Oh man, I couldn't help but share the following little piece of joy...
Thank God somebody out there is making fun of these two in particular. I've always felt, for as long as I've been involved in hardcore training and totally invested in pro-bodybuilding these two would be the hallmarks of the industry's bad points. I know, some would argue they have put a face on our little strange world for the rest of the populace, but I say if they did, it's most certainly an ugly face. Just say no to retards.
The Definitions of Intensity and Density - Training Q&A
I thought that this was a really interesting tidbit. "Intensity" and "Density" are usually such a subjective thing, but I realize there must be some sort of general approach to it all...
Density
Q:When people call a physique “dense” what do they mean? Is it overall size – the guy is big – or is it something else? I know that sounds stupid, but I guess I always wondered how to define that and what it means.
A:No dumb questions here. We question so we can understand. It’s also a nebulous term that people throw around a lot so it’s good to actually question, “Hey, what do you mean by that? Do you even know?”I remember back in the 80’s and 90’s people threw around the term “Muscle Maturity”.I always knew what they meant, case by case, looking at someone on stage or in a magazine, but it wasn’t something anyone could actually describe definitively.Density is a kind of quality that denotes a thick, full muscular development, but also looks a little turgid.A good example of this is an iceberg. I remember seeing an iceberg break off in chunks up in Alaska. The captain of the boat said, “The bluer the hue of the ice, the denser and older that ice is.I really did think of muscle at the same time hearing that because it really struck a cord. Density looks different than mere size. Anything can be massive in proportion, and to some extent, size does qualify for some density criteria because you can’t be that dense without a certain bit of size. However, size is not the only criteria. Density is a kind of packing in of muscle and tissue that means that there appears to be a lot of filling in one concentrated area. Dense, in relation to bodybuilding, is also a kind of completeness in all areas. You cannot really have a dense physique if you have surrounding areas that are not. You can have weak body parts, but not a big disparity in density. Hope this helps.
Intensity
Q:My buddy and I were having a debate the other day about what “intensity” means in terms of an actual workout on paper. Do you think this workout is intense, too intense or not intense?
Straight Leg Deadlifts:4 x 4(12,10,8,6 + drop set for 8)
Hamstring curls 3 x 8-12
Good Mornings 3 x 10,10,10
Calves - 6 sets
Biceps: Ez Bar Curls 5 x 12,11, 10, 9, 8
Preacher Curls:5 x 12,11,10,9,8
Hammer curl 2 x 8-10
A:No dumb questions here. We question so we can understand. It’s also a nebulous term that people throw around a lot so it’s good to actually question, “Hey, what do you mean by that? Do you even know?”I remember back in the 80’s and 90’s people threw around the term “Muscle Maturity”.I always knew what they meant, case by case, looking at someone on stage or in a magazine, but it wasn’t something anyone could actually describe definitively.Density is a kind of quality that denotes a thick, full muscular development, but also looks a little turgid.A good example of this is an iceberg. I remember seeing an iceberg break off in chunks up in Alaska. The captain of the boat said, “The bluer the hue of the ice, the denser and older that ice is.I really did think of muscle at the same time hearing that because it really struck a cord. Density looks different than mere size. Anything can be massive in proportion, and to some extent, size does qualify for some density criteria because you can’t be that dense without a certain bit of size. However, size is not the only criteria. Density is a kind of packing in of muscle and tissue that means that there appears to be a lot of filling in one concentrated area. Dense, in relation to bodybuilding, is also a kind of completeness in all areas. You cannot really have a dense physique if you have surrounding areas that are not. You can have weak body parts, but not a big disparity in density. Hope this helps.
Combining Pro-Hormones With Other Supplements - Q&A
Ok, I know pro-hormones are sort of old hat, but JT just sent this to me in an email referencing some stuff we had sort of stockpiled. When I told him I was going to start taking these again with the TridenosenH (which is non-hormonal) he gave me the run down on this new shit, ISA Test. ISA test was released by iSatori as a neo-prohormone, which I think is funny, because that's pretty much the lamest thing I've heard in a while. But, that having been said, JT says it's some pretty cool stuff, and I should save the stockpile and try the following combination. Eh, whatever, here's the Q&A he sent me...
