Raymond Toulany asked:


What does this have to do with your nutrition plan?  Most people reading this are looking to improve their appearance and physical performance, and most are pursuing those goals in a commercial or school gym.  Unfortunately, those are the same places you’re going to find plenty of people using anabolic steroids.  They’re also the places you’ll be approached to buy the stuff. 

 

If you’re approached, you’ll more than likely be promised overnight gains, doubling, or tripling your homeruns, wins, rate of progression, amount of records you’ll shattered and on and on. 

 

You’ll also be told things like.

“It’s totally safe.”

“Every champ does it”

“Don’t worry about side effects, all you need to do is ‘cycle stacks’ and I can show you how.”

“I get my stuff from a real doctor on the other side of town.”

 

And on, and on, and on…

 

Before you make the wrong decision, ask yourself if a cocaine dealer is the first image that comes to mind when you think about an honest, caring and straight forward person?  I mean, a drug dealer has your best interests at heart, right? 

 

Now, consider the fact that steroids are a drug, and are illegal to have without a prescription and can get you into serious trouble if caught with them in your possession, I think you’ll agree that it’s fair to call ‘roid dealers drug dealers.  And if you’re smart, you’ll think twice about the advice these bozos have for you.

 

Again, since many reading this are looking to increase muscle mass and/or physical performance, I think it’s very important to go over this stuff.

 

Some reading this may already know this, and others may not.  One effect steroids have on the body is to increase its ability to synthesize protein.  In other words your body is now able to build and repair muscle faster.  Your body breaks down protein into amino acids, and then it rebuilds them into the appropriate protein it needs to repair or build up the body.

 

You can look at it this way. Each gram of complete protein is a brick and your body has a bunch of brick layers building up various sections of your body.  When you train you tear down sections of your body.  In a matter of fact, normal everyday living will tear down your body.  This rebuilding process takes place at night when you’re deep asleep. Your body naturally releases hormones, including Human Growth Hormone (HGH) to aid in this rebuilding.  (This is why quality sleep is critical for peak performance)

 

A person in their natural state – one who isn’t on steroids or any other similar androgenic substance – can only utilize so many grams of protein in a day.  His or her workers, for example’s sake, can only lay 100 bricks a day.  It doesn’t matter how much protein is provided in the diet, that’s all the workers can do. 

 

 

Did you know …….?

 

 

The term Androgenic is defined as pertaining to the development of male characteristics, including body hair, the ******* organs and muscle mass. “Androgenic” is the adjective form of the noun “androgen,” a word referring to any of the male hormones, including testosterone and androsterone.

 

A ’roid head’ on the other hand, because of the use of his illegal drugs, can, for  example, process 200 grams of protein a day.  So his workers are not only able to lay more brick, but they can repair and rebuild faster too, leading to faster and bigger gains. This allows ‘juicers’ to get more benefit out of each work out – they can train with less intensity, but, because their bodies are able to rebuild faster they grow quicker.  They can also train harder than a natural athlete and come back sooner and do it again, where the natural guy or gal has to take a day’s rest or more depending on training intensity.  Trying to keep up with the juicer will cause the natural trainer to lose muscle, not build it because of overtraining.  This crap also enables an athlete to go past their genetic potential, allowing the juice monkey to build more muscle and strength than he or she could naturally achieve – at least that’s one reason why they claim that taking it is so important.

 

If you haven’t picked up on it yet, I’m not a fan of steroids, I’m not a fan those who take them, and I’m especially not a fan of those who sell them.  Steroids are a cheater’s friend. A steroid abuser is cheating their fellow athletes, all true fans of that sport, and most importantly; themselves.

 

I truly believe that all aspects of life are related – life’s experiences are universal.  What you experience and go through in one endeavor affects you in others.  And it’s no different in sports or trying to put on muscle.  If life’s experiences and lessons weren’t applicable in other areas of your life it would take you forever to learn.  This becomes clear when you start fully and deeply living your life.  You’ll quickly connect lessons you learn to all areas of your life and this is one of the reasons why cheating is so dangerous and effort, discipline, thought, and perseverance among other traits are what count.  It’s also why analogies, proverbs, parables and stories are so valuable – because wisdom applies to all aspects of life – most, if not all lessons are universal.

