Posts by rapidstag2

Fine, just send the funds to the checking account I’ll provide via DM once you're ready to pay for the intel.🙂

In the interim, I suggest you start reading up on the subject; getting those three pounds 🤣 off might seem simple, but it isn't quite that effortless. Head down to a local Gold's Gym and find a trainer there who can actually show you how to execute the movements correctly, and have them design a nutritional plan for you immediately—just be clear about your specific goals.
If you happen to know someone who understands the science behind this, let them guide you through the initial stages regarding both training and diet. The beginning is undoubtedly the most grueling part, but once you establish a rhythm, it ceases to be an issue. Just whatever you do, don't throw in the towel after two months, and don't let someone else build a meal plan only for you to ignore it and go back to your old habits.

Look, we aren't talking about science fiction here; if you stick to a disciplined diet and a solid training regimen, two or three months is more than enough to achieve what you're aiming for. You'll likely see some quick wins early on, which is precisely why I'm insisting you educate yourself first. It is far better to "waste" a month simply absorbing information rather than squandering your time on ineffective efforts.Everything you need is located right here. A word of advice: before you start posting and peppering us with questions, take a moment to read through the forum archives and the FAQ.🙂
Best of luck.

mellowsailor11 said:My goal is mass; I still need to gain about 7 pounds.
My diet consists of 5 meals a day (fish, red and white meat, sandwiches, etc.).

Since I wake up at 10:00 AM and head to the gym at 11:00 AM, should I drink protein right when I wake up?
My body type is athletic—I don't know how else to put it.

Exactly 7 pounds?🤣 To achieve that, you don't necessarily need a "bulking" phase; rather, focus on clean eating and disciplined training, and those pounds will come naturally.

What are you actually eating before the gym? If you're having something like oatmeal in the morning, as I often do, feel free to toss in a scoop of whey. However, if you're operating on a tight budget, it might be wiser to save that supplement for your post-workout window.🙂

As for your body type, I suggest searching online to read up on it; it could provide significant clarity for your future planning.
Here is a starting point.

fitness.com said:The human physique can be categorized according to the American psychologist Sheldon into three fundamental somatotypes:

Ectomorph
* Mesomorph
* Endomorph

Why does this matter? Because we aren't all built the same way. Depending on which category you fall into, much will vary regarding your nutrition and training protocols. One must not overlook genetics! Furthermore, the vast majority of people do not belong strictly to a single type, but rather embody two types where one is dominant. Therefore, determining your specific body type is vital. Let us proceed in order:

Ectomorph - a challenging constitution for bodybuilding—lean, low body fat, long limbs, narrow shoulders, and a light bone structure. They possess a very high metabolism. It is difficult for them to gain weight even if they consume pizza, burgers, or other junk food. Conversely, gaining muscle mass is equally difficult and lost just as quickly. They are generally characterized by high endurance. The primary objective is to force muscle cells to become sensitive to glycogen and insulin.

Nutrition: Should consist of a high carbohydrate intake up to 50%, 30% protein, and approximately 20% fat. Eat 4-5 large meals a day—no more than that.

Mesomorph —possessing magnificent genetic potential. Naturally features sturdy bone structure, wide shoulders, and a broad chest; low body fat and a fast metabolism that builds muscle and burns fat efficiently.

Nutrition: High-protein, with roughly 40% carbohydrates, 40% protein, and 20% fat (depending on the current training phase). Consume 6-8 meals daily.

Endomorph — Endomorph. Heavy bones, wide hips, higher body fat. Metabolism is slow, making them prone to weight gain, yet they hold an advantage over the ectomorph: they can build quality muscle relatively quickly!

Nutrition: Speed up the metabolism by consuming more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Pay close attention to caloric intake and food quality. Carbohydrates should be 30%, fats up to 15%, with the remainder being protein. Incorporate plenty of fresh vegetables high in fiber. By limiting carbohydrates, one should aim to encourage the body to utilize fat stores for fuel. Eat 6-8 meals a day.

As you can see, some will reach their goals faster than others, but that is by no means a reason to abandon bodybuilding. On the contrary, professional bodybuilders represent all body types—so, one simply needs patience...

mellowsailor11 said:I've heard that manufacturers often lie about protein supplements just to get people to go through them faster—for instance, claiming you need to drink them even on non-training days, or suggesting three servings a day...

I now have two questions:

Should I be drinking protein on my rest days?

And on training days, of course I take it after working out, but would it be better to have that second serving in the morning or right before bed?

