Tag: Caffeine
How to Avoid Fatigue: Tips for Post-Exercise Recovery!
Are you tired of being tired after a workout and dread that feeling of exhaustion that hits you like a ton of weights after hitting the gym? You’ve come to the right place.
Many people start exercising because they want to feel energetic and invigorated. However, working out has the exact opposite effect on some. They feel fatigued and drained after a workout and end up dragging their feet through the rest of the day. People that train late in the evening don’t have it any better, either. Exercise fatigue can make it hard to fall asleep.
Furthermore, training fatigue and exhaustion don’t discriminate between beginners and advanced lifters. It can plague the training experience of lifters across all experience levels. Depending on several factors, a lifter might experience fatigue immediately after a workout or the following day.
Chronic fatigue can hamper your ability to recover after a workout, which can impede your strength and muscle gain journey, inhibit your performance in upcoming workouts, and increase your risk of injury.
Contrary to what most lifters have come to believe, post-workout fatigue doesn’t have to be the norm. Making a few changes to your pre-training and post-workout regimen can reduce or even eliminate the feeling of exhaustion and help your body recover more efficiently.
In this article, we cover how to avoid fatigue, the most common reasons for fatigue after a workout, and what you can do to maximize your workout performance while powering up your post-workout recovery. So, put down that Red Bull, and listen up.
Reasons for Fatigue After a Workout
In contrast to the prevailing view held by most lifters, what you do immediately after a workout session is not the only factor responsible for a post-training crash. Multiple factors could be at play if you feel tired and exhausted after a training session. You must analyze your entire lifestyle to check where you are lacking. Here are the factors to consider while troubleshooting your post-exercise fatigue:
Training Intensity
Your training intensity has a significant impact on your post-workout experience. You’re more likely to experience fatigue after a high-intensity training regimen than after a low to moderate-intensity workout. HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts involve short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by brief periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise.
Although the popularity of HIIT workouts is on the rise, only a few trainers know how to program HIIT sessions correctly to maximize results and limit post-training fatigue.
Additionally, lifters that are bumping up their training intensity are at higher odds of experiencing prolonged training fatigue. Trying new exercise programs, lifts, training methods, and advanced training principles can also lead to post-workout exhaustion.
How to avoid exercise fatigue due to high training intensity:
You must gradually increase your training intensity and limit your HIIT workouts to less than 45 minutes to restrict the risk of post-training fatigue. Furthermore, you must cut back your training frequency if you still experience fatigue after lowering your training intensity.
Caffeine
Caffeine, due to its energy, focus, and alertness-boosting capabilities, is the darling of the fitness community. Pre-workout supplements are loaded with caffeine to give you a solid punch of energy. Recently, the sports supplement market has witnessed a flood of energy drinks. Bros that don’t have the budget for a pre-workout supp or energy drinks usually throw down espresso shots to fire up for their training sessions.
However, caffeine is also notorious for causing post-workout crashes. The potency of a caffeine-loaded pre-workout supplement is directly proportional to the harshness of its post-workout crashes.
Plus, caffeine is a diuretic and can cause dehydration if consumed in large quantities, leading to fatigue and decreased athletic performance. It doesn’t end here; consuming too much caffeine can interfere with your sleep cycle, which can add to the feeling of exhaustion and fatigue.
How to avoid exercise fatigue due to caffeine:
If you cannot hit the gym without caffeine, you must regulate your dosage to avoid post-workout crashes. Furthermore, you could use a stim-free pre-workout supplement to get all the benefits of a pre-training sup, minus the crashes.
Dehydration
Proper hydration is crucial for optimal training performance and recovery. During a workout, your body sweats to regulate your body temperature. Dehydration strikes if you don’t drink enough fluids to replace the lost sweat, leading to a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure, which makes it harder for your heart to pump oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
You’ll fatigue more quickly and often if your muscles don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients during a workout. Muscle cramps and stiffness are a couple of signs of dehydration, which can further lead to chronic fatigue. [1]
Furthermore, dehydration during a workout can cause your core body temperature to rise, which can lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke in severe cases.
