Cell volume
Recently, with my added gains, I have been thinking a lot about cell volumization. I use size on-creatine (can be used post workout as well) during my workout for this reason, and people definitly notice a difference. I came across two recent articles here that are very interesting.
I think my reps and sets have kept me from compromising the structure of sarcolemma. The intense training to increase muscle cell volume aticle explains this as the cell membrane of the muscle cell and if compromised contents can get out and there will be a drecease in size and muscle volume. I think a controlled movement is the key to preventing this. If one is going so heavy they are struggling by the 4-5 rep, youre going too heavy and not following a very controllable rhymatic form of lifting. If i find myself getting to that point. I decrease my weight so that I can effectively lift 10-15 times. I feel more blood flow and able to do what that article said and hold during the eccentric portion of the rep.
I am also curious about Creatinol-O-Phosphate (COP). This molecule has supposedly a high rate of absorption in the muscle tissue (performance enhancing compound). What I am wondering is how much creatine is generally lost through the process of Cyclization. That muscle tech article noted that: "During the process of cyclization, the muscle-building potency of creatine is lost when it is routinely converted to an ineffective by-product known as creatinine,which is completely useless for muscle-building." Do some recent products contain superior creatine thus making it easier to withstand this process? And is Aplodan, the new breakthrough? I have seen amazing growth with size on (go gaspari),just wondering how efficient this new product is, based on its chemical makeup
May 22, 2008 at 4:47 pm
You bring up avalid point, for my small amount of years in the iron game i have concluded that the effect of supplements, reps, and sets vary from person to person. Each persons body reacts to all of these in diffrent ways. I feel that each of us has to take the journey and find what works best. Even the pros has many vaired ways on how they approach these subjects. As for the Gaspari produts i haven’t tried this one, but others i have tried have worked good. Maybe thats why they cost more
- Later
May 22, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hi there! Size on is a wonderful creatine product. The creatine gluconate in it makes it a very rapid absorbing creatine and kicks in like gun powder, right now! For me the only down side to it that the creatine monohydrate also in sizeon requires alot more sugar in order to be absorbed and my body is very sensitive to simple carbs as they make me retain alot of water which isnt good if I’m trying to gain definition. In that case I will switch over to creatine ethyl-ester because it doesn’t require ant sugar to be absorbed by the muscles and I can still get shredded when I take it. If your looking for cell volumization then you may want to look into taking straight L-Leucine, a very anabolic amino acid that promotes intracellular volumization but doesn’t require any sugar either. A very over-looked and inexpensive supplement that really helps my muscles swell and pump up good on a low carb precontest diet. Best of luck to you, I hope this helps!
June 17, 2008 at 3:57 am
I find the cyclic training between cellular hyperplasia and hypertrophy is beneficial. Using the 5×5 program you add concentration and awareness so your technique stays true.
The 8-12 rep set adds the pump/volumization from increased blood flow however larger amounts of lactic acid inhibit growth and function therefor I am a bigger fan of myofibril exhaustion. I think the hypertrophy is truly and aspect of bodybuilding whereas hyperplasia is more an aspect of powerlifting. I try to incorporate both for overall fitness. Keep it simple, do it, eat right and LONGTERM perseverance is my key. Progress may be slow but so far in my gym I am the only one I have seen that can tricep rope push the whole stack (280) repeatedly.
June 27, 2008 at 11:40 am
All valid points, but at the end of the day, your lil tattered spiral notebook (friend picked up a great simple one @ V-shoppe) is the best guide. Experiment with one variable changed for a month, compare, rethink, repeat.
I can’t wait till I have a stack of ‘em to organize based on supplement and training. I’m my own fav biology experiment!!!
Anyhoo, great article! Plenty of material for more questions and other thoughts! (which is the point really)
My only single caveat: Aren’t you technically describing "The Pump?!" ("It’s like I’m coming evee-vair" -Arnold)
Also, ur concern for creatinine production, um, no. Reactions and conversions produce ‘waste.’ Stop the conversion to waste and you stop the conversion of ATP to fuel the fibers in the first place, yes? NOOOO!!!!
:P