Iforce Max Out Log

bolt10

Well-known member
Received a tub of Max Out earlier this week. I'll be keeping this log throughout use of the tub. Flavor is Blueberry Pomegranate (aka yummmmmm).




Lifting
Reactive Training Systems via Mike T. I squat 3x, bench 4x, and dl 2x per week. For more info check my current training log: Invalid Link Removed


Diet
Usually eat 3-4 meals per day at high carbohydrate, moderate protein (roughly 1g per pound of bodyweight), and moderate fat (roughly .5g per bodyweight). Bulk of my diet is bro-foods and I aim to hit lots of unprocessed foods, but currently a little more lax on this to get more calories in.


Supplements
Not a lot. I am coming off of a mock meet (~4 weeks ago) so I'll add some stuff as I get closer to my next meet. Was using a low amount of stims before this (100-150mg pre-workout only). Everything else I am using has been used for at least the last 4 weeks.


Currently using:
Clear Muscle (HMB-FA) 2 caps 3x per day
Adding Max Out: 1 scoop pre-workout


Staples
TMG: 3g Daily
Creatine Monohydrate: 3g Training-days Only
Amino IV: 2 scoops intra-workout
Gatorade Powder: 30-50g mixed with the Amino IV depending on training volume/duration




Goals:

I am always trying to get stronger and look better. :p


Stats:


5'8, ~165lbs (haven't weighed myself in a while and need a new scale)
Previous 1rms:
Squat 205kg (452lbs)
Bench 112.5kg (248lbs)
DL 207.5kg (457lbs)

I am doing a training cycle with Knee Wraps so Squat should be up. I'll also use this week's training numbers to be my "baseline" e1rms to help gauge strength changes over the coming weeks.


Thoughts and Expectations:


I won this in a guess the ingredient contest. I had no idea what it would look like, but I am pretty happy with what the formula looks like.


I'll be evaluating Max Out on:
Energy: The Adrenaplex matrix is the stimulant/energy blend. I'll be looking at how effective it is initially and if there is any crash or diminishing effects over time.
Strength/Endurance: The combo of Nitrates and GMS should provide pumps for most, but I'll be looking more at its abilities to increase work capacity and workout performance.
Focus: Cogniplex matrix has some things I like in it. Will be interested to see how it benefits my training focus and how the Rhodiola (love this stuff) benefits performance and recovery.


I'll be posting my training from this week below, even though Monday I hadn't used Max Out. There will be lots of vids in my log so you all know I won't be making up my results. ;)
 
Quick note...this is supposed to be a "deload week", but based on Mike's definition of deload it doesn't look like it. Basically just 2 less exercises per week and only 3 sessions instead of 4. So lower volume, but intensity is all there. I planned to go easy, but hit PRs....oops auto-regulating. :p



Week 5 Day 1- August 11:​





Squat w/Wraps and Belt Work up to x3 @9 1 Down Set
Touch and Go Bench Work up to x5 @9 1 Down Set
Close Grip + Minis Work up to x 5 @9 1 Down Set




Squats w/Wraps and Belt:
Warm Up- Bar x 10, 70kg x 5, 90kg x 5, 110kg x 5, 130 x 3, Add Belt/Wraps 150kg x 2
165kg x 4 @6
175kg x 4 @7
185kg x 4 @8
190kg x 4 @8.5
Drop
180kg x 4 @8


Well, that went great. Wrapped a little different today and seemed to help (or I am getting used to the wraps more). Slight stance changes as well (flared the toes a bit) and tried to stay upright (already stay pretty upright). I only planned to repeat the same weights I hit 2 weeks ago, but it was way too easy. Small jump for final set (probably should have done a bit more) was still a bit easy. :)


185kg:
[video=youtube;QyAII6bttgQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyAII6bttgQ[/video]
190kg(PR!):
[video=youtube;dEXYdA0Sbms]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEXYdA0Sbms[/video]




Touch and Go Bench:
Bar x 10, 45kg x 6, 60kg x 5, 70kg x 3, 80kg x 3
90kg x 5 @7
95kg x 5 @8
100kg x 5 @9
Drop
95kg x 5 @8.5




Close Grip + Minis:
45kg x 8 @7
50kg x 8 @8
55kg x 8 @8.5
Drop
50kg x 8 @8


Could have probably done more, but decided to take it easy.


