Personalized Supplementation

September 15, 2008 4:19 pm MASSIVEMASS Articles, Diets, Nutrition, Supplements

PERSONALIZED SUPPLEMENTATION

RJ Perkins I will be in the gym and getting in a session and I will be in the middle of a set and peep out the corner of my eye and see some guy looking over my way. Now the first thing that pops into my head literally is “Uh Oh did I do something to him or one of their family members or friends that I do not know of?” So I finish my set, relax catch my breath and rest until my next set, I peak a gander out the corner of my eye and here he comes walking towards me. Once again in my mind I am thinking “ggrreeaatt now I am bout to get into a scuffle in the middle of the gym!” To my surprise he approaches me and says “listen I need to know how I can get to look like you!” I say thank you for the compliment but just tell him it is all hard work and dieting. Without hesitation or even a chance to even think about what I just said to him the first thing he asks “what supplements do you take?” “I need to know so I can get on your level”.

At this point and time in my training I was about 6 weeks out from my first all natural show, and wasn’t ready to step on stage yet but was in good shape. So I said to him nicely “let me finish up my workout and I can let you know further”, he basically followed me around the rest of the time in the gym which was annoying but I just ignored him and continued my duties. So I finished up my routine and what I needed to do and he caught me in the locker room and I sat with him to explain supplements and supplementation to him. I DID NOT and I repeat DID NOT tell him what he should be taking or what brands and amounts, I just broke down the basics. Now I am just going to share with you what I shared with him and just let you know the basics of supplementation for the general population of lifters (average, athlete, bodybuilder, and power lifters).

Now when everyone thinks all natural they think that we do not take supplements or take anything extra outside of food and water. Now that would be completely out of reach and basically nuts. We would not be able to achieve and reach the physical condition and physiques we attain just on food and water alone. Do not get me wrong like I tell everyone DIET is the key to success. When I decided to become an all natural bodybuilder and sacrifice my life to this sport believe you me I did my extensive amount of homework. I would read, research, read, research, read, research, read, research, it was a repeating pattern. I did this everyday because I knew if I wanted to become the best I had to know every detail about my dieting, training, and supplementation. This in my eyes is where 90% of people who try fail; they think it is as simple as eating, lifting, taking this supplement, and BAM they are going to get a magical body and results. Well my friends it is much more than that it is a science, more importantly it is about what works for you best.

Now everyone isn’t a bodybuilder or even an athlete, there are just average everyday people who just go to the gym for their own personal reasons outside of competition. So what I am going to do is just provide lists of supplements of what I feel are essential to any type of gym rat whether competitive or not. Mainly PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember nothing replaces proper dieting and nutrition (whole foods), do note that I am not a certified/registered dietician, nutritionists, or doctor at that. So please always remember to do your supplementation and dieting research before starting anything new. Also if you have any health issues (allergies, reactions, etc.) make sure you contact your doctor first before beginning any diet or supplement..

Supplements for the “Average Lifter”

Supplements for the “Field/Court Athlete”

Supplements for the “Bodybuilder/Power Lifter”

Finally before I get a million and one emails/messages about what supplements I take and how much, I will pull you into my world a little bit and let you know my dirty little secrets. Now do note my supplementation is always different based on my needs and what season I am in, depending if I am getting ready for a show, off season bulking, or maintaining. My favorite supplement line that I absolutely love is Universal Nutrition/ANIMAL, do not get me wrong there are other brands that have great products. I have used MHP, BSN, Muscle Tech, and more, but after much trial and error this brand/these products WORK BEST FOR ME. All these supplements listed I have used them all and have nothing but great success with them. Once again supplementation is about what works best FOR YOU and not what some guy in a magazine is using!

My Supplementation Weapon Choices