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Bending the Spoon. Enter the "Shred" Matrix...

Shred Matrix: Day 31

I have been feeling great today! Shred Matrix really woke me up this morning, and helped me get a good head start on my day. I've been up and about most of the morning cleaning up the house, and feeling very happy. After taking the weekend off of SM, I notice that it is somewhat of a mood enhancer when I start it back up on Mondays. Not anything overpowering, but it is slightly there. :)

I will be getting to the gym early this afternoon, and will post about it when I get back.
 
It looks like I will be sticking with one a day workouts. Resolve put together a new lifting routine, which is more intense than last weeks, and I will be doing it along with him. I will be lifting 4 days this week.

Workout:


8x3

Squats: 155 lb
w/ Chin-Ups: Body Weight + 10 lb (PR)

BB Military Press: 80 lb
w/ Standing Single Leg Calf Raises: 45 lb

DB Curls: 25 lb
w/ External Rotations: 12.5 lb

This workout was absolutely draining. I am completely exhausted. I really pushed myself the entire time. I have never done more than body weight for chin-ups, and was very surprised when I pumped out my last 6 sets with the extra 10 lb! This was very exciting. :D

I've been having a little trouble with my left shoulder. I think I pulled a muscle last week, and it is having a hard time going back to normal. It seems like any time I do any type of press movement involving my shoulders/ arms it begins to hurt. It isn't an excruciating pain, but just something isn't quite right. I did light weight, very slow external rotations rather than a tricep movement to help my shoulder out a bit. It really did help. I'm gonna try to take it easy, to give it a bit of time to heal up.
 
Take care of that shoulder. Shoulder injuries are so annoying. Specially when they affect virtually all major lifts.
 
yes, take care of that shoulder and rest it if you need to, its very important you dont cause more damage to it.

i agree with you on the mood enhancing aspect of shred, 5htp on its own is good for this along with the variety of ginseng in the matrix. Even the hoodia, which makes you brain think its full, has a satisfaction aspect mentally as an effect.
 
Thanks guys. :) I have bench press as one of my movements today, and I think that I will use dumbells. The range of motion is easier on my shoulder than if I use BBs. I think I'll continue doing rotator cuff movments to strengthen it more.
 
I'm about to go make my stomach feel full the more natural way...

Tuna steak, chicken breast, Hawaiian glaze, chipotle brown rice, chopped spinach, onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. :thumbsup:
 
Shred Matrix: Day 32

Workout:

4x6

Romanian Deadlifts: 175, 185, 190, 190 lb
w/ DB Flat Bench: 40, 42.5, 42.5, 47.5 lb DBs

4x6 Cable Horizontal External Rotations: 10 lb
4x12 Cable Pull Through: 90 lb

Hammer Curls: 30 lb, 30 lb, 27.5 lb
w/ Seated Calves: 90 lb

My shoulder is not hurting at all right now. It did while I was lifting, primarily during my deadlifts. It must have just been the heavy pull on my joint. I think tomorrow's off day will help it recover quite a bit.
 
So, thanks to you I got my girl to try out dead lifts. Although we started her at a weight incomparable to yours, I am very happy.

So, thanks. :)
 
So, thanks to you I got my girl to try out dead lifts. Although we started her at a weight incomparable to yours, I am very happy.

So, thanks. :)

Deadlifts are an incredible movement for fat-loss, strength and muscle gains. I'm glad that she has started them up! DLs are a movement that can benefit everyone.

Does she have any particular goals while lifting?
 
The only thing she cares about is fat loss. If it were up to her, she would only do cardio. But, I convinced her to incorporate lifting. I have her doing circuits involving the major compound lifts between 10-20 reps. She is a little too novice to go to the heavier 3-5 rep stuff, so I want to make sure her form is perfected before she goes heavy.

She has gotten pretty good results so far. She has lost 10 pounds since starting, and only has 15 more to get to her goal. I have tried to convince her to log here, but she is too timid.
 
