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Honestly I use to watch shows but they have gotten so terrible in recent years. The competition is laughable, which is from allowing top 5 go to the next round, where there are typically 5 or less competitors loading to everyone being "provincial level" and now "national level" with the CPA. CPA allowing everyone this year to go from regional to pro qualifier no matter their placing. Allowing people to compete in multiple classes. I've seen girls compete in bikini, figure and physique all on the same day and come in "top 5" in each class. Also having a show every weekend despite no attendance in any class by bikini, mpd and sometimes figure. These policies show the organizations don't care about the athletes nor competition. It is pure business and they are looking for entrance fees by any means. Do you know how many guys above 10% stand in stage and get a medal. If you enroll in a random show for bbing without doing a prep, you can all but guarantee you'll be qualified for a "pro qualifier".

Taurine, chemical name 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic sulfonic acid. Also referred to as L-taurine and 2-aminoethane sulphonic acid, taurine is a chemical derivative of cysteine, an amino acid containing a thiol group. Though often called an amino acid, taurine falls outside the realm of the true definition for an amino acid. Biochemically, an amino acid must contain both an amino and carboxyl group. Taurine lacks a carboxyl group and actually contains a sulfonate group. Taurine is naturally occurring in meat and fish. Daily consumption in omnivores can range from 9 to 372 milligrams, with the mean landing at 58 mg. A typical vegan diet results in only a trivial amount of taurine intake per day. Research on taurine reveal that it has a very notable impact on blood flow. This makes it especially useful as a pre-workout supplementingredient. In a double-blind study performed on males between the ages of 18 and 29, a daily dose of 1,500 mg of taurine was able to assist with abnormalities found in blood vessel inner linings. [1] This relative improvement in the widening of blood vessels, or increased vasodilation, has an obvious impact on blood flow and blood pressure regulation. Vasodilation also improves muscle pumps. Increased blood flow will not only amplify the impact of your pump-focused training practices, but it will also work hand in hand with other pump-inducing supplement ingredients. But does the pump build muscle? There is mounting evidence that muscle pumps are more than just a random broscience practice, and that they can indeed build muscle mass. Blood flow appears to play a role in improving muscle protein synthesis. This is accomplished by increasing the transportation of free amino acids into muscle tissue. The result, heightened levels of muscle protein synthesis and improved - or maximized - gains. Additional research by Biology, et al, supports this conclusion: [2] "In summary, the results of our study demonstrate that net protein synthesis during amino acid administration can be doubled by the previous performance of heavy resistance exercise. Moreover, the data suggest a link between the stimulation of protein synthesis after exercise and an acceleration in amino acid transport. The greater rate of transport after exercise may be due to the increase in blood flow." Blood flow also regulates glucose uptake. This allows muscle tissue to better produce the energy required to power through sets and workouts. Other Benefits of Taurine Supplements Taurine and Potential Fat Loss Another double-blind study performed on anaerobic running capacity hinted that taurine supplementation might assist with body composition. Eleven male trained cyclists using 1.66g of taurine per day experienced a 17% increase in fat oxidation. [3] The result was an additional 20 calories burned. Taurine and Nutrient Delivery Increased blood flow also allows for increased nutrient delivery. This improvement in the rate of raw materials getting shuttled to muscle cells has the potential to help with intra-workout recovery and with increased energy levels and/or delaying fatigue. Taurine and Cellular Waste Blood flow improvements also help to remove waste from muscle tissue. During a hard workout, your cells are producing a substantial amount of chemical waste, including lactic acid and ammonia. Taurine supplementation allows you to remove this waste more efficiently. This can potentially reduce the onset of fatigue and allow you to push sets, cardio sessions and workouts harder. This improvement in the rate of waste removal may also assist with recovery between sets, allowing you to get back after it more quickly. Taurine and Stress Taurine has the ability to calm the CNS, or central nervous system. By facilitating GABA production, a neurotransmitter, taurine can work to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Low taurine intake can leave your central nervous system prone to stress. In this state, you are susceptible to having higher cortisol levels, which has also been linked to increases in body fat levels. Taurine and Insulin Sensitivity Taurine works in several ways to improve the uptake of glucose and insulin binding. First, it acts as an anorexigenic on the hypothalamus gland, creating a capacity to reduce feelings of hunger and improve metabolism and energy levels. [4] Additionally, taurine has been shown to reduce inflammation in the hypothalamus. With an inflamed hypothalamus you will experience more pancreatic insulin production, and along with it the potential for obesity and notably higher insulin levels. Taurine and Testosterone Levels A study found that taurine supplementation was able to stimulate testosterone production. [5] We are all aware of the near endless benefits that come with healthy testosterone levels. Final Thoughts on Taurine Taurine provides numerous and substantial benefits to the muscle head looking to build muscle, both as a workout and general health enhancer. Taken in a pre-workout formula, such as Vasky from MTS, taurine has the potential to improve muscle pumps, glucose shuttling, workout energy levels, workout recovery, and muscle protein synthesis. Taken for its health benefits, taurine can improve testosterone levels, cardiovascular function, reduce blood pressure, help regulate insulin levels, fight fat gain, reduce stress and much more. Any liter serious about gym performance, body composition and health should consider adding taurine to their daily supplementation plan. References 1) "Two Weeks Taurine Supplementation Reverses Endothelial Dysfunction in Young Male Type 1 Diabetics. - PubMed - NCBI."National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2015.

