More to come...

Hey guys, just wanted to leave a post to let you know that I'm still here. I've been sick, and swamped with school work, essays, and a few club events at the University, so I've been swamped with so many other things taking priority, but I should get the most recent post up by the end of next week.

Sorry to keep you all waiting.

GNC Gold Card Days Are Almost Over!

There's no better way to kick off your New Years resolution to get back into shape than a good deal on some multivitamins, protein, or whatever it may be to help you achieve your goals. GNC offers its Gold Card Days at the beginning of each month for you to be able to get good deals on their products. The purchase of a Gold Card definitely outweighs the cost of the products without the card, and is very worthwhile, and can save you a lot of money -- even on your first purchase.

The gold card offers 20% off your entire purchase, and can also get you some great deals when shopping online. GNC offers a wide range of products from the most recent and effective products like OxyElite Pro, to more specific needs like fish oil and vitamin D chewables. The beginning of the month is the only time of the month where I go to purchase my supplements, because of the deals they have. You'd better hurry though, the deals end on the 10th.

How Much Rest?

Ahh... All of your muscles should deserve some rest. Some more than others, but how much?

The muscles in the legs need the most time in order to recover, because of their size. This also goes for the muscles in the back, and in the chest. The muscles in the shoulders, forearms and stomach are a lot smaller and can be worked on a daily basis (after your body gets used to working out, of course). Your abs, or the muscles where your stomach is, are the fastest recovering muscles in your body.

Whenever I go to the gym, no matter which muscle group I'm trying to focus on, I always make sure that I have at least 2 abdominal exercises squeezed in there. The remainder of the smaller muscles in the arms always get a workout from whatever I'm doing at the time in the gym. When you perform your bench press, you're actually working all of the muscles in your upper body, but with more emphasis on your chest. Biceps, triceps, deltoids, pecs, etc... All from one exercise. You will, however start to feel the burn from the major muscle group you're focusing on.

Always have a plan when you go to the gym. If you want a full body build, then you should have a cycle to properly rotate which muscles you work on to give the muscles you're not working on adequate rest so they can recover. If there's anything you should take from this post, it's this: The point of working out is to break down your muscles, so they can rebuild stronger. While you rest, you rebuild. If you don't rest... You don't rebuild.

Jcamelo -- This post is for YOU

Time for me to review one of the best bits of protein I've had in a while, this one is Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60. I've purchased about 2 bottles of this protein in the last year, just trying to alternate around, and the best results I've seen have come from this protein. It's very good as far as taste, very high absorbent, lower fat concentration, and I was gaining three pounds of muscle every two months. I would recommend this protein powder to anyone who is trying to either cut or gain weight. It gives you a lot of control over your calorie and fat intake while giving you a whole 60 grams of protein per serving.

The reason why I've dedicated this post to Jcamelo is because he said he gets really specific on the taste of certain protein shakes (as stated in the post below this). I would have 3 scoops of this stuff, immediately after a work out, and I would drink it with hot water. Unlike most of my other shakes that I prefer with milk, this one I would recommend with hot water. It's a lot more soothing and relaxing, and in fact, tastes better than some of the hot chocolate that I've had. How many people here can admit that they've had a protein shake made with hot water instead of warm water, cold water, or milk? Give it a shot, hit the gym, carve some abs, build the bi's, and make your Lats Impressive!

What Flavored?

Had an amazing workout of Back and Bi's today, now come home to take a shower, and have a protein shake. Problem being this: When I purchased the powder for the protein, they only had one available flavor... Banana... Bananas taste great, but NEVER get anything banana flavored! After this experience, the look, and taste of this stuff just makes me want to vomit. I've had some really great tasting protein shakes, but this is just eating away at me. I tried this the first time, and for the hell of it, and because I'm a slow learner, a second time. Banana flavored _X_ is DISGUSTING!

So I'll just take my shower and do a few lines of Whey.

Lats Impressive

I've decided to start a blog so I can track my progress throughout the gym, and give my first hand point of view on diet and exercise, with results to match my progression! As a part of my philosophy, I believe that strength is relative to your own body weight. And by that, I am referring to how well you can handle your own body weight--whether it's push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, leg lifts, etc..

A little bit about me: I am 145 pounds, 5'10", 12.4% body fat, and an Ex-Marine. I've been trying to stay very well cut meanwhile gaining weight. Over the last 3 months, I managed to drop .1% body fat, and gain 3 pounds of solid muscle.

I am a supplement beast--I take them daily! Currently, I am using OxyElite Pro, C4 Extreme, and 100% Gold Standard Whey.

I can't wait to start posting results.