How to avoid exercise fatigue due to dehydration:
You must keep yourself hydrated before, during, and after a workout. Plus, if you are an endurance athlete or sweat a lot during your training sesh, you must ensure you consume an appropriate amount of sodium and electrolytes to avoid dehydration. Sports drinks such as Gatorade are excellent for keeping you hydrated throughout an intense workout.
You must drink at least a gallon of water each day to keep yourself hydrated and limit the risk of dehydration. The American Council on Exercise recommends drinking 17-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before exercise, 7-10 ounces every 10-20 minutes during exercise, and at least eight ounces of water within 30 minutes of exercise.
Low Blood Sugar
Your body uses stored glycogen as an energy source during your workouts. People following a calorie-restrictive diet are at a higher risk of exhausting their glycogen reserves during moderate to high-intensity workouts, which can cause low blood sugar and fatigue.
If your blood sugar levels drop too low, your body becomes incapable of producing enough glucose to fuel your muscles properly, leading to fatigue. Plus, low blood sugar can lower your insulin levels, reducing your ability to store glycogen. It leads to your muscles tiring more quickly during exercise, leading to fatigue.
How to avoid exercise fatigue due to low blood sugar:
Eat balanced meals before and after a workout to limit the risk of low blood sugar levels. The meals should contain high-quality complex carbohydrates to replenish your glycogen reserves and avoid fatigue. Additionally, you must eat a carbohydrate-rich snack during longer workouts to prevent low blood sugar.
Lack of Sleep
A lack of sleep can make you feel tired and lethargic, especially after a high-intensity workout. Many people get grumpy after a bad night’s sleep, which can hamper the quality of their workouts.
You must sleep seven to eight hours each night to ensure optimal time to recuperate between workouts. Sleep deprivation can cause overexertion, which can lead to chronic fatigue.
How to avoid exercise fatigue due to lack of sleep:
Sleeping in a cold room can help you doze off quickly and increase the time you spend in deep sleep, which can improve your recovery. You should avoid screens before bedtime and meditate to improve your sleep cycle. Using melatonin and magnesium supplements can also improve your sleep quality.
Poor Nutrition
A poor diet is one of the leading reasons for prolonged fatigue. For optimal functioning, your body requires multiple nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Not meeting your daily macro and micronutrient goals can lead to fatigue after exercise.
While a lack of carbohydrates can cause fatigue due to glycogen store depletion, protein deficiency can impair muscle growth and recovery. Improper fat intake can cause joint health issues.
How to avoid exercise fatigue due to poor nutrition:
Ensure that you meet your daily caloric needs and follow a macro and micronutrient-balanced diet to promote muscle and strength gain and limit fatigue. Seek expert help if you don’t know how to design a diet program, as it can significantly improve your energy levels.
Overtraining
Pushing too hard in the gym can lead to overtraining. It beats up your central nervous system, which limits your body’s ability to recover from your workouts. Prolonged workouts, using too many advanced training techniques, or increasing your workout volume and intensity disproportionality can lead to overtraining. [2]
Skipping rest days or not allowing your body enough rest between workouts is also a common cause of overtraining. Not only does overtraining cause chronic fatigue, but it also increases your risk of injury.
How to avoid exercise fatigue due to overtraining:
Diet and recovery are just as important as training, if not more. You must back up your workout regimen with a balanced diet and give your muscles enough time to recover between workouts. Lifters following an advanced training program should limit their workouts to five days a week and rest for the remaining two days.
Read also: Overtraining: How Much Exercise Is Too Much?
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome can lead to persistent fatigue and weakness, even with mild exercise. Furthermore, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can cause shortness of breath and fatigue during exercise due to impaired lung function.
On the other hand, certain medications can also cause fatigue and weakness as a side effect. For example, beta-blockers, used to treat hypertension and heart conditions, can cause prolonged fatigue.
