deserusan 
"Magna res est vocis et silentii temperamentum."
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Archive for February, 2007
Tuesday, February 27th, 2007
I feel the following question deserved a lengthy answer:
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Originally Posted by zergling
One last thing, do you have any info on the safety of long-term use of creatinol-o-phosphate?
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One of the major flaws I have an extreme disdain for in the supplement industry are the use of compounds that have never had any clinical research to support their efficacy. I know most companies will cry that it’s not cost effective and they do have a valid point. However, clinical evidence is a broad step in securing the freedom to choose supplements long into the future.
Fortunately, there is strong clinical evidence which negates any potential criticisms for Aplodan’s (creatinol-o-phosphate) safety. I’ll give you a direct quote from a metastudy summarizes a very large body of research involving dogs, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits:
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| An interesting aspect of COP is it’s excellent therapeutic index, and the absolute absense of side effects, which have invariably been noted in pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical investigations |
Now I can imagine most of you are wondering how this pertains to use humans. To put it bluntly, I personally loathe seeing only animal models being used to support the efficacy of compound in a supplement. While some serve as a great reference, it is still always best to have actual clinical evidence derived from testing on actual human subjects. Fortunately, Aplodan has that too. Here is another direct quote:
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| These observations and the fact none of the other parameters changed even at the highest COP dosage, lead the authors to conclude that COP is very well tolerated by the body and possesses an uncommon clinical safety. |
As both of the direct quotes of the studies indicate, COP is a very safe compound. My only digression is that all the long term studies were conducted in the animal models (480 days) and not human models (14 days). However, given the strong parallels across all the studies involving the use in humans and animals, it is very clear to me that this is a very safe compound for long-term use.
1. Marzo A, Ghirardi P. Pharmacological and toxicological properties of creatinol O-phosphate. A review.Arzneimittelforschung. 1979;29(9a):1449-52.
2. Melloni GF, Minoja GM, Lureti GF, Merlo L, Pamparana F, Brusoni B. Acute clinical tolerance of creatinol O-phosphate. Arzneimittelforschung. 1979;29(9a):1447-9.
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
Tuesday, February 27th, 2007
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The Workout:8.4
**I’m excluding all warm up sets**
Wide Neutral Grip Cable Row: 240lbs x 6, 240lbs x 6, 240lbs x 6
Close Neutral Grip Pulldowns: 250lbs x 6, 250lbs x 6
Dumbell Rows: 130lb’ers x 6/6, 130lb’ers x 6/6
Sarcev Style Wide Grip Deadlifts: 185lbs x 6, 185lbs x 6
Cable Hammer Curls: 140lbs x 8, 140lbs x 8, 140lbs x 8
Seated Dumbell Curls: 40lb’ers x 8/8, 40lb’ers x 8/8
Two Arm Cable Curls: 40lbs (per side) x 24 (failure)
V-Ups: 20, 20, 20
Precor Elliptical: 35 minutes
Thoughts
I felt OK during this workout. My back was definately pumped and the entire biceps portion of the workout was pretty painful actually due to the pre-existing pump in my arms after back training. This pre-exhaustion techinque really taxes a smaller muscle group like the biceps.
I’m a little anxious these days approaching the Arnold Classic. It will be my first industry function that I have ever attended and must say that my schedule for the weekend is already full. Who would have ever I would be in this position when I joined this forum three years ago as a “noob.”
Posted in Training
Monday, February 26th, 2007
Thoughout the duration of this discussion it has been made quite apparent that the sarcolemma is important to skeletal muscle function. We have established thus that it plays a central role in the neuromuscular junction which controls excitation/contraction coupling. However, I still haven’t explained the importance of this with regards to recruitment of muscular motor units but we’ll get to the eventually. I guess it’s safe to say I have some ADD when it comes to reading a large body of research.
Regardless, one topic I have stumbled across which I find important for trying to ellucidate the importance of an enhanced sarcolemmal membrane through supplementation is the role this has on actual force production. Without going into great detail, dystrophin is a large sarcolemmal protein molecule greatly responsible for the interaction of the cytoskeleton and the basement membrane in skeletal muscle (1).
