The Off Season Mass gaining stack, week 3 review

So I've finished the third week of the off season Mass gaining stack, and I've finished the Off week from it as well, and I would like to present my review and thoughts on it as well.

So at the most basic, the off season mass gaining stack consists of :
1) Universal Nutritions' Animal  M-stak
2) Universal Nutritions' Animal Stak
2) Universal Nutritions' Animal Pak

The plan is to take M-stak first thing in the morning, before your breakfast, followed by stak before your workout, with at least 3 to 4 hours in between . On days where you are working our first thing in the morning, you can take stak 30 to 45 minutes before working out, and then take M-stak 3 to 4 hours later. It is important to stagger them. Also, Animal Pak is taken after your  meals for two times per day.


Mine was a little different, I switched the Animal Pak for Controlled lab's Orange Triad, simply because I like it better due to the joint complex it has. I also took Universal nutrition's Animal Nitro Post workout, followed by a protein shake 15 - 30 minutes later. And on days that I feel I need that extra push, I took USP labs Jack3d 15 mins pre-workout.

So all in all, I had a pretty good amount of strength increase and size increase on this stack. I noticed that my muscles were also more fuller, and more harder, like more 'dense' if you would put it that way. Recovery was also one big improvement, possibly cause of Nitro, but I did notice less muscle soreness, compared to now, which is about two weeks off this stack that I've been working out, and I'm still on Nitro at the moment.  I've also gained approximately 3 kg whilst on this stack, most of it was lean mass, but it was also the diet that I had with it.

So here are some stats:

starting weight : 72.3kg
end weight :  75.6 kg
starting Bodyfat % : 22.3
end bodyfat % : 20.9

Bench Press PB before this stack was  :135lbs.
Bench Press PB after 3 weeks on this stack : 150lbs.


One thing to note is that M-stak, really does make you hungy!! There were times when I pre-packed sandwiches to class, which is usually 2 to 3 hours long, and I would normally eat in the middle of class, but I would still end up Hungry after class. lol .


SO overall, I would say that this stack was probably one of the best I've done ever, sadly I had to end it after one cycle due to lack of fundings...=( .. But given the chance, and after saving enough money, I would do it again! =)

Protein Supplement Myths debunked, Part 2- taking supplements = Muscle and Strength increase?

Myth 2- Taking Protein supplements will make me Bigger, stronger and faster! NOT!

Another thing I keep hearing people talk about when it comes to taking supplements is that people think that when you take protein, you will automatically and magically grow muscle, much like what happened to captain Steve Rogers in Captain America.

Sigh,  If only it was that easy, then we wouldn't be spending time in the gym lifting weights, and be concerned about stuff like calories in versus calories out and whether or not it's time to start our cutting phase or not.

Granted, most supplements manufacturers are sending the wrong message with pictures of ripped and buffed fitness models endorsing their products (I won't point out which companies do this nor will I show you any pics, for fear of being sued...>.<), seem to send the message that goes : Hey, take this, and you will be just like me!. but the truth is, they didn't tell you the amount of work these models have put into their body just to be that ripped and buffed.

Supplements are meant to supplement your diet and training, and that's that, nothing more, nothing less. It's pointless to buy and use a supplement, if you're training and diet aren't in check, in fact, it will be a waste of money, especially in our country where buying supplements is soooo much more expensive. So while supplements can improve your overall health, increase your mood , boost your immune system or even elevate stress levels, NONE of them are 'miracle' pills or magic powders that can transform you into a super fit, super ripped looking person. Supplements can AMPLIFY your training, they can improve your endurance or help with your weight management, but they will NOT make you bigger or stronger on their own, how BIG or STRONG you get depends on YOU, and how much you put out at the gym.

So the next time you see a person who's taking supplements, downing protein shakes like it's just water, and has a pretty acceptable physique, don't go damn, I need to ask what supplements he or she is taking, but think about the fact that how many long hours that person has spent toiling in the gym.

The bottom line here is, no matter what supplements you take, You still need to drag your ass to that gym, or to the pavement, or to whatever training ground you're using, and WORK for you BODY, Your body needs you to will it into shape, and supplements, they're just the icing on the cake. =)


P.S.
I wish it was as easy as captain Steve Rogers all the time.
sadly, it's not, so drag all your asses and GO PUSH yourselves!


-Leon-
Go hard, or go home.