SkRaw85
Legend
I'll look into it, I'm not sure if it's an actual issue/concern, but I'm getting to a fairly substantial handful of capsules a few times per day
It only get worse lol. My wife just asked me today how many capsules I pop in a day
Thor's Thunder: Electrake's Epic Training Tales
- Thread starter Electrake
- Start date
It only get worse lol. My wife just asked me today how many capsules I pop in a day
sns8778
Board Sponsor
I'll look into it, I'm not sure if it's an actual issue/concern, but I'm getting to a fairly substantial handful of capsules a few times per day
No, there's no concern with the amount of capsules you take in a day.
Capsules are either made from gelatin or vegetable cellulose - so for context, veg capsules are made of what you consume when you eat vegetables anyway, and gelatin capsules - think about it, many people consume many grams of gelatin a day just for the health benefits.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
Here's today's difference besides eating well (@sns8778 this is the mini review for pump addict we referenced on another thread):
Today started AnabolicXT, and I took Recomp20 and 1 scoop Pump Addict pre-workout. Wasn't crazy stimulating, which I love, I can't think straight on too many stims. I had an interesting beta alanine type flush, but the pins and needles never came, which I do love that feeling. I didn't realize it mid-workout, but in hindsight I was definitely focusing more intensely on visualizing the lift when approaching the bar, and my focus on maintaining core tightness was pretty intense, I know I was exhaling pretty intensely during the lifts. Referencing pins and needles in another way, I was lifting so intensely that I must have been reaching some pretty intense exhaustion without realizing, got to that point of super hot flush, pins and needles across the body, and stars in the eyes. This stack, with a well a balanced diet, gets a 10/10 from me, the workout, maybe 8/10. Could have gone bigger
Note on the flavor for pump addict, not my favorite thing in the world, not the worst. Appropriate level of sweetness, the flavor is there, but it's definitely on the herbal side. No problems at all drinking it, just a slight review.
I'm glad that you like Pump Addict; its a great product. Great pumps, and I love the energy and focus and just how zoned in in general that I feel with it.
I use 1 scoop a lot of times in place of an energy drink.
Flavoring a 1 scoop/2 scoop product in general can be difficult because taste is so subjective - some people are going to want a strong flavor, some are going to want a light flavor, some will want 1 scoop, some will want 2 scoops, some will use 8 ounces, some will use 16 ounces, etc.
As far as the taste itself - most people really like the flavor, especially to be a pre-workout. It does have some really, really hard to flavor ingredients in it - so there's nothing that could be done to make it taste like some of today's kind of watered down pre's that taste like Kool-Aid with caffeine in them though.
I discussed that some recently in another thread about the upcoming SNS pre-workout later this year - that it will be missing some ingredients that I'd like to include results wise, just bc so many people are all about taste now days and that simply limits being able to include some ingredients.
I enjoy the flavor of Pump Addict myself, I usually go with 1 scoop in 8 ounces for my taste preferences.
akboom87
Well-known member
Damn 48 minutes! Oh yeah pump addict gets me through a lot of mornings!3/26/24
Main - Bench
Supplemental - squat
- 5 x 110lb
- 5 x 140
- 5 x 170
- 5 x 195
- 5 x 225
- 5 x 260
Assistance
- 10 x 5 @ 275
Legs
- Pendlay row (Axle) 5 x 10 @135 (sloooow tempo)
- Floor Press (Axle) 5 x 10 @ 185
Time 48min (
- RDL 5x10@225 (axle)
)
Weight 212.8
Surely I hit a gravity well, slowing time today... I busted through all of my bench stuff in 14min and caught myself in disbelief. But THEN, I found myself taking no breaks between squats and the assistance work with them, though I was getting sick after each super set and rested 2min there.
