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2005/06/18, 09:57 AM
Day 1....6/18/05
Ok, I will be starting using cAMP again as of today. I am going to keep a log here so all can follow my progress.
My reasons are a bit different in my useage this time around, my main goal in my prior useage was pure fat loss pre contest.
I am pretty lean now, around 7% or so, so "much" fat loss is not a priority. I will be following a "lean bulk" regimine, that is more caloric intake, muscle gain with minimal/limited, or even better no fat gain. I will be taking it with a cup of green tea(my caffine load...LOL) for enhancing cAMPS benefits as in the post "lose fat, gain muscle" sticky.
I will be stacking creatine with this product, I will also do this pre workout. I have not done any creatine in about 2 months at least, so this should enhance my lifting also.
So, I took my first dose this morning on waking, and am going to the gym today. Will take my second dose before going to the gym. My creatine is just ordered, so I will not be doing it till later in the week.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/18, 03:59 PM
Day 1....6/18/05
Well, took my second dose exactly 4 hrs. after my first, which was approximately 30 minutes pre workout.
Had a nice workout, very energetic. I should point out that the type of workout I am doing these days, I have traded in volume for frequency. In other words, though working out more often, I am getting more rest days. Instead of annihlating a muscle one day a week every day, I am doing 2-3 muscles at a time, more often, maximum of 5 days apart. The logic I have gone into detail on here in other posts. If you note, for biceps for example, though I did 3 different exercises, total sets were limited to 6-7. Triceps 9.
So, anyway, as mentioned seemed very energetic today, moved through the workout well lots of endurance it seemed. Could be "placebo" at work, but am reluctant to think so, as I have used this product before with great success(but as mentioned for a different reason).
I look for a real nice addition later in the week when my creatine comes. I did drink a cup of green tea with cAMP/Cissus pre workout.
Here is how it went...weights really felt "light", actually went up a bit on some, and stayed with others.
Seated olympic bar press....95x10,115x9,135x5(could not get 150 all the way up)
Single arm dumbbell press(palm facing in, these are done one arm at a time).....45x7,45x8
Dumbbell shrugs.....110x20,125x12
Cable rear delts(hold ball and go across chest)....30x12,40x10
Preacher curls(ez curl bar inside grip).....80x10,90x9,100x6
Standing ez bar curls.....110x5
Seated incline dumbbell curls....50x7
Seated incline hammer curls.......45x6,50x4
Upper cable pressdowns(straight bar).....165x20,190x15,190x15
Incline ez bar extensions.....95x7,95x8,95x8
Seated dip machine....330x10
Overhead cable extensions(straight bar).....140x11,140x8
****as mentioned, pleased with the day, solid, wonderful tricep pump today. I am going to limit my cAMP intake right now to 2 servings per day.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/19, 04:25 PM
Day 2....6/19/05
Not much to report today, off day. Just chilling, kids taking me to the movie and dinner.
Pertaining to the product, I will say this. I was kind of curious if on an off day from the gym if I would get any "jitters", etc., since I am adverse to the ECA stack and its "mimickers" that way.
I am very happy to report none of this whatsoever, did my 2 normal doses with no incidence at all, in fact took a nap earlier.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/21, 10:47 AM
Day 3....6/20/05
Dosed today the same, took my first immediately upon rising, and my second right before workout...which again was right at 4 hrs. apart.
Was a leg day in the gym, and haven't been going heavy much on legs since the contest. Legs always take a bit to come back from heaviest weights post contest, due to you do not work them at all for a week prior to the show, then it is normally a week or better till you ever do them again after, and with the diet, your strength will be down.
I thought I did fairly well today, had pretty good energy and stamina.
I am thinking on work days, I may do 3 doses, and on weekends just 2. I get up earlier on work days of course, so I have more hours in my day. So, this protocol may be beneficial to me.
Anyway, the leg workout went like this.....
Leg press(plate loaded squat press).....590x10,770x10,850x4,850x4
Leg press(feet low and close)....680x7,680x7
Leg extensions(overload end, plate loaded)....90x12,115x10,135x9
Leg extensions(overload beginning).....70x10,90x5
Lying leg curls(overload beginning).....90x8
Standing calf raises....495x20,520x20,520x20
*****notes for the day...pleased all in all with the workout, and again, no jitters, felt pretty good all day, even mellow at work!! :)
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/22, 10:49 AM
Day 4....6/21/05
This was a chest/back/ab day continuing on with my 4-5 day rest period workouts.
I have as I said I may increased my doseage of cAMP to 3 times per day, will continue this on weekdays(work days) as I am normally up longer and have more hours in the day.
