Weight routine & Nutrition Supplements

phil

Hello,

I'm about to start getting back into weight training which I haven't done in a few years due to laziness / injuries etc. and haven't done seriously at all ever. Last time I did weights, I was much younger and never kept it up properly.

I'll be trying to focus on parts of my core (shoulders, abs, lower back), wrists, lats, calves and a few other parts of my body mostly targetted towards basketball and gaelic football with focus on core strength, balance & general conditioning. I don't wanna be a Hulk or have biceps bigger than my head, so light bicep/tricep training will probably be included as well.

I'll be starting off slow. I'm training (mostly cardio) 2-3 times a week as it is and probably aim for 2 weight sessions a week on top of this. I'm aware of what to expect in terms of aches and pains so I'll be arranging my weight schedule so it suits. One session will hopefully focus on my upper body and one on lower body. Does this seem reasonable? Hopefully, I'll be able to push that up to three times a week after 2-3 months. I might post up my specific routine once I've got it on paper and maybe let people comment on that.

Secondly, I've been advised (by someone who I've seen develop in the gym through good training & diet) to try out some protein shakes. In particular I was advised to try Protein whey shakes immediately after training. Now, I'm more inclined to try and ingest protein naturally after a training session, but I've heard that the shakes can be tasty and an easy way to make sure you get your protein hit within the recommended 30 minutes.

What is the situation with nutrition supplements like these nowadays? Are they legal within sports? (in general, I realise there's a slim chance anyone can tell me specifically) What's the difference between Protein whey products (some of them are more expensive than others) and does anyone have any recommendations or brands to stay away from? I guess this part of it, I have absolutely no experience with and my first instinct would be to stay away from it completely. I'm not even sure of the legality of these supplements, are they completely legal (in terms of competitive sports)? Obviously they're not roids, but just to be sure to be sure.

Thanks,

Phil.

Hanley

I've passed a test (full WADA spectrum) while "on" creatine (both mono and CEE), protein, glutamine and red bull. You'll have no problems there. Are you even that likely to be tested?

I haven't heard it happening much in GAA or basketball...

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

phil

Not overly worried about it, but at the same time, I don't see the point in taking anything that contravenes any sporting legislation. I'm sure most of the benefit can be gained pretty naturally (in the case of protein shakes anyway).

I guess I'm more curious if people use these shakes for pure convenience reasons or whether there's more benefit to it than a high protein meal straight after training?

Kinetic^

Phil even though we don't get tested for the league we play in, I still watch what I take. Protein shakes and creatine are about the height of it.

What gym are you planning on joining anyway?

Also, speaking from experience trying to do split sessions last year.........it's hard as your DOMs can restrict your play and when you've got Des or Rob beating the crap out of you inside it hurts even more. I'm going to go with total body workout sessions this year as I reckon it'll be a lot more feasible during the season.

Also, Nutrition X RAM is a savage supplement and anyone who's used it will recoemmed it. It's a mixture of carbs and protein for post workout.

phil

JS in Park West is where I'm at at the moment. Half considering moving to Carlisle because it's 2 minutes from where I live. Any recommendations there?

Kinetic^

phil wrote:

JS in Park West is where I'm at at the moment. Half considering moving to Carlisle because it's 2 minutes from where I live. Any recommendations there?

JS is teh suck!!!! Carlisle wouldn't be a bad move. Trying to get MacEvilly to join Total Fitness in Sandyfor for next year, considering it too. Be handy if we get the new Eanna gym.

phil

Isn't there a lack of free weights there or something?

Kinetic^

phil wrote:

Isn't there a lack of free weights there or something?

Max dumbbell is 30kg. Rest of the free weights are ok though.

justsomebloke

ye that is due to the fact that they don't want to get in the "bodybuilding" crowd.

However that is probably cause they know body builders will come in week in week out where as they would probably prefer to get people to pay and then piss off and never come back until the membership runs out