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WNBF Pro Brad Steere
Photo: Reg Bradford
THE SYNERGY OF SUPPLEMENTS
HOW DO YOU STACK UP?
By Rich Fitter
For big gains and deep cuts, it takes more than training. Learn how to get the most bang for your buck and win your next contest!
Successful bodybuilding requires planning – a method to the madness, so to speak. This holds true with both training and diet, where a well-formulated program is necessary for the best results.
Supplement manufacturers understand this and employ a similar approach. Many companies have plans for both offseason supplementation and precontest strategies. By using the products together as a stack, the synergy of them yields greater results.
Flipping through the pages of this magazine, you will see a few advertisements by the same manufacturer. To help natural athletes plan their supplement regimens, NB&F asked some leading companies to explain the rationale behind an effective program. At times, certain supplements are more valuable to a competitor than others, and calorie content must be considered as well.
Kevin DeHaven of ISS Research recommends this approach to putting on fat free muscle: “When it comes to making gains in size, strength and lean muscle, athletes realize the need to train ‘over their head’, and quickly stimulate the recovery process. That’s the premise behind ISS’ powerful Lean Muscle Training Stack – Satur8 Rush, ReSatur8 and ProM3.
Serious athletes call this their “Stack of Certainty” because it allows you to stop guessing and start gaining. In fact, it’s actually two-stacks in one. You’ll feel confident in knowing you’ve got everything you need in order to get the best possible workout and the best possible gains from your workout. Take one serving of Satur8 Rush and one-scoop of ProM3 before you train to prime your body for maximum training intensity, and anabolic drive. With potent amounts of cell volumizers, focus and energy enhancers, and electrolytes, Satur8 Rush translates to more sets, more reps and ultimately more weight that will power you through each and every workout. But that’s not all. By adding one scoop of PRO M3 to this potent pre-workout formula you’ll also hit the gym with a rich supply of fast acting whey protein that delivers amino acids immediately; setting the stage for muscle growth and minimizing the breakdown lean muscle tissue for energy. Once your training is over, the ISS Lean Muscle Training Stack starts working overtime to rebuild, repair and grow fresh new muscle tissue. To accelerate this vital process, simply take one serving of RE-Satur8 and two-scoops of ProM3. This second stack delivers fast-acting (high glycemic index) carbohydrate sources, multiple creatine sources (ATP regenerators), nutrient disposal agents and a specific array of amino acids from; whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate and egg albumen. The result is superior replenishment of muscle glycogen stores, re-loaded ATP stores and a fast and slow delivery of amino acids for maximum muscle growth.“
Gaspari Nutrition believes in supplying 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight during a cutting phase to prevent catabolism. For this reason, Intrapro, Gaspari’s high quality protein supplement, is taken twice daily between meals. Before training, SuperPump250 and PlasmaJet provide a powerful boost of NO and creatine. The thermogenic Cytolean is taken in the late morning and mid-afternoon to boost calorie burning.
To put on mass, total calories are increased by adding more carbs, still maintaining 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight. Cytolean is dropped, but SizeON is added as a post-workout beverage.
BSN is another company that believes in the power of pre- and post-workout supplementation. By supplementing with N.O.-XPLODE before training and consuming Cell Mass after to ensure recovery, you will be supplying your muscles with performance-enhancing nutrients. Nitrix, their nitric oxide booster is taken throughout the day to maintain a perpetual pump and improve the delivery of nutrients. During a cutting phase, the potent thermogenic Atro-phex is added.
While each of these respected companies offers different approaches to bodybuilding supplementation, there are similarities. Each offers products formulated with the highest quality ingredients, and each emphasizes the need for pre- and post-workout supplementation. These are the most critical times for nutrient delivery, whether you are adding size or stripping fat. Each authority also believes in supplementing with a protein supplement to provide raw materials to build lean muscle and prevent catabolism. The experts have spoken and the verdict is in. Stack your supplements to get the most out of your training.
Editor’s Note: For more information, visit issresearch.com, bsnonline.net, and gasparinutrition.com.