In essence, while performing the eccentric motion of an exercise you cause damage to the sarcolemma which causes a loss of dystrophin (2) and ultimately disruption of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC)(3,4 ). This disruption impairs the muscles ability to maintain a high level of contractual force (2) and to mediate membrane repair (5).
***Please pardon this interruption with the insertion of another bro-graph!***
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Originally Posted by Physiological Reviews
The dystrophin-associated protein complex (DPC) in skeletal muscle. Dystrophin binds to cytoskeletal actin at its NH2 terminus. At its COOH terminus, dystrophin is associated with a number of integral and peripheral membrane proteins that can be classified as the dystroglycan subcomplex, the sarcoglycan-sarcospan subcomplex, and the cytoplasmic subcomplex. The cytoplasmic subcomplex includes the syntrophins (syn) and -dystrobrevin (DB). The sarcoglycan-sarcopsan subcomplex comprises the sarcoglycans and sarcospan. The extracellular component of the dystroglycan complex, -dystroglycan (DG), binds to laminin-2 in the extracellular matrix and -dystroglycan (DG) in the sarcolemma. In turn, -dystroglycan binds to the dystrophin, thus completing the link between the actin-based cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. Additional DPC binding partners are omitted for clarity, but a full list of the proteins can be found in Table 1
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You might have picked up this earlier but dystrophin is in part responsible, or lack thereof, for a disease known as Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy (6). Essentially, this disease is caused by a genetic mutation and leads to muscular degeneration due to a lack of dystrophin (6-8). With this dabilitating disease eccentric forces cause muscle damage that eventually lead to cell death (6). Many complications come as result and my heart goes out to those who suffer from or have loved one with this affliction.
As you can see, maintenace of the sarcolemmal intregrity with regard to the dystrophin is important. I really wish there was some direct study shows how creatinol-o-phosphate has a positive effect on the DGC. Unfortunately, all of the research was performed decades before the importance of dystrophin and it’s role within skeletal muscle function was known. Eitherway, it’s safe to say that creatinol-o-phosphate enhancement of sarcolemmal integrity does have a postive impact on the DGC and it’s role skeletal muscle force production.
1. Allikian MJ, McNally EM. Processing and Assembly of the Dystrophin Glycoprotein Complex.Traffic. 2007 Jan 30;
2. Lovering RM, De Deyne PG. Contractile function, sarcolemma integrity, and the loss of dystrophin after skeletal muscle eccentric contraction-induced injury.
American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology. 2004 Feb;286(2):C230-8.
3. Ehmsen J, Poon E, Davies K.The dystrophin-associated protein complex.Journal of Cell Science. 2002 Jul 15;115(Pt 14):2801-3
4. Michele DE, Campbell KP. Dystrophin-glycoprotein complex: post-translational processing and dystroglycan function. Journal Biological Chemistry. 2003 May 2;278(18):15457-60.
5. Towler MC, Kaufman SJ, Brodsky FM. Membrane traffic in skeletal muscle. Traffic. 2004 Mar;5(3):129-39
6. Deconinck N, Dan B. Pathophysiology of duchenne muscular dystrophy: current hypotheses. Pediatric Neurology. 2007 Jan;36(1):1-7.
7. Allard B. Sarcolemmal ion channels in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle fibres.
Journal Muscle Research & Cell Motility. 2006;27(5-7):367-73. Epub 2006 Jul 28.
8. Dudley RW, Danialou G, Govindaraju K, Lands L, Eidelman DE, Petrof BJ. Sarcolemmal damage in dystrophin deficiency is modulated by synergistic interactions between mechanical and oxidative/nitrosative stresses. American Journal of Pathology. 2006 Apr;168(4):1276-87
9.D Blake, A Weir, S Newey, K Davies. Function and Genetics of Dystrophin and Dystrophin-Related Proteins in Muscle. Physiological Reviews. Vol. 82, No. 2, April 2002, pp. 291-329
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
Monday, February 26th, 2007
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The Workout:9.8
**I’m excluding all warm up sets**
Incline Barbell Bench Press: 315lbs x 6, 315lbs x 6, 315lbs x 6
Supine Dumbell Bench Press: 140lb’ers x 6, 140lb’ers x 6, 140lb’ers x 6
Cable Flyes: 100lbs (per side) x 8, 100lbs x 8, 100lbs x 8
Overhead Cable Extensions: 120lbs x 10, 120lbs x 10, 120lbs x 10
Single Arm Dumbell Extensions: 30lbs x 10/10, 30lbs x 10/10, 30lbs x 10/10
Precor Elliptical: 35 minutes
Thoughts
My gym needs heavier dumbells. I remember a few years back when I thought hefting up 100lb’ers was a milestone with dumbells. I also remember the first time in high school when I pushed 225lbs on the flat bench. I felt like I was on top of the world.