Here's today's difference besides eating well (@sns8778 this is the mini review for pump addict we referenced on another thread):
Today started AnabolicXT, and I took Recomp20 and 1 scoop Pump Addict pre-workout. Wasn't crazy stimulating, which I love, I can't think straight on too many stims. I had an interesting beta alanine type flush, but the pins and needles never came, which I do love that feeling. I didn't realize it mid-workout, but in hindsight I was definitely focusing more intensely on visualizing the lift when approaching the bar, and my focus on maintaining core tightness was pretty intense, I know I was exhaling pretty intensely during the lifts. Referencing pins and needles in another way, I was lifting so intensely that I must have been reaching some pretty intense exhaustion without realizing, got to that point of super hot flush, pins and needles across the body, and stars in the eyes. This stack, with a well a balanced diet, gets a 10/10 from me, the workout, maybe 8/10. Could have gone bigger
Note on the flavor for pump addict, not my favorite thing in the world, not the worst. Appropriate level of sweetness, the flavor is there, but it's definitely on the herbal side. No problems at all drinking it, just a slight review.
Electrake
Active member
Lost a bit of translation in text there, I frequently joke about how many compounds I put in my body, I eat well and maintain hydration so I'm honestly more worried about the supplement bill than I am anything else!
I know I said I wasn't crazy about the taste, but for the product that it is and the value behind it, it's amazing. I drink my kratom when I do strong and unsweetened, and drink quite a bit of unsweetened, strongly brewed tea. I'm genuinely impressed that the flavors meld with the herbal characteristics as well as they do, I'd take it as straight up mildly sweetened tea! Next flavor idea, sweet tea lol...
I appreciate you popping in the log, and as always, value your input. I look forward to having more to say about peptiplex, recomp20, and anabolicxt soon.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
Ah, no worries, I thought you were legitimately wondering if the amount of capsules themselves in terms of what they are made of was an issue. We get asked that a lot and it comes up at least once every couple of months on here, so I'm used to it being asked, so that's why I thought that may have been what you meant.
I'm glad that you like the flavor. We put a lot of work into getting it to taste as good as it does.
It's interesting that you mentioned a tea flavor, I had actually thought about doing some type of tea variant whenever we add an additional flavor of Pump Addict. We just have to get more people knowing about it and increase popularity on it some to be able to justify adding another flavor. It's a great product, just doesn't get enough attention.
You're very welcome. I'm always glad to follow along and offer input.
Electrake
Active member
I get on big Mio kicks every few weeks when I get sick of guzzling water, they have a sweet tea flavor that I've added to all sorts of beverages to good effect. Might be a good reference if this is a rabbit hole you all go down.
3/27/2024
REST DAY!!
weight 216.9 fully clothed (too groggy to remember to jump on the scale before getting clothes on)
Holy hell my quads and upper back are sore. Today I will be working in some rowing to get a bit of active recovery. I spent the late afternoon/evening helping a friend move, after that absurd lift session yesterday, and got home very late for me ~10:30. As such, didn't take Nite Burn because I didn't want to deal with the melatonin hangover this morning. However the Stress and Anxiety XT definitely helped me wind down and get some restful sleep.
I am officially one week into PeptiPlex at this point, too early to really say I notice much physically, but I've been noticing that my mood has been better, and the stressors I have (divorce, work hell, house buying/moving process) seem to be more manageable lately. I did start more supplements this week, but even over the weekend, I didn't find myself wallowing and useless like the last few weeks. My supplement bill is through the roof, but worth it if I can feel this well or better. Now to just regain that weight I lost...
Electrake
Active member
When the realization of my exertion hit me, I about crumbled
Electrake
Active member
3/28/24
Main - OHP (strict)
Weight 215.2
Absolutely killed it today, and it feels damn good to be seeing progress again. I've done 3-4 reps strict press many times, but I dug deep and knocked out that last one today. I am experiencing some nasty carpal tunnel from gaming and texting too much, so I've been chilling on the games and getting my stretches in, had to transition to a suicide grip mid OHP today.
It was supposed to be deadlift day, but holy hell, my legs are still absurdly sore from 2 days ago! May even rest tomorrow and make it up Saturday morning!
Final note: House shopping sucks, and the NC market is insane.
