Workout question...

[Kruezerman]

So I'm trying to get bigger (I'm 5'5" and weigh 126lbs, I need a boost) and stronger and a lot of my friends are turning me onto protein shakes and pre-workout stuff and I was wondering if those things are:

A. Safe.
B. Effective.
C. Possible to acquire without killing my wallet.

For the longest time I've stuck with just eating food, just eating right, but I like the idea of a little extra help. But on the other hand, it feels kinda like cheating. So I was wondering if y'all had any ideas or advice as well.

 

[RoJoHen]

It really depends on what they're recommending. For one, how old are you? Supplements can be dangerous for younger people and are generally recommended only for people over 18 years of age.

If you're looking to bulk up, there's nothing wrong with a protein shake. You need protein to build muscle, and sometimes it's very hard (both expensive and time-consuming) to get enough just through solid food.

Start with a whey protein shake after your workouts. If you want to try something pre-workout, try some creatine. It's a pretty safe "beginner" supplement.

I usually buy my supplements from bodybuilding.com, though there are some other sites out there. You just need to shop around to find the best deals.

The key to taking supplements, however, is to remember that they are in fact supplements to your regular diet. If your diet sucks, supplements really won't do you any good, so make sure you have good eating habits before you start throwing your money away on extra stuff.

 

[Kenbushway]

So I'm trying to get bigger (I'm 5'5" and weigh 126lbs, I need a boost) and stronger and a lot of my friends are turning me onto protein shakes and pre-workout stuff and I was wondering if those things are:

A. Safe.
B. Effective.
C. Possible to acquire without killing my wallet.

For the longest time I've stuck with just eating food, just eating right, but I like the idea of a little extra help. But on the other hand, it feels kinda like cheating. So I was wondering if y'all had any ideas or advice as well.

Those protein shakes are jokes. Your body doesn't digest liquid the same it does solid food. It can't digest the calories associated with those shakes, so you are doing more harm than good.

 

[RoJoHen]

^That is one of the most absurd things I've ever read.

Protein is protein. If you put it in your body, your body will break it down and use it.

 

[Kenbushway]

^That is one of the most absurd things I've ever read.

Protein is protein. If you put it in your body, your body will break it down and use it.

Not in liquid form. Watch the HBO special weight of the nation. It explains it better than I ever could.

 

[SmoothieX]

I was friends with a few guys in college who messed around with various supplements and would gain 20 lbs of muscle in a semester. It also made them quite flatulent, which was just wonderful...

I'm a small guy, I like running, biking, hiking, etc. I'm in decent shape, it's just that Mother Nature or my genes or whatever never intended me to be bulky, oh well.

 

[RoJoHen]

^That is one of the most absurd things I've ever read.

Protein is protein. If you put it in your body, your body will break it down and use it.

Not in liquid form. Watch the HBO special weight of the nation. It explains it better than I ever could.

Whey protein is a powder. The only reason it's liquid is because you mix it with something. Bodybuilders and powerlifters wouldn't have been drinking protein shakes all this time if they didn't work.

 

[backstept]

once food reaches your small intestine it's about the same consistency as a shake anyway

 

[Kruezerman]

Thanks y'all, I'll get on trying em. I have a friend who's a personal trainer who's helping me as well.

I'm 20 by the way.

5'5" 126 lbs.

So yeah, I'd like to gain some weight.

 

[RoJoHen]

Sounds good. Just start with the basics, and don't expect any miracle changes overnight. Your muscles won't suddenly explode just because you had a couple protein shakes.

 

[Kruezerman]

Oh I don't, but I'm more worried about my taste buds, I heard these things taste awful!

 

[RoJoHen]

They're really not that bad, though protein is definitely an acquired taste. Optimum Nutrition is my preferred brand, and their flavors are pretty good. It helps if you mix them with fruit or yogurt or something instead of just water. Actually, if you really want some extra calories, you can always mix them with ice cream and make a pretty solid gainer shake. It's not something you want to do forever, but if you have a hard time putting on weight, it could help out.

My dad used to give me the leftovers from the blender whenever he made protein shakes, so I've been used to the flavor ever since I was a kid. I love the taste of protein.

 

[JarodRussell]

I see no need for supplements if you're 5' 5" and 126 lbs. Would be a waste of money.

 

[RoJoHen]

What does his current size have to do with anything?

 

[JarodRussell]

That there's still a lot room for more without wasting money on supplements. If he were already on his peak and still wanted to get bigger, then we'd talk about adding stuff.

 

[Kruezerman]

They're really not that bad, though protein is definitely an acquired taste. Optimum Nutrition is my preferred brand, and their flavors are pretty good. It helps if you mix them with fruit or yogurt or something instead of just water. Actually, if you really want some extra calories, you can always mix them with ice cream and make a pretty solid gainer shake. It's not something you want to do forever, but if you have a hard time putting on weight, it could help out.

My dad used to give me the leftovers from the blender whenever he made protein shakes, so I've been used to the flavor ever since I was a kid. I love the taste of protein.

Oh the ice cream would be brilliant in this weather too (it get's around 102 average down here). Thank you, you're very helpful!

I see no need for supplements if you're 5' 5" and 126 lbs. Would be a waste of money.

Is that a crack about my height boy?

Cause down here... *spits* thems fightin' words.

 

[RoJoHen]

I don't know what you mean. If his diet is shit, then I'd agree. He needs to work on fixing that first. However, if he is already eating right but still not seeing the results he wants, supplements could help out.

 

[Kruezerman]

I don't know what you mean. If his diet is shit, then I'd agree. He needs to work on fixing that first. However, if he is already eating right but still not seeing the results he wants, supplements could help out.

I eat home cooked meals, I avoid fast food like the plague, I enjoy peanut butter by itself all the time (peanut butter and banana sammich ), I was raised right thank you very much.

 

[banzaiduck]

. Optimum Nutrition is my preferred brand, and their flavors are pretty good. It helps if you mix them with fruit or yogurt or something instead of just water.

This.
I also am a fan of Optimum Nutrition, not only because of the quality but also because in a recent study by Consumer Reports, it was the brand with almost no heavy metals whatsoever. On the other hand, less reputable brands like Cytosport had the most.

Admittedly, I started working out several months back and my weight was around 159 lbs, which means I was rather meager. Workouts coupled with a protein intake of around 1 [edited, whoops, not 1.5] gram per pound of body weight every day, that's increased to 195 lbs.

Now I just need to do a lot more cardio to trim that down to leaner muscle. I hate cardio, hate it...

Cheers and good luck.

BANZAI!!!!

 

[Kruezerman]

. Optimum Nutrition is my preferred brand, and their flavors are pretty good. It helps if you mix them with fruit or yogurt or something instead of just water.

This.
I also am a fan of Optimum Nutrition, not only because of the quality but also because in a recent study by Consumer Reports, it was the brand with almost no heavy metals whatsoever. On the other hand, less reputable brands like Cytosport had the most.

Admittedly, I started working out several months back and my weight was around 159 lbs, which means I was rather meager. Workouts coupled with a protein intake of around 1.5 grams per pound every day, that's increased to 195 lbs.

Now I just need to do a lot more cardio to trim that down to leaner muscle. I hate cardio, hate it...

Cheers and good luck.

BANZAI!!!!

Thanks, and hiking or swimming will do the cardio job and not be... hateful...