Felt pretty good. Not even really tired after. Also, got Max Out from Iforce today (after my lift..smh), so I'll post a link to my log once I start that. I won't comment too much on it in here (try to keep this mostly about training), but if you have questions about it I'll answer them here or in the log once it is up. :)
 
Week 5 Day 2: August 13






Competition Bench Work up to x4 @9 1 Down Set
Deadlift w/Belt Work up to x 4 @9 1 Down Set
Close Grip Incline Press Work up to x 6 @9 1 Down Set
Front Squat Work up to x 6 @9 1 Down Set


Competition Bench:
Warm up: Bar x 10, 40 x 5, 60 x 5, 70 x 4, 80 x 2
90kg x 4 @7
95kg x 4 @8
100kg x 4 @9
Drop
95kg x 4 @8.5


Felt good today. Felt real comfortable with the grip too! :D


Deadlift:
Warm up: 70 x 5 x 2, 90 x 5, 110 x 3, 130 x 2, 150 x 1
160kg x 4 @7
170kg x 4 @8
180kg x 4 @9.5
Drop
+ Straps
170kg x 4 @8


Meh. I tried to do the set up like how I did with the pauses on Friday...seemed to work great until the top set. I lost grip a bit on rep 3 and had to reset before rep 4. Wasn't super "tough", but the reset gave me more rest so I didn't want to count it as @9. I added straps for the drop just because I didn't want to risk losing grip again. Hook feels good, but had to hold on for several reps at times.


Vid of Bench (no sound because someone was on the phone while I recorded :o) and my 170kg pulls.
[video=youtube;7VOpLOlXP0Q]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VOpLOlXP0Q[/video]


CGIP:
62.5kg x 6 @7
67.5kg x 6 @8
72.5kg x 6 @9
Drop
67.5kg x 6 @8.5


Front Squat:
85kg x 6 @7
90kg x 6 @8
95kg x 6 @9
Drop
90kg x 6 @9


Adding a fourth exercise was rough. I was pretty shot so kept it easy and it was still tough. :(


Rest now until Friday. Overall up and down. Pressing felt great, DL mixed bag. I feel when I position right pulls are great, when I miss position even a bit, things get blahhhhh. Taking it easy, eating up, and trying to be prepared for next lift and next week. :)
 
I'll add an initial review based on yesterday sometime soon. :)
 
Week 5 Day 3: August 15




Early lift because I am heading out of town in a bit.


2ct Pause Squat Work up to x5 @9 1 Down Set
3ct Pause Press Work up to x 5 @9 1 Down Set
Deficit Stiff-Leg Deadlift w/Belt Work up to x 8 @9 1 Down Set


Pause Squat:
Warm up: 70 x 5, 90 x 3, 110 x 2
130kg x 5 @7
140kg x 5 @8
150kg x 5 @9
Drop
142.5kg x 5 @9


That is a PR I believe. At least it is the best e1rm I've had in the last 4-5 months on Pause Squats.
[video=youtube;mKN48M712mw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKN48M712mw[/video]




3ct Press:
Warm Up: Bar x 10, 40 x 5, 60 x 3, 70 x 3
80kg x 5 @7
85kg x 5 @8.5
Drop
80kg x 5 @8.5


Was a tad tougher than anticipated, so decided to shut it down at 85 instead of making a small jump. This was pretty brutal I kept having trouble breathing haha
80kg down set:
[video=youtube;LLsBPmX5nQM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLsBPmX5nQM[/video]


Deficit SLDL:
100kg x 8 @7
110kg x 8 @8
120kg x 8 @8.5
Drop
110kg x 8 @8


Ok so I am about to hop in the car for a trip...I'll get initial impressions up this weekend.