Q:I am planning on taking ISA-Test, a prohormone, along with some other supplements like Creatine, Glutamine and a good whey powder. Any other suggestions?
A:You can experiment with ISA-TEST, but M1T is another one that may give you better results. T-BOMB II is also supposed to be a great supplement, but I’ve never tried it. ISA-TEST is just another supplement that promises more than another, but is really tribulus terrestris and Vitamin Bs. TT is great, but unless it’s accompanied by some other powerful anabolic optimizers, it isn’t going to do the trick. What it does give you that other supplements do not in this category, is a P-450 estrogen inhibitor and uses a delivery system called MicroFlw 3 Rapid Delivery Technology. If only ISA-TEST and M1T could morph. M1T uses AAKG (like TridenosenH™) along with some other powerful anabolic optimizers accompanying tributlus terrestris. It is proven to build muscle, strength, stamina and also stimulate fat loss. Gram per gram, this is by far the best of the two. T-BOMB II takes a different approach – to marketing at least – by saying it’s the only non pro-hormone testosterone stimulator. It’s advertised as a 5 phase hormone optimizing blend which is just a study in Chinese herbology. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t work for some, but it’s got TT, Chrysin (estrogen inhibitor) and things like Kudzu, stinging nettle and saw palmetto. It’s also got a “receptor blend” that contains flaxseed in minute amounts and some L-Arginine to increase NO. Try any of these and figure out what works best for you. My money is on M1T or TridenosenH™.
Q:Dude, MESOBOLIN is OFF THE HOOK! What makes it work so damned well? It’s truly like a ‘roid. I know people say that about other stuff, but I am not peddling it and have nothing to gain by saying it. It’s just the most amazing legal shit I’ve taken ever! I shouldn’t care what makes it work, but what is it?
A:You and the Guru knew the truth – you just don’t know why it works. Duchaine did. Duchaine discovered this stuff just before he died. It’s actually two Russian ‘scrip anabolic steroids and two Hungarian ones. It’s just not on the DEA hitlist yet. The first is Russian Turkesterone, which is the most powerful plant based ecdysterone you can find. It stimulates protein synthesis like no other over the counter, legal supplement, as you’ve seen. Since that’s the principle action of AAS, it’s really doing what AAS does without all of the sides and legally. The most potent of the two Hungarian agents in MESOBOLIN is so powerful, it’s also worth discussing. It’s called Chinoin. It’s got 5-methoxy-isoflavone and 7-ipriflavone that work as nutrition partitioners (what you eat immediately gets shuttled to repair, recovery and development of muscles). It also blocks estrogen, which is important whenever you introduce any agent that is anabolic. Remember, your body doesn’t know if it’s legal or illegal, it’s just anabolic, so this is powerful protection against aromatizing. In fact, I suggest you take MESOBOLIN once during a cycle, too. I’d usually recommend it as a great in between cycle supplement because it keeps the action going and “let’s you down gently” while still allowing you to build muscle. It’s one of the only supplements that preserve calcium in muscle cells, despite grueling normally calcium-depleting workouts. You’ll also probably notice that it removes lactic acid a LOT faster than other supplements, which lets you train more effectively and heavier, with greater recovery between sets. This allows better intensity.
Warning: This video is not for the weak. This man attempts something that should only be done by experts under the perfect circumstances. If you have a weak stomach don't watch this!
UNSPOKEN AGREEMENT THE MILITARY’S P.O.V. ON STEROIDS
Q: I’m in the military and am home for awhile from my first tour in Iraq. I’m thinking of taking gear in my off time to go back agro like a mutha, and stronger and bigger. Do you think I have anything to worry about with testing? I never considered it before, so never thought to ask. Just worried. Don’t want to be dishonorably discharged after putting in that hell time for my country!
