niqnak's PreSurge/IntraBolic Log

[niqnak]

Introduction

Just getting back into lifting after a little over a year hiatus. Lost about 20 lbs summer of '07 and need to gain it back + more. Started a Rippetoe routine on Monday to get back into the swing of things.


Stats

Age: 21
Height: 6'
Weight: 162
BF%: 14% (according to IronMan scale, not sure how accurate it is, but hopefully consistent enough for monitoring purposes. I swear I'm leaner than this though. On "athlete mode" I register <10% usually. No idea what the difference is)


Supps

Muscle Milk
Unflavored Whey Isolate (for pudding and jello)
MVP/ZMK
Fish Oil
Osteo-Sport
PreSurge
IntraBolic


Training Routine

Lift Monday, Wednesday, Friday, alternating workouts A and B
Workout A: 3x5 Squat, 3x5 Bench, 1x5 Deadlift, 2x8 Dips
Workout B: 3x5 Squat, 3x5 Overhead Military Press, 3x5 Power Clean, 2x8 Chin-Up
Tuesday: Plyometrics
Thursday: Abs
Saturday: Plyometrics


Daily Routine

Upon Waking: Muscle Milk with water, PreSurge
During Workout: IntraBolic
Post Workout: bowl of oatmeal, eggs, turkey bacon, MVP, Osteo-Sport
Lunch: BLT+egg, tuna sandwich, or PB&J depending on my mood, MVP
Before Work: Muscle Milk with 2% Milk
At Work: I get a free meal at work, I try to keep it clean like a salad with chicken or a club sandwich
After Work: ZMK
Before Bed: Muscle Milk with 2% Milk, cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon fish oil

I snack on my protein pudding/jello throughout the day along with lots of boiled peanuts - I'm addicted to the things.

If anyone has any suggestions on a better dosing protocol for my multivitamin/mineral, Osteo-Sport, and fish oil I'm all ears. Also PreSurge is supposed to be taken on an empty stomach, would taking it with my shake hinder absorption too much?

[niqnak]

Monday (3/2/09)

Workout A


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 185
3x5 Bench: 135
1x5 Deadlift: 225
2x8 Dips: BW+10


Comments

First workout, just trying to feel out the weights since I haven't lifted in so long. All the lifts we're pretty easy and I will be increasing weight on Friday no problem. Squats were a bit tough because in the past I have never gone to parallel, but I have started going parallel or below on all reps.

I don't remember my energy or focus being anything extraordinary from the PreSurge, but I felt good and I had just woken up 45 minutes ago, so it must have done something. I was a little let down in the pump from what I was expecting out of the GlycoCarn, but I will attribute that to low reps.

I am using the Sour Apple IntraBolic and the taste is great. It has the signature EAA aftertaste, but nowhere near as bad as Purple Wraath V.2 and after the first 2-3 sips I don't notice it anymore. I find myself putting down the bottle, then turning right back around for a few extra sips just for the taste. I don't get any tingles from the beta alanine, but I've taken many beta alanine products in the past so with the dose being spread across the entire workout I wasn't really expecting them anyways.

[niqnak]

Tuesday (3/3/09)

Plyometrics


Comments

I'm following a program outline in "The Vertical Jump Bible" for my plyometric routine. Energy and focus was phenomenal today. I have done this routine in the past, but never felt like I had as good of a workout as I did today. When I was doing the sprints at the end of the workout I didn't even feel like I needed to rest between them. I would finish a sprint, walk back to the starting line, and be ready to go.

I took my PreSurge right along with my shake this morning. Monday I took it 30 minutes or so after the shake, maybe that affected the absorption and effects?

[niqnak]

Wednesday (3/4/09)

Workout B


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 185
3x5 Overhead Military press: 95
3x5 Power Cleans: 135
2x8 Chin-Ups: BW


Comments

Again energy and focus wasn't anything to write home about, but like Monday I took the PreSurge 30-45 minutes after drinking my shake. I will have to try taking it along with the shake for Friday's workout to see what happens.

Probably should have increased the weight on the squats today, but I was pretty sore from Monday's workout still and the plyometrics the day before. Military press was way too easy, definitely need to add weight next time. Cleans seemed to be in a good spot, but I will be moving up next week a little. Chins were tough, I had to break form a bit to squeeze the last 1-2 reps out.