But the taste is amazing. I wish I could drink it more often. :o
 
how were those leg pumps after the pause squats? potassium nitrates and squats are a leg explosion waiting to happen

i like the rack though, i don't powerlift but have found i much prefer squatting on a wood base like yours...nice set up
 
Ok so this weekend kicked my butt and I struggled to keep an internet connection (wtheck??), so here is first week initial impressions and some from today's lift.

Week 1 Max Out Thoughts:
Energy:
-I took half a scoop on Tuesday before a light workout to assess tolerance. I didn't feel much here.
-Took a "full scoop" on Wednesday and Friday. I definitely felt more energy on these days. Nothing extreme, but could tell there was a healthy dose of caffeine (more than I am used to and I am coming off a relative stim decrease using only 100-125mg a day). This isn't bad, as I don't like a crazy jolt pre-workout, as my lifts are more calm and reserved. Provided a smooth energy that I felt within 15 minutes start and lasted through an entire 2+ hour lift (Wednesday).
-Zero crash from any dose so far. Honestly, I can't tell too much of a drop off as the day goes on. It kind of winds down, but nothing like suddenly feeling I need to hit a second dose of caffeine/stims for the day.

Pumps:

-I don't do a ton of high rep training, so this is hard to judge at times.
-My hammies and back did blow up during deadlift work (mostly on the 8 rep SLDLs).
-Chest feels nice and full after bench work and I did get a solid pump on Close Grip + Minis.
-I don't need pumps though, but I'll still keep an eye on this when I do higher rep work.

Focus:
-Got some very solid focus with each day I have dosed this. Even at half a scoop I noticed improvement.
-I get some good tunnel vision to focus on form with a lot of my sets in all workout this has been used so far.

Week 2 Day 1 (Today):
Overall:
So I measured the scoop and flat it was 6.4g. I added a bit more to get the full 7.4g today. I noticed a little more "kick" with this. I initially was a little worried, as I don't like to get too stimmed out and I was buzzing pretty good (don't know why today was more than usual even if I went with a tad more). Focus was awesome, workout was great, and I noticed some good endurance and not very winded (not very high reps but still felt good).


Week 6 Day 1- August 18:​



Squat w/Wraps and Belt Work up to x4 @9 1 Down Set
Competition Bench Work up to x4 @9 1 Down Set
Overhead Press Work up to x 6 @9 1 Down Set

Squats w/Wraps and Belt:
Warm Up- Bar x 10, 70kg x 5, 95kg x 5, 115kg x 5, 135 x 3, Add Belt/Wraps 155kg x 2
170kg x 4 @7
180kg x 4 @8
192.5kg x 4 @9
Drop
182.5kg x 4 @8

Felt pretty good so I pushed the weight up a tad. I feel a little more powerful with a slight form tweek (a tad more upright) with the wraps, but this made me feel I was a little high on the reps (I am at a horrible camera angle so I couldn't tell). They felt good though when I hit the right groove. Walk out and set up is improved with wraps, which is paying off. I'll post a vid of today's training at the bottom, but here is a comparison of the position last week, today's top set, and my down set today (for comparison purposes):
Invalid Link Removed


Competition Bench:
Bar x 10, 40kg x 6, 60kg x 5, 70kg x 3, 80kg x 2
90kg x 4 @7
95kg x 4 @8
100kg x 4 @8.5
Drop
95kg x 4 @8

Bench finally is starting to feel comfortable. I am making efforts to "enjoy" it more to try and help build some progress. This new grip feels great, but I do need a bit more "upkeep" to make sure my shoulders/scapula don't start to hate me.