How to avoid exercise fatigue due to medical conditions:
You must get a doctor’s clearance before starting training if you are dealing with any medical conditions. Plus, you must also seek medical advice before bumping up your training intensity while on medication.
Tips To Reduce Post-Workout Fatigue
Here are some tips on how to avoid fatigue and exhaustion:
Active Recovery
Most hobbyist exercisers overlook the importance of active recovery in their training regimen. Active recovery after a workout can improve blood flow to your muscles, which can help deliver the necessary nutrients for recovery and limits the chances of fatigue. It also reduces muscle stiffness, lower the chances of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and lowers stress levels. [3]
Active recovery exercises like light jogging, cycling, rowing, and foam rolling are a must after high-intensity workouts. Your active recovery sessions should last between 20-30 minutes. You could also do stretching, mobility drills, or yoga at this time.
Rehydrate and Refuel
You must supply your muscles with the required nutrients to speed up your recovery process. However, rehydration and refueling should not be limited to post-workout. You must follow a balanced diet program to avoid chronic fatigue.
Reduce Stress
Stress reduction techniques can help reduce post-workout fatigue by calming the nervous system. These techniques can vary depending on an individual’s preferences and lifestyle. Some people might prefer playing video games to lower stress, whereas others might prefer listening to their favorite music.
Other popular stress-reducing techniques include deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, massage, or taking a warm bath. These techniques help lower cortisol levels, improve sleep quality, increase mental clarity, and reduce muscle tension. [4]
Listen To Your Body
Every individual is built differently, meaning we react to the same stimulus uniquely. An exerciser can have a higher stress appetite than their training partner. Hence, you must not try to copy other people around you. Follow a personalized diet and training program to achieve your objectives. Furthermore, constantly assess your health markers to ensure optimal recovery and reduce your risk of chronic fatigue.
Wrapping Up
Fatigue is a common occurrence among trainers that hampers performance and results in the gym. Dehydration, poor diet, sleep, low blood sugar levels, and overtraining are some of the common factors behind chronic fatigue.
You can uproot fatigue, improve your recovery, and reduce your risk of injury by using the tips mentioned in this article, including implementing active recovery, rehydrating and refueling, reducing stress, and modifying your training intensity according to your needs. Make sure that you seek medical clearance before starting to exercise if you are dealing with a medical condition. Best of luck!
References
Edwards AM, Noakes TD. Dehydration: cause of fatigue or sign of pacing in elite soccer? Sports Med. 2009;39(1):1-13. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200939010-00001. PMID: 19093692.
Kreher JB, Schwartz JB. Overtraining syndrome: a practical guide. Sports Health. 2012 Mar;4(2):128-38. doi: 10.1177/1941738111434406. PMID: 23016079; PMCID: PMC3435910.
Ortiz RO Jr, Sinclair Elder AJ, Elder CL, Dawes JJ. A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Active Recovery Interventions on Athletic Performance of Professional-, Collegiate-, and Competitive-Level Adult Athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2019 Aug;33(8):2275-2287. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002589. PMID: 29742750.
Nag N, Yang X, Jelinek G, Neate S, Simpson-Yap S. Undertaking specific stress-reducing activities are associated with reduced fatigue and depression, and increased mastery, in people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022 Jun;62:103804. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103804. Epub 2022 Apr 12. PMID: 35461058.
Straight Facts: The Most Effective Bodybuilding Supplements, Backed By Science
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Jerry Brainum lists the most effective bodybuilding supplements according to scientific studies.
The bodybuilding and sports supplement industry has boomed over the last few decades. What was once dominated by a small number of tried and true brands is now overloaded with hundreds of supplement companies and manufacturers. While having purchasing choice is great to best get what you need – it can also make supplementation confusing. Which brands should you trust? Which types of supplements actually work? Am I being scammed? In our latest episode of Straight Facts, Jerry Brainum breaks down the top supplements backed by science to guarantee results.