Hello Guys, my name is Max and I'm a 28 years old bodybuilder from the province of Quebec. I've been lifting since 2009 and I live for the sport. I'm here mostly to share my experience and to learn as much as I can about training, nutrition and well everything that is related to this sport. That's mostly it, cheers guys ?

Welcome,glad to see you Maxg2k11

Updated back shots......

I totally hear you there girl....annoying as fuck

Only three types???? Lol ??? Pretty much like.. all the above!! I neec a shirt shirt that says “F*ck off im training” lol

We have all heard it before. "I work out to relieve stress." But have you ever heard someone tell you they work out to overcome their anxiety? Not so common is it? Believe it or not, but you can actually work out to the point of overcoming anxiety. We have been so focused on the physical aspects of exercise and activity, that we have yet to fully comprehend the mental benefits. Unlike the physical benefits, the mental benefits have a much greater carryover to our entire life.Need to make an A in your class? Building the discipline through sticking to an exercise routine can aid in your efforts to stay disciplined with your studying. Having trouble approaching your crush? Building the self-confidence and witnessing your potential turn into ability can give you the confidence to ask him/her out. Social anxiety (or any other anxiety) holding you back in life? Exercise the social anxiety away. In this article, I will explain the two most important principles of my fitness journey that helped me overcome my social anxiety. Need to make an A in your class? Building the discipline through sticking to an exercise routine can aid in your efforts to stay disciplined with your studying. Having trouble approaching your crush? Building the self-confidence and witnessing your potential turn into ability can give you the confidence to ask him/her out. Social anxiety (or any other anxiety) holding you back in life? Exercise the social anxiety away. In this article, I will explain the two most important principles of my fitness journey that helped me overcome my social anxiety. Improve Social Anxiety With Exercise When it comes to overcoming social anxiety (or any anxiety for that matter) no one knows how to do so more than the people who have done it themselves. I have struggled with social anxiety for years. Started out when I was younger and could not even order my own food at fast food restaurants. I either skipped that meal or asked my parents/siblings to order for me (usually just skipped). Back then it was considered "cute and being shy." Fast forward quite a few years and it is not so cute. You struggle to promote what you do in life, you cannot ask for help when you are struggling, you cannot make connections with people you are interested in, and life in itself seems too difficult to bare. Eventually, I got heavily into working out. But unlike most who pursued physical fitness, I perceived exercising differently. I thought of the way the body works together in order to get more done. I saw the beauty in the process, not the outcome. I saw physical activity's ability to build us up in every other aspect of wellness (not just physical). I used what I had learned from the gym and took these tools in order to overcome my social anxiety, which most would consider being completely irrelevant to physical activity. I must add that this "overcoming" did not come from the built self-confidence, but rather from the tools used to progress in the gym. I analyzed these tools and used them towards my life as a whole. Tools to Overcome Social Anxiety So what were these tools that helped me so much? Tool #1 - Embrace the Anxiety The first principle of overcoming social anxiety that I had learned from my fitness journey was getting comfortable with anxiety. I would do things that built my anxiety up pre-set and would learn to "just do it" and embrace the anxiety. I would do things like squat/press heavy attempts without a spotter/safety pins, lifts countless sets even when the previous sets were near failure, and make myself go for personal bests in randomized sessions. I literally made myself mentally uncomfortable frequently enough to become comfortable with this type of "uncomfortability." Tool #2 - Do What You Suck At The second principle of overcoming social anxiety that I had learned from my fitness journey is to get good at... things you suck at! Countless times you will hear a coach or fellow lifter comment that you "need to work on your weaknesses" or "do what you fear/suck at the most." For me, that was social interaction. Much like training, instead of going full-force changing your entire routine into exercises for that one component to your training, I did not make huge adjustments in my actions to change one component of my life. I started adding nods to people, then smiles and waves, eventually turning it all into conversations with everyone I met. I learned to start small and build momentum. It's better to start small and make progress then to jump too much difficulty and fail, both halting progressing and lowering confidence (much like increasing too much weight on the bar, failing a rep, then being worried next time you come across the same weight). Tool #3 - Find Support The third and most important principle of overcoming social anxiety that I had learned from my fitness journey is to find support. This sounds very basic, but how many people do you know in the gym who just put on their headphones, tune everyone out, and go about their business? A LOT! The same thing occurs with social anxiety. Most individuals (like myself) feel completely isolated during our struggle, which makes us less inclined to seek help and less inclined to feel that anyone can help us. In the gym, many beginners are too intimidated to ask for help, feel too isolated to ask for help, do not know how to go about progressing in their endeavors, and just struggle alone because everyone shuts each other out. Finding support with your headphones in, tuning people out, and going about your business alone is hard. Just like finding support for overcoming anxiety is hard when you do not have anyone to talk to about your struggles (and the anxiety itself keeps you from doing so). Just like if you had a fitness question you can do your own research online, find support from members of a forum, ask your family, or ask those that are already close to you. Your support in the gym does not have to an IFBB Pro bodybuilder, just like your support for social anxiety does not have to be someone who is an expert at communication. Just having someone you can vent to, ask questions, and bounce ideas off of will do wonders for both your fitness and anxiety-free journey. Closing By experiencing and taking advantage of your fitness journey you not only improve your health, but also your mind, and most importantly your life! We have always discussed "exercising away stress," but what about anxieties such as social anxiety? Two things so irrelevant to one another, yet with the right mindset, advice, and plan you can use what you learn in your fitness journey to overcome social anxiety. I have, and YOU can too!