As far as workout yesterday, no real ground shattering information. Solid day, ENDURANCE SEEMS TO BE MUCH IMPROVED AT THIS POINT OVER ALL ELSE. This is indeed welcome for 4 days into the product!
I feel like I can go on, and really need to make myself stop to stay withing my desired set range for bodyparts, which is needed for proper recouperation from more frequent muscle workouts.
Another nice aspect is I seem TO BE ABLE TO EAT MORE CALORIES, AND ABS STILL SHOWING GREAT, WAS COMMENTED TO YESTERDAY IN THE GYM I COULD COMPETE RIGHT NOW IF I WANTED.
Today is an off day, will do some cardio this morning, and probably stop tonight and do some. Did some last night on the way home...(I am getting sicke man!! LOL...never thought I would see the day when I actually added cardio when I did not need to!)
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/23, 10:39 AM
Day 5.....6/22/05
Yesterday was a cardio day, again took 3 doses, as mentioned above.
Another thing is my veins have been really popping lately. My wife hates them, I love them. My bicep vein is especially nice now...had a nurse in the gym comment yesterday about how they love people with veins like mine. I found this quite interesting, as I have always had "small" veins.
*****notes on the day......terrible day yesterday, started with hour long traffic jam just leaving for work, and ended with a terrible day at work. Very, very busy, hot as hell in there, sweating. Could not get one job done for them calling me somewhere else. But, and I may attribute some of this the cAMP, I remained mellow, did not get flustered, and made it through all. I have noticed this the last couple days, I seem to be kind of in a zone so to speak, shall we say happy, letting nothing bother me. Interesting.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/24, 11:09 AM
Day 6....6/23/05
Had a great pump yesterday, apparantely the ongoing effects from cAMP. Again, as noted in an above post, veins are very prominent. With this too I am very pleased. My biceps were actually getting pumped with the warm up sets!
Am eating more calories, abs are well defined, veins are showing, I like this! I was told again yesterday I could compete right now if I wanted. I could get ready for the contest July 30, but still don't know. Thoughts at this point are no. The wedding is tomorrow...that will be over, and maybe I will go for it with just over four weeks out. Really doubt it though.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/24, 11:14 AM
On another note, my creatine came and I started it yesterday. Nothing really to mention in relation to creatine. Did have a nice workout, hoisted up some decent weight on shoulders....in fact, here is how it went. Again, the cAMP is producing some awesome pumps.
Seated dumbbell militaries......60x10,70x7,75x5
Close grip rotary press(palms facing)........80x5,80x4
Single arm dumbbell raise.....50x5
Dumbbell shrugs.....110x20,125x15
Cable medial delt raise....40x12,40x12
Standing curls......100x8,95x7,100x7,110x4
Seated incline dumbbells.....50x7
Upper cable pressdowns.....150x15,175x15,200x15,200x15
Incline EZ bar extensions.....95x8,95x8,95x5
Seated dip machine(facing seat)....240x12,270x11
Nice all around pump, in and out of there yesterday. Had lots of endurance, and left feeling like I really worked, but with plenty still left in the "tank".
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/24, 02:12 PM
Day 7....6/24/05
Day off work today, and weights. I did a cardio session this morning, may do one later tonight.
Have to go to a wedding rehersal tonight(big dinner), so that will be interesting.:big_smile:
Taking my cAMP as normal in 4-5 hour intervals. I should note that I am also taking its companion, Cissus Rx. I have had a nagging left shoulder problem, more than likely tendonitis, and since taking the Cissus, have noticed a substatial decrease in the pain threshold. :dumbbell:
For instance, looking at yesterdays post, I was able to hoist 75's for reps in military dumbbell presses, with absolutely no pain. In fact, it was so negligible, is why I forgot to even post it in my daily log yesterday. With that aspect, I am completely thrilled!
:big_smile:
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/25, 10:16 AM
bb1fit,
Cissus although I am biased is producing awesome results as an anabolic agent. This is besides its healing effects so a very nice side effect indeed! Without a doudt the forskoling in cAMP contributes to the "pump" feeling, but the additional cissus in CISSUS RX is the main culprit.
Remeber folks, cAMP is ANABOLIC aswell as thermogenic and diet will dictate results but with the additional cissus. bb1fit is about to experience the best supplement cycle of his life.
bb1fit, Please e-mail me at ceosm@synergymuscle.com!
Members who have any questions e-mail me directly at the address above. AS owner, i listen!
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2005/06/26, 06:45 PM
Day 8....6/26/05
This was another off day, big wedding day. Nothing was done as far as training, did however do my cAMP/Cissus doses as normal.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/26, 06:46 PM
Day 9...6/26/05
Well, nothing to write home about in the training aspect today. Did chest/abs...did not record it, forgot my notebook, but was not one for the "books" anyway. :big_smile:
Tomorrow is another day.... :)
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/28, 01:48 AM
Day 10...6/27/05
Much better day today.....shoulders/back. Great pump in both, nice strength.