A:Nor should you get slapped across the face like that, gear or no gear. But that’s my opinion. I queried a few friends of mine who are high up in the military and who actually police that sort of stuff. Here’s what they said: “They don’t test for gear, so don’t worry – they’re after the rec drug users who snort coke and do drugs that can destroy motivation and attention span.” Another friend said, “I think they secretly don’t test for it because they know it makes a better soldier. On the other hand, if you’re caught with it, openly, they will get rid of you. It’s still an illegal drug, so unless you can prove you need to be on it for some medical reason, and can produce a ‘scrip, you’re in trouble. But I know a lot of guys who do it and don’t.” Possession, it seems, is the way to get caught, not through testing, so you are good to go on that bro. Just don’t take it with you over there, or talk about it or openly use it. There are rats on every ship and some guys will tell on you to get ahead. Remember, they all said that a commander of a branch unit can request test for a specific substance if he wants, including AAS, but unless he’s a total jackass out to get your ass, you’ll be ok. Thanks for fighting this ridiculous war for us bro!
Dr. Daniel Decanatti (aka Dr. Deca) is the world’s leading authority on anabolics and their uses, both in the medical field and, more controversially, for sports/physical enhancement. We here at The Anabolic Alamanac were fortunate enough to track him down and get him to answer some questions that had been sent in by readers…
Wanna send Dr. Deca an email? Well good, because Dan “The Man With The Anabolic Plan” wants to see what you got. Have some hot tips on gear? Know of some cool sites you’d like to see featured here in the pages of The Anabolic Almanac? Maybe you’ve got some conroversial info, or maybe even some controversial photos... of your girlfriend. Doesn’t matter, send it on over to Dan and your stuff could be featured in the next issue of the Anabolic Almanac. Just email The Doc at DrDeca@GetAnabolics.com!!
Q: I am in my first week of everyday injections of Tren and Masteron (100mg each) and I am wondering if I should take Adderall everyday since it will kill my appetite, which is out of control?
A: Adderall is a drug some bb’s take. I don’t recommend it, but some say that it kills the appetite. I just think that’s overkill though. I’m sure strychnine might kill the appetite too, but it’s like trimming a torn nail with a chainsaw – too much for the situation. Sure, it’s a stimulant like ephedrine, but you may notice that ephedrine was always sold over the counter and Adderall was not. Go to your doc and ask him what he thinks. Just be honest. I know that sounds odd, but tell him what you’re doing. If you have the wrong doc, then go find one that works with bb’s regularly. The main thing is to find out what it’s going to do to you. It’s a serious drug because of its amphetamine class. It’s like meth and other drugs – you could find yourself fiendishly addicted to it. It actually doesn’t help you lose fat as well as you might think, bar not eating at all.
PAIN THRESHOLD TRAINING THROUGH IT AND KNOWING WHEN IT’S NOT NORMAL
Pain threshold is tricky. On one hand, no one can tell you that you aren’t “feeling the burn” at the tail end of a godawful set. But on the other, why can you somedays power through it and other days not? That is the part that is mental. But there are physiological aspects of pain threshold that are important to cover first.
Everyone knows about lactic acid, and how whether running or squatting, muscles will get a build up of lactic acid and force you to stop what you’re doing at a certain point. That is a threshold of one kind. The other is a different kind than the pain threshold that we’re discussing now. That point in between is what should most interest you in being able to crack. Sure, you don’t want to push yourself past the point of pain into injury, but that’s the delicate balance.
ALL IN YOUR HEAD
Sports psychologists will tell you that there is a mental threshold that some can cross and some cannot. To the extent that you can or cannot is how far you may progress in athletics. Disciplined minds – those that can continue to focus despite surroundings, distractions and pain – will always persevere. Control during concentration is everything, but if you cannot concentrate because of nagging pain, it’s going to hamper your ability to move to the next level. But what about when pain is legitimate and something you ought to be distracted by?
KNOWING WHEN PAIN IS DESTRUCTIVE
A large part of confidence in athletics comes from knowing how to tolerate pain. This is particularly true for bodybuilders whose performance in the gym in 99% of their success. Shutting out pain and fear, when training hard, is a professional bodybuilder’s expertise.
But fear of failure inadequate recovery time, legitimate twinges and the constant harassment of fatigue pushes people to a breaking point. Since you don’t have a coach to step in and stop the madness, you have to learn when. Determining when it’s time to say “die” and quit your workout, because the pain is a certain variety, is important to develop. Dissociation is one way to tolerate heavy pain. But how much dissociation is good? Will it keep you from actually determining when to stop? And if you can effectively feel pain, will you continue workout out anyway?