Main - OHP (strict)
- 5 x 70lb
- 5 x 85
- 5 x 105
- 5 x 120
- 5 x 135
- 5 x 160 Rep PR
- 10 x 5 @ 145
- cable Row 5 x 10 @ 225
- Dumbbell tricep extension 5 x 10 @30lb
- Leg press calf raise 5 x 10 @1005lb
- Weighted crunch 5 x 30 @ 150lb
- Back Extensions 5x10 @ 45lb
Weight 215.2
Absolutely killed it today, and it feels damn good to be seeing progress again. I've done 3-4 reps strict press many times, but I dug deep and knocked out that last one today. I am experiencing some nasty carpal tunnel from gaming and texting too much, so I've been chilling on the games and getting my stretches in, had to transition to a suicide grip mid OHP today.
It was supposed to be deadlift day, but holy hell, my legs are still absurdly sore from 2 days ago! May even rest tomorrow and make it up Saturday morning!
Final note: House shopping sucks, and the NC market is insane.
Electrake
Active member
Forgot a note, I thought I've had a back pump before, but holy hell, I couldn't get my tank top to sit properly today when I was doing log stuff superset with seated rows. Freaking nuts. Also realizing how dis-proportionally strong my legs and pulling muscles are to my push. I know it's fairly common, but deadlifting over 500, squatting in the 400's, and cant break 300 bench seems silly lol. I'll get there, incorporating more OHP has seemed to accelerate the growth.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
Yes, it is. The Virginia market in my area is too.
Electrake
Active member
I live in the Boone, NC area, I did a search all the way from here towards near where you all ship from, I have friends there. In that 200ish miles, I only found ~50 houses that were 2 bed, 1.5 bath or more and under $500k. That's absolutely insane. However, spring is usually a big push for real estate, so fingers crossed something works in my favor.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
I love that area down there. Before my accident, we used to come thru there a lot on the way to go whitewater rafting.
This area here - housing has went insane bc we are getting a casino. You can rarely find houses for sale, and when you do, the prices are outrageous and people from other parts of the country are buying them up.
Hyde
Legend
No that’s very normal. The little muscles that drive pressing take the longest to develop. They also happen to be the ones with the highest androgen receptor count, so people taking steroids get more benefit - that’s why you see many bodybuilders with proportionally better benchpresses.
With or without AAS, it just takes longer to develop a big press. You will see plenty of natural 20-something powerlifters pulling or even squatting 600+ sometimes before benching 3 wheels. I distinctly remember benching 303 at a meet I pulled 589. I was not taking steroids for that meet, but I had been using them for 4 years or so at that point.
Segansational
Well-known member
Well, as someone who's numbers are all relatively close across the 3 big lifts (and low level at that), I'd take your scenario over mine! 
Electrake
Active member
I appreciate that
Electrake
Active member
3/30/2024
Great day, incredible sleep last night, awful gym day
Deadlifted up to 470, couldn't move the weight at all, 100% due to poor diet yesterday and an all nighter the night before. Then attempted some upper body stuff and the carpal tunnel said "NOT TODAY!" so I packed it up and left. Going to eat until I puke the next 2 days, I've been laying off the vices anyways, so I just need to work on nutrition. Theme of my log lol.
Starting to move crap into storage today, I have an incredible amount of brewing and "plant" growing stuff I need to get out so we can have people start to come work on the house to get it listed. I'll think of this as active recovery.
Great day, incredible sleep last night, awful gym day
Deadlifted up to 470, couldn't move the weight at all, 100% due to poor diet yesterday and an all nighter the night before. Then attempted some upper body stuff and the carpal tunnel said "NOT TODAY!" so I packed it up and left. Going to eat until I puke the next 2 days, I've been laying off the vices anyways, so I just need to work on nutrition. Theme of my log lol.
Starting to move crap into storage today, I have an incredible amount of brewing and "plant" growing stuff I need to get out so we can have people start to come work on the house to get it listed. I'll think of this as active recovery.
Electrake
Active member
4/2/24
Main - Bench
Other factors affecting training, hung out with the future ex-wife in Asheville, NC yesterday, I needed some stuff there and she needed some stuff from the house, so we did lunch and a few breweries. Didn't drink to excess, but definitely ate my fill however I'm still working on my overall composition so I'm eating what I can, when I can.