[niqnak]

Thursday (3/5/09)

Abs


Comments

Started waking up a little earlier today and I only got around 6 hours of sleep last night because of it. I was incredibly tired and out of it upon waking, but drank my shake and took my PreSurge and 30 minutes later I was wide awake and ready to go. I didn't start my workout immediately because I went with a friend to help him move a bed into storage.

Workout wasn't that great. I got back from moving the bed and was in no mood to workout. Plus my abs are quite sore from other lifts this week.

For my ab routine I do exercises from this article (they have a store, if I can't link here admins please edit the link)
***************************************

I usually do 2x10 sit-ups and 2x10 leg raises on whatever level I can do. Currently doing level 1 for the sit-ups and level 2 for the leg raises.

Never in my life have I felt such a workout in my abs as I do from using this routine.

[GeekPoop]

GL bro, i just got done using intrabolica little while ago, nice sup

[Trans_Isomer]

Great to see you trying out our products, a few comments:

-Try to space your pre workout meal and your workout by 2-3 hours. PreSurge is best taken on an empty stomach, food will hinder its effects in that you will not feel it as much. The emptier the stomach the better.

-Let me know if you have any questions, PM me or post them in this thread as I will definitely be following :cool:

In case you haven't seen it, check out our S.E.R.P program after you use the products, a chance to win free AEN product:

http://www.discountanabolics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18523

[niqnak]

-Try to space your pre workout meal and your workout by 2-3 hours. PreSurge is best taken on an empty stomach, food will hinder its effects in that you will not feel it as much. The emptier the stomach the better.
I was wondering about this. I was thinking that just a shake wouldn't hinder the effects much. My problem is first thing after I wake up is the best time for me to workout. I might try no shake in the morning, but I was worried about ending up being too hungry during my workout. Might end up having to rearrange my morning routine a little bit...

[Trans_Isomer]

I was wondering about this. I was thinking that just a shake wouldn't hinder the effects much. My problem is first thing after I wake up is the best time for me to workout. I might try no shake in the morning, but I was worried about ending up being too hungry during my workout. Might end up having to rearrange my morning routine a little bit...

You could have a premade shake already ready and wake up, down it, go back to sleep for a couple of hours, then when you wake up youll be ready to go. I do not recommend working out completely fasted from 8 hours of sleep.

[niqnak]

I thought about that right after making my post. Will try it out tomorrow before my plyometric workout. Thanks for the help.

[niqnak]

Friday (3/6/09)

Workout A


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 190 (+5)
3x5 Bench: 140 (+5)
1x5 Deadlift: 235 (+10)
2x8 Dips: BW+10


Comments

Increased all my weights today, except dips. Lifts are starting to feel like they are getting into the right spot, not quite as easy as Monday.

I took my PreSurge along with my shake this morning, and 30 minutes later I definitely felt some extra energy kicking in. I especially noticed this when I was in the kitchen and I heard my phone ring and for some reason I decided to run into my room to grab it. Once again energy and focus was nothing outstanding, but I got through my workout with no problems.

I think I'm actually going to try eating breakfast and waiting 2 hours before lifting tomorrow rather than drinking a shake and going back to bed. We'll see what happens.

The EAA flavor of the IntraBolic has almost completely dissipated, I just taste green apple goodness (been mixing with ~24 oz water). All I drink is water throughout the day, besides my shakes, so I have started looking forward to the Green Apple flavor to shake things up. It doesn't taste quite as good as Xtend, but definitely better than Grape Purple Wraath. Looking forward to trying out the Citrus Ice flavor as I have one tub of that waiting to go along with another Green Apple.

I don't feel like I ever get tired during my workouts, I feel like I can just keep on going and going. My third set doesn't feel much different than the first. Might be due to still needing to increase my weights, but everything is feeling good.

[Trans_Isomer]

Do you have a beta alanine product to take on your off days?

[niqnak]

I have some bulk BA, but I don't think I'll use it. Only one off day, from what I've read I think I'll be OK.

[niqnak]

Saturday (3/7/09)

Plyometrics


Comments

Took my PreSurge about 1 hour and 45 minutes after eating breakfast this morning. I would have liked to have waited a little longer, but I had to get started on my workout to be able to finish it in time to go to work. I woke up late today and with a headache from smoking some regs last night (my friend offered me a blunt after work last night and since I recently started smoking only on the weekends, I couldn't resist. That was a mistake). Anyways, I couldn't tell if taking the PreSurge this way made any difference because I wasn't feeling well, and I probably didn't give it enough time after my meal anyways. We'll see what happens on Monday. I will say that when I woke up and up until I took the PreSurge, I didn't even have any desire to workout today, but 30 minutes later I was at least ready to go.

