Templeton or Diesel

[Celadus]

Templeton, I need some advice for a guy who knows his stuff. I'm about 6'1", 155. Pretty weak. I don't think I'm naturally that weak. I just sat on my ass for the past 6 years on the computer. I'm a ectomorph, but I have some mesomorph features.

I just bought N-large 2, Glutamine(55 dollars but it was buy one-get one free), and Creatine. What is the best combinations to take these? I've heard from some people that protein, glutamine, and creatine can fight for absorption.

And, I go to a Gold's Gym next to my martial arts school now. They are giving me three free sessions for signing up. My trainer is a beefy guy and I think he's alittle biased toward skinny guys like me. He hardly talks to me, and he's got me working out on the machines, not free weights. Its been almost a year since I worked out and this is going to be the first time I get serious with it. After the first day working on the machines I was sore as hell and we hardly did anything. Should I stay with the machines for awhile and then switch to the free weights? I have discipline problems and I don't think I could do free weights well without a partner. Most of the guys I work out around are the hardcore guys so I am a little intimidated. I go very early in the morning to avoid the large crowds so no one notices me, especially the girls. =)

Machines are fun and I think I'd stick with it, but I just want to use them to get me pumped so I can eventually work my way up into serious free weights.

Would I gain faster if I went straight to the free weights? I'd have to ask the coaches at the gym if they know anyone around my level who would want to work out.

So, basically my questions are.

1:How should I use my supplements? I've read a few posts, but they all say different things. I trust your opinion.

2: Should I skip the machines for free weights, straight from the beginning?

 

[Neo]

do free weights, forget machines, they don't work your stabilizer muscles. Who cares if you're lifting sissy weights, in 3 or so months, your lifts will have increased 4 or 5 fold, and you'll be hooked for life.

 

[*new*]

first thing first, be confident.. that is all this site is about..
I know it 's hard to show up at the gym's guy's section carrying
bytch weights while others are using 50lbs dumbbells.. but you gotta start at somewhere (there is no actual guy's section, tough it is hard to find any ladies where people do 80 lbs dumbbell chest presses)
Read diesel's post, be confident and get your ass working

 

[Templeton]

First thing, go to the gym at a time that suits you and stop worrying about what others think of you. Focus on your own efforts. You will be surprised how willing many guys are to help you out anyway - we all started somewhere. I've never had anyone refuse to give me a spot if I asked for one, and often a guy will see you need a little help and be right there for you.

I don't think you have to make a decision as to free weights or machines. Personally I use a combination of the two - if i had to use one or the other then I would always go for the free weight option. Some exercises will need a spotter so as I alluded to above, just ask! Better still, get a training partner. If you are unsure as to correct technique then ask for advice on that too - or get some of the experienced lifters to show you.

Before worrying about supplements, make sure you are eating enough whole foods. I will assume you do indeed do this.

At your height and weight you could use a lot of calories so don't worry too much about watching fat and carb intake, pile it in son!
Plenty of protein too of course but keep those carbs high.

With regard to supplement use you will always receive conflicting opinions - be it here or elsewhere. John Beradi recommends in his article "solving the post workout puzzle" or something similar (it's on t-mag.com, do a search) utilizing glutamine and creatine in the post workout drink - with protein of course. Recently I have read that glutamine will indeed have to compete for absorption and will most likely lose out - my preference at the moment is to take the glutamine alone immediately after the workout - or even just before you finish then have my protein shake within 30 mins of the glutamine. The Nlarge would be great at this time, I like that it has simple sugars in so you get a good insulin spike. The more I read about post workout nutrition the more I believe in a high amount of carbs post workout - over a 100 grams within the first hour or so - especially for guys who are naturally lean.

Creatine - I honestly don't think it matters too much when you take it. It will help buffer lactic acid build up so pre-workout is an option as well as part of yourr recovery nutrition. It's cheap so take it as and when you like IMHO.

 

[Industry]

I agree with Templeton for the most part.

Take your creatine 30 minutes BEFORE your workout. And take glutamine right after and then wait 30 more minutes for your protein shake. I add this stuff called "CARBOMAX" to all my shakes. It gives me 57g of complex carbs.

Do that and wait an hour after your shake and eat dinner. Chicken, Pasta, Salad and a glass of wine should do you some good.

 

[Synthesis]

My attitudes are:

1. I don't use supplements, I just eat normal food. Supplements are eitiher a) No better than normal food or b) they're putting something undesirable into them.

2. Free weights versus machines: I've always had more success with free weights. Most serious weight lifters will tell you that you'll get better results with free weights.

3. Other guys at the gym: I've found that most people really don't care that much about other people's mass and workouts. People are focused on themselves. Even if other people did care, it wouldn't bother me at all.

However, if the other people at the gym see you working hard and see you making progress, they'll respect you for it, even if they're much further along in their training than you are.