I've been using Nite Burn predominantly for the sleep aid effects, it had more of what I look for than the SNS sleep aid. I can't speak to slimming effects, especially since I'm eating like an animal, but I've been taking it around 8pm and usually 9-930 I'm ready to utterly crash. However, I am experiencing melatonin hangovers in the morning which isn't super pleasant to me. A cup of coffee helps, when I'm not limiting caffeine intake.
Main - Bench
- 5 x 110lb
- 5 x 140
- 5 x 170
- 5 x 195
- 5 x 230
- 3 x 265
- 10 x 5 @ 135
- Kroc row 5 x 10 @100
- Single arm tricep extension DB 5 x 10 @ 30
- Weighted crunch 5 x 30 @ 150lb (Held at half rep 10sec final rep)
- Back Extensions 5x10 @ 45lb
Other factors affecting training, hung out with the future ex-wife in Asheville, NC yesterday, I needed some stuff there and she needed some stuff from the house, so we did lunch and a few breweries. Didn't drink to excess, but definitely ate my fill however I'm still working on my overall composition so I'm eating what I can, when I can.
I've been using Nite Burn predominantly for the sleep aid effects, it had more of what I look for than the SNS sleep aid. I can't speak to slimming effects, especially since I'm eating like an animal, but I've been taking it around 8pm and usually 9-930 I'm ready to utterly crash. However, I am experiencing melatonin hangovers in the morning which isn't super pleasant to me. A cup of coffee helps, when I'm not limiting caffeine intake.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
I'm surprised that you're having any issues with the Melatonin after effects bc the dosage is fairly low in Nite Burn. Everyone is different though in their response to different things. How many hours of sleep are you getting?
I'm usually good as long as I get 6 hours of sleep.
Congrats on the progress.
As for the wrist, I'm glad its feeling better. There is a lot of feedback on Pepti-Plex and it being beneficial for muscle health and healing, and helping with injuries. In the main Pepti-Plex thread, a lot of people have commented on that.
I will mention personal results, but a lot of times don't go into super details bc some people that don't know how objective I am may just consider it hype or something, but I'm always brutally honest with what I do or don't see from products, especially our own. But Pepti-Plex is the best thing I've ever used for muscle injury repair.
I had a lot of minor issues from years of wear and tear, but two major things - the catastrophic tissue damage in my leg from my accident where the tibia shattered and went through the calf muscle, and a partial biceps tear that is inside the bicep and has been part of my life for over 10 years.
Pepti-Plex has been incredible for helping with the muscle healing and pain around the leg break area, and I've had the biceps tear for so long, I don't even think about it. I remember going to do preacher curls one night and the twist setting up didn't hurt and I was like - huh, that's odd. You know, how you just get used to pain to some degree. Then I realized that a lot of daily life things that hurt it didn't anymore. I've only experienced an occasional pain in it where I could even tell it was there in months now. It's to the point where I've talked to my doctor about if it continues, I want to get the imaging done again later this year to see if its just helped with the pain, or if we can see the improvements on the scans.
Electrake
Active member
I've been getting 8-9 hours of sleep with it, which is very out of character for me. I'm generally a 6-8 hours of sleep type of person. I was sort of wondering if I'm just groggy because I needed the sleep or overslept! Thankfully the feeling doesn't last more than an hour or so, the sleep is worth it.
As far as pepti, between it and PEA relief, all of my minor aches and pains are incredibly manageable. I think this starts week 3 on Pepti-plex for me, very eager to see how this continues. Like you said, the little things just kind of went away, stiff back/neck, daily arthritis pains in my toes, etc. Mildly incredible. I have a close friend from the military that developed Type 1 Diabetes, and recently began struggles with fibromyalgia (he's only 31), I told him to look into these as well and see if it's something that wouldn't affect him negatively. Very healthy and fit individual, I just don't know how these may affect his medications or anything.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
I have Fibromyalgia and another autoimmune condition myself, so I can relate to the aches and pains. I'm sorry to hear that that is happening to him. I do think that that stack of Pepti-Plex and PEA Relief would be great for him, I know it has been for me.