[niqnak]

Monday (3/9/09)

Workout B


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 195
3x5 Overhead Military press: 100
3x5 Power Cleans: 140
2x8 Chin-Ups: BW


Comments

I took my PreSurge three hours after eating breakfast this morning. Energy still wasn't anything outstanding, but after noticing other effects today, I will just attribute it to being very clean energy. Jitter free and no cracked out feeling, just the energy to get a good workout in.

Intensity and focus were incredible today. I first noticed it during my foot work dot drill. I didn't time it today, but I should have because I think it might have been a new PR. I got through my workout much faster than I normally do today. Normally I will take a lot of time between sets, but today I was ready for the next one right after I racked the weights.

I started off my day by running some errands while I waited for my stomach to empty after breakfast. My allergies are really bad today and I was completely out of it while I was out and about - I even forgot my wallet when I left and had to turn around and go back to the house. So for intensity and focus to be where they were after taking the PreSurge amazing.

Pump still was not anything extra from what I would normally have, but again I will attribute this to my low volume training.

[Trans_Isomer]

^^ I would definitely describe my PS experience as a jitter free, no crash smooth ride up and down, no feeling like I just downed 100 cups of coffee or anything, thats why I like it. I myself am really stim sensitive, and more pre workout products make me feel like crap, PS is really one of the very few that allows a nice ride up and down, smooth, no crash, long lasting sustainable energy.

The PS powder we have coming out though will be harder hitting.

[GeekPoop]

whast Plyomerics?

[niqnak]

whast Plyomerics?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plyometrics

Using a routine from "The Vertical Jump Bible" right now. Trying to increase my vertical leap, drop my 40 time, and it also doubles as my cardio. It consists of various jumping exercises and sprints.

[niqnak]

Tuesday (3/10/09)

Plyometrics


Comments

Woke up this morning feeling like crap again from my allergies. Ate breakfast and took some allergy medicine which had me feeling even more groggy, then I spent the next two hours in bed on my laptop.

Took my PreSurge two hours after eating breakfast and as usual, 30 minutes later I was ready to go and I had a fantastic workout. I don't know what I would be doing right now without the PreSurge with my allergies bothering me like this.

I'm still amazed at my recovery time between sprints. By the time I walk back to the starting line it's like I hadn't even done anything.

Weighed in this morning at 165, up three pounds after the first week.

[niqnak]

Wednesday (3/11/09)

Workout A


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 200
3x5 Bench: 145
1x5 Deadlift: 245
2x8 Dips: BW+15


Comments

I'm increasing weights on all my lifts and they are getting easier. Time between sets is still decreasing as well. As soon as I finish a set I want to go right back and do my next one. I've never wanted to attack my weights like this before. I haven't felt this good in the gym since my senior year of high school when I was weighing in the 180's. Only a week and a half in and this is already my favorite stack I have ever used.

I've also always considered myself something of a creatine nonresponder, but the with way things are going I think PreSurge has changed that.

[niqnak]

Friday (3/13/09)

Workout B


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 205
3x5 Overhead Military press: 100
3x5 Power Cleans: 140
2x8 Chin-Ups: BW


Comments

I finished my workout today in less than an hour. Last week it was taking almost 2 hours to finish due to me being out of shape and a lot of screwing around between sets since I lift in my garage.

[GeekPoop]

nice, ya my lifts take about 50mins on average. I just listen to my music and zone out.

I lift at a public gym and the only things I really say are, "you done with that" "can I get a spot" "see ya later" "anyone on this?"

thats about all my vocabulary haha

[niqnak]

More vocabulary than I used to have at the public gym lol. After some form of "hello" to the girl working at the front desk, I never opened my mouth again.

[Trans_Isomer]

Wednesday (3/11/09)


Comments

I'm increasing weights on all my lifts and they are getting easier. Time between sets is still decreasing as well. As soon as I finish a set I want to go right back and do my next one. I've never wanted to attack my weights like this before. I haven't felt this good in the gym since my senior year of high school when I was weighing in the 180's. Only a week and a half in and this is already my favorite stack I have ever used.