The only thing she cares about is fat loss. If it were up to her, she would only do cardio. But, I convinced her to incorporate lifting. I have her doing circuits involving the major compound lifts between 10-20 reps. She is a little too novice to go to the heavier 3-5 rep stuff, so I want to make sure her form is perfected before she goes heavy.

She has gotten pretty good results so far. She has lost 10 pounds since starting, and only has 15 more to get to her goal. I have tried to convince her to log here, but she is too timid.

It is great that she is lifting weights! I have found that lifting is the best way to lose fat. Before I knew this, I would do an hour of steady state cardio. I would push myself very hard and burn 1300 cals in that hour, but I wasn't seeing all of the results that I wanted. Once I started weight lifting w/ proper supplementation I finally began losing the fat and gaining muscle that I desired. Adding a little HIIT or body weight circuits to that made the fat loss come even quicker.

It is good that you are starting her with lighter weights. As time goes on she will gain strength and lifting heavier will be the way to go if she wants to make any more progress. But for now she's just starting off. :) So many girls are afraid of lifting, or increasing the
weight on their DBs. It does take time to work up to heavy weights, but it is always important for everyone to keep pushing themselves. Adding a little bit here and there every time you do a movement really begins to add up! :)
 
Oh yeah, she always adds rep every session. She has gone up in strength as she used to rep something at 15 times and then one week boom she moves it 30 times for each set. As soon as I can convince her we will both be doing the same thing year round. That way we both are eating the same thing all the time.
 
Having your girl in on your meal plan and supplementation is a huge advantage, IMO. With BW around, I've got a motivator and partner that's closer than just a gym buddy - we're together almost all the time and it makes a lot of difference.
 
Shred Matrix: Day 33

I have had a lot of energy all day today. I only started feeling tired at about 6pm, until about 4 I was either gone at the gym or up and about the house cleaning.

Workout:

5x5

Swiss Ball DB Squats: 55 lb
w/ Wide Grip Lat Pulls: 135, 120 lb

DB Military Press: 35, 37.5, sets 3-5 w/ 40
w/ Leg Press Calves: 270 lb

Pronated BB Bent Rows: 80 lb
w/ Reverse Curls: 35 lb
 
Do you enjoy cleaning the house, BW? You seem to do it quite a bit...That's a serious question, because I like cleaning. It's a good stress reliever...At the place I used to live at, my roommates and I would crank some tunes up and clean a couple times a week, and we actually had a good time doing it.
 
Do you enjoy cleaning the house, BW? You seem to do it quite a bit...That's a serious question, because I like cleaning. It's a good stress reliever...At the place I used to live at, my roommates and I would crank some tunes up and clean a couple times a week, and we actually had a good time doing it.

Well, I don't really think that it is fun, but I must agree that it is very much a stress reliever. Washing dishes is somehow therapeutic. :) With Resolve and I eating 6 or 7 home cooked meals a day, We have dishes pile up. I like to keep up on everything. On top of that, if I don't do it, it won't ever get done. I learned that a lonnngggg time ago. :p I try to get around to it at least 2 times a week.
 
I am completely out of Shred Matrix! Yesterday was my last day. I'll be posting some pictures and a final review next week. :)
 
Well, I don't really think that it is fun, but I must agree that it is very much a stress reliever. Washing dishes is somehow therapeutic. :) With Resolve and I eating 6 or 7 home cooked meals a day, We have dishes pile up. I like to keep up on everything. On top of that, if I don't do it, it won't ever get done. I learned that a lonnngggg time ago. :p I try to get around to it at least 2 times a week.

One of the most irritating things to me is a sink full of dirty dishes. It can seriously put me on tilt for hours.
 
One of the most irritating things to me is a sink full of dirty dishes. It can seriously put me on tilt for hours.

I can't even walk past it without doing the dishes. Seriously one of my biggest pet peeves.
 
One of the most irritating things to me is a sink full of dirty dishes. It can seriously put me on tilt for hours.

I can't even walk past it without doing the dishes. Seriously one of my biggest pet peeves.

Since I've been in college, I've seen more dirty apartments that belong to women than men. I used to think all women were naturally clean, but that is NOT the case. I'm quite a neat-freak myself.
 
