kesser Posted July 15, 2013 Share Posted July 15, 2013 What does everyone use/recommend for pre-workout supplements? I have two daughters under the age of 3, so sometimes I'm hitting the gym tired (last two nights averaged 4-5 hours of interrupted sleep each night) and need a kick in the ass. In the past I've relied on good old fashion caffeine, or B12 Energy Now packets from Whole Foods. The packets have a ton of B12 and a little creatine. I'm considering adding Optimimum utrition Pre-Workout, Cellucor C4, or Muscle Pharm Assault. All appear to have caffeine and higher dosages of creatine. It's my understanding that creatine, needs to be cycled on and off to avoid your body becoming dependent on outside sources for it. Am I going down a productive path or dangerous path? Comments appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mini Forklift Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 I'd really urge you to look for alternatives aside to pre-wo supplements. They tend to be not the best for overall health, especially with the use of things like stimulants, sugar, artificial ingredients etc. Not too mention they are taxing on the adrenals.My favourite pre-wo has always been a good cup of black coffee (if I need that extra little kick). Maybe you could check out incorporating things like spirulina or a good strong B Vitamin Complex? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mini Forklift Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 It's my understanding that creatine, needs to be cycled on and off to avoid your body becoming dependent on outside sources for it.Comments appreciated.Nah, I don't believe that creatine is a supplement that needs to be cycled. I was listening to a podcast on it a couple of weeks ago by an expert on creatine, his name escapes me right now unfortunately. He was saying there's numerous benefits beyond the obvious BB'ing related ones ~ possible benefits for cholesterol, anti-aging and proven benefits for brain health and functioning. Have a read through this thread for more detailed info kesser http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=35606 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kesser Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share Posted July 16, 2013 So it sounds like the B12 Energy Now supplement from Whole Foods may be perfect. It only contains B vitamins in large quantities and a little creatine. Thanks for the advice on the other pre-workout supplements. I will hold off from experimenting with them for now. What is your pre-workout meal routine? I typically eat something that is around 400 calories about an hour before working out. One of my favorites is a PB&J on Ezekiel bread and a banana. Smart strategy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mini Forklift Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 So it sounds like the B12 Energy Now supplement from Whole Foods may be perfect. It only contains B vitamins in large quantities and a little creatine. Thanks for the advice on the other pre-workout supplements. I will hold off from experimenting with them for now. What is your pre-workout meal routine? I typically eat something that is around 400 calories about an hour before working out. One of my favorites is a PB&J on Ezekiel bread and a banana. Smart strategy?I don't really have one TBH ~ check out my log if you want to kesser, I always include my pre and post-wo nutrition along with my training Your strategy sounds good, don't go too heavy with the jam though lol. If that's all that's in the B12 supplement it sounds not too bad. Cheers, and welcome to the forum by the way MF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mini Forklift Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 This is all you need The best combo for muscle building Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kesser Posted July 16, 2013 Author Share Posted July 16, 2013 Any reason you prefer sun warrior over Vega? I've been using Vega Sport Performance Protein after work outs. Also, I've heard that adding ribose to your supplement routine can be helpful as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mini Forklift Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 Any reason you prefer sun warrior over Vega? I've been using Vega Sport Performance Protein after work outs. Also, I've heard that adding ribose to your supplement routine can be helpful as well.I have been using a pea protein isolate for about a year, just fancied a change. I love VEGA haha, so I might do that next I do take 10g pure D-Ribose every day for heart health, so good call there Kesser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kesser Posted August 1, 2013 Author Share Posted August 1, 2013 Just following up. I have started taking 5g of creatine before and after my workouts. Sometimes I've been drinking a 0 calorie energy drink (Hi-Ball) which includes B vitamins, guarana, ginseng and caffeine (140mg). The results have been pretty good. I've also started incorporating d-ribose to my pre-workout and post workout routines. However, all of this has led me to the following questions - is the caffeine in the energy drink compromising progress? Caffeine appears to be dehydrating, which isn't good for your muscles during a workout. As a result, is this caffeine intake counterproductive to all of the other supplements I'm taking? Am I just over-thinking it at this point? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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