It seems like nearly every week a new kind of supplement product hits the market. Each one advertises that it is the best solution to optimizing your fitness training. But how do you separate the over-exaggerated marketing from the real deal supplements that make a difference? While FDA approval of a supplement is a good start – deeper scientific studies are required to know if a supplement actually will make changes to your training and diet.
That’s why Jerry Brainum broke down a short list of science research backed supplements that are considered most consistently effective for bodybuilders and athletes. Keep in mind this list is considering legal over the counter supplements and not PEDs such as steroids. Let’s jump into it.
1. Creatine
After piling through the data, Jerry Brainum found that most scientific studies endorse creatine as an effective supplement. It works for 80% of people who use it in an aggregate score of research studies and essays. Creatine is probably one of the earlier supplements you were made aware of back in high school – and for good reason. It keeps your muscles supplied with energy for muscle contraction. It stimulates intramuscular insulin growth factor one which is a direct anabolic effect. It also helps to reduce acidity in muscle – which is a big factor in fatigue during training. It is without question the number one most effective supplement.
RELATED: Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth
2. Caffeine
While technically more of a drug than a supplement, studies have shown that caffeine, an all natural substance, is effective for sports supplementation. Whether you get the caffein boost via a pre-workout supplement or simply a few cups of coffee – there’s no doubt that this drug works to boost your energy.
A few tips to keep in mind. You’ll want to ingest caffeine (coffee for example) one hour before you workout in order to get the best effects from it. However, if you train late – then the boosting energy of caffeine will last well into the night and might make it harder for you to sleep. This can hurt your muscle recovery.
Note – if you have any kind of heart or artery disease or complication, caffeine can restrict the dilation of your arteries. This can reduce the amount of blood pumping into your heart. Which can cause health risks if you have any known pre-existing heart and artery conditions.
RELATED: Best Pre-Workout Supplements For Bodybuilding & Muscle Gain
3. Nitrates
Nitrates are substances found naturally in green leaf vegetables (such as beets). This is a great way to get the benefits of nitric oxide without taking boosters (which may come with additional ingredients you may want to avoid in your diet). Nitrate takes about 2-2.5 hours from the time you consume it before you get the full effect during a workout. Effects include dilation of blood vessels – which helps you get a great pump and great delivery of oxygen to muscles.
4. Beta Alanine
Beta Alanine increases the production of carnosine in the body. This helps increase muscle endurance by preventing acidity build up in muscle which is one of the factors that cause fatigue. Essentially, much like nitrates, this supplement can help stave off fatigue. This allows you train harder and longer in the gym.
On a personal note – Jerry Brainum mentions his own use of beta alanine. In his experience, a low dose did not help him. But after going to a higher dose he was able to see an effect.
RELATED: Straight Facts – The Pros And Cons Of Beta Alanine
Wrap Up
While the supplements listed here are backed with rigorous research to endorse their efficiency, it should be noted that if something works generally on paper it may not work for you. Each individual has unique genetics. No one drug affects a person exactly the same way.
If you are not using some of these supplements in your diet – and are looking for a natural way to increase performance – try adding these into your stack. Evaluate if the results work for you, adjust, and repeat. You might just find something to give you the edge during bodybuilding training.
You can watch Jerry Brainum go into full detail about this supplements in our latest episode of Straight Facts above. Make sure to check out new episodes every Wednesday only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
Can Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Still Produce Energy & Pumps?
Caffeine-free pre-workouts are great alternatives to avoid stimulants while still seeing results.
Caffeine is a popular substance used by so many of us, but when it comes to our workouts, sometimes we want a caffeine-free pre-workout on our shelf. What you will find with workout products, and in particular pre-workouts, are that they contain caffeine and other stimulants to really drive up energy and increase your focus. But that doesn’t fly for some of us.
