For those of you patiently awaiting the next enthralling installment of my newsletter series, I thank you. Rest assured that I enjoy penning said articles and will continue to bring you the very best information in attaining your physique goals.
This installment of my Fit Pro Newsletter series concludes the body type trilogy with regards to sports supplementation and gym performance. Indeed I have saved the best for last. If one could opt for near perfect genetics, this body type would be the one to pick.
The MESOMORPH is characterized by having large bones, a solid torso, low body fat levels, wide shoulders coupled with a narrow waist and is largely considered to be the most desired of the body types with its X frame and symmetrically placed musculature as well as the ability to accrue muscle rather easily and keep body fat stores to a minimum. Yes people, these are the genetically gifted. Yes, it’s not fair. One of the better-known examples of the Mesomorph would be action star JeanClaude Van Damme. Some might argue Arnold Schwarzenegger to be a prime example of the Mesomorph. After all, he did win 7 Mr. Olympia titles. Arnold was, like many, a hybrid of types. Ecto-Meso if you will, having begun his bodybuilding career with very long limbs that were at the time lanky and far from Villed out, whereas Jean Claude possesses shorter limbs and a more overall symmetrically balanced physique.
The Mesomorph list of genetic gifts reads like a someone else won the lottery and not me:
1. Small hip-to-waist ratio
2. Sustainable bodyweight
3. Near permanent muscle separation
4. Visible abdominal muscles year round
5. Can miss meals and retain near maximum muscle fullness
6. Can consume fattening foods regularly and retain a lean waistline
In short, the Mesomorph is blessed with, amongst other things, the two main goals most gym-goers are utmost concerned with: maximal muscle mass and minimal body fat.
It’s good to know, however, that while the Mesomorph may showcase a head start on us in the gym, they too must put in the time and effort in building upon an already gifted base.
Since it can safely be assumed that the main goal of the Mesomorph lies not in creating new tissue, it is perhaps training based less on aesthetics and more on functionality that best serves this body type. A diet rich in energy would be the ticket to improved performance.
With that said, what follows is my personal list of supplements regarding this particular body type and my experience with such. Please note that this article is based on what I’ve used with persons in the past in order to achieve their desired results. I do not advocate nor endorse the taking and/or overdosing on sports supplements.
1. ANIMAL PAK – No matter the goal or body type, Animal Pak by Universal Nutrition ranks atop my list of sports supplements for the simple fact that it works! Many of us each consume the same foods year round and are usually lacking in nutrients. Proper body function both in and out of the gym is contingent upon providing the body with a steady supply of minerals and nutrients.
2. DIET TURBO TEA – From American Body Building, diet Turbo Tea not only tastes like iced tea, but is sugar free and fortified with workout powering caffeine, ginseng, guarana and added electrolytes.
3. NO–X-PLODE - BSN Nutrition’s pre-workout formulation helps promote muscular pumps, focus and clarity during intense training as well as electrolytes to support hydration.
4. INTRAVOL – Sports supplementation continues to evolve with this great new product from Muscletech. Designed to be taken during one’s workout to support strength and endurance, Intravol may also expedite the healing process that intense weight training will provide at the occurrence of muscle breakdown.
5. ZERO IMPACT BAR PUMPKIN SUPREME – VPX has formulated a nutrient dense meal replacement bar guaranteed to provide sustained energy as well as satiety and is formulated with low-glycemic carbs and fiber.
6. MOVE FREE – by Schiff is an advanced joint formulation designed to improve strength, mobility and flexibility as well as decrease joint degeneration and inflammation.
7. MUSCLE ARMOR – by EAS has been shown to rejuvenate muscle, increase total body strength and expedite the muscle repair process.
As a bonus, (for the rest of us who are not pure Mesomorphs) I’m including my top 10 list of workout no-no’s, which may currently be thwarting your progress!
1. Leave the gym – Those who spend too much time in the gym either performing cardio, weights or socializing are in fact overtraining and not allowing their muscles to repair themselves. Less is more!
2. Eat more – Too little protein, skipping meals and consuming mass amounts of sugar later at night results in a Vlabby and shapeless physique.
3. Momentum – Relegated to a race or date gone well is Vine but in the gym the only thing momentum is good for is in ripping joints and muscles; slow it down and feel the muscles – stimulate don’t annihilate.
4. No fuel – Not eating when performing cardio first thing in the morning is a wise move as your body will dip into adipose stores for fuel BUT for weight training your body relies on glycogen. Without the proper fuel it’s like driving to Vegas on fumes.
5. Ego – forget about the guy doing 10 plates per side on the leg press. His range of motion is near void and his legs will not improve by this time next year.
6. Cocking the hammer – Many gym goers cock the hammer so to speak in their lives outside the gym and fire the bullet once inside. Bending over improperly to pick something up rather than squatting will one day result in a strained lower back or worse while later exercising it.
7. Not keeping it honest – As humans we exhibit the need to embrace pleasure and avoid pain. Many half-ass it in the gym in an effort to get it over with. Be concerned with making it harder on your muscles by training for intensity not volume and your results will double.
8. Not laying down a brick – Missing a workout or meal here and there is like putting down a brick one day and then skipping doing so the next. How can you hope to erect a house on such haphazard practices?
9. Wrong fuel – Why are you consuming only a banana before your workout and thusly relegating yourself 5 minutes of energy when oatmeal will burn slower and thusly provide sustained energy as well as satiate?
10. Too many targets – Ripped one week, bigger the next? Do you change shoes as often as you do workout goals? Make a choice for an allotted period of time and stick with it!
Until next time, ask yourself, are you Summer-ready or Winter-ready?