Veins are popping well, abs showing nicely, and all with increased calories.
My "zone" is nice to say the least, very comfortable right now, not much to bother me. I am liking this cAMP more each day.
Will post my workout tomorrow when I have more time.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/28, 11:29 AM
Yesterday wa a shoulder/back day. Doing some adjustment on my split, have to work days Friday, so an abrubpt change in my schedule, and next week days all week...10 hr. days. Starting at 5:45am, so that is going to be a drastic change/shock to the system.
The workout went well, really felt pretty good, decent pumps in both shoulders and back. Nicely zoned out.
Wide grip chins.....15,12,10
Rotary lat front pd.....175x10,205x10,250x6
Close grip cybex lat pulldown.....190x9,190x10
Dual axis rows....180x10,200x10,215x6
Machine weighted hypers.....130x15,140x15
Seated dumbbell military press.......60x10,70x5,75x5
Single arm rotary press(plate loaded...inside handle)......25x8,35x5
Dumbbell shrugs....110x20,125x15
Machine medial delt raise.....60x15,70x10
Rear delts(pec deck machine)....100x10,130x9
*****Some notes on the day....very good endurance, again made myself stop on set amounts. Felt like I really worked the muscles today.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/29, 11:07 AM
Day 11.....6/28/05
I have got to say, I am loving this aspect of eating more calories, yet staying lean. My veins are prominent daily, this in itself is a feat for me, I work very hard to have my bicep vein showing. I was not "blessed" with the large ones, and have always had to "fight" for them. This is the first time in recent memory that this has been an everyday occurance.
The scale has finally moved a bit, I am up just over a lb. now since contest in May. Now, this I know sounds slow to many, but my thoughts are that this is probably muscle, with such a slow gain, and as lean as I still am. I actually feel like I could compete any time soon.
Had an exceptional arm day yesterday.
I am not one to hype a product, but there really is no other explanation as to me taking in the amount of calories I am now and staying in near competition shape. This is pretty awesome.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/30, 10:09 AM
Day 12...6/29/05
Yesterday was a cardio day....one note of interest. I got absolutely no sleep, and was interestingly "on top of my game" yesterday when I should really have been dragging. I found that interesting, and emailed for some research on this product to those ends...if there is any that this stuff can affect you this way. I have noticed as mentioned in other posts how I feel "zoned", and this was like that, kind of "zoned in" on anything that mattered.
Interesting phenomenom....will post what I find.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/30, 11:39 PM
Day 13.....6/30/05
Had a quality leg day today. Again, felt in there......
Alertness to detail in everything is a very interesting phenomenom. They are loving it at work as well!! A much added bonus.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/06/30, 11:40 PM
As promised, a response from USPLabs as to my sudden added alertness to detail, etc....
to wit....here are some things that USP supplied me in response to questioning this aspect.....
IT's know for its anti depressant effects. Plus increasing testosterone is a plus as well.
Thyroid hormone has been shown to be helpful in treating depressive disorders. Also, several studies have shown that patients suffering from depression have reduced levels of activity of cAMP signaling in the brain. (4) Forskolin administration to depressed and schizophrenic patients has resulted in marked improvement in symptoms in these subjects (5). On the other hand, enhanced cAMP signaling in bipolar patients may contribute to manic episodes (6). So while possibly benefiting people suffering from depression, forskolin could exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar disorder. One should obviously consult with a medical professional here before self-medicating with forskolin.
FORSKOLIN AND TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION
Testosterone is produced in testicular Leydig cells when LH binds to surface receptors and initiates a signaling cascade involving elevated levels of cAMP. This cascade leads ultimately to increased levels of an important Leydig cell cholesterol transfer protein (16) (testosterone is made from cholesterol) and activation of steroidogenic enzymes involved in testosterone production (17). So by elevating levels of cAMP, (with forskolin) an intermediate in the signaling cascade that ranges from LH binding to testosterone production, we should see an increase in testosterone output. This may be particularly important for those of us who are feeling the effects of aging. In a study by Chen et.al.,(18) the authors looked at cAMP levels in young and old rats, and found that testosterone production declined with age as a function of declining cAMP levels. So something is keeping LH from elevating cAMP and inducing steroidogenesis is aging rats. Notably, in the older rats, cAMP levels were restored to youthful levels upon administration of forskolin
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/01, 09:33 PM
Day 13.....7/01/05
Today was a day off weights, switching of work schedule. Did do some cardio after work this evening....
Another observation....the last 3 times or so I have done cardio, I have been sweating like a pig! The only reason I mention this is this is very out of character for me...everybody always wonders how I never sweat much, as hard as I train, etc.