I've also always considered myself something of a creatine nonresponder, but the with way things are going I think PreSurge has changed that.

Thats great to hear, With the Russian Taragon extract we use in PreSurge, which significantly drives more creatine into the muscle, many non-responders have used PreSurge and are finally able to reap the benefits of creatine. You are definitely not the first to mention this.

Great to hear about the fast set recovery and extended endurance / strength as well. Ive had to add exercises to my current routine because my rest time between sets has taken a nosedive since getting on intrabolic / intraxcell / presurge myself.

[niqnak]

Monday (3/16/09)

Workout A


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 210
3x5 Bench: 150
1x5 Deadlift: 255
2x8 Dips: BW+15


Comments

Intensity and focus was off today. Last night at work the owners came in and told us we were shutting down so I lost my job last night. No biggy, but my mind was on finding a new job today while I was working out.

I finished my last set of squats today and I felt like I had just finished warming up. Still have a ways to go before I get into the right weight range.

Finally hit failure (or at least as close as I can without a spot) today on my bench. Still have a few more lifts to get into the right weight range on, but I'm getting there.

[Trans_Isomer]

Wednesday (3/16/09)

Workout A


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 210
3x5 Bench: 150
1x5 Deadlift: 255
2x8 Dips: BW+15


Comments

Intensity and focus was off today. Last night at work the owners came in and told us we were shutting down so I lost my job last night. No biggy, but my mind was on finding a new job today while I was working out.

I finished my last set of squats today and I felt like I had just finished warming up. Still have a ways to go before I get into the right weight range.

Finally hit failure (or at least as close as I can without a spot) today on my bench. Still have a few more lifts to get into the right weight range on, but I'm getting there.

Wow man im sorry to hear about your job, best of luck in finding a new one.

[niqnak]

I think I've already found one working quality assurance for Electronic Arts. Start next Monday if it works out.

[niqnak]

Wednesday (3/18/09)

Workout B


Lifts

3x5 Squats: xxx
3x5 Overhead Military press: 105
3x5 Power Cleans: 145
2x8 Chin-Ups: BW


Comments

Didn't do squats today. I was warming up for them and my hips asked for a break. Just about hit shoulder press last week with 100, but 105 was pretty easy today, gotta move up next week. 145 on the power clean was in perfect range - first time I've ever had a feeling like that in my back before. Finally finished 2x8 of chin-ups, I've only been getting 6-7 on my second set. I will try to add some weight next week.

In other news, got the job today at EA. Start on Monday so I'm pretty excited about that.

[GeekPoop]

Goodluck and congrats about new job!
Sometimes if you overdo it, youre only askin for trouble good move. gotta listen to your body!
:)

[Trans_Isomer]

Awesome to hear about the job mang, keep up the hard training :cool:

[Trans_Isomer]

Here's our second study on IntraXCell :

http://www.discountanabolics.com/forum/showthread.php?p=226141#post226141

[niqnak]

Friday (3/20/09)

Workout A


Lifts

3x5 Squats: 215
3x5 Bench: 150
1x5 Deadlift: 265
2x8 Dips: BW+15


Comments

Weighed myself yesterday at 169, up 7 lb's. Not too much to comment on today, everything is steadily going well.

[niqnak]

Monday (3/23/09)

Workout B


Lifts

3x5 Squats: xxx
3x5 Overhead Military press: 110
3x5 Power Cleans: 145
2x8 Chin-Ups: BW


Comments

I skipped the squats again today. My right hip is really nagging me. I think doing squats three days a week with the addition of the plyometrics is just a little too much on my legs. I'm going to take the week off on squats and remove them from my Wednesday workouts when I resume.

Today was my first day at the new job so I popped my PreSurge at 7:30 when I got home. When I was doing my light reps of squats just to keep my legs stretched out during the week I was really out of focus. Starting the workout on a new schedule had me out of routine for a little while. Once I got finished with my military presses I was ready to go and actually ended up having my best sets of cleans yet. My form has finally started to come together on them.

I'm interested to see what happens when I try to fall asleep here soon having taken the PreSurge so late. I took something else to take the edge off after my workout, we'll see how it goes.

[Trans_Isomer]

Yeah I can't take PreSurge before bed cause it will keep me up all night, however my buddy who takes it falls asleep just fine, so I think its just very individual.