Overhead Press:
40kg x 6 @7
45kg x 6 @8
50kg x 6 @9
Drop
45kg x 6 @9

Weakling presses. :p

Today's top set and down set for Squats and Bench:
[video=youtube;wjR23jRVBG0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjR23jRVBG0[/video]
 
Ok I should apologize I haven't updated this as much as I'd have liked. I have been out of town for a job interview and didn't have access to a computer (other than my phone and that would have been tough to type everything up).

Won't happen again. I did get to try Max Out later in the day and another time closer to a meal, so I've got some new notes once I get a chance to write it all up today. :)
 
Week 7 Day 3: August 21


Afternoon lift (not used to this) and gym as HOTTTTTTT.

2ct Pause Squat Work up to x2 @9 1 Down Set
Touch and Go Bench Work up to x 2 @9 1 Down Set
Close Grip Floor Press Work up to x 8 @9 1 Down Set


Pause Squat:
Warm up: 145lbs x 5, 195lbs x 4, 235lbs x 2, 275lbs x 2
325lbs x 2 @7
345lbs x 2 @8
365lbs x 2 @9
Drop
350lbs x 2 @8.5

PR. Felt pretty good too...I also bottomed these out like I tend to do with higher rep (lower weight) pause squats...so quality PR here. :D

TnG Bench:
Warm Up: Bar x 10, 95 x 5, 135 x 5, 185lbs x3, 205lbs x 2
215lbs x 2 @7
225lbs x 2 @8
235lbs x 2 @8.5
Drop
225lbs x 2 @8

CGFP:
155lbs x 8 @7
165lbs x 8 @8
175lbs x 8 @8.5
Drop
165lbs x 8 @8

Week 7 Day 4- August 22:​



Deficit Deadlift Work up to x2 @9 1 Down Set
Bench + Chains Work up to x2 @9 1 Down Set
Pendlay Row Work up to x 8 @9 1 Down Set




Deficit Deadlift:
Warm Up-145lbs x 5, 195lbs x 3, 235lbs x 3, 275lbs x 2, 315lbs x 2
345lbs x 2 @7
365lbs x 2 @8
385lbs x 2 @9
Drop
365lbs x 4 @8.5


Felt pretty good. No grip issues, felt smooth, just didn't have any tape to see what it looked like.


Bench + Chains:
Bar x 10, 95lbs x 5, 135lbs x 5, + Chains x 3, 165lbs x 2
185lbs x 2 @7
195lbs x 2 @8
205lbs x 2 @8.5
Drop
195lbs x 2 @8.5

Was setting up to do something else (didn't know the gym had chains) and someone provided chains. Saved my life (lol kinda).


Pendlay Row:
135lbs x 8
155lbs x 8 @7
165lbs x 8 @8
175lbs x 8 @9
Drop
165lbs x 8 @9



Was pretty happy with how last week ended. I brought my bar (I didn't want to lift on an Oly bar), which helped. The bench set up at this gym isn't ideal, so numbers are always down a tad, so I was happy how this went. I'll update today's lift a little later (busy again....) and add more notes on Max Out.
 
Last week's thoughts below. I'll start to give daily thoughts this week as well.

Week 2 Max Out Thoughts:

Energy:
-Tuesday was morning dose like usual and Thursday and Friday were afternoon and not fasted.
-This definitely kicks harder fasted (my usual experience), but I still felt solid energy when I took it during my afternoon sessions (~5pm and 1.5 hours after food). The energy was pretty similar, but seemed to kick in slower/more gradual.
-I was really dragging both of those days, but this seemed to get me moving and at full speed.
-I hit 2ct Squat PR, despite feeling crappy.

Pumps:
-I had quite a few 8 rep exercises last week and my Wednesday off day work was a back blaster.
-Pumps hit hard and fast.
-I've noticed when I do my pre-bench rear delt/upper back work I get a pretty crazy pump, which has been nice and makes my pressing "easier".


Focus:
-Not a good week to test focus. The end of the week was HOT in the gym and it took a lot of effort to not just pass out. I don't remember much of my workouts at all, so its hard to say what focus was like then.