So, another interesting aspect...this one I am not sure if I like or not...
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/02, 01:18 PM
This sounds great and am anxious to try out but i have 1 reserve i read a review and the guy stated that it made him retain a lot of water and his (nipple area) got "puffy" and said that it also made him tired.... not sure how that is.. and he said to keep some ant E on hand just in case (im assuming anti Estrogen) here is teh link
http://www.cemproducts.com/camphibolic.html
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2005/07/02, 02:44 PM
I have no such problems....I saw that post, and was a bit intrigued by it myself. I have scoured cAMP ingredients, and the studies, and find no cause for this to happen.
I believe this was an occurance that befell that poster or was in the works already before he started cAMP, and it was coincidental more than not.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/02, 05:14 PM
Day 15...7/02/05
Great chest day today(and abs were exceptional also). A new note/observation for today. I think the prelude to getting stronger may well be enhanced recovery between sets. This is an indication of strength also, even though you maxed out on your last set, in less rest time you are ready to go again!
This happened to me today, as well as Thursday on legs. Though I did the same weight thursday, they were cleaner, stronger reps. With less downtime between heavy sets.
Today was more of the same, though going heavy, and not maxing much more in weights, I was enthusuiastic very quickly to hit the next set....making me aware of the enhanced recovery ability I was referring to.
So, I feel that at this rate, actual strength gains cannot be far behind....
Here is how today went....
Flat dumbbell bench....85x9,105x5,110x3,105x4
Hammer strength flat bench.....180x8,200x6,220x3
Incline dumbbell......70x6,80x5,80x4
Decline barbell.....185x6,225x3,225x3,245x2
Flat flies....50x8,50x8
Again noting much reduced rest time between sets....Very solid ab workout after this.....really felt it.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/03, 02:25 PM
I do want to at this time make a clarification as to what may be
a percieved misconception looking back over my log by some folks. I did not realize it myself till going over it...
Some posts back, I mentioned, in fact very early on, that I was going to be stacking cAMP with creatine.....Clout by Man. The creatine aspect has somehow seemed to have gotten lost in the posts.
I attribute my strength gains that seem to be coming along not so much to the cAMP , but to the Clout and the increase in calories. I really do not want anyone to get unreal expectations (untrue strength expectations) from this product as a result of my log.
I try very hard to be as honest and objectionable as possible, and my reputation means alot to me.
That being said, I do however attribute cAMP for sure to my feeling of well being(there is no doubt there), being able to stay leaner while intaking more calories, and am considering at this point making it somewhat of a staple of my supplementation if for no other reason than the de-stressing qualities. (the leaness and veins do not hurt either!).
So, just a clarification post here if you will.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/04, 11:27 AM
7/03/05
Not much special to report...did throw up some good numbers yesterday on back and shoulders, I believe the stack is working well here........but the continued feeling of well being, staying lean, are great things. We all grow kind of complacent after a while, wanting more, but we have to remember the difference of "before".
I do know with the calories I am taking in, this long after a contest my abs would have been long gone. That they are still hanging around nicely is a credit to supplementation.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/04, 10:04 PM
i read somewhere(i can't remember) that USPLabs was coming out with a new version of cAMP called C2, I think. But i can't find the post i read that in, i was wondering if you have heard anything about it, or when it is supposed to come out?
i know they're starting beta testing soon but i don't know if it is for C2 or some other product. Just curious to know if you've heard anything about it.
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2005/07/05, 08:45 PM
I will see what I can find out.....
============
Quoting from SkinnyM6886:
i read somewhere(i can't remember) that USPLabs was coming out with a new version of cAMP called C2, I think. But i can't find the post i read that in, i was wondering if you have heard anything about it, or when it is supposed to come out?
i know they're starting beta testing soon but i don't know if it is for C2 or some other product. Just curious to know if you've heard anything about it.
=============
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/05, 08:50 PM
Day 16....7/04/05
Yesterday was an all arm day, tri's/bi's/forearms. Was a good workout. Really not alot earthshattering to report, other than had lots of endurance, this seems to be an ongoing occurance with the cAMP at the helm now. Plenty of energy to easily complete my workout, and even add a couple things I hadn't planned. I always get a good bicep pump, but the tricep pump was equally good today, and they felt worked. :big_smile:
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/05, 09:00 PM
Today, Day 17....7/05/05
On a non workout note, for today, got very little sleep last night due to the changeover in shift(getting up at 4 am and worrying about it!). Should have been extremely tired today, took my first dose of cAMP upon waking, and followed normal dosing schedule thereafter, and got through the day fine. Productive and alert.....