 

When it comes to weight loss or putting on muscle or any other goal in your life, you will have periods of frustration and obstacles to overcome.   Even with the information you’re reading right now, which I truly believe will change your life for the better, there will be tough times. 

 

For instance, difficulties might arise because of your unique situation.  Maybe you don’t have the required items or tools that are used in an explanation or maybe you think you’re following the recommendations the way you should, but you really aren’t.   Many people, including myself, at times put their own spin on things without realizing it.  It’s why I believe you should not only follow what’s recommended, as long as it isn’t harmful to you or others, but to make sure you’re following directions  the way it’s explained and not your own interpretation of it, once you understand what your doing you can then “customize” it.  Avoid “adding” steps to the process until you have went through it at least once and understand what you’re doing.

 

All of this requires you to become more self aware, to examine what you’re doing and see if you’re headed in the right direction.  Sometimes it may take a while before you figure out what’s wrong, and it might be something really simple.   You’re going to have to fight at times, dig down deep and say “I’m not giving up, I want this and I’m going to get it!”   You might have to ask for help, a sign of true strength. 

 

This builds character, empowers your self image, and strengthens your will.  Steroids and magic potions that promise the world cheat you of all of this.  There are not too many ways of feeling better, than looking at yourself and the things you’ve done in life and saying “I created this.” – It wasn’t a hand out.  I know there’s a place and time for one, but when you fall on your *** and look for someone to pick you up, there might not be anyone around to do it.  You can’t get very far in life with that mentality.  Anyone who takes steroids, or cuts corners in any other way, is allowing this weakness to seep into the rest of his being, and its stench will permeate through to others who will pick up on it. 

 

That stench is the smell of a quitter, a cheater, of someone who looks for the easy way out.  I wouldn’t want that person next to me in the fox holes of life, and more than likely neither do you.  Others, especially achievers and true champions, feel the same way, and if you’re his type of person, see ya! 

 

I couldn’t imagine looking in the mirror, or at the weight I just lifted and not be able to tell myself “I did this.”  I couldn’t imagine having to look in the mirror and have a syringe or bottle of pills next to me, reminding me that I didn’t do this, these drugs did.

 

There was a time when every man and woman had to gather and catch their food.  They also had to work the land and sow seeds to reap a harvest.  There’s no way around that.  Maybe there’s a clue there, a reason for it?

 

I don’t want you to misunderstand what I’m saying with the only way is to work hard and avoid using your head, essentially living a hard life.  That’s not what I’m saying.  In fact, those who work hard at working smart are the one to keep an eye on.  What I’m talking about is cheating yourself out of the opportunity of persevering in the face of difficulties.  Coming to the realization that there are times when it’s up to you, and you alone to pull yourself up.  Then resolving that no mater what you’re going to work hard until you’re able to figure it out.  Once you figure it out it tends to get a lot easier.

 

If you’re currently taking steroids, throw the crap out, and start over.  It will get worse before it gets better, but it will get better.

 

If you have or know school age children, maybe classmates, especially those who partake in athletics, keep an eye out for signs of steroid abuse.

 

The following are some signs of steroid use:



Quick weight gain with larger muscle mass

Aggressiveness and bad attitude

Jaundice / skin change

Purple or red spots on the body

Swelling of feet and lower legs

Shaking or trembling

Persistent body odors

Severe acne breakouts with oily skin



 

 

Short-Term and Long-Term Physical Effects of Steroids Use

 

Men – Even though anabolic steroids are derived from male *** hormones, men who choose to take them can experience some of the following effects:

 

Short-term



Reduced ***** count

Damage to the heart

Impotence

Difficulty or pain while urinating



 

 

Long-term



Liver disease or liver cancer

Development of breasts

Shrinking of the testicles



 

 

Women – If a woman uses steroids, some “masculinization” effects may occur.

 

Short-term



Breast reduction

Excessive hair growth



 

 

Long-term



Deepened voice

Enlarged clitoris

Abnormal menstrual cycles



 

 

If you’re reading this because you’re looking to create a nutritional plan that’ll help you pack on muscle, think real hard if anyone ever offers you some “sauce.”  Anyone who sells this stuff is a drug dealing punk that deserves to be thrown in jail, especially if he’s selling it to minors.  This person is a predator, and do you really think he’ll care if you end up getting sick or dying from using his crap?  Not at all.  The only thing he’ll feel bad about is the money he’s no longer getting from you. 