Taste update:
I love this stuff. Tastes amazing. I mixed it with a scoop of Amino IV Blueberry and it was insane. I am going to do that more often now (first week I took them separate to get a feel for the taste). I prefer it with a lot of water (16oz+ for 1 scoop).
 

Week 7 Day 1- August 25:​





Squat w/Wraps and Belt Work up to x3 @9 2 Down Set
Competition Bench Work up to x3 @9 2 Down Set
Overhead Press Work up to x 6 @8 Repeats 4 Down Sets




Squats w/Wraps and Belt:
Warm Up- Bar x 10, 70kg x 5, 95kg x 5, 120kg x 5, 140 x 3, Add Belt/Wraps 160kg x 2
180kg x 3 @7
190kg x 3 @8
200kg x 3 @9
Drop
190kg x 3 @9
180kg x 3 @8


Boom. Felt solid. Probably high, but 200kg on my back didn't feel "heavy" and I gained confidence with each rep. :)


Competition Bench:
Bar x 10, 40kg x 6, 60kg x 5, 75kg x 3, 85kg x 2
95kg x 3 @7
100kg x 3 @8
105kg x 3 @9
Drop
100kg x 3 x 2 @8, 9


Felt nice here again. Bench groove with widened grip is improving.


Overhead Press:
40kg x 6 @6
45kg x 6 @7
50kg x 6 @8
Repeat
50kg x 6 @9
45kg x 6 x 3 @7.5, 8, 8.5


Better compared to last week.


Max Out Thoughts:
-For fasted dosing (like today) I prefer a little less than a full serving. For me the scoop level comes out to roughly ~6g, which seems to do the trick quite well. Keep in mind I like to lift "calm", so more stim isn't always helpful.
-Pretty good focus today. I want to try adding ALCAR to this stuff too. With these high volume/stress workouts things get crazy and I noticed I was pretty in tune with everything (when I am focusing well I become kind of "robotic"...I'll do the set, write in my journal, grab a drink, watch the set for form, then repeat).
-Was impressed with the endurance on the repeats of OHP. I suck at them and usually have to drop weight quick, but was able to continue with it longer than usual (at a higher weight than last week).
 
Week 7 Day 2- August 26:​

Deadlift w/Belt Work up to x3 @9 2 Down Sets
2ct Pause Bench Work up to x3 @9 2 Down Set
Pause Squat Work up to x 6 @8 Repeats 4 Down Sets


Deadlift w/Belt:
Warm Up-70kg x 5 x 2, 95kg x 5, 120kg x 5, 140 x 3
Add Belt
160g x 3 @7
170kg x 3 @8
180kg x 3 @9
Load Drop
170kg x 3 @9
160kg x 3 @8


Blah. Deadlifts are in the trash, gutter, basement, whatever horrible place you want to call it, right now. I just can't get it to click. My warm ups today felt GREAT. Then I got to the top set and it all went to crap. I tried going over under again on my first drop set (since I was frustrated) and that just isn't happening...my form gets worse with it (can't set the lats well...blah). Then my final set today felt the best. I just need to learn to recreate the right set up, because when I do I feel good, when I don't it is horrible.


Maybe all these Squat PRs the day before are just leaving me wrecked?


2ct Bench:
Bar x 10, 50kg x 6, 70kg x 3, 80kg x 2
90kg x 3 @7
95kg x 3 @8
100kg x 3 @9
Drop
95kg x 3 x 2 @8, 9


Solid again. This wider grip has a different strength curve...but I kind of like it (they just move slower, but I feel I can push through it better). Even if I am not a ton stronger on bench currently I am making progress and mentally I feel confident.


[video=youtube;Hs2zIlNOoHk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs2zIlNOoHk[/video]


Pause Squats:
120kg x 6 @6
130kg x 6 @7
140kg x 6 @8
Repeat
140kg x 6 @9.5
130kg x 6 x 2 @8, 9
120kg x 6 @8.5 (I dropped the Oly shoes and did this in flatter shoes...idk why I just wanted to try it and there were so many sets I needed some change haha...I did almost fall on my butt the first rep :o).