Experts say yes to both. You need to know how to quit when ahead, or slightly behind.
PREVENTION
Injuries are unavoidable for most. At one time or another, you’ll be injured in the gym. But a lot can be prevented. One way is to set parameters for the different kinds of pain you may experience. Typically though, you need to know what injury feels like before you can actually set those parameters. If you’ve been injured and torn tendons or muscles, you know what it feels like. That is your “no go” zone. But for those who have not been injured, have a stopping point using your most intense gym pain. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to quit for the day or moment.
Prevention also encompasses rest and recovery. Most injuries occur because people don’t take enough time off. Supplementing for recovery is important – possibly more than supplementing for performance in the gym. Stretching is also important before, during and after workouts. The main thing to remember with pain threshold is that the ability to mentally go beyond what your body is saying is what separates the men from the boys. Some of that is healthy, and a great tool to learn and use in the gym during heavy lifts. But when it hurts, it’s time to quit.
Keys to training through healthy pain threshold:
Visualize the pieces of the movement. Visualize success at the end –you’ve finished the heaviest set of your life. Picture yourself with the development you are seeking and see the lift as the only way to get there.
EQUINE SUPPLEMENTS: HOW THEY CAN BENEFIT BODYBUILDERS
We’ve all had some brush with veterinary drugs .. those incredible drugs that usually target horses or dogs... and the results have been spectacular, of course. Naturally, when you first start, it’s an odd concept. You wonder if you’re going to take Winny and end up clearing 6 foot fences, or if you’re going to get on all fours and bark like a dog if you’re dipping into Fido’s hormonal meds - and haven’t we all had a moment on all fours where it’s been embarrassing? Ummm.. okay, well maybe not you. Look, there’s a reason that vet drugs are so desirable and why taking the lead of equine performance may be the way to go. Sport horses are incredible athletes. Not just race horses, but dressage horses, jumpers, cross country and steeplechase horses and the list goes on. Fact is, these incredible athletes are not only as aesthetically pleasing and rock hard as you are as a bodybuilder, they are also really geared up for performance.
They are well-oiled machines. A lot of that is genetic, of course, and has evolved over the years to become automatic because horses are powerful animals. But, a lot has been cultivated above and beyond the normal level of performance and conditioning by way of equine performance drugs and equine sports supplements. Oh yes, these four-legged guys are supp heads just like you! Okay, they aren’t, but their owners are. In fact, the horse world is fanatical when it comes to “the edge” and how to attain it. It’s amazing that trends in the equine world closely resemble trends in bodybuilding supplementation. We use creatine, they use creatine. We used Gamma-Oryzanol, they use G-O. They use Glucosamine and Chondroitin, and we use it, as well as Hyaluronic acid (horses used it first) and the list goes on and on. Point is, horses and people aren’t so dissimilar as athletes. And while bodybuilding may be called an aesthetic-only pursuit, we who train all know that in the gym, it’s all about performance.
If you haven’t already read the exciting news on the newest Equestrian > Human supplement on the market, TridenosenH™, I encourage you to do some reading and pick some up - this stuff is simply amazing. Finally a secret that has been known by horse trainers for decades is available (and works!) for humans!
So be sure to keep your eye on the developments in the equine world because chances are the next biggest thing in the horse supplement world will be the next biggest thing in the bodybuilding supplement world.
Q: I have really been into HIT lately, but I am losing strength, overall, on it. Is this normal to start HIT training and find that the second workout with the same body part finds you weaker?
A: A lot of factors play into whether you feel weaker or not. Rest, food and recovery are key. So is water intake and pre-workout supplementation. Use creatine for pre-workouts, eat enough calories (though not right before you train because that can sap your strength too, believe it or not), and check to see that you’re not low in T3 levels (get a blood test) have Mononucleosis, or that you are sleep deprived. Your diet may be good, but it may also not be giving you the nutrients you need. A lot of people think, “I’m taking in 4000 cals/day so I know I’m getting all my vitamins and minerals and other nutrients” but that’s not always the case. Take an animal type pack of vitamins daily that have ultra-intensity in mind. You’re using a LOT more than your girlfriend or mom and dad. The other big thing is that I don’t know exactly what you’re doing. Write back to me and I can better assess your routine. You might be overdoing it and taking too little rest in between. That will surely sap your strength and actually, is probably the most obvious answer.