This is one I personally can relate to as I have diagnosed GAD. Or severe anxiety. I actually found prep and competing for me to actually help, helps me stay focused and forces me to be in social scenarios. Otherwise I would be a hermit. Lol. Most people would never assume I have bad anxiety but I do struggle with it every day. Without the gym my anxiety would be even worse and has become essential to my well being!!!

Creatine and Depression A well written article by Will Brink Studies suggest creatine may be helpful with depression, and various mood disorders as well as being neuroprotective. I have covered that topic over the years here on BZ via article, vids, etc. It’s also a primary ingredient in my Bomb Proof Coffee recipe. Here’s a new review worth a read covering the possible mechanisms by how creatine may exert anti-depressant effects, clinical studies that exist, and so forth on this important topic. Another recent study examined the impact of creatine on bipolar depression and found benefits. Bottom line: Creatine does a body and brain good! The possible beneficial effects of creatine for the management of depression Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry 2018 September 4 Depression, a highly prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder worldwide, causes a heavy burden for the society and is associated with suicide risk. The treatment of this disorder remains a challenge, since currently available antidepressants provide a slow and, often, incomplete response and cause several side effects that contribute to diminish the adhesion of patients to treatment. In this context, several nutraceuticals have been investigated regarding their possible beneficial effects for the management of this neuropsychiatric disorder. Creatine stands out as a supplement frequently used for ergogenic purpose, but it also is a neuroprotective compound with potential to treat or mitigate a broad range of central nervous systems diseases, including depression. This review presents preclinical and clinical evidence that creatine may exhibit antidepressant properties. The focus is given on the possible molecular mechanisms underlying its effects based on the results obtained with different animal models of depression. Finally, evidence obtained in animal models of depression addressing the possibility that creatine may produce rapid antidepressant effect, similar to ketamine, are also presented and discussed. Cognitive effects of creatine monohydrate adjunctive therapy in patients with bipolar depression: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Journal of Affective Disorders Volume 224, 15 December 2017, Highlights • Depressive episodes and cognitive impairments produce most of the dysfunctionality in bipolar disorder. • Multiple lines of evidence strongly implicate the occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction in bipolar disorder. • This study was the first to investigate cognitive effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on bipolar depression. • Creatine monohydrate supplementation for 6 weeks was associated with improvement in verbal fluency in bipolar depression. •Future studies on the cognitive-enhancing properties of creatine monohydrate in bipolar disorder should be undertaken.

