Supplements - JP Fitness Forums

billyray · 07-22-2006, 05:37 PM

Hello. I am approaching the crossing of the rubicon into my fifties this fall, and am considering finally adding supplements to my every other day weight lifting routine which I've been doing since the very early seventies, with the occasional week off for rest and periodization to keep the body guessing about what's coming at it next. My thought process goes something like this... since we lose lean muscle mass as we age, I would like to try and circumvent that by adding some sort (natural only) of supplementation to what I have so diligently been pursuing all of these years. If anyone out there has any suggestions or ideas, I welcome wholeheartedly you comments. I'm leaning towards whey protein powder and perhaps some branched chain amino acids. Are there any other products out there that I might have overlooked, ie. recovery aids and/or water retention aids? Creatine, perhaps? Current stats: 5'10" 152.25 lbs @7.4% bodyfat. "Off" days consist of HIIT by way of 40 yard windsprints and the occasional bike ride or swim. Thanks to all for your consideration.

Lost Dog · 07-22-2006, 07:19 PM

You can't go wrong with creatine. Give it a shot.

The others shouldn't specifically help with retaining lean mass, unless you don't eat enough food and/or protein to begin with.

As to others, depends more on your immediate goals. What do you do for your post workout nutrition, now? Do you use a pwo drink? That and creatine are good supps for virtually everyone to use.

Ian Kay · 07-23-2006, 06:55 AM

DHEA, Tribulus and ZMA to re-establish and maintain testosterone levels. This isn't "pharmacy-grade, grow new hair, turn you into a kid again" stuff, but it's not going to hurt you and has a decent reputation in the testosterone field. These are not "steroids", will not change you into the Hulk (in size or attitude). DHEA and ZMA are simply things which we all have in our bodies naturally, but are depleted through age and intense exercise. Tribulus boosts a little of the testosterone that also depletes with age.

I wouldn't blame you if you dismissed these. But I thought I'd at least throw it out there. It's intreresting stuff. (And they're certainly not new... google them and you'll find tons of info.)

Jason B · 07-23-2006, 08:46 AM

I agree with RockHard, those ain't gonna do much for younger guys who's test levels haven't dropped yet (ZMA is effective, but not the other two), but all three are great as your natural test levels start to go down.

Cynic · 07-23-2006, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billyray

I'm leaning towards whey protein powder and perhaps some branched chain amino acids.

A good whey will already have BCAAs in it. I think ON's measure is 5g/scoop.

Quote:

Are there any other products out there that I might have overlooked, ie. recovery aids and/or water retention aids? Creatine, perhaps?

I agree on creatine, but it's subjective. You definately want a good whey regardless.

And since you're over 40, I think rockhard is right on the tribulus. I can't comment on ZMA or DHEA.

billyray · 07-23-2006, 12:58 PM

Thanks for the information folks. I will definitely google the DHEA, Tribulus and ZMA. As for PWO... I am currently and have for years eaten a can of tuna, or natty peanut butter or several ounces of boneless, skinless chicken or turkey breast. Yogurt and fruit also factor into my 90 minute nutrition "window", though I doubt that they do anything more than help to replenish lost vitamins and minerals. Look forward to finding out more about the supps. Thanks again for your responses.