Nowadays, lifting is more of an art to build my body. When I perform these movements the motion is slow and controlled. There is no locking out and the stretch is maximal to enduce as much eccentric damage to the muscle as possible. You did know that it’s this damage which is what induces growth right? Food for thought if you aren’t seeing results and like to bounce weight around.
Regardless, this training session left my chest pumped and now SORE. Typically, on these lower volume days it’s been a challenge to ellicit an ample amount of stimulation. I respond better to higher volume for this very reason. Could it be the Aplodan really kicking in at this point? Who knows for sure, but I’m very satisfied with my training at this stage and it’s evident Aplodan is an effective supplement.
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Deserusan’s Essential Weight Training Selection
Pantera - Domination
R.I.P.
Darrell Lance Abbott
August 20, 1966 - December 8, 2004
Posted in Training
Friday, February 23rd, 2007
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The Workout:9.4
**I’m excluding all warm up sets**
Front Squats (ATG pulse reps): 325lbs x 6, 325lbs x 6, 325lbs x 6
Lying Leg Curls: 225lbs x 6, 225lbs x 6, 225lbs x 6
Walking Barbell Lunges: 185lbs x 16 paces, 185lbs x 16 paces, 185lbs x 16 paces
Hybrid Calf Training
Precor Elliptical: 35 minutes
Thoughts
Front squats using a pulsing ATG motion are very hard to do. During this training session I only came halfway up in the motion to keep a strong tension on the hamstring and gluteal muscles. I have found that performing these with a closed stance in this manner really hits the long and short heads of the bicep femoris pretty damn hard.
This may seem like a little contradiction to the use of front squats but nevertheless variations on the same exercise can ellicit contrasting modes of stimulation. Squats can be used to train hamstrings effectively.
Unfortunately, when I began a more serious approach to bodybuilding I never did deep squat variations. I was more concerned with how much weight I was pushing as opposed to properly developing my legs. As a result, my hamstring developed suffered greatly even though my ego didn’t. Now that I’m prepping to hit the stage in October I’m making great efforts to correct this lack of development. Hopefully, some of you younger guys/gals thinking of competing can learn from my mistake. Go deep or go home!
Discussion
I was planning on go a little further in explaining how maintain sarcolemmal integrity increases force production in myofibers. Call me lazy, but I decided to watch Memoirs of a Geisha lastnight instead of completing my self imposed reading assignment:
Allikian MJ, McNally EM. Processing and Assembly of the Dystrophin Glycoprotein Complex. Traffic. 2007 Jan 30
Allard B. Sarcolemmal ion channels in dystrophin-deficient skeletal muscle fibres. J Muscle Res Cell Motil. 2006;27(5-7):367-73. Epub 2006 Jul 28.
Towler MC, Kaufman SJ, Brodsky FM. Membrane traffic in skeletal muscle.
Traffic. 2004 Mar;5(3):129-39.
This involved reading the aformentioned peer reviewed articles on sarcolemmal integrity with regards to dystrophin. I mentioned dystrophin briefly a few weeks ago claiming it did have a role enhanced sarcolemmal integrity by maintaning it’s connection with the cytoskeleton. There is some pretty compelling evidence supporting the theory that this has direct impact on contraction force.
Unfortunately for our purposes, there isn’t a lot of research involving trained athletes on this subject matter. Because of this we can look to pathologies involving dystrophin deficiency. This in turn points us to studies on studies of Duchenne muscular dystrophy which is a truly heartbreaking condition. From here we should be able see the power of maintaing sarcolemmal ingrity with dystrophin complexes by analyzing the effects of its impaired integrity.
