Help with recovery supplements
 

First off let me say that I'm a complete noob when it comes to supplements, powders, shakes and all that jazz. For the most part, in my mind, I think carbs = energy and protein activates carbs and helps to repair muscle. I get my carbs from eating a lot of rice and usually get my protein from eating a can of tuna after a workout. But lately the tuna part is starting to get to me.

About a month ago I started a 6-day exercise routine that includes alternating weight training and hour long walks and I really want to make the most of what I do. I'm pretty much looking to lower my body fat index and define more than gain muscle (but putting on some muscle wouldn't be the worst thing to happen).

From what I can gather a recovery supplement seems like my best choice to maximize my workouts but with so many choices I have no idea which one to go with. I've been looking at getting Isoflex whey isolate http://www.popeyescanada.com/inf_allmax-IsoFLEX.php but really have no idea.

For any of you that have been/are in the same situation or have used isoflex before what would you recommend/what's you take on the product?

Sorry about the novel and thanks in advance.

-Phil

Just curious what is making you think you need supplements for recovery? IsoFlex is fine, although for your goals I'd suggest that re-evaluating your workout plan and diet would be much more effective. e.g. If you're looking to cut fat, stop eating rice.

i think its glutamine your after

Although Glutamine is a recommended recovery supplement, I don't think it would be too beneficial at the moment if he has just started a training routine.

then i suggested a heavy dose of man the fuck up

I think a little rice is fine, brown rice to be exact

this

I've been using IsoFlex and it's a high quality product! Been very happy with it.. Thumbs up to the lean, quality protein and the glutamine + BCAAs that really help with recovery. However, like any supplement, it's just one part of a greater scheme and your diet is going to play a huge part. Also in terms of recovery, age plays a factor in how fast you recover and with that how you presume something like IsoFlex works.

Why wouldn't you use supplements for recovery? Healthy products designed to help maximize workouts. Seems beneficial to me. Cutting down on rice is probably a good idea; although its definitely a staple.

Whoa tiger!

Thanks for the input. I'm only 22 so I'm pretty sure I fall in the "I'm still young so nothing can touch me" category ;) I totally agree with diet playing a major factor as well. Of course I could just slim down by changing to a better diet but who wants to look like a twig lol

I would (and do personally) use supplements for recovery, but at your stage as a novice doing light/moderate intensity workouts the benefits gained from spending the money on supplements would not be as effective as compared to other things you could for free such as tweaking your diet or re-evaluating your workout routine.

Of course it wouldn't hurt to add Whey, Glutamine, etc. supplmeents for recovery, but I think the cost:benefit ratio for the money you spend is not worthwhile yet.

What's your height/weight currently, and what does your workout routine entail?

^^ah I see what you mean.

I'm 5'6" and 155lbs.

Right now my current workout routine is:

Monday (chest/shoulder)
Pec flies w/ dumbells 12x2
dumbell press 12x2
shoulder shrugs 12x2 (but recently dumbells have been getting too heavy to hold so I might substitute lower weight with more reps)
should press 12x2

Tueday
1hr walk

wednesday (back/lats/core)
wide-grip chinups to fail x2
dumbbell row 12x2
seated row 12x2
ball crunches till fail
frog sit up till fail
v-oblique twists with dumbbell till fail

thurs
1hr walk

friday (legs)
squats 15x2
calf-raises 20x2
lunges with dumbbells 15x2

sat
1hr walk

I try and do 80% of my max weight and push it so I can barely finish the last set. Also I try to increase either reps or weight by 2.5% every week for progression.

Actually that's a pretty good, much better than I was expecting. I would suggest instead of 12x2 go for 8x2 or 6x4 at higher weight for greater intensity.

I'd say you'd benefit from supps with what you're doing. AllMax, Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize, they're all good brands for Whey Protein. As mentioned, Glutamine is also a good post-workout supplement, it is an amino acid that aids in recovery and prevents catabolism.

Otherwise yeah for definition and fat loss, 85% is diet. If you are around low to mid teens BF% (12-16%), perhaps look into something like LeanGains.com or Lyle MacDonald body recomp

5'6 and 155lbs
that's good weight man depends what your fat% is

i personally use supplements from Nutrabolics - they have some amazing products! mixes easily in water and tastes pretty effing good! supplements should never be discounted as a factor when achieving fitness goals. your body needs to recover from the training - supplements help it do it faster