I see you have already received quite a few responses, yet you haven't specified your body type (Ectomorph, Mesomorph...), nor your diet, your training routine, or even your specific goals (definition vs. mass)... there is no such thing as a universal answer to your question. When you are training, you should absolutely have a whey plus glucose shake following your session. As for myself, I simply "eat" one scoop of whey mixed with cornflakes in the morning and another one after my workout, which is plenty for me. Naturally, I still consume regular meals throughout the rest of the day consisting of Protein+Meat or Protein+Carbs—most often tuna, cottage cheese, chicken, or rice...
Whey can certainly substitute for a couple of meals, but you still have to eat real, solid food; what do you imagine would happen if you spent the entire day sipping whey and perhaps a shake made of cottage cheese and yogurt? If you have ever watched a movie where someone makes a complete mess of a bathroom, then you likely have a vague idea of the consequences...😁

Furthermore, personally, I would rather avoid drinking milk before sleep; instead, I'd suggest making a shake with cottage cheese and maybe some yogurt, as you don't actually need whey before heading to bed.

It appears I have just realized you were quoting yourself all along 🙏

I fail to understand why anyone would exhaust themselves obsessing over specific whey protein manufacturers. Unless you are a professional athlete, you aren't required to scrutinize every single milligram of protein, carbs, or fats; the fundamental requirement is simply that the product isn't filled with junk 😉. I recall reading an article somewhere stating that certain brands were tested and found to be perfectly consistent with their label claims
. Personally, I have used Biogen, and it has been perfectly adequate—especially for beginners who are still mastering their lifting form and getting their nutrition dialed in
.

feralridge83 said:So, I started hitting the gym about two months ago. My current routine involves lifting three times a week, focusing on split muscle groups, and adding a single run per week. Regarding supplements, I’ve been using Scitec Mass Gainer, Scitec Whey Protein paired with some glucose powder from CVS, and Centrum multivitamins. To be honest, the results have been nothing short of fascinating. I am trying to watch my diet as closely as my schedule allows.
I’m curious to know if this approach is sound and whether I should maintain this specific regimen; I certainly don't consider myself a professional, yet based on what I'm seeing, the progress is quite decent and satisfying.
PS: I would truly appreciate it if those with more experience in this field could weigh in.
THANKS🙏

Here are a few thoughts regarding your situation. 😁
To start, if I were in your shoes, I would likely cut out the mass gainer entirely and focus instead on whey protein combined with glucose, vitamins, minerals, and perhaps adding some fish oil to the mix. Surely you realize that nutrition is arguably even more critical than the actual lifting itself, though that depends heavily on what your ultimate objective is?
It would be beneficial if you could provide more specifics: what is your primary goal—bulking or definition? What is your height, weight, training program, and dietary breakdown?
And how exactly is your split organized?

The "muscle" you’ve gained recently (though I find myself wondering what exactly you mean when you describe the results as "fascinating") is perfectly standard for a novice, provided you understand that you could have optimized this much better had you educated yourself before stepping foot in the gym—the classic "beginner's burst." Just don't go expecting that same rate of progress to continue indefinitely.

That is all from my side. 🙂

Parachutist 🙂

Why on earth does it say they're playing under Sanctions against America? 🤷

Jonathan Reed4 said:The difference was that they were +14 over the two games. 😁

Anyway, did we even manage a single fast break today?

Hardly. We certainly didn't.

Good grief, she looks absolutely tiny standing next to that bear, almost like a child next to a giant.🤣🤣

I am honestly just sitting here waiting for the moment he decides to swallow her whole...🙂

nimbledriver81 said:If you were to toss a grenade at Hvidtu, he’d probably just catch it mid-air...

🤣🤣

The game was honestly a bit too intense... there is nothing quite like the adrenaline spike you get when a paintball whizzes right past your ear. My only real grievances were that the field felt cramped and lacked decent cover, and the equipment was subpar—we had several instances where the markers' hoppers just popped open mid-game. And once a ball hits the grass, it’s basically dead; you can't just scoop it back up and keep playing.😠 Fortunately, these days it isn't hard to find top-tier facilities and high-end gear available for rent.🙂

Oh, and since we're on the subject: once we wrapped things up, a friend of mine still had one single ball left and decided to "accidentally" tag me in the leg. Since they hadn't provided us with shin guards, let's just say it was a disaster...
In short, the pain was😍 , and the spot where I got hit actually changed colors over the course of a week, shifting from a bright red bruise to a deep purple, and eventually a sickly green...

All in all, give it a shot.😁