Top set:
[video=youtube;Jp4bjuDCmYM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp4bjuDCmYM[/video]


Flats:
[video=youtube;ICU8ODcVK3Y]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICU8ODcVK3Y[/video]




So much volume I wanted to pass out after it all. Pray for me. :p

Max Out Thoughts:
-Same kind of notes as yesterday's lift. I was in the zone pretty much the whole lift.
-Holy leg pump. Those 2ct pauses really ramp up the TUT even at only 6 reps. I feel that may have been the issue with why the first repeat was so hard...my legs were pretty ballooned up. I had trouble walking up the stairs after all that was said and done.
-LONGGGG workout and I was impressed the energy and focus were sustained the whole time. :)

On a side note I woke up this morning and my legs and upper back are destroyed with DOMS. Will hit some light work to get the blood flow everywhere this morning on half a scoop Max Out.
 
Week 8 Day 3: August 28


This volume this week is getting to me...I am sore and stiff still. :eek:




Squat + Chains Work up to x3 @9 2 Down Set
Touch and Go Bench Work up to x 7 @10 2 Down Set
Close Grip Floor Press Work up to x 8 @8 Repeats 4 Down Sets


Squat + Chain:
Warm up: 70kg x 5, 95kg x 5, 95kg +1 chain per side x 3, 120kg + 1 chain per side x 2, 120kg + 2 chains per side x 2
135kg x 3 @7
145kgs x 3 @8
155kg x 3 @8.5
Drop
145kg x 3 x 2 @8, 8


Good numbers (right around e1RM personal bests) despite being ridiculously sore. I think the good thing is that (and probably why I am so sore) these squats and the pause squats on Tuesday didn't see me knees come in as much (and butt shoot back). Check it and let me know!
[video=youtube;Ifd0lwYnDF0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifd0lwYnDF0[/video]




TnG Bench:
Warm Up: Bar x 10, 40kg x 5, 55kg x 5, 70kg x 5
85kg x 7 @7
90kg x 7 @8
95kg x 7 @9
100kg x 6 10.5
Drop
90kg x 7 x 2 @9, 10


So I set up a bit different today (tigher?) and it felt awesome. I got a bit greedy (95kg was already a personal best at that rep and RPE), but not even mad. I missed the 7th rep at the very very end. I don't want to make excuses but my right glute/lumbar cramped and I lost position and couldn't fight through it. Technical failure for the loss. :p


Here is how the set up looked today (if you can tell a difference haha). Need some more mobility for it, but my mid back was MUCH tighter and I felt more stable by a ton (still needs some refining). Honestly my upper and mid back were smoked by this more so than my arms, shoulders and chest...
[video=youtube;-VYch9uvmvg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VYch9uvmvg[/video]


CGFP:
60kg x 8 @7
65kg x 8 @8
Repeat
65kg x 8 x 3 @8, 8.5, 9.5
60kg x 8 x 1 @8


This was down, probably because I overshot on touch and go. Or maybe because my triceps were so pumped it burned trying to lockout. Blah.




Overall I was happy despite overshooting bench (I still PRd!). My glute and low back are TIGHT, so I'll have to mobilize and go easy on Deadlifts tomorrow. :)

Max Out thoughts:
-Idk why, but the last two workouts the pump has been up a bit. Today I had trouble on the close grip floor press and locking it out on the final reps. There was just too much blood in my tris. :p
-Again a little less than a full serving seems to be my sweet spot (for fasted, morning dosage). Just the right amount of kick, energy, and focus.
-Hitting some very good weights lately and my TRAC recovery patterns are improving (HR is, DOMS isn't though).
 
Subd.

I'm utilizing RTS as well. Finished my first 8 weeks.

Your squats are bossy lol
 
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