A MATTER OF HAND PLACEMENT
Q:During the bench, how far apart should your hands be to best hit the triceps and still not hurt yourself? How about dips – same question?
A:Well, going out too far will hit the chest, for sure, on either one. You need to try a light 100-135 pound bar to ascertain what you’re feeling without the threat of heavy weight and body positioning that can distract you from feeling where your grip is hitting you. In dips, I also like to use dumbbells rather than plates between my legs. It’s also less distracting. Try to take the chain belt your gym has and put a dumbbell in it, rather than a 45 lb plate. The dumbbell won’t fall out, trust me. Just lay it on the chain. Then begin doing your sets starting at the widest point and moving closer. While your triceps are not exhausted, you’ll better be able to feel where it’s hitting. Sometimes at the end of a workout, guys do dips and then can’t feel what their grip is netting them.
Q: My buddy and I were having a debate the other day about what “intensity” means in terms of an actual workout on paper. Do you think this workout is intense, too intense or not intense?
Straight Leg Deadlifts: 4 x 4 (12,10,8,6 + drop set for 8) Hamstring curls: 3 x 8-12 Good Mornings: 3 x 10,10,10 Calves: - 6 sets Ez Bar Curls: 5 x 12,11, 10, 9, 8Preacher Curls: 5 x 12,11,10,9,8 Hammer curl: 2 x 8-10
What do you think?
A: Well, a few observations. Number one, it’s a big workout day- though I will say that I like it. I think it’s a lot of volume, but then, I also think that most bodybuilders don’t work hard enough. I wouldn’t say you are overtraining, unless I saw you and thought, “He’s not up to the task at his size” or something. I do think the biceps workout is a bit too much. Doing 5 EZ Curl exercises with little variation in rep length, etc. is probably not ideal. Also, EZ curl + Preacher curl is very intense for one workout. You probably won’t have much luck by the time you do preachers. I’d almost flip them in order. If you are trying to do an actual HIT routine, this is definitely too much. The rule of thumb for anything is this: If you are doing your sets, and you are halfway through and your pump goes south, never to return in that workout session, then you’re done, whether you have 3 more or not! This is especially true for biceps. When it’s gone it’s gone. Remember to keep moderate weight in your stiff-legged deadlifts too, because you lose the benefit and ultimately, the intensity, if you don’t.
Q: Okay, now this is getting ridiculous! My frickin’ abs stick out further than my chest! I have that Dorian Yates big-white-guy-on-roids gut and it’s making me sick! What the hell? How can I make it go away?
A: It used to be that guys would say that wearing a weight belt, constantly, in the gym was a good idea, and the answer to this problem. But actually, I think NOT wearing one every time is good, so you learn to hold in your own abs. You also need to not STUFF yourself every meal, but eat smaller ones. This DOES increase gut size if you’re using AAS, which clearly you are, or you wouldn’t be developing this kind of gut from bodybuilding activities. You also need to do more ab work that is core-based. Do core classes, either at home or with the girls in the gym. Look at it this way, you’ll get a good view when you do it, so enjoy it. Core strength will help you keep your balance better during exercises like squats and centered on the bench during bench press. Believe it or not, that will help your gut a lot. BUT, you have to get it down before you can get it tight. I’d say try to stay on the lean side for a year, also, even if it means you don’t make massive gains for the year. This is a big problem, and a big set of muscles, and you need to get them under control. Remember though, internal organs have grown during the process of taking cycles. It’s just a hazard of doing AAS for many years. Don’t overuse GH either. You can also try taking things more slowly, and do some sets using heavy breathing techniques, followed by a set of light pullovers to stretch the cartilage and area. Breathing squats are also ideal for increased chest size. Eat fewer carbs year ‘round, too, because carbs contribute to that gut.