Don't get me wrong. I'm a messy ass person. But the kitchen and living room MUST be tidy at all times.
 
Since I've been in college, I've seen more dirty apartments that belong to women than men. I used to think all women were naturally clean, but that is NOT the case. I'm quite a neat-freak myself.

Truth.

The only woman who I have witnessed keep their home cleaner than my own is my mother. Definately not my girlfriend, I gave her a room in my house when she moved in, just to keep her stuff and whatnot (she stays in my room as far as a bedroom is concerned), and that room is the messiest nuclear explosion of clothes, purses, cat toys and makeup that I have ever seen. :1zhelp:

lol.
 
Truth.

The only woman who I have witnessed keep their home cleaner than my own is my mother. Definately not my girlfriend, I gave her a room in my house when she moved in, just to keep her stuff and whatnot (she stays in my room as far as a bedroom is concerned), and that room is the messiest nuclear explosion of clothes, purses, cat toys and makeup that I have ever seen. :1zhelp:

lol.

Haha! That is funny. :) I don't like having a dirty house. I try to keep it tidy. But it rarely seems to stay that way.
 
Shred Matrix: Final Pics



The calipers precisely claim that I am 16% BF, but I am somewhat skeptical. I would say that I am closer to 17%. I have lost somewhere between 1%-2% BF while taking Shred Matrix.




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Shred Matrix Final Review:

>>Fat Loss 10/10: Shred Matrix is a great fat loss product. I started at 18% and was down to 16-17% within 1 month. I consider this great progress. While diet and exercise played the biggest part in my fat loss, Shred Matrix really sped up the process and helped me get very close to my goals in a short amount of time.

>>Energy 8/10: I noticed an increase in energy, particularly while I was weight lifting. Dosing Shred Matrix 45 minutes before lifting seemed to give me the best results. I had a lot of stamina and a drive to push myself nearly every time I went to the gym. But outside of he gym I didn’t notice as much of a boost. It seemed like the more active I was, the more energy Shred Matrix provided.

>>Elimination of Sugar and Sweet Cravings 6.5/10: While, at certain times, I noticed a decrease in sugar and sweet cravings, they were not completely “eliminated”. I wasn’t craving sweets and sugar as much as usual, and it was nice to have my desire for unhealthy carbs lowered.

>>Appetite Control 6/10: I only recall a couple of times when my appetite was suppressed. Most of the time I didn’t notice this to take place at all. I don’t seem to respond to supplements with appetite suppressants though, and this was the case with IBE’s X-Force as well.

>>Increase in Lean Muscle Tissue 8/10: I have gained a fair amount of strength and muscle over the course of this past month. While I do attribute this partially to SM, I feel that my style of training and healthy diet contributed the most in this area. While I lost 1-2% BF, I only dropped 2 lb. This is a good indicator that I replaced the fat I lost with muscle.

>>Brain Focus/Mood Enhancement 8.5/10: At times I found Shred Matrix to be a great mood enhancer. It was very subtle and seemed to occur only on Mondays, after I had taken my weekend break from SM. The weekend breaks helped me remain sensitive to the ingredients in this product, and this is probably why the mood enhancement was most noticeable on Mondays.

>> Overall Shred Matrix Rating 8/10: It was great for fat loss and a majority of the time it provided a steady, jitter free flow of energy. But I rarely noticed appetite control and I never had full elimination of carb cravings

I would definitely be willing to use Shred Matrix again. The ingredients are of high quality, and the benefits are wonderful. To me, the only downside to this product is the cost. It is a bit expensive for how long it would last me, considering I would use 2 packs a day.

If you have your diet in check and you are looking for something that will speed up the process of fat loss, Shred Matrix is a great product to help you reach your goals. :thumbsup:
 
BTW, I will be squatting today to find if I have met my strength goal of 170-175 lb for 6 reps.

I'll be posting about that when I get home.
 
Looks like you lost a considerable amount of BF% for a pretty short period of time. Definately notice it on your waist, your stomach looks flat compared to the before pictures and your back definition is definitely noticeable. Great job!