I’m thinking about trying neaveau for the first time. Have used a few other gh kits the last 7 months but feel like making the switch as I’m not a body tech only user for my gear. Would everyone recommend this for me to use. I’m Ben using 4-5 iu daily last 7 months thanks

If you've been in the lifting game for a semi-significant period of time, you've heard the Joe Gym-bro mantra that consuming whey protein and simple carbohydrates like dextrose immediately post-workout is crucial to "spike" insulin levels and maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Since the early days of weight training, lifters have been employing this practice to increase muscle mass during a bulking phase and preserve lean mass during a cutting phase. A few years ago there was a shift in recommendations within the fitness community. Simple carbohydrates are no longer "required" to spike insulin levels because whey protein appeared to sufficiently spike insulin levels by itself. Insulin Resistance Battle: Whey Protein vs. Leucine A recent study entitled "Protein Ingestion Induces Muscle Insulin Resistance Independent of Leucine-Mediated mTOR Activation" by Gordon Smith, et al. was published in the May 2015 edition of Diabetes, a journal of the American Diabetes Association. In this article, the authors administered either whey protein dosed at 0.6g/kg of fat-free mass or the amount of free-form L-leucine found in the equivalent dose of whey protein. [1] Each group consisted of 11 women, classified as sedentary, weight-stable, and between the ages of 50 and 65. [2] Researchers found that both leucine and whey protein increased the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) by 30% over baseline; mTOR is responsible for muscle protein synthesis. [1]Furthermore, Smith, et al. found that whey protein decreased the rate of glucose uptake from the blood by peripheral tissues, such as skeletal muscle by ~25%, whereas free-form L-leucine did not induce muscle insulin resistance. [1] [3] In short, the authors believe that protein, particularly whey protein, causes insulin resistance, a trait that typically leads to the development of Type 2 Diabetes. Does Whey Protein REALLY Cause Insulin Resistance? Before you dump all your whey protein and switch to free-form L-Leucine diet, let's examine why these findings are ludicrous and in no way applicable to the fitness community. The "sample" used in this study is abysmal at best; only 22 people, all of which sedentary post-menopausal women within a 15-year age range. If that's not enough information to make you stop reading or take the study with a grain of salt, let's delve further. Let's say whey protein does decrease glucose uptake. Even after a bout of moderate intensity exercise, glucose uptake increases by a net of 15+%. That's in sedentary, untrained individuals. Improved glucose uptake is an important component of building muscle and minimizing fat gain while eating a hypercaloric (re: mass gain) diet. If a similar study were to be performed in the future, researchers should vary the gender, age, and training experience. I'm willing to bet under these circumstances the results would be exceptionally different in non-sedentary individuals. The Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Connection Insulin resistance does not always lead to type 2 diabetes. A study of 331 individuals, conducted by researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, and Beth Israel Medical Center, found that insulin resistance doesn't accurately predict your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes if you don't have a family history of Diabetes. [5] So before we jump to the conclusion that whey protein causes diabetes, let's give the researchers credit; they didn't outright say whey protein causes diabetes. Rather, they claimed protein, specifically whey protein, causes insulin resistance which can lead to type 2 diabetes if not managed properly and if you have a family history of Diabetes. However, other factors such as bodyweight, age, gender, race, and activity level can also influence insulin resistance. This study contained only two groups - whey protein and free-form L-leucine. Including a non-dairy, whole food protein source like chicken, beef, or egg, whether it be in unprocessed or powder form, would have been beneficial. More specifically, using eggs or egg protein, with a biological value of 100 and net protein utilization of 94, would provide the best comparison to whey protein. Eggs have a biological value of 104 and net protein utilization of 92. [6] Any time you process and filter a food to increase protein content and remove undesired ingredients like carbohydrates and fats and in the case of L-leucine, other amino acids, your body is going to respond and process the protein differently. It would also be interesting to compare L-leucine to other free-form essential amino acids like isoleucine and valine. Yes, Whey Protein is Insulinogenic It's well-established that whey protein is insulinogenic, which means it stimulates the production of insulin. For all the lifting bros, whey protein contributes to the "insulin spike". The effects and magnitude of this insulin spike will be debated until the end of time. One study found that consuming whey protein versus white wheat bread led to 87% and 139% higher insulin levels 15 minutes and 30 minutes post consumption, respectively. [7] Let me reiterate, spiking insulin isn't always a bad thing; it's beneficial for replenishing glycogen stores within the muscles, particularly after an intense training session. Before we wrap up this article, let's examine studies that challenge the notion that whey protein induces muscle insulin resistance. Researchers who performed a comprehensive analysis of literature related to dietary whey protein found that it reduces blood glucose levels in healthy individuals, obese individuals, and those with Type 2 Diabetes. [8] When human subjects consumed just 9 grams of whey protein before a ham sandwich meal, they experienced significantly lower post-meal changes in blood sugar compared to the control group. [9] Another study of 12 healthy human subjects found that once again, consuming just 9g of whey protein before a meal with 25g of carbohydrates decreased post-meal fluctuations in blood sugar. [10] In fact, it appears that whey protein before a meal actually improves insulin response. Now let's examine a few studies on rodents, our genetic cousins. One study on rats found that whey protein didn't affect fasting blood glucose level and actually improved insulin resistance. [11] To avoid confusion here, let me clarify - improved insulin resistance is the same as decreased insulin resistance. Another study on rats found that consuming whey protein hydrolysate increased GLUT-4 concentrations in the plasma membrane without affecting insulin levels. [12] GLUT-4 is the mechanism that brings glucose into muscle cells and those with type 2 diabetes experience decreased GLUT-4 concentrations. A study on rats found that consuming whey protein isolate (100g per liter of drinking water) alongside a high-fat diet for 11 weeks actually improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. [13] So there you have it folks, multiple studies contrasting the recent finding that whey protein induces muscle insulin resistance. Whey Protein Can Improve Blood Glucose Levels Don't let this one-off study scare you into ditching whey protein. Whey protein is considered a "supplement", which means it's not required for gaining size, strength, or power. However, it's a tasty, convenient, and cost-effective way to increase your protein intake and improve recovery. Multiple studies indicate that protein, specifically whey protein, can actually improve blood glucose levels in healthy, obese, and individuals with type 2 diabetes. Instead of blaming whey protein for insulin resistance, let's focus on decreasing portion sizes and processed junk while increasing physical activity in the general population. Those are the kinds of steps that will decrease insulin resistance in both the short and long term. References 1) "Protein Ingestion Induces Muscle Insulin Resistance Independent of Leucine-Mediated MTOR Activation. - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 July 2015. 2) "Too Much Whey Today, Type II Diabetes Tomorrow - Human Study: Whey Reduces Muscular Glucose Uptake by 25%! - SuppVersity: Nutrition and Exercise Science for Everyone."SuppVersity - Nutrition and Exercise Science for Everyone. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 July 2015. 3) "Glucose Disposal Rate." Diabetes Education for Healthcare Professionals. National Diabetes Education Initiative, 2015.

