More supplements?

[cardio911]

Howdy, I've been prowling these forums for a long time now getting all the weightlifting info I can, I guess now it's time for me to ask a question.  Right now the only supplements I'm taking are whey protein (ON 100% whey), creatine, and caffeine.  I'm pretty happy with the results, over the past few months I went from a 185lb chunky monkey to a lean muscular 160lbs.  I've been really ramping up my workouts lately and mixing them up with some exercises I find in my M&F mag, and things are going well.

The other day, I heard some friends talking about NO-Xplod.  They aren't particularly well informed or serious lifters, the kind of people who think that getting ab rollers or the perfect pushup off tv are going to rip them out.  But, it piqued my interest because I've long heard the benefits of vasodialators / NO boosters but have never tried them.  I was wondering if you all had any input on any additional supplements I should consider.  I'm not a competitive bodybuilder, I just want to look good naked so I don't need every single beneficial product on the market.  I'm just wondering if there is something else out there that has a huge impact on mass gain, like protein or creatine.

I was also curious if anyone here has tried NO-Xplod and what your input is on it.  I'm generally turned off by muscletech and BSN products, because a long time ago on this forum I remember something about basically paying for the 4-page ads when you buy that expensive stuff.  But hey if it works...

 

[HARDCORE]

Yes, when you buy BSN or MTech stuff you are going to pay an inflated price due to the heavy advertizing and sponsorships they must cover. But, you will get a quality product that has what it says in it most times. Yes NOXplode is going to cost a bit, but it works. If you like the benefits then it will be worth it to you.

My advice is to try it once (Fruit Punch flavor is best IMO) and see how you like it.

I personally use it prior to every workout (2 scoops). I own a bodybuilding store, so it doesnt cost me very much, so price is not a factor with most supplements

Hope that helps,

~HC

ps: Bout time you posted! Now go introduce your self in the Introduce Yourself forum!

[Adam]

You're already taking two of the key components of No Xplode, caffeine and creatine, so you probably won't notice a huge impact from it. Some people love NO products for the pump, but you'll get a good pump anyway as long as you've eaten a decent amount of carbs and sodium before the workout. I never got much from Arginine based products, myself.

All the magazines are hyping Beta Alanine as the best thing to come along since creatine, but I haven't tried it yet.

[cardio911]

I saw a tub of NO-Xplode at the store today, so I thought what the hell and gave it a shot.  Took 2 scoops and then hit the gym for a solid biceps workout.  It could have been any number of things but if it was the Xplode then holy crap.  I've never felt pumped like that before; I had veins popping I had never seen and I felt like I was going to shred my sleeves.  It was a good feeling.  I'll see how things go with the rest of the tub before I make a final judgment.  If it keeps me pumped and my energy up, I'll be sold on this stuff.

[p.s.]

As HC said it's about time ya posted!

Now as for your question regarding NO products it's my opinion that they do work rather well for pumps but more importantly arginine (in conjunction with yohimbe and ECA) is one hell of a fat mobilizer/metabolism booster, and for older folks with hardening of the arteries argenine has been shown to counter this disease due to it increasing NO production. Studies are showing that it appears that this lack of NO production by the body may be in large part the reason as to why people suffer from this disease.

I use a product by PVL nutrients (Nox Stac) that not only is an NO2 but is also loaded with BCAAs, creatine and glutamine as well and this along with a high molecular weight carb makes for a perfect workout drink (it's very similar to what Milos has his clients drink during their workouts). Plus I also take aginine as part of my vitamin intake in the morning.

However for just straight growth and the fact that you're fairly new to this whole sport I would suggest that if money is tight that you stick with protein, creatine, and flax oil, as these three are the MOST effective for growth and you can build a great physique from them. Also not everyone owns their own supplment store or is a sponsored athlete so if money is an issue just stick to the basics, train hard and you'll make great gains.