Q:I’ve been training hardcore this last month, running BFT in the gym and have gotten massive gains in strength and some amazing size. How long can I do it and how many exercises per body part? Anything else I should know to optimize this?
A:Ahhh…the demon training! I love it. But don’t stay doing it long. It is really exhausting for the body and should only be done on a good cycle. It isn’t for the natural. Also, you need to eat really well. It doesn’t work as well if you don’t eat well. Get at least 5000 cals a day. Also, you need to get ample rest between workouts. This is the worst kind of soreness you can get. I’d say about a month is as long as you should go. Remember, this isn’t HIT training. You should do about 3 exercises per body part and it’s kind of like one giant drop set per exercise. Warm up well, but once you get to the set, let the games begin! You should feel pretty gone by the time you get to the end of that first set. Trevor Smith says you shouldn’t do squats or bent over rows because your wind goes before your strength, but some disagree with that concept. If you’re in good shape cardio-wise, go for it, because Squats, at least, are the best exercise in the world. But, I see his point and you can get this workout in and all the benefits without squatting. It’s a personal hair-splitting preference. Use a partner on this kind of workout too. You didn’t say if you did. So your sets should be like this: Set 1 – go to failure in the 6-12 rep range (choose a weight that will allow that) + 2-4 assisted reps. Then drop 30% of that weight and go to failure + 2-4 assisted reps, then drop another 30% and go to failure + finish with those 2-4 assisted reps. I’d say 5-6 weeks max on this program if you’re a superstar.
STRETCH MARK FURY
Q:I am so pissed off right now! I have started to develop stretch marks on my biceps after lifting heavy, but noticed the other day that I now have them in the oddest place – in the inside of my thighs. Should I use something to prevent or treat them?
A:This is more common than you think. But there are deep stretch marks and superficial ones. If you’re talking about the skin that is really thin next to your groin area, they are likely white ones that are faint looking. They shouldn’t be red. If they are, that’s something I can’t address. You probably never have looked at any other male in that area ever, so you don’t know really what the norm is. But I can tell you, it’s fairly common. That’s really sensitive skin that feathers out from the genitals and then becomes thicker skin. But, if it bothers you, you can do one thing that may help – buy a tube of Strivectin. They sell it at the department stores. It is a great cream and actually does help. Other than that, there is nothing else I can say. If you want to use Strivectin on your biceps, you could do that too. Drink lots of water, as hydration is key. And remember, you have them because you’re growing. If your mate/ girlfriend doesn’t mind it, you shouldn’t either.
What is GUAIFENISESIN and when do you take Glutamine
GUAIFENISESIN MIXED WITH EPHEDRINE
Q:What is guaifenesin and why is it in ephedrine products now? Do I have to worry about separate side effects from that?
A:It’s actually a nasal decongestant also, and is now in most over the counter cold meds. I believe it’s so that they can legally sell ephedrine – though I think it’s also something that prevents people from buying it to make meth and other nasty recreational street drugs. I don’t believe it can be isolated. But if someone else has more information on that, I’d be glad to hear it. I didn’t have much time to research the whole meth connection. It’s harmless though, with no additional side effects.
WHEN TO TAKE GLUTAMINE
Q:I’m confused about Glutamine and the times to take it. What is the best time to take it? Right before bed, after training or first thing in the morning?
A:Some like the anti-catabolic effects of taking it at night or after workouts, but there is some new research out there that suggests that taking Glutamine is best in small doses, very frequently. The research suggests that 50% to 75% of large dose Glutamine never reaches the bloodstream, because that’s where Glutamine belongs in order to be effective. So, because most people take 3-10 gram doses, that can be a problem. Large doses actually trigger the liver to secrete enzymes that will rid the bloodstream of it – seen as a toxin – altogether. Smaller loads, taken more frequently, have been shown to increase circulating Glutamine levels in the bloodstream by about 20% or so, without causing the liver to try to clean it out of the blood. This indicates that large doses in one shot, are a waste of money. Though, 10 grams of Glutamine in 5 doses throughout the day would be advised. Taking it with protein is ideal.
