post workout recovery, what's the good stuff

[GeorgeG.]

I'm looking for a post workout recovery supplement. What are some good ones out there? Right now I 'm looking at BSN Cell Mass or MusclePharm Amino1. Dark Matter and Size On is also on my list of candidates since I've heard them mentioned a time or two.

***a little more info*** I just read that Cell Mass has creatine in it's formula. I have creatine mono at home but haven't been taking it for a month or so since I started taking a fat burner. Wouldn't that be spinning my wheels?

[Big A]

Creatine is counteracted by caffiene and any other diuretics, so in essence, yeah you're spinning your wheels.

Why are you taking a fat-burner and wanting to take something to bulk post-workout? If you are wanting to cut, then a simple protein shake and some glutamine is sufficient.

[GeorgeG.]

I'm not really looking to bulk. I mainly want to reduce the recovery time between workouts. I usually work the same muscle groups every 4th day. If I really push myself at the gym, I can be sore for the next 2-3 days and can still feel soreness when attempting to lift on the 4th day so I have to wait.

Waiting an extra day or two kinda messes up my whole routine with the other muscle groups.

[Big A]

All you need is a protein shake and glutamine, and a little patience. Massage or sitting in a heated spa will help disapate the lactic acid a little quicker, which is what's causing the soreness, and cardio helps as well.

Another big key to recovery is to get a good full night's sleep, as that's when the body is doing all of it's repairing.

If you are fairly new to lifting, give it time. Your body will adjust to the new stresses, and recovery time will diminish, as your body get's more efficient at doing what you're making it to do.

[GeorgeG.]

I mix in cardio at least 3 times a week. I'll pick up some glutamine. The full night of sleep is something I have to continually work at. I guess you can say I'm new again. I haven't worked out in a couple of years. I kept a workout log and I'm trying to get back to where I was back then. It's amazing, and depressing at the same time, how much progress you lose when you stop working out. Thanks!!

[Big A]

Trust me, I know ALL about atrophy from taking an extended period off. Toss in a serious injury, and it's that much worse. Just know that muscle memory will help you get back up to snuff a bit quicker than the first go 'round, and be patient.

There's nothing wrong with working through a little DOMS, other than it being a little uncomfortable, but there's also nothing wrong with adding another day of rest. Either way you'll be making progress. I've been back at it for a little over 2.5 months, after taking almost 3 years off, and have been doing a mix of both. For the first 3 weeks I was hitting each bodypart every 5-6 days, and now I'm hitting them twice a week. I'm also lifting at about 85% of max effort, which is plenty to get sore and grow for now, my joints don't ache, and I'm getting stronger each and every time I lift.

Back off a notch, get plenty of sleep/rest, and have a little patience. Over-training won't get you there any faster, and injury will make you take a few steps back.