Deserusan’s Essential Weight Training Selection
Taproot - Again And Again
Posted in Training
Thursday, February 22nd, 2007
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The Workout:8.9
**I’m excluding all warm up sets**
Giant Set I
Hammer Strength Isolateral Shoulder Press: 320lbs x 10, 320lbs x 10, 320lbs x 10, 320lbs x 10, 320lbs x 10
superset w/
Seated Lateral Dumbell Raises: 40lb’ers x 12, 40lb’ers x 12, 40lb’ers x 12, 40lb’ers x 12, 40lb’ers x 12
superset w/
Seated Anterior Dumbell Raises: 30lb’ers x 12, 30lb’ers x 12, 30lb’ers x 12, 30lb’ers x 12, 30lb’ers x 12
End
Giant Set II
Barbell Shrugs: 315lbs x 12, 315lbs x 12, 315lbs x 12, 315lbs x 12, 315lbs x 12
superset w/
Lying Posterior Cable Extensions: 30lbs (per side) x 10, 30lbs x 10, 30lbs x 10, 30lbs x 10, 30lbs x 10
superset w/
Rear Delt/Trap Dumbell Rows: 50lb’ers x 10, 50lb’ers x 10, 50lb’ers x 10, 50lb’ers x 10, 50lb’ers x 10
End
Crunches: 30, 30, 30
superset w/
V-Ups: 20, 20, 20
Precor Elliptical: 25 minutes
Thoughts
I’m not very vascular person with exception to my forearms even at a much lower bodyfat percentage. Obviously, the higher your percentage the more attenuated vascularity will be. However, during this workout the veins in my anterior deltoid were popping pretty hard.
After my first few sets my shoulders were already fully stimulated and the longer rep schemes have allowed for even greater stimulation of the given muscle group.
As I moved on to my traps my shoulders were fully engorged with blood and were a bit immobile as a result. I guess you can call that cool. This made the rowing and extension portion of the second giant set somewhat painful. This definately was an exercise in mind over matter.
If you have been following my logs at all you know that I have been trying to develop my lower traps. Looking in the mirror after this workout they were fully stimulated and even studying them the past few days I can say they are no longer a weakness. In case you were wondering what the “lower traps” are I’ll provide this diagram:
Discussion
As a note, I have just begun taking creatine again and the product I will be using is Controlled Labs Green Mag. This is a stellar product and even better, it’s extremely cost effective. Hopefully, I can get a review done of this down the road. I’m looking forward to the synergy of this product with Aplodan.
Throughout this discussion section I have been citing some research supporting some of the theories behind Aplodan’s efficacy. Since further discussion will be somewhat “heavy” into the mechanisms by which Aplodan works this animation provided by McGraw-Hill can you give a strong primer into the function of the neuromuscular junction and it’s role in skeletal muscle contraction. Just click on the picture for the animation to begin:
Deserusan’s Essential Cardio Selection
Paul Van Dyk Live @ Praha 5.25.2006
Posted in Training
Tuesday, February 20th, 2007
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The Workout:9.6
**I’m excluding all warm up sets**
Superset I
Back Squats: 355lbs x 8, 355lbs x 8, 355lbs x 8 , 355lbs x 8, 355lbs x 8
superset w/
Front Squats (closed stance): 225lbs x 8, 225lbs x 8, 225lbs x 8, 225lbs x 8, 225lbs x 8
Superset II
Walking Barbell Lunges: 135lbs x 26 paces, 135lbs x 26 paces, 135lbs x 24 paces, 135lbs x 22
superset w/
Leg Extensions: 200lbs x 15, 200lbs x 15, 200lbs x 15, 200lbs x 15
Precor Stationary Bike: 25 minutes
Thoughts
Another brutal leg workout. Supersetting squats in that manner is a lot more taxing then it appears to be. I never lock out and typically do a modified motion similiar to what might see Ronnie Coleman doing. This involves a deep stretch while taking about the top quarter of the movement. This is one of the best applications of the constant tension principle.
The last few sets of lunges and leg extensions I had to sit down to catch my breath. My legs were fully engorged with blood and after my last set I layed down on the gym room floor with my legs propped up to redistribute from my legs. Nothing like getting lightheaded during a leg workout…eh?