Today was an off day from the weights, set it up that way juggling my workouts last week and through the weekend so I wouldn't have to on the first day shift day. Did however stop and do a cardio session.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/07, 05:34 PM
============
Quoting from SkinnyM6886:
i read somewhere(i can't remember) that USPLabs was coming out with a new version of cAMP called C2, I think. But i can't find the post i read that in, i was wondering if you have heard anything about it, or when it is supposed to come out?
i know they're starting beta testing soon but i don't know if it is for C2 or some other product. Just curious to know if you've heard anything about it.
=============
this will be realesed in 3 weeks. We are working on the first real 25 hour weight loss msucle retention protocol!!!!
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2005/07/07, 05:35 PM
ooopss
sometimes wish the day was 25 hours long:)
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2005/07/07, 08:26 PM
Nice to hear USP....I will be looking forward to it! If it gets better....it will be pretty amazing stuff. :)
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/07, 08:32 PM
Day 18....7/06/05
Well, yesterday was leg day. As some of you may know, I have had to drastically shift everything, I went from no alarm to getting up at 4 am this week and out the door. Very little sleep.
Why I mention this dosing with cAMP upon rising, and throughout the day, I have been, though I should have been very tired from lack of sleep(3 hrs. at best each night), I have been alert, sharp, and feeling very good. Normally this week of the year(I have to do this every year) is the week from hell!
I hit legs last night, and I actually went up in weight! I was focused and driven....very much unlike other times when I have to do this time switch. Pretty awesome is all I can say. I am most definitely sold on this stuff, and my eating habits are also a bit wacky now. Still, abs are great, veins, am very lean and pleased.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/08, 07:04 PM
Day 20....7/08/05
Let see, not much rest, but felt great today, had an awesome to say the least chest workout.....
I for one am sold on this stuff......consider me a cAMP junkie! This stuff works!
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/09, 10:20 PM
Day 21.....7/09/05
Well, another good day. Did back/shoulders today.
Lots of endurance, set PR on seated militaries. The cAMP stack with creatine is turning out to be a great one. Gain strength, take in good calorie amounts, and stay lean...
Doesn't get much better legally!
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/12, 11:28 AM
Day 22....7/11/05
Off day from the weights today. Did 2 cardio sessions, one morning, another late night after work...I know, sick, sick man! :laugh:
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/12, 06:42 PM
What do you do for cardio, and for how long?
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2005/07/13, 11:45 AM
I am a fan of longer duration duration type cardio. I normally do 45-50 minute treadmill sessions at 50-60% mhr, or a shorter stepper session if I want to get a bit more intense for shorter periods. But, these are what I like...there are tons of different things, from going out to a track and sprinting, or hitting up flights of steps at full bore and then slowly jogging down..active rest(more HIIT type of course), to glider, etc.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/13, 11:47 AM
Day 24.....7/12/05
First I want to relate more observations, and this one should be quite obvious.....but even taking cAMP, diet is essential. :) Now, I keep a tight diet all the time, when I up my calories, they are normally always simply more of what I eat on a diet. The main change is "in between" meals. Here I have such things as protein cakes my wife makes for me, maybe a glass of Hoods Dairy beverage with it, snack on peanuts, have an extra yogurt, etc. Good foods....No junk.
I have noticed these past few days my definition startng to wane a bit...ab lines are getting a bit blurred. This again goes and proves what I have alluded to for years, it does not matter what kind of calories you overeat(being reasonble of course, discounting the obvious cake, candy, etc.), if you go over maintenance by much, you will gain weight. At the end of the day, it does not matter if you overate only protein for instance, it is simply a matter of calories.
So, a bit of a cut is upcoming now....I do not want to lose my abs I worked so hard for for the summer. And now is the time to nip the problem, not later when they are gone.
Besides that, had a great day in the gym yesterday...set a record on leg presses, and was not even planning on going heavy like that.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/13, 09:04 PM
Okay so I see you getting great results, but you were or are in great shape now and is the stuff just giving you a little extra push or does it help out alot? And how would it be if someone not in your shape who was working on getting leaner and still build muscle?
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Jonathan (jonnnyko@hotmail.com)
*** Nothing Is Real but Pain Now ***
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2005/07/14, 11:12 AM
This should well help anyone, but remember, diet is key no matter what the supplement. Add in exercise, and it will assist you. No, it is not magic.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/15, 11:25 AM
Day 25....7/13/05
Another cardio only day today.....did 2 sessions, morning and after work.
cAMP keeping the feeling of well being, easiness. Am cutting back a little on calories, am happy I have the cAMP as it will surely make it much less painful.
I am pleased that I went longer than ever post contest keeping very close to contest shape. Almost 2 full months.
