just not much in the way of muscle size. Strength increases are quite noticeable too, though not earth shattering.. Definitely some extra oomph I'm almost through with 8 weeks and I would definitely run again, just been stacking with forskolin 95 which I am very familiar with it's effects.
 
Awesome thanks so much to both of you. After hearing this, I will definitely run Cistamax in the second part of my log. Now I just have to think about whether or not to throw some forskolin in the mix. chedapalooza, I'm guessing you would recommend that combo (first month: Oldschool EPro + forskolin + Amentomax (PWO), second month: Cistamax + forskolin + Amentomax (PWO))?
 
tyrub42 said:
Awesome thanks so much to both of you. After hearing this, I will definitely run Cistamax in the second part of my log. Now I just have to think about whether or not to throw some forskolin in the mix. chedapalooza, I'm guessing you would recommend that combo (first month: Oldschool EPro + forskolin + Amentomax (PWO), second month: Cistamax + forskolin + Amentomax (PWO))?
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Sounds awesome. Yea I ran the cista solo for one month without forskolin. It was just as effective. Dose all 4 caps pre workout (fasted) on training days and on off days or cardio only days I split the 4 caps 1 am (fasted) 1 pre cardio, and 1 with two meals
 
chedapalooza said:
Sounds awesome. Yea I ran the cista solo for one month without forskolin. It was just as effective. Dose all 4 caps pre workout (fasted) on training days and on off days or cardio only days I split the 4 caps 1 am (fasted) 1 pre cardio, and 1 with two meals
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Perfect, well that settles that ...any sides on Cista that you noticed (especially on sleep)?
 
With cistamax, the really big thing was increased performance in the gym and a huge boost in energy levels and mood throughout the day. Lesser effects were increased libido and thermogenesis
 
Endurance went up, Strength went up. and fullness was quite pleasing. CNS Recovery was really impressive also, considering i train everything x2 a week, i was able to get away with a load more volume on both days, and not feel dead by the second workout for which ever particular bodypart i decided to bump the volume for on the first workout during that week.
 
tyrub42 said:
Awesome info, thanks so much, guys! I guess that seals the deal. Cistamax it is!
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Nice brother! Very interested in hearing your feedback. I enjoyed following your last PES log.
 
tyrub42 said:
Awesome to hear you'll be following! I will post a link in this thread when I start (planning to start around Oct. 1). Thanks!
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Sweet! Sounds good I'll keep a look out for that link.
 
Turns out the log may need to be delayed. My wrist has been acting up a little more every time I hit the gym or do BJJ. I took a week off and it still didn't feel great, so I went to a doctor. Turns out I may have an injured TFCC in my wrist. Trying some PT for now. REALLY hoping this doesn't require anything surgical. They basically said their standard protocol is to do 1 week of PT and then do surgery if that doesn't work. That sounds ridiculous to me, and as someone who has already had more surgery than I want in 1 lifetime, I think they were really jumping the gun. If anyone has experience with TFCC injuries, please let me know. For now, I am just doing legs and cardio and eating/drinking too much because I am so bored. I will update in here.
 
tyrub42 said:
Turns out the log may need to be delayed. My wrist has been acting up a little more every time I hit the gym or do BJJ. I took a week off and it still didn't feel great, so I went to a doctor. Turns out I may have an injured TFCC in my wrist. Trying some PT for now. REALLY hoping this doesn't require anything surgical. They basically said their standard protocol is to do 1 week of PT and then do surgery if that doesn't work. That sounds ridiculous to me, and as someone who has already had more surgery than I want in 1 lifetime, I think they were really jumping the gun. If anyone has experience with TFCC injuries, please let me know. For now, I am just doing legs and cardio and eating/drinking too much because I am so bored. I will update in here.
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No worries at all brother. Focus on getting that injury healed up. Keep us updated on what the plans are.
 
tyrub42 said:
Turns out the log may need to be delayed. My wrist has been acting up a little more every time I hit the gym or do BJJ. I took a week off and it still didn't feel great, so I went to a doctor. Turns out I may have an injured TFCC in my wrist. Trying some PT for now. REALLY hoping this doesn't require anything surgical. They basically said their standard protocol is to do 1 week of PT and then do surgery if that doesn't work. That sounds ridiculous to me, and as someone who has already had more surgery than I want in 1 lifetime, I think they were really jumping the gun. If anyone has experience with TFCC injuries, please let me know. For now, I am just doing legs and cardio and eating/drinking too much because I am so bored. I will update in here.
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sounds like there trying to make a quick buck, but i could be wrong lol
 