nice article

Oh yeah, the good ole goody box

I’ll be watching to see how you react to this compound as I am really interested in adding it to my arsenal

They look good .. make something very similar. will find recipe to post

looking solid

Today i weighed in at 157 lowest ive been in a long time likely since i was in my early 20's ? yikes.....I cant say enough good things about the omad fasting diet for me its been amazing and has literally changed my life... I struggled a bit over the weekend due to eating my turkey dinners with family as I do have an ongoing battle with an eating disorder but the omad diet has really helped me so very much. Its unfortunate but once you have an eating disorder it never goes away other than you learn to eat smart and never overload on food. ON a better note i am now adding into my mix of BT products which currently i am running: Injectables- Primobolon 50mg likely taking that upto 100mg Test propionate 25mg i always do a very low dose with awesome results Orals- Anavar 40mg Winstrol 20mg Peptides - Iparmorlin Hgh frag-191 Cjc-1295 Fatburners- DNP JUST FINISHED Helios Adding- arimidex and proviron Also do 40 mins fasted cardio 5 days a week

Holy shit man! Helluva home gym

Colman's mustard is the only one I buy.

I see guys talking to women all the time in the gym. I can't be bothered. I'm there for me. My training, my body. I've finished entire workout while they talk. If I was a chick I'd be pissed they're wasting my workout time. I've gotten smiles and smiled back. But I've never used it as an opportunity to start a conversation. Thankfully it's the chicks in great shape who like to give me the wink. And not some fucking talker.

This would be awesome!

I have a leg press I built with rebar and 2x6. Looks like a torture rack, I'd definitely like to show that off.