A pre-workout supplement can be a game changer for so many. We all know the other essentials like protein powders and BCAAs, but that pre-workout pump and boost we get going into a workout makes us want to work that much harder. But we don’t want the jitters and crashes, and no one blames you for that.
To understand this further, let’s take a look at caffeine-free pre-workouts to see what makes these supplements great alternatives to those stimulant options. Whether you are avoiding stimulants or trying to limit your caffeine intake, the end result will be a pre-workout supplement minus any jitters and crashes.
Benefits Of Pre-Workout
Pre-workouts typically have plenty of great benefits to consider. Whether you are someone who likes a more engaged workout or if you feel drained from everything else that you need a boost, pre-workouts, either stim or non-stim, are great supplements. Benefits include:
Increased muscle pumps: With better blood flow and circulation, you allow yourself the benefit of better muscle pumps for increased size.
More endurance capacity: Working with ingredients to improve endurance, you will find this can really get your body to a place where it can work more efficiently.
Boost hydration and muscle fullness: Keep your muscles hydrated so they feel full and can work harder.
Enhance energy: FOR STIM PRE-WORKOUTS, caffeine and other stimulants can increase focus and boost energy.
No jitters or crashes: FOR CAFFEINE-FREE PRE-WORKOUTS, you can get similar benefits without feeling side effects of stimulants.
Side Effects Of Caffeine To Watch For
Caffeine is technically a drug and it works to affect the brain so you feel more energized and focused throughout the day. Some people become so reliant on it they don’t actually realize how much they take in. Others are sensitive to it and know their limit. Caffeine is a popular stimulant in pre-workout because it gives that energy boost and enhanced focus for more engaged workouts.
Related: Why Do Pre-Workouts Make You Itch?
The side effects of caffeine are important to mention so you know what to look for. These include:
Increased heart rate
Jitters
Crashes
Sleep problems
Potential digestive issues
Increased anxiety
Why Go To Caffeine-Free Pre-Workouts
People go to caffeine-free pre-workouts because they can get similar benefits without any stimulants. Many people don’t respond well to stimulants or try to avoid them. Others may enjoy a cup or two of coffee and don’t want added caffeine in their workout products. But, this doesn’t change the fact that they want a great workout.
The ingredients included in caffeine-free pre-workouts are very similar to those in regular pre-workouts, however, what you will find is the energy may not be as intense, but the other benefits like pumps and muscle growth will largely be the same. If you are someone who is trying to avoid stimulants, we don’t blame you, and these supplements are great for enhancing your workouts without any negative effects.
Related: Must Have Pre-Workout Ingredients
People have debated that pre-workouts aren’t worth taking or that some of are just duds. This is really a preference, but there is something to said for this product to be so popular. Now, most people probably like pre-workout because it hops them up on caffeine and the energy they feel pushes them over the limit of what they think is possible. A cup of coffee can also do that too.
So, do caffeine-free pre-workouts work? There is evidence that some of the ingredients can help with those desired results you want to see most but this may require research on your part to convince yourself if these supplements are worth it or not.
Important Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Ingredients To Note
If you’re supplement doesn’t have stimulants, then what ingredients are included to actually make this worth it.
Citrulline Malate: Can improve strength, power, and muscular endurance while also working to delay fatigue (1).
Taurine: May improve overall work capacity by affecting endurance and overall performance through reducing muscle soreness (2).
Beta Alanine: May improve exercise performance while building lean muscle and promoting better physical function and reducing fatigue (3).
BCAAs: Work to ignite muscle growth, reduce muscle breakdown, and alleviate soreness (4).
Tyrosine: May improve energy and mental performance while trying to reduce stress (5).
Betaine Anhydrous: Can improve strength and power while working to reduce stubborn fat and fatigue. (6)
These are just a few that may be included in supplements. Each company has their own formula so ingredients are subject to change. Always read the label to be sure your product matches your needs.
Featured Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout
With so many products out there, we wanted to share a great caffeine-free pre-workout to boost your workouts and give you something you may love. Plus, it takes the headache out of combing through so many pre-workout supplements.
Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs PreSeries Stim-Free is an amazing option for those looking for stimulant free supplements for strength training, weight loss, and improved performance. With key ingredients at effective dosages, this is a great pre-workout for anyone looking for stim-free options.
Transparent Labs Stim-Free is an amazing option for those looking for stimulant free supplements for strength training, weight loss, and to improve performance. With a 100% transparent formula, this product is great for those who are intolerant to caffeine or other stimulants, or for those looking to cycle off of them. Also, 13 active ingredients are designed for enhanced focus and increasing lean muscle, and you cannot go wrong with this great stim-free, non-caffeine option that will still enhance energy like other products.
Price: $49.99
Wrap Up
Caffeine-free pre-workout supplements are what you need if you are someone looking to avoid stimulants. Although stim ingredients are key in many pre-workouts, those caffeine-free pre-workouts tend to avoid those and focus on others to provide benefits without the fear of unwanted side effects. If you are someone who may benefit from caffeine-free pre-workout products, then check them out and consider them in your routine today.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
Reference
Takeda, K.; et al. (2011). “Effects of citrulline supplementation on fatigue and exercise performance in mice”. (source)
Waldron, M.; et al. (2018). “The Effects of an Oral Taurine Dose and Supplementation Period on Endurance Exercise Performance in Humans: A Meta-Analysis”. (source)
Artioli, G.; et al. (2010). “Role of beta-alanine supplementation on muscle carnosine and exercise performance”. (source)
Negro, M.; et al. (2008). “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system”. (source)
Attipoe, S.; et al. (2015). “Tyrosine for Mitigating Stress and Enhancing Performance in Healthy Adult Humans, a Rapid Evidence Assessment of the Literature”. (source)
Cholewa, J.; et al. (2013). “Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone”. (source)
Jim Stoppani: Pros & Cons Of Coffee and Alcohol
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Jim Stoppani answers: How does coffee and alcohol affect your general fitness and health? And should pro bodybuilders keep them in their diets?
Alcohol and coffee can be considered two of the biggest vices in the modern world. They are so embedded into culture that no one bats an eye to the affects of both when taken to extremes. For those that are health conscious and especially those who want to be elite bodybuilders – can these two products say in a healthy diet? We turned to exercise physiologist Jim Stoppani for a full explainer guide on the pros and cons of keeping coffee and alcohol in your diet.
For the average adult, coffee and alcohol consumption is a casual and regular occurrence. Of course, so long as it is in moderation. Chronic diseases such as alcoholism are a consistent problem in many countries – certainly in the United States. But beyond the extreme side of substance abuse, are there long term dangers from casual alcohol and coffee consumption? Jim Stoppani believes that these substances are not as taboo as some alarmists would have you believe.
Pros & Cons of Coffee
During our video interview, Vlad Yudin mentions how there are those who warn of coffee addiction and the negative effects this can have on a person. Yet many athletes and bodybuilders will use coffee as a form of natural pre-workout. A way to boost energy for that next training session. Should coffee be cut from a health conscious person’s diet? Is coffee and caffeine bad for your health?
“I say good,” Jim Stoppani comments during the conversation. Of course, he mentions, it will always depend on the individual person and their personal goal. Overall, there are proven health benefits to drinking coffee (and consuming caffeine in general). Coffee itself can be an antioxidant. And caffeine has been proven to help lessen cognitive decline throughout the day.
Studies also show that smaller doses more frequently throughout the day fairs better than big doses once or twice a day. So for those who pound down morning coffee – perhaps an alternate habit could be more optimal.
Jim Stoppani doesn’t like to demonize caffeine. It won’t kill you and it wont kill your gains. However, drinking coffee at too young an age can be more dangerous. Stoppani explains that consuming regular amounts of caffeine under the age of 18 has a direct effect on the development of the brain. It can change your brain connections.