One thing though, I know we all cheat a bit, and if you are like me you probably cheat on the weekend (friday/saturday night). I know you didn't take SM on the weekends... that might have helped your cheat meals effect your fat loss less, had you taken it ED... IDK, just a thought.
 
Looks like you lost a considerable amount of BF% for a pretty short period of time. Definately notice it on your waist, your stomach looks flat compared to the before pictures and your back definition is definitely noticeable. Great job!

One thing though, I know we all cheat a bit, and if you are like me you probably cheat on the weekend (friday/saturday night). I know you didn't take SM on the weekends... that might have helped your cheat meals effect your fat loss less, had you taken it ED... IDK, just a thought.

I actually made my cheat meal on Fridays, usually Post Workout so that at least some of the carbs were being utilized. I took 2 packs of Shred Matrix on Fridays as well.
 
I actually made my cheat meals on Fridays, usually Post Workout so that at least some of the carbs were being utilized. I took 2 packs of Shred Matrix on Fridays as well.

Oh, right on.
 
You DEFINITELY dropped some weight! Awesome job, BW! Your waist looks so much smaller, tummy is flatter, and your back looks super lean.
 
So, I just got back from the gym and I am happy to say that I have met my squatting goal of 175 lb for 6 reps. :D
 
Nice job. Lower stomach and glutes look like they are definitely much leaner. Good!

1-2% of BF lost in a month is pretty good, I'd say. Weight stay the same?
 
Shred Matrix Final Review:

>>Fat Loss 10/10: Shred Matrix is a great fat loss product. I started at 18% and was down to 16-17% within 1 month. I consider this great progress. While diet and exercise played the biggest part in my fat loss, Shred Matrix really sped up the process and helped me get very close to my goals in a short amount of time.

>>Energy 8/10: I noticed an increase in energy, particularly while I was weight lifting. Dosing Shred Matrix 45 minutes before lifting seemed to give me the best results. I had a lot of stamina and a drive to push myself nearly every time I went to the gym. But outside of he gym I didn’t notice as much of a boost. It seemed like the more active I was, the more energy Shred Matrix provided.

>>Elimination of Sugar and Sweet Cravings 6.5/10: While, at certain times, I noticed a decrease in sugar and sweet cravings, they were not completely “eliminated”. I wasn’t craving sweets and sugar as much as usual, and it was nice to have my desire for unhealthy carbs lowered.

>>Appetite Control 6/10: I only recall a couple of times when my appetite was suppressed. Most of the time I didn’t notice this to take place at all. I don’t seem to respond to supplements with appetite suppressants though, and this was the case with IBE’s X-Force as well.

>>Increase in Lean Muscle Tissue 8/10: I have gained a fair amount of strength and muscle over the course of this past month. While I do attribute this partially to SM, I feel that my style of training and healthy diet contributed the most in this area. While I lost 1-2% BF, I only dropped 2 lb. This is a good indicator that I replaced the fat I lost with muscle.

>>Brain Focus/Mood Enhancement 8.5/10: At times I found Shred Matrix to be a great mood enhancer. It was very subtle and seemed to occur only on Mondays, after I had taken my weekend break from SM. The weekend breaks helped me remain sensitive to the ingredients in this product, and this is probably why the mood enhancement was most noticeable on Mondays.

>> Overall Shred Matrix Rating 8/10: It was great for fat loss and a majority of the time it provided a steady, jitter free flow of energy. But I rarely noticed appetite control and I never had full elimination of carb cravings

I would definitely be willing to use Shred Matrix again. The ingredients are of high quality, and the benefits are wonderful. To me, the only downside to this product is the cost. It is a bit expensive for how long it would last me, considering I would use 2 packs a day.

If you have your diet in check and you are looking for something that will speed up the process of fat loss, Shred Matrix is a great product to help you reach your goals. :thumbsup:

Interesting. I actually had some Shred Matrix sent me (enough for a month) and Customs seized it because of the Hoodia in it (GRRRR; I shall have to try when I am over in the US, since it is something that I really want to try, looking at the ingredient profile).