Electrake
Active member
I appreciate that, just reached out to him to mention this.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
If you happen to have my personal contact info, you're welcome to give it to him. If you don't, you're welcome to message me for it. In my life outside of supplements, I do a lot of volunteer work with people that have autoimmune conditions bc I know how bad and life changing they can be.
Segansational
Well-known member
This is a combo I'm looking forward to testing out. Have been running Pepti-Plex as you know, and it's been one of the best supplements I think I've used in a long time. So with PEA relief on top, just might be the dual threat combo we all need!
Electrake
Active member
4/3/2024
Not feeling super hot today, but thought I'd go into the gym and see what I could do.
Squats
6 sets of 5 up to 335, 1 at 370
bench
10 sets of 5 at 210
That's about all I could get through, super bloated and uncomfortable, almost couldn't clasp the buckle on my belt for my top squat.
Completely different note, anyone reading this use "Ursa-Gel?" When I apply it, it like balls up and sloughs off, I have to dab off the bits with a moist paper towel so it doesn't look like my skin is falling off. Wondering if that's normal.
Not feeling super hot today, but thought I'd go into the gym and see what I could do.
Squats
6 sets of 5 up to 335, 1 at 370
bench
10 sets of 5 at 210
That's about all I could get through, super bloated and uncomfortable, almost couldn't clasp the buckle on my belt for my top squat.
Completely different note, anyone reading this use "Ursa-Gel?" When I apply it, it like balls up and sloughs off, I have to dab off the bits with a moist paper towel so it doesn't look like my skin is falling off. Wondering if that's normal.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
You're rubbing it in too thoroughly, which is a common mistake.
Shake the bottle before each use - and then apply 1 ml and rub in gently, careful not to overdo it.
Electrake
Active member
I'll give a nice smear a shot instead of rubbing it in
akboom87
Well-known member
I’ll second that you have to not rub it in so much or yeah it balls up. When I use the XPG alpha gel I tend to run a razor over my traps shoulder area in the shower and then apply after the shower. Then I go shirtless 3-5 minutes and dried and go to rock and roll.
hope the bloat goes away and you get to feeling on the up and up!
Electrake
Active member
Thanks dude, just some gut reactions to stressors. Just need to make it to June
Segansational
Well-known member
Yeah, it took a bit to get used to vs other topicals. But just think about it more like doing a light paint coat / skim coat vs rubbing in like a lotion.
Electrake
Active member
Haha, I've been picturing using it like a coat of paint... I saw someone somewhere was using it on the tops of their feet, so I'm going with that. I got Alpha too because it was a killer deal, but that ones as simple as rubbing on and it's dry in like 30sec.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
That's something really unique and cool about the XPG products is that they use the Avant Labs carrier system and then each product carrier is customized and optimized based on the active ingredients to ensure maximum effects.
Dustin07
Legend
I can't remember if I used Steves ursa gel or not, but I've used most of the other xpg products. tops of feet are solid real estate for TDs. I always throw my TD on either right after the shower and let it air dry while I'm getting dressed, or if it's at night before bed i put it on my feet. Alpha Gel is AWESOME.
Electrake
Active member
4/4/24
weight 215.6
No lifts today! Just wanted to log my weight mostly. My realtor sent someone by to measure my house at a 2 hours notice, running around making sure my paraphernalia (dry herb vape, grinder, etc.) and stuff is all hidden out of sight
She only measured the outside of the house and upstairs, I was impressed how quickly she did it with this neat little laser range finder.
Figured out Ursa-Gel, squirt right onto top of each foot, one chance at a good smear, leave it alone, then do beard and other post shower things. Alpha doesn't smell as funny so it gets each inner arm, nbd.
Feeling great today though, ate well yesterday, been eating well today and drank some kratom around noon (I drink 5g tea 1-2x per week). Didn't smoke or drink anything but water yesterday and had some gnarly anxiety in the evening, but doubled down on maintaining wellness and took my PM supps an hour early and it got better. Depending on my evening, probably knock out this weeks deadlift party tomorrow, feeling the motivation at the moment.
weight 215.6
No lifts today! Just wanted to log my weight mostly. My realtor sent someone by to measure my house at a 2 hours notice, running around making sure my paraphernalia (dry herb vape, grinder, etc.) and stuff is all hidden out of sight
She only measured the outside of the house and upstairs, I was impressed how quickly she did it with this neat little laser range finder.Figured out Ursa-Gel, squirt right onto top of each foot, one chance at a good smear, leave it alone, then do beard and other post shower things. Alpha doesn't smell as funny so it gets each inner arm, nbd.