 

Steroids should only be used for legitimate reasons under the required medical supervision.  Any doctor who sells or prescribes steroids for performance enhancing reasons, not real medical reasons, is a bigger punk than the drug dealer above.  A doctor took an oath, a Hippocratic Oath, to protect your health not to harm it.  This guy deserves to lose his practice license and shipped off to the klink. 

 

There are many counterfeit steroids on the market and lots of this stuff comes from third world countries, or animal farms because they were intended for animal use only.  For all you know you could end up with a vial full of horse urine or a bottle of pills made from rat poison.  Stay away from this crap. 

 

Physical Effects on Males and Females from Steroids Use

 

Continued use of anabolic steroids can cause the following effects in both sexes

 

Short-term



Acne

Fluid retention

Rapid weight gain

Increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Insomnia (inability to sleep)

Headaches

Reduced sexual functioning

Increase in muscle size

Swelling of feet and ankles

Improved healing

Improved appetite



 

 

Long-term

·        Blood clotting difficulties

·        Heart attacks

·        Clotting disorders

·        Cardiovascular, liver, and reproductive organ damage

·        Premature heart attacks and strokes

·        Reduced sexual functioning

·        Stunted growth in adolescents

·        Anti-hypertensive behaviors

·        Hypertension or fatigue

·        Chronic gonadotrophin or (HCG)

·        Increased chance of injuring ligaments, tendons and muscles

·        When injecting: bacterial infections, abscesses, cellulitis, and HIV/AIDS

 

 

If you go to a gym, you’ll usually know who’s taking this stuff.  More often than not, they’re the most screwed up and insecure people in the gym.  You don’t want to end up like these people. 

 

Take another look at the symptoms listed above.  If you’re a guy, do you really want shrunken testies?  If you’re a girl, do you want your ******** to become enlarged to the point it’s visible through your clothes?  That’ll look real **** at the beach.  I mean women want the guys to mistaken them for a hermaphrodite right? 

 

Ask if anything is worth harming your health and cheating yourself out of life altering lessons, lessons and challenges that will result with a deeper understanding of yourself and life.

 

Action Steps!

 

Just Say No

Yeah, I know, it sounds corny – but I’d take corny over developing *******.  And if you’re a woman reading this, I’m sure sounding silly is much more preferable than back hair and an enlarger ********.

 

Get Educated and Apply it!

With the right training, rest and nutrition plan, it’s possible for many beginners to gain 20 lbs of muscle inside, or lose 20 lbs of fat within 3 months.  It’s also possible to triple your endurance in 2-3 weeks. 

 

To be able to do this you need to learn how to do it, and you’ll be hard pressed to discover it within the pages of the muscle mags.  For the most part you’ll only find ads for miracle muscle potions and steroid using models claiming it was the supplement that gave them their

 

“freaky” development – and pigs fly.  

Sticking to the basics and having the courage to consistently and properly apply them will develop your strength, health and character to level most only dream of attaining.

© Raymond Toulany

 

 

 

 



Muscle Gain

Shawn Lebrun asked:


There are some common muscle building myths out there that seem to never go away.

As a result some people believe them and it can hinder the benefits they get from their efforts.

Being able to separate the truth from the myths about muscle building will help ensure you devise a plan of action that is going to get you terrific results.

Some individuals assume that cutting back on calories is essential when you are engaging in muscle building practices.

However, the opposite is true as you need to consume more calories.

You definitely need to make sure you consume the right foods though. Plenty of protein will help you get the energy you need.

Your body also needs plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and water.

You should try to eat a combination of such foods every 3 hours. Perhaps the biggest myth about muscle building is that you have to lift weights every day.

You only want to do so every other day so that your muscles can rest.

It is during that resting and repairing stage that you will see the size and definition of your muscles improving.

So by lifting every single day you prevent your body from being able to produce those results. Some individuals believe that you don’t need to incorporate any other type of exercise into your routine when you are muscle building.

However, in order for your body to be as healthy as possible you need to include aerobic exercises to help your health and your circulation.

In fact, if you do this on the days when you don’t lift weights you will have a very well balanced workout routine.

There is a myth that muscle building will cause a person to become less flexible than they are right now.