Auslifter said:
sounds like there trying to make a quick buck, but i could be wrong lol
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Hahaha I actually had the same thought. Guy didn't even talk to me for 5 min before I was out of there, so he probably just wants to see how much improvement I see before Wednesday of this week for my 2nd appointment (hopefully a lot). The owner of Taiwan Bjj is also a doctor and said even if it's just a sprain I am probably looking at 3 weeks before it's good to go (which would be about another week from now), so for now I am just waiting and hoping...
 
tyrub42 said:
Hahaha I actually had the same thought. Guy didn't even talk to me for 5 min before I was out of there, so he probably just wants to see how much improvement I see before Wednesday of this week for my 2nd appointment (hopefully a lot). The owner of Taiwan Bjj is also a doctor and said even if it's just a sprain I am probably looking at 3 weeks before it's good to go (which would be about another week from now), so for now I am just waiting and hoping...
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Well once again hopefully your rest has showed an improvement man. Make sure to heal up before pushing hard and having to start the process all over.
 
LiveToLift said:
Well once again hopefully your rest has showed an improvement man. Make sure to heal up before pushing hard and having to start the process all over.
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Thanks man! Still not good to go. I am considering buying a splint and doing Bjj one-handed. I wish that was a joke but I am getting antsy over here. haven't rolled or done any lifting except squats and cardio in 2 weeks. I think I'm getting better but it's hard to tell. Next appointment is on Wednesday. Hoping for good news (not needing surgery is all I need to feel like it's a win...even if they say I do need it, I'll try prp first).
 
With an injury like that, time off is all you can really do. Don't rush things and make it get even worse/ force you to take more time off.
 
Synapsin said:
With an injury like that, time off is all you can really do. Don't rush things and make it get even worse/ force you to take more time off.
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I hate that advice even though I know you are 100 percent right haha. Finally feeling a bit better though :)
 
Synapsin said:
Sometimes its harder, but it'll be worth it when you're all good again :)
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Agreed. Going hard too soon can often times do way more damage than good. Sometimes you have to just bite the bullet.
 
LiveToLift said:
Agreed. Going hard too soon can often times do way more damage than good. Sometimes you have to just bite the bullet.
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I know this all to well. After years of dealing with reoccurring back issues, I've learned the hard way.
 
breezy11 said:
I know this all to well. After years of dealing with reoccurring back issues, I've learned the hard way.
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I remember you have this struggle. Was it you who also deals with reoccurring shoulder problems as well?
 
LiveToLift said:
I remember you have this struggle. Was it you who also deals with reoccurring shoulder problems as well?
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Yeah, I had problems from an old hockey injury, but since getting my training from Meadows it hasn't been an issue at all. He orders exercises with safety in mind, which has been a huge help.
 
breezy11 said:
Yeah, I had problems from an old hockey injury, but since getting my training from Meadows it hasn't been an issue at all. He orders exercises with safety in mind, which has been a huge help.
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I know you have had great success following his protocols. Many have followed your lead in adopting his training style. Good to hear it hasn't been plaguing you any longer brother breezy!
 
Should be REALLY good for rounding out the muscle and maximizing glycogen storage in the muscle. We've used cistanche in Test Factor for like 5 years now, and Ive always felt thats the ingredient that makes it the best test booster on the market. The GDA effect is just unreal for myself, and many others who have used it.
 
SwolenONE said:
Should be REALLY good for rounding out the muscle and maximizing glycogen storage in the muscle. We've used cistanche in Test Factor for like 5 years now, and Ive always felt thats the ingredient that makes it the best test booster on the market. The GDA effect is just unreal for myself, and many others who have used it.
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Good deal Swolen. I know I really noticed the improvement in gym performance while on it.
 
Synapsin said:
Sometimes its harder, but it'll be worth it when you're all good again :)
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Truth! I just saw the doctor again. I feel like it's about 80 percent better, and they are pretty confident that I'll be good to go within 2 weeks. Not exactly the best news ever (that'll be 4 weeks total), but it was a giant relief since tfcc injuries often have to be treated surgically. I also got a little cast/splint made, so I am thinking about going back to bjj and going 1-handed to see if I can actually get some practice in without straining it (I think I can). I did some 1-armed stuff yesterday also. It wasn't amazing, but it did the job. I did dumbbell swings (don't have any kettlebells), se other core stuff, and some left-side only shoulder/chest presses. I stayed away from that at first but I think 2 weeks is fine, and my left side is my weaker side anyway.
 