Feeling great today though, ate well yesterday, been eating well today and drank some kratom around noon (I drink 5g tea 1-2x per week). Didn't smoke or drink anything but water yesterday and had some gnarly anxiety in the evening, but doubled down on maintaining wellness and took my PM supps an hour early and it got better. Depending on my evening, probably knock out this weeks deadlift party tomorrow, feeling the motivation at the moment.
Electrake
Active member
Another thing to add, I'm seriously looking at that 198lb weight class for when I can start considering competing again. 231lb would have some monster dudes, and I can apparently drop quite a bit of weight and maintain my strength. ORRR I go on a year long bulk to 240 and cut to 230 for comp 
(I'm not doing that. I can see my abs and I like them)
(I'm not doing that. I can see my abs and I like them)
Electrake
Active member
Lol it'd take some heavy dieting and supplementation to get sub 200 and maintain any semblance of the strength I have. 20ish pounds.
sns8778
Board Sponsor
Once officially single, you have some nice inspiration in your area down there though haha.
Electrake
Active member
A fair point
I'm looking at moving to the Asheville area too. I'd be lying if I said it weren't based on strongman/powerlifting gym prevalence
Hyde
Legend
lol I was speaking weightclass- centric, not true weight. Like 210 walking weight.
A fair point
^Man’s got his priorities right
Electrake
Active member
... oh...
Hyde
Legend
... oh...
Like, if you want to win in 231 you better be 245 with abs if you want to fit in with the top guys. 231 is basically the top weight class for guys under 6 feet, so everyone has to get lean & jacked as possible and then watercut from there.
And then some kid who just played d1 college sports and probably doesn’t even take steroids will come in and sweep the contest on pure God-given talent. But everyone else will be jacked up lol
Electrake
Active member
Oh totally, I make a similar comparison when I tell people my qualms with my weight, the weight classes, and what people ACTUALLY weigh before weigh in day. There's some BIG sum bitches competing at 231, and I'm just not built like that. My body wants to ride at 180-190 naturally.
Dustin07
Legend
183 for many years, my body always just came back to it under all circumstances.
now it's 193 lol. although that's after 18 months of strength focused growth etc and a lot more food lol
Electrake
Active member
Yeah, I'm riding out the most lean 215 I've seen right now, I think it's pretty stress related, but I'm eating pretty well and under heavy supplementation. Just working on maintaining everything in life now until I can find a status quo again.
I'll actually be over in your area in May for a week, up in the Everett area. Haven't been that way to see family in 2.5 years, probably about time.
Dustin07
Legend
I'm headed to Vegas in May for a tradeshow and then trying to get to your area to visit a customers new site
Electrake
Active member
3/28/24
Main - OHP (strict)
Weight 211.4
Felt great until I got to the gym, about halfway through OHP started feeling weak and strained. Of course, I pushed through and feel worse now lol. Weight is inexplicably down, I've been eating well, and a lot, and I'm very hydrated. Maybe I just had a really good poop this morning... Anyway, onwards and upwards, need to get back to tracking meals to keep myself consistent.
Main - OHP (strict)
- 5 x 70lb
- 5 x 85
- 5 x 105
- 5 x 135
- 5 x 155
- 2 x 170
- 8 x 5 @ 140
- Face Pull 5 x 10 @ 75
- Floor Press 35 x 10 @155lb
- Pull Ups 5x5
- Weighted crunch 5 x 30 @ 150lb
- Back Extensions 5x10 @ 45lb
Weight 211.4
Felt great until I got to the gym, about halfway through OHP started feeling weak and strained. Of course, I pushed through and feel worse now lol. Weight is inexplicably down, I've been eating well, and a lot, and I'm very hydrated. Maybe I just had a really good poop this morning... Anyway, onwards and upwards, need to get back to tracking meals to keep myself consistent.