You did well, BW. Definitely fat loss noticeable around your waist (and remember that the calipers are just a GUIDE if you are only doing ONE measurement; as long as you tkae it at the same time and in the same condition every time you do it, then it can be used to see progress, even if they are not accurate). And muscle increase in your back. I completely agree that most of results are in the diet and training of an individual (nice to see another female realize that) and that supplements are just the cherry on TOP of the icing.

You had made some very good progress since you first joined up here. Keep going strong, lady! :thumbsup:
 
Nice job. Lower stomach and glutes look like they are definitely much leaner. Good!

1-2% of BF lost in a month is pretty good, I'd say. Weight stay the same?

I am at 158 right now, a two lb decrease since the beginning. :)

Interesting. I actually had some Shred Matrix sent me (enough for a month) and Customs seized it because of the Hoodia in it (GRRRR; I shall have to try when I am over in the US, since it is something that I really want to try, looking at the ingredient profile).

You did well, BW. Definitely fat loss noticeable around your waist (and remember that the calipers are just a GUIDE if you are only doing ONE measurement; as long as you tkae it at the same time and in the same condition every time you do it, then it can be used to see progress, even if they are not accurate). And muscle increase in your back. I completely agree that most of results are in the diet and training of an individual (nice to see another female realize that) and that supplements are just the cherry on TOP of the icing.

You had made some very good progress since you first joined up here. Keep going strong, lady! :thumbsup:

Thanks Rosie! I missed you through out my log, but maybe next time you can join in sooner. :)

You are right, I have made a lot of progress since I first joined! I joined 5 months ago and have healthfully lost approx. 6% BF. :D
 
So you started with about 131.2 pounds of lean mass and ended up with about 132.72 pounds of lean mass.

Congratulations, you recomped. Lol, do you know how hard that is?
 
Emerge is right. You pretty much nailed every bodybuilder's goal.
 
Haha. Well I am at a "higher" body fat than many, as well as a mesomorph, so I think that would make it easier for me to recomp that most people. Thanks! :D
 
...Thanks Rosie! I missed you through out my log, but maybe next time you can join in sooner. :)

You are right, I have made a lot of progress since I first joined! I joined 5 months ago and have healthfully lost approx. 6% BF. :D

All good. I have been following along and reading (albeit not saying a lot)...Yes you have; you put me to shame!


Haha. Well I am at a "higher" body fat than many, as well as a mesomorph, so I think that would make it easier for me to recomp that most people. Thanks! :D

You're not actually a very high BF% for a female! And yes, recomping for a mesomorph can be easier. But I believe that the fact that you are NOT afraid to eat (like many females) is a definite factor in this (I know, because I used to think that I was an endomorph, but then realized that that was only because I ate SO MUCH, and that gaining muscle very easily and losing BF fast was more a mesomorph)!
 
Rosie is right, female's BF percentages are different than males. Like I said at the beginning of the log, your body is something to be proud of. Fit yet still very feminine.
 
Rosie is right, female's BF percentages are different than males. Like I said at the beginning of the log, your body is something to be proud of. Fit yet still very feminine.

BW, while you may not feel lean, you certainly are. (Just like I know I am lean, but to me it is not lean ENOUGH for me personally).

Just a few facts re bodyfat (BF) from ACSM (2005):
Essential BF: 3-5% (Male), 8-12% (Female)
Elite Athlete BF: 5-10% (Male), 12-15% (Female)
Average BF: 15% (Male), 25.1% (Female)

Even if a female has the SAME sum of 6 (or 8) skinfolds (SF) as a male, she will be a HIGHER BF% (due to the higher essential BF needs, etc.) However, generally speaking, whatever a female is in BF%, if she were a male she would be ~3% BF LESS. So, technically, a female at 10% BF is the 'same' as a male at 7% BF (and a female with the SAME sum of SF as a male is LEANER than he is!
 
Looking great in those pics, big improvement in my honest opinion. Good job!

Maybe you could edit first post and let readers know what page the final review is on....just a thought ;)

Thank you for the dedicated, honest, and detailed log.
 
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