Thinking about starting the Epro at this point just to keep some motivation. Wrist still isn't healed up. I have tried western PT, kinesiology taping, myofacial release and sports therapy, and now trying some Chinese medicine. I guess these things just take a frustratingly long time to heal. It's been over 3 weeks now, which isn't too crazy except that the injury was very minor compared to those commonly seen by the doctors I've visited. Really hoping this is resolved within another week. Of course it'll still be 2 weeks or so before I work myself back up to lifting and rolling with full intensity. Oh well. If all else fails, the owner of Taiwan Bjj does PRP so I can try that (it's a little expensive though and not sure if it'll help).
 
tyrub42 said:
Thinking about starting the Epro at this point just to keep some motivation. Wrist still isn't healed up. I have tried western PT, kinesiology taping, myofacial release and sports therapy, and now trying some Chinese medicine. I guess these things just take a frustratingly long time to heal. It's been over 3 weeks now, which isn't too crazy except that the injury was very minor compared to those commonly seen by the doctors I've visited. Really hoping this is resolved within another week. Of course it'll still be 2 weeks or so before I work myself back up to lifting and rolling with full intensity. Oh well. If all else fails, the owner of Taiwan Bjj does PRP so I can try that (it's a little expensive though and not sure if it'll help).
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I've had. Wrist Injury for over a year now man. Can't really do pullovers anymore (thankfully that's the only lift affected) but yea, even after lots of rest, it just came right back... May need to look into modifying your workouts or surgery like your doc said way back
 
chedapalooza said:
I've had. Wrist Injury for over a year now man. Can't really do pullovers anymore (thankfully that's the only lift affected) but yea, even after lots of rest, it just came right back... May need to look into modifying your workouts or surgery like your doc said way back
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Any idea if yours is also a tfcc injury (on the pinky side of the wrist, main hurts when you twist it, etc)? Did going back to lifting injure it more, or are u OK just modifying your workout? Also, how bad was it initially had how long did u rest it before coming back? Thanks so much for sharing your experience man! It's good to know others have successfully come back to lifting without screwing their wrists up more.
 
tyrub42 said:
Any idea if yours is also a tfcc injury (on the pinky side of the wrist, main hurts when you twist it, etc)? Did going back to lifting injure it more, or are u OK just modifying your workout? Also, how bad was it initially had how long did u rest it before coming back? Thanks so much for sharing your experience man! It's good to know others have successfully come back to lifting without screwing their wrists up more.
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I forgot what it's called but yea on pinky side. It only truly hurts if I do pullovers. That neutral grip when the weight pulls the pinky away from the wrist. It's those ligaments from the hand to the wrist. Doc told me to wear a **** up splint and rest for a week. As long as I don't do pullovers, it seems to stay alright
 
chedapalooza said:
I forgot what it's called but yea on pinky side. It only truly hurts if I do pullovers. That neutral grip when the weight pulls the pinky away from the wrist. It's those ligaments from the hand to the wrist. Doc told me to wear a **** up splint and rest for a week. As long as I don't do pullovers, it seems to stay alright
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That makes ne feel way better hearing that you can still do most of your normal exercises man thanks! How did u hurt it (if you don't mind me asking)?
 
tyrub42 said:
That makes ne feel way better hearing that you can still do most of your normal exercises man thanks! How did u hurt it (if you don't mind me asking)?
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Pullovers. I tried dropping the weight while it was extended over the bench. 80lbs db and it just kinda ripped the hand away from the wrist

Edit: heavy upright rows will hurt it too. I can go heavier if do them on the smith but 70-80lbs seems to be the limit now.. I was up around 115 when I got the injury. Cissus products have helped me I recall too
 
Cistanche is a strong GDA, I'll definitely show signs of going hypo if I dont eat carbs within about 30 min after dosing.
 
SwolenONE said:
Cistanche is a strong GDA, I'll definitely show signs of going hypo if I dont eat carbs within about 30 min after dosing.
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While I can't say I went hypo ever, I can attest to the gda properties. Wa trying to pinpoint how I got down to 10- 11% bf despite less cardio and increased cals, and after being off cista for almost a month now, I can definitely say it was a huge player in body comp and nutrient utilization
 
chedapalooza said:
Pullovers. I tried dropping the weight while it was extended over the bench. 80lbs db and it just kinda ripped the hand away from the wrist

Edit: heavy upright rows will hurt it too. I can go heavier if do them on the smith but 70-80lbs seems to be the limit now.. I was up around 115 when I got the injury. Cissus products have helped me I recall too
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Thanks man! I recently switched from upright rows to snatch-grip high pulls but those might be worse...guess I'll just have to see, when I get back into it. Been taking my supercissus daily and also adding in some joint help. No idea if they are playing a part in recovery though (sure aren't hurting it). I'm probably going to start the log within a week just as motivation to clean up my diet and do as much as I can. I've managed to keep my weight down but I do look softer so I'm guessing I have lost some muscle (not too surprising with no real workouts in 3 weeks+). shouldn't be a problem once I can get back into it, so not worried about that. Just chomping at the bit to get back. Thanks again for sharing your experience, man! From how you injured it and where it was hurt, it was almost definitely the same area as me. There are so many different things in the tfcc that can get hurt, so the specific injury is probably different, but compared to some other things I've read it sounds like we are both much luckier than some people who had serious stability issues.
 
