Supplements, should you take them?

Supplements work different for everyone, and only a handful of them are actually effective. Many people will tell you different things about supplements whether good or bad, but I’m here to tell you about my experience with them, and what they have done for me.

First and foremost, here is a list of the supplements that I do take.

1. Creatine
USPLabs Jack3d

Many people have so many things to say about creatine: “It doesn’t work”, “It just fills your muscles with water”, etc. In my experience, creatine, especially USPLabs’ has been very effective in what it is supposed to do. After taking for the last 8 weeks at a dosage of 2 scoops, I have already started seeing results. It also gives me a boost of energy and focus that I appreciate for my workout.

2. Whey Protein
Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey

Whey Protein is one of the most effective supplements when it comes to gaining lean muscle. Not only does it help you gain lean muscle, it helps your recovery time as well. I take this 3 times a day with 3 scoops per serving (24g of protein per scoop).

3. Nitric Oxide Stimulators
Super NOS Pump

 I have heard mixed reviews with NO stimulators and whether or not they work, and if it is a placebo effect. Bottom line is, for me they work. Taking NO stimulators helps you achieve the “pump” faster, and makes it last longer.

I just want to mention that the body you want isn’t going to come from taking supplements alone, but will have to include hard work and dedication in the gym. Read my previous posts about the best times to go to the gym!

Best Time to Workout (at SJSU)

To all of my readers who attend San Jose State, if you have ever stepped foot into our gym at the Sport Club, at one time or another you’ve probably found yourself waiting for some dumbbells, benches or cardio machines. I am here to tell you my secret of how I barely wait (if any) for any equipment in the gym.

I have found that between the hours of 7 and 10:30, the gym is at its least busiest. I figure that most students either do not have the motivation to wake up early enough to work out, or that it just doesn’t fit within their schedule. If you have your own workout goals and can come to the gym during these times, you will be satisfied to see that the gym is fairly empty.

the gym empty at 8:30 a.m. on a Monday

However, working out at this time (primarily around the time you wake up) can be dangerous. Find out how, and how to prevent injury after the jump.

The Importance Of Stretching

Stretching is one of the most important parts of working out and it is often the part that is the left out. Sometimes people find themselves too tired or lazy to stretch. Little do they know, they are sacrificing many benefits that stretching offers to a workout. If you stretch properly you will:

• Reduce injury to your muscles
• Be more flexible
• Decrease muscle soreness
• Improve muscle balance and posture

Do you wanna learn why and how? Learn some quick tips to instantly improve your workout.

Embarking on a New Journey, Follow me and my Endeavors

Hello World,

My name is JP Rastrullo and I am a student studying Public Relations at San Jose State University in California.

I will be blogging about the different aspects involved with Men’s Health and Fitness ranging from dietary topics, supplements and vitamins, to different exercise regimens. As I’ve recently delved into the world of fitness, I am driven everyday to explore the subject more and more to further my knowledge and live a healthy lifestyle.

To all my future readers, I want to explain how I am not a professional trainer, but a student documenting my progress in this field purely out of self-interest.