Our other preworkout product, Steel Edge, I can take close to bedtime and still fall asleep fine. Its a great product as well, no creatine in it so for athletes not looking for the increased water weight and such associated with creatine, its a great alternative, I get crazy focus from it.

[niqnak]

Friday (3/20/09)

Workout A


Lifts

3x5 Squats: xxx
3x5 Bench: 155
1x5 Deadlift: 275
2x8 Dips: BW+15


Comments

Still taking a break from squats. Bench and deadlift both continue to increase nicely. I can't seem to get past 15 lb's on the dips though. I did finish all 8 reps 2 workouts in a row now though, so I plan on adding some weight next time to see what happens.

Too early to tell whether the PreSurge is keeping me up right now since I'm still trying to adjust to waking up 4 hours earlier than I have been for the past 6 months and going to sleep 2-4 hours earlier. Last night I fell asleep around 12:30 with no problems, but I didn't take my PreSurge yesterday since I did not workout.

[GeekPoop]

Try some bench dips to start you off or maybe some machine dips.

[niqnak]

You mean to warm up? I've been working with 15 lb's the past four workouts. Didn't complete my second set of 8 on the second workout of the four. I'm going to up it to 20 on Monday and just go with it. Should be fine.

[niqnak]

Friday (3/27/09)

Workout B


Lifts

3x5 Squats: xxx
3x5 Overhead Military press: 115
3x5 Power Cleans: 150
2x8 Chin-Ups: BW+5


Comments

Legs are feeling much better, they definitely needed the rest.

Increased all my weights by 5 today. The Military presses are feeling good, finally really having to push to get them up slowly, not just popping them up. My form keeps improving on my cleans while I'm moving up in weight, they are feeling great. Could only get 5 full reps out of my second set of chin-ups, probably going to be stuck on 5 lb's for a week or so.

Question for trans: I have to go back to working out first thing in the morning. I've read some other preworkout supps say to take on an empty stomach, but if you need to eat do it 20-30 minutes after taking the supp. Would this be effective with the PS? I would really prefer not to wake up two hours early to drink a shake and go back to sleep.

[GeekPoop]

You mean to warm up? I've been working with 15 lb's the past four workouts. Didn't complete my second set of 8 on the second workout of the four. I'm going to up it to 20 on Monday and just go with it. Should be fine.
Oh, was just gonna say to change it up for a while but its cool :)

[Trans_Isomer]

Friday (3/27/09)

Question for trans: I have to go back to working out first thing in the morning. I've read some other preworkout supps say to take on an empty stomach, but if you need to eat do it 20-30 minutes after taking the supp. Would this be effective with the PS? I would really prefer not to wake up two hours early to drink a shake and go back to sleep.

Best scenario:

Eat 2 hours pre workout, PreSurge 20-30 minutes before workout.

If you can't do that, try to space them out as much as you can.

[niqnak]

I'm now working 10:00 - 9:30. I have to lift first thing in the morning before work. Maybe I'll just end up working out before bed... but then I have the issue of taking the PS ~3 hours before sleeping. I'll have to do some experimenting.

[Trans_Isomer]

I'm now working 10:00 - 9:30. I have to lift first thing in the morning before work. Maybe I'll just end up working out before bed... but then I have the issue of taking the PS ~3 hours before sleeping. I'll have to do some experimenting.

Some can go to sleep fine with PS before bed, I can't. I work out night, so I split my PreSurge dose in half, consume it in the morning / afternoon, and I take the other half preworkout, and im fine then. I only use 6 caps total, so a half dose (3) before bed allows me to go to bed.

The main thing is, its best taken on an empty stomach for you to really 'feel' it. If thats not a concern, you can certainly take it with food, and there will be no inhibition of the creatine uptake or anything, you just might not 'feel' it again.

You ever tried our Steel Edge product?

[niqnak]

No I haven't tried the steel edge. What I'm saying though is could I take the PS as soon as I wake up, wait like 20-30 minutes to let it absorb, and then eat little preworkout meal?

[Trans_Isomer]

No I haven't tried the steel edge. What I'm saying though is could I take the PS as soon as I wake up, wait like 20-30 minutes to let it absorb, and then eat little preworkout meal?

I personally would make sure the last thing going into my stomach before my workout was presurge, but you can certainly try that above and see how it works out for you. Ive never used PS on a completely empty stomach from waking up, so just watch for stomach upset.