SwolenONE said:
Cistanche is a strong GDA, I'll definitely show signs of going hypo if I dont eat carbs within about 30 min after dosing.
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Interesting, thanks for the heads-up! I will keep some emergency carbs around the first few times I dose it (supposed to do all 4 PWO so normally wouldn't have carbs for 3 hours or more after dosing).
 
Doctor's appointment tomorrow. I am going to start lifting a bit and doing BJJ again on Friday unless he tells me a good reason not to. I am at the point now of having days where I feel almost all better, and days where I feel back to 70-80%. At this point, it's been a full month off, and I feel I've put in my time. I'll start with light lifts that won't tweak my wrists and light rolling and go from there. I am also trying to find out where in Taipei I can get stem cell therapy. I know there is at least one doctor doing it, but it's damn near impossible to find. If I can find that, I'll go for it. After researching PRP, it seems like stem cells are pretty much head and shoulders about PRP alone (stem cell therapy also uses PRP), so I am going to keep looking for that. If I can't find it, I'll go get a shot of PRP (few hundred US dollars, so nothing too crazy even though insurance won't cover it). I'll keep updating and start the log when I get back in the gym. I started EPro yesterday. If worse comes to worse, I'll just keep doing cardio and one-handed dumbbell deads, but I think I will at the very least feel good doing regular barbell deads with an overhand grip on the right side. Thanks again chedapalooza for sharing your experience with wrist injury and thanks to everyone else, too!
 
tyrub42 said:
Doctor's appointment tomorrow. I am going to start lifting a bit and doing BJJ again on Friday unless he tells me a good reason not to. I am at the point now of having days where I feel almost all better, and days where I feel back to 70-80%. At this point, it's been a full month off, and I feel I've put in my time. I'll start with light lifts that won't tweak my wrists and light rolling and go from there. I am also trying to find out where in Taipei I can get stem cell therapy. I know there is at least one doctor doing it, but it's damn near impossible to find. If I can find that, I'll go for it. After researching PRP, it seems like stem cells are pretty much head and shoulders about PRP alone (stem cell therapy also uses PRP), so I am going to keep looking for that. If I can't find it, I'll go get a shot of PRP (few hundred US dollars, so nothing too crazy even though insurance won't cover it). I'll keep updating and start the log when I get back in the gym. I started EPro yesterday. If worse comes to worse, I'll just keep doing cardio and one-handed dumbbell deads, but I think I will at the very least feel good doing regular barbell deads with an overhand grip on the right side. Thanks again chedapalooza for sharing your experience with wrist injury and thanks to everyone else, too!
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Good luck tomorrow!
 
Well, had my appointment today. Last night while procrastinating instead of doing some work that's overdue, I wrote a lengthy email to the designer of the wrist widget, a device specially made for TFCC injuries. I explained that I have been diagnosed with one, but I don't have any pain or weakness when doing any of the TFCC diagnostic tests. After answering some more questions, she seems convinced that my issue is not a TFCC injury. She is a doctor and has 17 years of experience specializing in TFCC injuries. I shared the same concerns with my doctor, who didn't seem concerned and wrote me a script for more PT and another follow-up 2 weeks later.

This might not seem like good news (and, admittedly, it probably isn't), but there are two things that left me feeling much better:

1. If my issue isn't a TFCC issue, it probably has a better chance of healing 100%.
2. The doctor told me (after a bit of persuasion) that I can start getting back to exercising with that arm, as long as I go slowly and immediately stop doing anything that irritates my wrist.

I will hit up the gym tomorrow or Friday for some very careful work, and start BJJ on Friday night, although will probably still not use my right hand much if at all (will focus on my movement and improving hip mobility, which is the part of BJJ that is sort of like pushing a boulder up a mountain that constantly gets taller). I am going to start with deadlifts the first day, then have a day of hammer-grip bench if the deads feel ok. From there, I'll work on modifying my back and arm exercises. If this works out, I'll be starting my log on Monday. Granted, it'll be a bit more recuperative in nature than I originally intended, but I am really excited to even have a reason to be optimistic again :) .

Thanks again to all of you for your Cistamax advice and wrist advice/support!
 
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