This is a concern for many athletes as they don’t want to lose their ability to perform well in a variety of sports.

There is no truth to this though and many football coaches encourage their players to lift several times a week.

One myth you definitely don’t want to pay attention to is that you have to lift large amounts of weight in order for muscle building to be effective.

This particular myth can result in a person injuring themselves because they attempt to lift more than they reasonably should.

You need to focus on lifting what you can and then increasing your endurance from there.

Don’t compare what you can lift to anyone else but do motivate yourself to keep on making progress.

Many people also feel that if you aren’t feeling the pain then you aren’t going to make the gain.

While you should feel the results of your muscle building efforts you shouldn’t be in pain day after day because of it.

Pay very close attention to what your body is telling you. That way you aren’t going to do unnecessary damage to your body.

It is important to research the information you find about muscle building. That way you will know for sure if it is credible or not.

When you don’t take the time to do so you may be investing your time and money in methods that don’t work.

You can also increase your chance of getting hurt during our muscle building routine.

There are plenty of reputable magazines, websites, and trainers out there that can help you discover the right ways to go about effective muscle building.



Muscle Building

Shawn Lebrun asked:


Beginning a muscle building program can be a little confusing, since there’s so much information out there. There are so many opinions floating around and most of them come from people who are not even qualified to give you advice.

So if you’re just starting out yourself, you really want to take the time to learn how to weight train and work out correctly. If not, you’ll have to “undo” alot of stuff you’ve done. So, no matter what you do, learn correctly the first time.

I feel that one of the main factors people don’t stick with their muscle building routine is a lack of guidance in the beginning. They have no idea where to begin, so they get discouraged before they give themselves a chance to see results.

You need to have some basic understandings about how to work out and build muscle in general. This will make your time in the gym more productive and enjoyable.

In order to build muscle and lose fat, you need a combination of weight training, nutritional planning, and cardio.

Let’s take a look at the role each of these plays in your physique development.

Weight Training

Weight training is the stimulus for building muscle. By overloading the muscle with resistance, you send a signal to your muscle to get bigger and stronger to handle the load that’s been placed on it.

When you lift a heavier weight, over time, your body adapts to this by increasing the amount of muscle mass you have.

But weight training is only the first step you need to complete to maximize your results.

Proper nutrition

Good nutrition is extremely important when getting started on a workout program. You can have the most intense muscle building workouts you’ve ever had, but if you don’t have good nutrition, you’ll only see a fraction of the results.

You need to supply your body with the fuel it needs to respond and grow from weight training. You need protein and carbs in order to refuel your muscles after training. You also need quality, healthy fats for cell regeneration and organ protection.

Cardio

Cardio is important for getting lean as well as for your overall health. Cardio helps in reducing body fat because it helps you expend more calories than you consume.

Your body burns excess fat to be used as energy throughout the day. So, by eating clean and doing cardio, you create a calorie shortage in which fat is burned.

Start your muscle building program by working out 3 days per week and training each muscle group 1 time per week. It isn’t a good idea to start a weight training program by going to the gym 7 days a week. This can lead to overtraining and stopping all your chances of building muscle.

Use higher reps and lighter weights so you get accustomed to the exercises and the weight you should be using. Start slow and build a strong foundation here.

If you’re doing the exercises wrong, you’re going to have to change a lot later on, so start with light weight and learn how to do each exercise correctly. You can always add more weight later.

There’s no need to kill yourself in the gym right now, you’ll have plenty of time to increase the weight and intensity as you continue.

Before you perform your first exercises, you need to warm up by doing 3 or 4 warm ups where you use a heavier weight but don’t tire the muscle. Once you feel ready, do 2 heavy sets with as much weight as you can comfortably handle for 8 to 10 reps.

Again, you want to start your program with lighter weights, so you can learn the form. From here, you can increase the weight over time.

Only train 2 muscle groups each time, doing 2 to 3 exercises for each muscle group. Your total time spent on your muscle building program each workout should be under 1 hour. Don’t think that more time spent is better. It’s the quality of the time that matters.

This is how you want to set up your muscle building program to start. From here, your main goal is to get stronger on each exercise. Increase the amount of weight and intensity you use and you’ll soon start building more muscle than you ever thought possible.



Muscle Building