As always, I’m really trying to bring out the sweep in my thighs. This primarily the reason I prefer closed stance front squats. I have found this extremely effective in building up the vastus lateralis which can give the outside of your thighs a really nice shape. It can really provide a nice illusion of increased mass when flexed properly as well.
Discussion
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Originally Posted by livinonlava
This is a great way of describing one of the effects I experience with GAKIC. It seems like I’m not straining for reps but rather executing with stricter form greater “mental” connection to the muscle I’m training. If Aplodan delivers a similar result, the stack will be quite interesting.
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The thing with Aplodan is that since it allows for enhanced stimulation of skeletal muscle fibers by reinforcing the nueromuscular junction it can cause greater “pain” as well. This is based on my own experience of course.
Typically, when you perform a movement certain fatigue factors set which is why you stop the movement. Those fatigue factors include hydrogen ions that cause pH changes which negatively impact sarcolemmal intregrity. This alters excitability and membrane potential. By making the sarcolemma (cell membrane) less susceptible to fatigue related ionic changes you allow for greater quantal recruitement (summation) of muscle fibers through a more efficient activation of motor cell units. In turn, this allows for greater contraction and ultimately stimulation of the muscle for growth.
Soooo, GAKIC on the other hand just causes decreased sensation of fatigue factors by the nervous system. “The burn” caused by lactate build up isn’t as strong thus allowing you to push out a few more reps. In essence, it is just tricking your mind into thinking you are less a fatigued which can cause greater stimulation in itself. They could have called it Mind over MatterTech.
As you can see, the two supplements do stack well together by manipulating fatigue sensation and the onset of neuromuscular fatigue. Of course, if you don’t bust your ass in the gym, you can’t appreciate these at all. This doesn’t coincide with what the caffeine/NO2 crowd’s idea of what a supplement “should” be.
Deserusan’s Essential Cardio Selection
B.G. & Chopper City Boyz - Make em Mad
Posted in Training
Monday, February 19th, 2007
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The Workout:9.2
*Day 28 was on off day*
**I’m excluding all warm up sets**
Underhand Wide Grip Pulldowns (6 second negatives): 200lbs x 10, 200lbs x 10, 200lbs x 10
superset w/
Low Cable Rows (full stretch): 150lbs x 10, 150lbs x 10, 150lbs x 10
Hammer Strength Isolateral High Row: 180lbs x 10, 180lbs x 10, 180lbs x 10
superset w/
Double Arm Dumbell Rows (180 degree plane): 60lb’ers x 10, 60lb’ers x 10, 60lb’ers x 10
Deadlifts: 315lbs x 8, 315lbs x 8, 315lbs x 8
superset w/
Closegrip Pulldowns (6 second negative) 150lbs x 10, 150lbs x 10, 150lbs x 10
Single Arm Preacher Machine Curls: 40lbs x 10/10, 40lbs x 10/10, 40lbs x 10/10
Cambered Barbell Curls: 95lbs x 8, 95lbs x 8, 95lbs x 8
Precor Elliptical CrossTrainer: 30 minutes
Thoughts
As you can probably tell, I have been utilizing more volume on my shock weeks as of late. I have noticed that my body is responding well to this methodology and the inclusion of Aplodan is only enhancing this.
Typically, I don’t get good back pumps. With Aplodan, my muscle are generally pretty damn stimulated after the first few sets. I have also noticed that I can “feel” the weight better which can actually lead to some intense stimulatory sensation in the given muscle group I’m working.
This back workout itself was designed to stretch the the fibers in a manner which both exercises offered a different plane of contraction. The slow negatives hit my out lats hard through to the humeral insertion which is what helps give you the “wide” look that assists greatly with a V Taper. This also applies to the teres minor and infraspinatus which also contribute strongly to the width of your back.
The strong contraction of the rows and pulldowns really helps develop the middle of the back which is something I’m really focusing on. I really want the lower trapezius to “pop” more and is why I have lowered the weight on some of my lifts to really emphasize a strong contraction hold before insuing the negative portion of the given movements. I’ve really come a long way to say the least.
Discussion
I’m sorry about not including the aforementioned discussion regarding quantial summation and excitation-contraction coupling. I’ve stumbled across a much larger body of work which requires a bit more attention then I previously thought. It’s challenging but nonetheless also very exciting.