My abs are still there, most that see me wish they had them, and for someone maybe not as "anal" as I am, they would be fine with them. But, being the perfectionist I am, I want it all!
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/16, 09:09 AM
Day 26 and 27.....7/14,7/15/05
A bit of catch up here. Thursday was chest/abs. Good day, changed my workout around a bit, solid day, great chest pump, not too spectacular as far as strength or anything....but again, very solid day, chest was full and pumped.
Yesterday was a different story. Was a back/shoulders day. Have been doing a 5x5 on shoulders, and finally hit it with 135 olympic bar presses. I was pretty stoked about that. Back work was pretty darn good too, nice, nice back pump. Also strong on it.
On a side note, this was my last day of Clout with the cAMP stack. I am not ordering more Clout, so it will be telling as to my strength. I do however know that the well being feeling is from the cAMP, that is quite evident and continues. The vascularity also I am sure is from the cAMP also. My further log will convey the contributing factors. Anyway, cAMP and Clout, or probably most any creatine in general that is decent is a nice stack for anyone considering such.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/17, 11:11 AM
Day 28........7/16/05
Still chugging along...yesterday was an all arm day. Tricpes/biceps/forearms.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/17, 03:45 PM
bb1fit my sister and I heard about the Camp through one of your posts and are thinking about trying it. We just have one question, with most things of that nature there are restrictions to who can take them such as if you have asthma, heart conditions, etc. We have looked around to find any of these restrictions but without reading the label it is hard to know, so we were wondering if you could tell us. We would really appreciate it. Thank you:)
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2005/07/17, 07:38 PM
This should pose absolutely no health risks. It contains no hormones, no ephedra, etc.
Here is some research on one of the main ingredients(actually synergistic combo of 2)..happy reading! :) ****You may want to pay close attention to the paragraphs I put the quotes around. :)
FORSKOLIN & GREEN TEA
INTRODUCTION
The compound known as forskolin was isolated from the herb Coleus forskohlii in the 1974. The herb itself however, native to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat heart disease, allergies, asthma, glaucoma, and a variety of other ailments.
Outside of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, forskolin has found a use primarily as a laboratory tool to study the process known as lipolysis, or the mobilization of stored fat that can then be used as fuel by the body.
FORSKOLIN FOR FAT LOSS
Normally when the body requires the use of stored fat for fuel, hormones such as epinephrine or norepinephrine bind to receptors on fat cells and initiate a signaling cascade that eventually results in the activation of an enzyme within the fat cell called hormone sensitive lipase (HSL). Fat is stored in the form of triglycerides, composed of fatty acid chains bound to a glycerol backbone. HSL frees up the fatty acids so they can leave the fat cell, enter the bloodstream, and travel to wherever they are needed for fuel, primarily working muscle.
Forskolin mimics the effects of the body's fat mobilizing hormones like epinephrine by entering fat cells and increasing levels of the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which in turn increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), an important compound involved in the signaling cascade described above. The increase in cAMP leads to activation of HSL, and fat is mobilized, ready to be used as fuel. Note as depicted in the illustration below that forskolin bypasses the hormonal receptor and enters the cell by traversing the cellular membrane. In the case of fat cells, epinephrine or a chemical analog of epinephrine such as clenbuterol or albuterol binds to these so-called beta adrenergic receptor sites and initiates the signaling cascade that ultimately results in fat release.
"Prolonged use of these chemical agents however ultimately leads to a desensitization of the receptor, and a loss of drug effectiveness. With beta-receptors desensitization occurs primarily by a decrease in cell surface receptor number. This is important clinically because beta2 receptor agonists such as clenbuterol and albuterol are commonly used to treat asthma by binding to beta-receptors in lung tissue. They lead to the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and decrease airway resistance. Hence the widespread use of forskolin to treat airway constriction in allergies and asthma.
Note that since like beta agonists, forskolin too initiates the signaling cascade, but since it acts independently of beta receptors, even cells whose beta receptors have been severely downregulated by exposure to beta2 agonists are still responsive to forskolin (1). So a person who has been using clenbuterol or albuterol over an extended period might consider switching to a forskolin-based product, achieving the same net result of fat loss by bypassing the downregulated beta-receptors. Interestingly, beta2 receptors in tissue samples that had experienced this downregulation/desensitization (technically called tachyphylaxis) by continual exposure to salbutamol recovered sensitivity to the drug in vitro when exposed to forskolin (2) If this works in vivo it gives a person who wants to increase lipolysis several options for the combined or individual use of a beta agonist and forskolin."
