wmr1980

It really is that simple. Good post Though I will say fats aren't the enemy. I'd rather eat good fats rather than carbs from refined and processed sources.

To be honest trib and zma don't boost test that much certainly if you are in you 20-30s. D Aspartic Acid (DAA) is a better supplement if you're after enhancing and maintaining natural hormone levels. Still, you are dealt the hand you are given, unless you ready to go exogenous (which is pointless to me ) the best you can do is improve your diet, train hard, that alone will help enhance and improve your hormonal profile, I'm not saying that supps don't help, but until you get everything else nailed in your lifestyle then you're peeing money away.

It's like a pack of nuts saying warning, contains nuts. Edit: dammit Mrs Buster beat me to it! Great minds clearly

I knew I got a good vibe from you! Yes it's been a while since my performance down the pitch was that good, I gave up rugby owing to too many injuries and just not having the time to keep doing it at a decent competitive level. 220 squats are impressive! 20 more than my max. I'm taller at just under 6'1 so you're undoubtedly a stocky bugger compared to me! You technically *can* gain muscle and reduce adipose tissue but it is very very tough, and you need constant tweaking and monitoring of your diet and hormonal responses etc... Unless you're a pro sportsman we don't have that luxury.. Personally I prefer being slightly leaner and training and eating enough to progress rather than have to go OTT then have to cut.

Well during my time playing rugby I was a 102kg outside centre but at about 18% BF and a 36" waist I no longer play, but am at 92kg at around 14% with a 33" waist. I don't really do the bulk/cut thing as I'm not really into bodybuilding but into strength training, have done a few amateur strongman comps (lots of people on gear there though!), and generally do Olympic lifting. Most of my lifts are around squats, deadlifts, power cleans, push press, Olympic ring work, bench press, and other explosive plyometric based exercises. Good luck with the cut! I did feel scrawny for a while when you're used to being over 100kg for so long, it took me a while to get used to being "small" again. However you'll feel better and look better, especially if you're able to maintain your strength.

I agree little point in gear unless you're going to take it up in a more full time approach. But the risks for me outweigh the benefit. I'm strong enough to rub shoulders with those that are "on" and I look like I lift - but that has come from years of playing rugby, and weight training. I have patience, and the thought of exogenous hormonal injections does not appeal! I make my own mega smoothies which offer plenty of nutrition and calories. Good handful of frozen berries / summer fruits (or fresh is even better) Banana Apple Cinnamon Probiotic yoghurt 1/2 a pot Good handful of unrolled oats (a nice large handful) Scoop of unflavoured protein Heaped Table spoon of crunchy peanut butter Gold top milk until you reach the right consistency Get it right and it's a delicious nutritious and calorific meal, around. 1000 cals and far nicer than just a shake, plus you get more fibre content too. I you want to load more calories, add some MCTs I normally use coconut oil.

The thing is, whey is just protein, it's not a magic potion or androgenic or even anabolic. It's just extra nutrition that is easily absorbed. The best way to take protein post workout though is with fast acting carbohydrates - this gives for a greater insulin release, leading to a greater amount of amino acids/glucose being transported into the muscle. Thus the point is MORE amino acids and glucose being available to the muscle to which helps for recovery. However if you're taking shakes to help boost your macros, that's what they're there for - if you're taking them because you think you're "gaining" on them other than extra calories, and potentially better recovery you're not. Taking naughtier supplements do have a more profound effects, but I'm rather anti them! Creatine is one of the best researched longest used supplements - it does offer benefits if taken properly, and "cycled". After all our body creates it, so it's not a vitamin. Here's a useful site with a summary/investigation on creatine: http://examine.com/supplements/Creatine/

http://www.theproteinworks.com/ is a fantastic company based from the previous directors/owners of MP. The flavours are good - but I usually go for unflavoured, what is good is the fact you can create your own shakes. I'm a minimal supplementer, as I focus on good nutrition through my diet - but I rather like TPW's marketing and business strategy, and reasonably priced as well as being pretty good quality. Happy to give you my referral code WR210 (if that's allowed - sorry mods if it isn't) which gives you 250g of protein for free on your first order. Nice to see there are some gym rats here

I haven't even bought a 350Z yet and I know I'm going to spending some time down in Surrey (I live less than an hour away from your workshop).... I think Mark and I are going to be good friends! Will

Hi, I was actually going to drop you a note - having seen some of your adverts on Autotrader - so will be in touch soon! Thank you.

Although I'm not yet an owner (I hope to be in a couple of months), one thing I've always done is a bit of performance tweaking. From what I've read, it seems plenum mod, intake, exhaust and ecu remap are worthy of looking at. From my few test drives, the handling doesn't seem to need much tweaking but perhaps a geo that suits your driving style may be sensible. I you're going to go faster you also want to consider the brakes, but from again a limited experience, the brakes seemed good in terms of feedback and power.

The next question is which year do I go for? A newer one or not! Definitely going for the GT however, I like my mod cons!

Cool - thank you. And thanks again for the warm welcome! You seem like a nice bunch!

Thanks for the welcome! I'm sure most of the questions I'm interested in have been posted (i.e. known issues (I've found this already), and tax brackets for different year cars)) so rather than ask a repeat question I shall do a lot of reading. However, if anyone wants to suggest posts to read, or a general FAQ before becoming a Z owner then I'm all ears (eyes!). FYI my budget is around 8k, which from what I've seen can get me a decent GT model (which is what I want). Thanks, Will

Hi all, I haven't quite got my 350Z yet - however, I'm planning on purchasing one around September time or earlier if i find one I like. I thought I'd sign up and have a look around, ask some (undoubtedly stupid) questions, and hopefully join you in the joy of Z ownership. I've test driven several, and I have my mind set on one - whilst in my 30+ years of life, it won't be the most powerful car I may end up owning, there is something about it's characteristics that really struck a chord with me, and as a GT/Sports Tourer it's a great balance of power/fun and involved driving. I'm looking at a 54-55 plate + the GT pack unless you can suggest otherwise - to me the GT pack offers all the mod cons I'm after. I'm afraid I am a tweaker (more in terms of under the hood rather than sticking on halfords special) so will undoubtedly ask for recommendations on exhaust/intake/plenum/ecu tweaking. No superchargers quite yet haha! Look forward to getting involved. All the best, Will