Another reason you might not want to have coffee or caffeine in your diet is down to personal situations. If you have cardiovascular or heart health issues – avoiding caffeine is a better choice. And those who suffer chronic anxiety might find that caffeine only raises their anxiety throughout the day.
Pros & Cons of Alcohol
The obvious big danger about alcohol is abuse. It can be addictive and also cause serious damage to your liver and heart with long term abuse. Also binge drinking can lead to dangerous situations when your cognitive abilities start to blur.
However, beyond those very real and serious risks with long term abuse – Jim Stoppani sees no issue with alcohol in a fit person’s diet. It’s completely possible to remain health and fit while also enjoying the occasional drink.
Jim Stoppani explains that at the end of the day it’s all about your macros. If you are a elite bodybuilder looking to have 3% body fat and dominate on stage – then maybe it’s best to avoid alcohol for the majority of your career. But for the larger fitness community at large – it all depends on your personal goals. Alcohol calories certainly add up if you’re not careful.
Ultimately, Jim Stoppani wants to remind those watching that you only live once. “What’s the point of being fit?” Stoppani rhetorically asks. “So we can live longer and enjoy life!”
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, Jim Stoppani explains that neither coffee or alcohol are inherently unhealthy for you. Unlike, let’s say, smoking a cigarette, one drink will not damage your body. It’s all about moderation and considering your personal goals. Know your own health records. Know your own habits. Keep them under control.
Stoppani believes you can be not only health but very physically fit while also enjoying coffee and alcohol. You can watch Jim Stoppani explain in full detail by watching our latest GI Exclusive video segment above.
ECA & T3 During An Aas Cycle
“Can I mix ECA or T3 with my anabolic steroid stack?” This question is asked very frequently by steroid users ready to cut some body fat in anticipation of an upcoming show. The answer is yes, you can. However, there are some factors of which you should analyze before using either drug. Remember that every individual is different and that these are only general guidelines for how most bodybuilders respond to the use of these compounds.
Why would this even be a question? Well, ECA is a compound that can cause some major changes in the body. It can also lead to some pretty undesirable interactions with other drugs. Mixing ECA with SSRI anti-depressants, antibiotics, or even some cough medicines can cause serious cardiac damage, or even death. Wise users of ECA (a stack of 200 mg caffeine, 25 mg ephedrine, and 200 mg aspirin) will check for interactions with any drugs they use, including anabolic steroids.
Another argument exists as to whether or not the cutting agent T3 should be using with an AAS cycle – or even at all. If you are a bodybuilder competing at the local, regional, or even state level, you don’t need to use T3. This may run contrary to the wishes of some intermediate bodybuilders who have read about T3 and fallen in love with the idea of using it. However, attempting to alter the thyroid function is something that should only be done by advanced bodybuilders who really need a level of cutting power that ECA cannot provide.
It’s true that there is going to be a drop in your natural T3 and T4 levels when supplementing with either anabolic steroids or human growth hormone. Trenbolone in particular can wreck T3 production for the short-term. Androgens decrease thyroid output. Dropping calories won’t help much either. However, this decreased thyroid output will be minimal, and your body will recover (read: return to normal function) within a month or so after AAS use is halted. The recovery from thyroid altering drugs often takes much longer.
If you are going to run T3 with your bodybuilding cycle, limits its use to the very tail end of your pre-contest diet, when the show is two weeks away, you are possibly behind schedule, and the ECA isn’t working like it did earlier in the diet. At this point, it may be useful to allow a very short-term bump to your metabolism and fat burning processes. However, long-term use of T3 during the entire pre-contest phase (or worse, for the duration of the year) is never advised.
In the bigger picture, your metabolism is your best friend when it comes to long-term weight management. Anything which may adversely affect it – including the use of thyroid medication when none is needed for health purposes – should be avoided. Obviously, many top-level bodybuilders are going to justify the use of these drugs because their livelihood depends upon it. For amateurs competing at the state level or lower, however, the use of these drugs are not necessary or advisable.