Methods for gaining muscle and losing fat

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Quote from smilingsynic:

Whey consists of around 1/4 BCAAs. To get enough of the BCAAs to maximize muscle protein synthesis, one would have to consume 4 servings of whey. 1 serving of the whey protein in my pantry (Champion) is 130 calories (I use it on non-training days to keep appetite low). 130 cal X 4 = 520 cal.

520 cal would help in packing on the muscle, but too many calories will only end up adding fat. Which would go against the topic here--gaining muscle/losing fat.

Many BCAA mixes have very little calories. In any event, nothing approaching the calories in whey.
 
Just curious, smilingsynic and atticus, how often do you guys go all out to the last rep in a workout? And when you don't, how many more reps could you have done at the end of a set had you gone all out? Do you have a rule of thumb you follow?
 
Quote from Brass:

Just curious, smilingsynic and atticus, how often do you guys go all out to the last rep in a workout? And when you don't, how many more reps could you have done at the end of a set had you gone all out? Do you have a rule of thumb you follow?

I can only go all out once a week without burning out. I am going on 44 in less than a week.

I keep going until I can do no more.

Here is how I do "all out": I load the bar with all of the weight I can lift for 4 or so reps, and then remove weight and keep cranking out 4 more with the lower weight, and when I can do no more, take off more weight and do four or so more. No rest in between descending sets, except to remove weights/pick up another set of dumbbells.

I don't do that with deadlifts or with barbell squats, though.

If I do 16-20 reps, every rep is hard. Most people who do 16-20 reps only struggle with the final two or three. I struggle with each one.
 
Quote from smilingsynic:

I can only go all out once a week without burning out. I am going on 44 in less than a week.

I keep going until I can do no more.

Here is how I do "all out": I load the bar with all of the weight I can lift for 4 or so reps, and then remove weight and keep cranking out 4 more with the lower weight, and when I can do no more, take off more weight and do four or so more. No rest in between descending sets, except to remove weights/pick up another set of dumbbells.

I don't do that with deadlifts or with barbell squats, though.

If I do 16-20 reps, every rep is hard. Most people who do 16-20 reps only struggle with the final two or three. I struggle with each one.
Interesting, since I've just decided the other day that I'd also go all out on only one of my 3 workouts a week. Good to know. However, although I reduce the resistance on each set to stay in the rep range, the idea of doing so without rest in between sets sounds a bit overwhelming. I think I'll pass on that little twist for now.

Thanks for your response, but please also answer my other question regarding how many reps you normally "leave in the tank" on your non-max days.
 
I can't do high-intensity workout on an empty stomach. that includes resistance work. I get dizzy and have no energy.

But for low-intensity cardio, like leisurely biking on the stationary bike or brisk walking, i will exercise on an empty stomach, sometimes for 2+ hours.

During low-intensity workouts, your body can get more of its energy needs from fat. For higher intensity work, fat can't supply the energy fast enough. you need sugar
 
Quote from Brass:

I have worked out for pretty much all of my adult life and have seen people come and go at various gyms over that period, and, from my observation, I don't think that your physique can be attained solely with 35-minute workouts four times a week along with good nutrition and proper rest. Therefore, I surmise there may be, or may have been, an Element X. And so, my question is: are you saying that ursolic acid is that Element X?

Maybe you have below-average genetics?

I worked out for a solid 3.5 years during my prime (19-23). With only creatine and whey protein, I went from 185 pounds at 6'3, to 245 pounds with a 32 inch waist. It's more than possible. And get this - I hadn't even plateaued or incorporated deadlifts into my routine. Towards the end, when I got bored and later quit, I was doing 3 and a half plates per side, on squat (half-way down, but still adding weight).

Now, ten years later, I can barely eek out 10 push-ups and struggle with 1 plate per side, ATG. Getting back into the swing of it. wow
 
Quote from achilles28:

Maybe you have below-average genetics?

I worked out for a solid 3.5 years during my prime (19-23). With only creatine and whey protein, I went from 185 pounds at 6'3, to 245 pounds with a 32 inch waist. It's more than possible. And get this - I hadn't even plateaued or incorporated deadlifts into my routine. Towards the end, when I got bored and later quit, I was doing 3 and a half plates per side, on squat (half-way down, but still adding weight).

Now, ten years later, I can barely eek out 10 push-ups and struggle with 1 plate per side, ATG. Getting back into the swing of it. wow
 
Quote from LEAPup:


Once I learned how to
1. Eat correctly
2. Sleep enough (8-9hrs/night)
3. Recover completely from the previous workout
Then I could fine tune with good accuracy my gym routines, and weights used.

How do you know when you're completely recovered from the previous workout? Soreness is totally gone? Does soreness matter?
 
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