Fig. 1 Forskolin bypasses the hormone receptor to directly phosphorylate and hence activate HSL
FORSKOLIN AND THE THYROID
So far to summarize, we see that forskolin has the ability to activate Hormone Sensitive Lipase and release free fatty acids that can be used by the body for fuel. This lipolytic effect is obviously advantageous for a person seeking to lose fat. However, unless the fat mobilized by forskolin is actually burned for fuel, it will simply be redeposited as fat. One could obviously increase exercise levels to burn this mobilized fat, or go on a calorie restricted diet. These are certainly healthful approaches to weight loss, but forskolin itself can promote the burning of these liberated fats by virtue of its ability to elevate metabolic rate by stimulating the production of thyroid hormone.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, or TSH, is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that signals the thyroid gland to produce T4 and T3. Forskolin, when added to thyroid tissue in culture, mimics the effect of TSH and stimulates the production of thyroid hormone (3). Thyroid hormone is well known to increase metabolic rate by way of several mechanisms, and this increased metabolic rate will lead to the use of the mobilized fatty acids for fuel.
In addition to stimulating the secretion of primarily T4 from the thyroid, forskolin promotes the conversion of the relatively inactive T4 to its potent metabolite T3 via the action of type II deiodinase. Forskolin has been shown to induce the expression of type II deiodinase in peripheral tissue, especially skeletal muscle (4)
Thyroid hormone has been shown to be helpful in treating depressive disorders. Also, several studies have shown that patients suffering from depression have reduced levels of activity of cAMP signaling in the brain. (4) Forskolin administration to depressed and schizophrenic patients has resulted in marked improvement in symptoms in these subjects (5). On the other hand, enhanced cAMP signaling in bipolar patients may contribute to manic episodes (6). So while possibly benefiting people suffering from depression, forskolin could exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar disorder. One should obviously consult with a medical professional here before self-medicating with forskolin.
FORSKOLIN AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
We have seen how forskolin relaxes bronchial smooth muscles in asthma. It also has the ability to relax cavernosal smooth muscles in the penis, allowing the organ to fill with blood (7). For those readers familiar with drugs like Viagra and Cialis, they would recognize that this is exactly how these drugs work, albeit in a somewhat different manner. These drugs are known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and prevent the breakdown of another second messenger, cGMP that is involved in signaling cascades similar to cAMP. In particular, in the penis the prevention of breakdown of cGMP leads to erections. So forskolin and Viagra (as well as Cialis) act via different pathways to stimulate erections. The authors in (7) observed a synergistic effect on erection when forskolin was combined with Viagra. So both agents alone promote erection, and when combined exhibit synergism, an effect greater than the sum of the two.
FORSKOLIN AND INFLAMMATION
Macrophages and monocytes are immune cells that secrete both pro inflammatory compounds (cytokines) as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines. Tumor Necrosis Alpha (TNF-alpha) is an example of the former, while Interleukin 10 (IL-10) exemplifies the latter. States of chronic inflammation are associated with high levels of TNF-alpha and low levels of IL-10. Both of these cytokines are dependent on cAMP for their control. Elevated cAMP suppresses TNF-alpha, while at the same time stimulating IL-10. (8) In animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, forskolin has been shown to dramatically shift the cytokine environment away from a pro-inflammatory one by suppressing TNF-alpha production. Of relevance to athletes and bodybuilders, overtraining leads to chronic inflammation associated with elevated TNF-alpha. Forskolin may help here as in arthritis.
TNF-alpha is believed to play a central role in the development and progression of insulin resistance and type II diabetes. Many athletes supplement with R-ALA to improve insulin sensitivity. Forskolin may help as well in improving glucose tolerance
Recent research has shown hypogonadism (low testosterone) to be an inflammatory condition associated with elevated levels of TNF-alpha (9). Testosterone administration normalizes the cytokine profile in these subjects. The elevated TNF-alpha in hypogonadism may be responsible for at least part of the diminished muscle mass in these patients, as well as their high incidence of inflammatory cardiovascular disease.
Finally, but far from being the least significant effect of TNF-alpha, is that it suppresses the local production of IGF-1 in skeletal muscle (10).
With regard to dosing, the typical dosage of forskolin is 25-60 mg per day divided between 2-3 doses, with 50-60 mg being considered the ideal range by the majority of users. The ideal drug to use in combination with forskolin would be the cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor Rolipram. Rolipram, prescribed as an antidepressant, slows the breakdown of cAMP, and this would prolong and amplify the effect of forskolin. Unfortunately Rolipram is not yet available in the United States, but is an option for our European and Japanese readers. In animal studies Rolipram has been shown to be a potent lipolytic agent (11). In countries where Rolipram is not available, other options might be ephedrine and caffeine, as well as yohimbine. In fact, caffeine is a weak cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor that might prolong cAMP activity and amplify the effect of forskolin in a fashion similar to the prescription drug Rolipram. In fact, one popular theory about how caffeine promotes lipolysis is that by acting as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor it too prolongs and amplifies the lipolytic effects of cAMP.