Hopefully, I can come back to continue the more in depth discussion with a little more command based on referenced research. I know exactly how Aplodan works now, but to ellucidate it’s great properties it’s always best to use 3rd party research then just my subjective experience and MuscleTech’s aesthetically pleasing animation that is devoid of the hard facts.
http://www.muscletech.com/PRODUCTS/A…_science.shtml
Admittedley, when I do these reviews I often end up running into dead ends. None of the “research” or citations is provided for me so that leaves the task of “cracking” MuscleTech’s claims with respect to the ingredients with direction. Sometimes, for every study or book I cite I probably read at least two or three more that I didn’t use. It can be daunting at times reviewing material from fields I am not terribly familiar with. However, life should be an ever evolving learning process so the challenges are certainly welcome.
Deserusan’s Essential Cardio Selection
Ferry Corsten - Right Of Way
Posted in Training
Sunday, February 18th, 2007
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The Workout:9.7
Giant Set I
Incline Bench Press: 275lbs x 10, 275lbs x 10, 275lbs x 10, 275lbs x 10, 275lbs x10
superset w/
Hammer Strength Decline: 230lbs x 10, 230lbs x 10, 230lbs x 10, 230lbs x 10, 230lbs x 10
superset w/
Supine Neck Presses: 155lbs x 10, 155lbs x 10, 155lbs x 10, 155lbs x 10, 155lbs x 10
Giant Set II
Incline ATrainer Flyes: 40lbs (per side) x 10, 40lbs x 10, 40lbs x 10, 40lbs x 10
superset w/
Supine Dumbell Flyes: 50lb’ers x 10, 50lb’ers x 10, 50lb’ers x 10, 50lb’ers x 10
superset w/
Incline Dumbell Flyes: 30lb’ers x 10, 30lb’ers x 10, 30lb’ers x 10, 30lb’ers x 10
End
Incline Skull Crushers: 95lbs x 10, 95lbs x 10, 95lbs x 10
superset w/
Dumbell Tricep Kick Backs: 30lb’ers x 10, 30lb’ers x 10, 30lb’ers x 10
Over the Shoulder Single Arm Extensions: 40lbs x 10/10, 40lbs x 10/10, 40lbs x 10/10
superset w/
Single Arm Rope Extensions: 30lbs x 10/10, 30lbs x 10/10, 30lbs x 10/10
Precor Elliptical : 30 minutes
Posted in Training
Thursday, February 15th, 2007
The Workout:9.7
Giant Set I
Hacksquats: 180lbs x 12, 180lbs x 12, 180lbs x 12, 180lbs x 12, 180lbs x 12
superset w/
Hamstring Curls: 180lbs x 12, 180lbs x 12, 180lbs x 12, 180lbs x 12, 180lbs x 12
superset w/
Walking Dumbell Lunges: 40lb’ers x 30 paces, 40lb’ers x 30 paces, 40lb’ers x 30 paces, 40lb’ers x 30 paces, 40lb’ers x 30 paces
superset w/
Leg Presses: 360lbs x 12, 360lbs x 12, 360lbs x 12, 360lbs x 12, 360lbs x 12
superset w/
Bodyweight Walking Lunges: 30 paces, 30 paces, 30 paces, 30 paces, 30 paces
End
Leg Extensions: (200lbs x 10 drop 150lbs x 10 drop 75lbs x 10) x 4
Precor Elliptical CrossTrainer: 15 minutes
Thoughts
This was a brutal workout. Typically I seperate hamstrings from quad training but decided to mix it up a bit during this SHOCK week. I did puke in my mouth on the 5th giant set and is why I didn’t go for six. There is nothing like holding in some acidic vomit while finishing the set.
One drawback to living in Wisconsin is the cold weather. It’s pretty sad when you consider 20 degrees “warm” and anything below zero “cold.” To my dismay, an old knee injury tends to flare up a bit during the winter months so it takes me a solid ten minutes of cardio to warm up. I guess I should be doing that anyway…right?
Discussion
Tomorrow. 
Deserusan’s Essential Cardio Selection
Eric Prydz - Call on Me
Posted in Training
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