Guest guest Posted January 15, 2004 Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 Hey Chuck! Congratulations and welcome!!!!! It is a very exciting step to take in your life. You won't regret it! Here are my opinionated responses to your questions: 1. You don't have to take the drinks. If you are using them to meet the contest supplement requirement, then there are a few options. You can use vanilla extract, peppermint extract, instant coffee, and other low calorie items to spruce them up. I haven't tried this with Myoplex, but taking certain shakes and freezing them can make them more appealing as an ice cream or sorbet. You can try the protein powders and have them with fruit and if you are not required to take them at all, then certainly trying other types of powders to find out what you enjoy the taste of more is an option! 2. Once you can complete all of the reps, it is time to increase the weight. When you increase your weight, you will not be able to finish your last set without a true " 10 " . You might get 10 or 11 or 11 1/2 but not 12. When you reach that, it is time to increase weight. I like the " 2 rep " rule - that if you cannot get within 2 reps of the target weight, drop the weight, you're going to heavy. If you can get within 2 reps, stay there. If you can reach the goal or beyond, then go ahead and increase the weight. 3. My pictures are under my profile in the files section. Aside from maybe 3 months in the gym, the past 4 years have been spent exclusively training in my basement. I started with a rickety old weight bench and some light, adjustable dumbbells and moved onto a more robust system, but the results you see under " BFLUSER " or " Likness " for my wife and myself were totally " home grown. " My answer would be a resounding, YES. GLAD TO SEE THE ENERGY! GO FOR IT! Likness > Hi folks. I'm Chuck and recently found your Yahoo group and signed up. Seems to be some good info out there from you all from what I've seen so far. > > I've started the BFL program twice with lackluster results. From what I gather from the emails I've read so far is that not everyone can expect a total transformation from completing one challenge and that it takes a long term commitment to really see results. This is good confirmation for myself. I appreciate Bob's postings with regards to his 6 meal menu among other info that I've seen thus far. > > Hope you don't mind some questions that I have that I'm hoping you can answer. > > 1. Do you all " spice " up the Myoplex drinks? I find the taste of them truly displeasing with the exception of the Banana flavor in the Tropical Variety Pack. Wish they made a whole box of just that. > > 2. In your workouts, how do you determine when it is the appropriate time to increase the amount of weight you are lifting? If you can do all 12 reps at a 9 effort, does that mean its time to add weight? > > 3. Can a person who works out at home with free weights expect to achieve the same results as a person going to the gym? > > I'm re-energized and am going to begin my 3rd try at the challenge this Monday. Appreciate all the info and support! > > Thanks much, Chuck > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2004 Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 > Hope you don't mind some questions that I have that I'm hoping you can answer. > > 1. Do you all " spice " up the Myoplex drinks? I find the taste of them truly displeasing with the exception of the Banana flavor in the Tropical Variety Pack. Wish they made a whole box of just that. The only thing I normally add to mine is some BetaGen. I have to admit that I like the taste of the DeLuxe better than the regular. But I'll also say that it is a taste that grows on you. I used to gag on them, but really like them now -- kind of like asparagus! > > 2. In your workouts, how do you determine when it is the appropriate time to increase the amount of weight you are lifting? If you can do all 12 reps at a 9 effort, does that mean its time to add weight? That's a good starting spot. Basically, whenever I do a workout, I try to increase at least one exercise. Today might be squats, next time it might be calves. If I totally kill myself, then I drop back to the old weight. If not, I've gained. Obviously, you'll have a good idea of which exercise seemed the easiest today. That's a good target for an increase next time. > > 3. Can a person who works out at home with free weights expect to achieve the same results as a person going to the gym? I think just as quickly, once you get over the fear factor. You can usually feel safe going a little heavier on machines, as they all have a " stop " built into them that keeps the weight from crushing you. Once you gain some confidence, free-weights are actually better, as they work your stabilizer muscles. In my opinion, the biggest problem with free weights is coming up with a good variety of exercises, especially for the lower body. Muscle Media shows some every so often, so it is a good source. Good Luck! Bob White Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2004 Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 > Hope you don't mind some questions that I have that I'm hoping you can answer. > > 1. Do you all " spice " up the Myoplex drinks? I find the taste of them truly displeasing with the exception of the Banana flavor in the Tropical Variety Pack. Wish they made a whole box of just that. The only thing I normally add to mine is some BetaGen. I have to admit that I like the taste of the DeLuxe better than the regular. But I'll also say that it is a taste that grows on you. I used to gag on them, but really like them now -- kind of like asparagus! > > 2. In your workouts, how do you determine when it is the appropriate time to increase the amount of weight you are lifting? If you can do all 12 reps at a 9 effort, does that mean its time to add weight? That's a good starting spot. Basically, whenever I do a workout, I try to increase at least one exercise. Today might be squats, next time it might be calves. If I totally kill myself, then I drop back to the old weight. If not, I've gained. Obviously, you'll have a good idea of which exercise seemed the easiest today. That's a good target for an increase next time. > > 3. Can a person who works out at home with free weights expect to achieve the same results as a person going to the gym? I think just as quickly, once you get over the fear factor. You can usually feel safe going a little heavier on machines, as they all have a " stop " built into them that keeps the weight from crushing you. Once you gain some confidence, free-weights are actually better, as they work your stabilizer muscles. In my opinion, the biggest problem with free weights is coming up with a good variety of exercises, especially for the lower body. Muscle Media shows some every so often, so it is a good source. Good Luck! Bob White Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2004 Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 > Hope you don't mind some questions that I have that I'm hoping you can answer. > > 1. Do you all " spice " up the Myoplex drinks? I find the taste of them truly displeasing with the exception of the Banana flavor in the Tropical Variety Pack. Wish they made a whole box of just that. The only thing I normally add to mine is some BetaGen. I have to admit that I like the taste of the DeLuxe better than the regular. But I'll also say that it is a taste that grows on you. I used to gag on them, but really like them now -- kind of like asparagus! > > 2. In your workouts, how do you determine when it is the appropriate time to increase the amount of weight you are lifting? If you can do all 12 reps at a 9 effort, does that mean its time to add weight? That's a good starting spot. Basically, whenever I do a workout, I try to increase at least one exercise. Today might be squats, next time it might be calves. If I totally kill myself, then I drop back to the old weight. If not, I've gained. Obviously, you'll have a good idea of which exercise seemed the easiest today. That's a good target for an increase next time. > > 3. Can a person who works out at home with free weights expect to achieve the same results as a person going to the gym? I think just as quickly, once you get over the fear factor. You can usually feel safe going a little heavier on machines, as they all have a " stop " built into them that keeps the weight from crushing you. Once you gain some confidence, free-weights are actually better, as they work your stabilizer muscles. In my opinion, the biggest problem with free weights is coming up with a good variety of exercises, especially for the lower body. Muscle Media shows some every so often, so it is a good source. Good Luck! Bob White Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.