Thus far everything we have discussed concerning forskolin stems from findings of published research. However, forskolin has developed a reputation, anecdotally, of having anabolic properties. Many people have reported making decent gains in terms of mass and strength, while at the same time remaining lean. The low body fat is certainly not surprising in terms of what we've learned about the fat burning effects of forskolin. The size and strength gains may be due in part to forskolin's suppression of TNF-alpha, and the consequent rise in IGF-1 that accompanies TNF-alpha suppression. Increased testosterone production, and decreased muscle catabolism, described below, likely contribute as well.
It's been well established that the beta 2 agonist clenbuterol is a potent anabolic agent in animals. Like all beta-2 agonists, clenbuterol utilizes cAMP, as depicted in Fig 1 above. The data regarding the anabolic potential of clenbuterol and other beta-2 agonists are scantier in humans than in animals (12, 13, 14). Nevertheless, they do show an anabolic and ergogenic effect for this class of drugs. Since forskolin amplifies cAMP signaling, it would not at all be surprising if it too had anabolic characteristics.
Forskolin is also well known as a vasodiltor; cAMP activation in the smooth muscles of vascular walls leads to relaxation and expansion of the blood vessels, allowing for more blood to travel into tissues, including skeletal muscle. Insulin shares forskolin's vasodilatory properties (15). Increased blood flow in response to insulin is believed to enhance both glucose and amino acid delivery to muscle tissue, helping to promote anabolism. To quote from one study (15),
"Insulin-mediated vasodilation is an important physiological determinant of insulin action."
So when one considers that forskolin is just as or even more potent a vasodilator than insulin, forskolin too should aid in the delivery of amino acids to muscle tissue, promoting anabolism.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/19, 12:20 PM
Day 30....7/18/05
(prior day was simply cardio and rest)
Ok, the 14th was my last day of using creatine(Clout). I msut say I have seen no dropoff yet in strength, in fact yesterday was a leg day, and set a record post competition for me. Not quite back to pre comp levels, but edging very close, used 10 plates per side on the leg press for the first time since pre contest. And this was after doing squats...(yes folks, I actually did 2 sets of squats, did not push far as many know about my lower back, only went up to 225).
But this was awesome, did not expect to be able to hit the leg press with that kind of weight, let alone after a bit of "pre exhaust" with the squats.
If this keeps up, I will have to say that cAMP is the real deal!! seriously, it is in many ways, but I have as yet to believe it for strength gains. And, so the experiment/trial continues.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/20, 08:36 PM
I JUST ORDERED MY FIRST BOTTLE OF cAMP...I HAVE SEEN YOU WRITE SO MUCH ABOUT IT I FIGURED I WOULD GIVE IT A SHOT. I SEE THAT THE DOSAGE SAYS ONE IN THE MORNING WHEN YOU WAKE UP..THEN 4 HOURS LATER BEFORE WORKOUT....WELL I DONT WORKOUT UNTIL AFTER WORK AT ABOUT 6 OR 7PM...SHOULD I STILL TAKE IT 4 HOURS AFTER THE FIRST OR RIGHT BEFORE MY WORKOUT...THANKS
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2005/07/21, 06:27 AM
I would do both. The morning dose is an optimal one, and you can always take a dose every 4 hrs. or thereabuts throughout the day. This is what I do...it has no jitters, etc., I would be the first to stop if that was the case. In fact, as mentioned numerous times, the feeling of well being(relaxed, stress free) is priceless.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/22, 11:42 AM
My 30 day evaluation of the product,cAMP is a thumbs up. It picked up on my last uesage of it, pre contest strictly to aid fat loss. This time around it was used on more of a gaining cycle, and in conjunction with creatine. I was able to injest many more calories, in fact a fairly high amount of them, with cheat days also, and over 2 months removed from contest shape still retaining abs, still lean, have my bicep vein, and am getting stronger again. I will say this can be a quality addition to anyone's supplement arsenal, and in all fairness to many other supplements I have tried, may well be the most obvious in what it can do. Add to that the sense of well being, relaxation, alertness, and it is a great package.
Myself, I am continuing on with it.....I believe it will just get better rather than wear off like so many other supps do..
In fact, a new formulation is coming out in the next week or so, and if it gets better, well I am all for it. Good luck to any who use this on my recommendation, I sure hope you achieve similar results. Consistency of use works.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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2005/07/22, 11:54 AM
I would like to make a note to my above post, cAMP does not give a license to eat unlimited calories, this must be realized. I was as ever diligent with my diet, but had a much higher caloric intake, as well as a few cheat days.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
bb1fit@freetrainers.com
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