Author: Andy

Hey guys, if you'd like to check out photos, or to copy them, or email/facebook Jimmy for a higher-res version of one, please go here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.354722674562743.88800.153289428039403&type=1  Thanks Jimmy!!!!

I was asked to try out a couple of new products from GNC.  One of which is the "Re-Built Mass" from their Beyond Raw line:

I was a bit scared.  Last time I took a mass gainer was in college umpteen years ago.  A bazillion calories, carbs, even sugar and fat? YIKES!  

But, I committed to trying it, and although I make no claims on intelligence, I do try to claim integrity.  So I figured if I quickly ballooned up into the marshmallow man then I would have my answer about the usability of this product for guys in their thirties who are trying to stay lean. 

Disclaimer:  I am training a LOT these days.  And, my intake is pretty tight.  On the weekends, I allow myself a few beers or glasses of wine, some dark chocolate covered almonds, etc, but for the most part, I am intaking only good fuel.

Usage: The listed directions say take 3 scoops!  Here is the label: 

		Serving Size   3 level scoop(s) Servings Per Container  11 Amount Per Serving   % DV Calories    850.00     Calories from Fat    90.00     Total Fat    10.00 g   15%  Saturated Fat    5.00 g   25%  Cholesterol    80.00 mg   27%  Sodium    550.00 mg   23%  Total Carbohydrate    130.00 g   43%  Dietary Fiber    4.00 g   16%  Calcium    500.00 mg   50%  Potassium    1000.00 mg   29%  Sugars    10.00 g     Protein    60.00 g

Scary for a skinny guy, right??!  I think that's a bit much for a welterweight like me, so I've been taking 2 scoops, and using it immediately after my lifting session of the day.  The other protein shakes of the day are mainly GNC's Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 (review here: http://ironcrossfitness.com/2011/12/16/a-quick-protein-review/) 

Results: Honestly, I love it.  Some products you try and you know immediately that you will never use them again.  This one- what's not to love?  I have the Chocolate Brownie flavor, and it tastes delicious.  Of course it does- I'm used to many years force-feeding myself protein shakes without sugar, carbs, or fat!  This one spoils me- I look forward to it like the tigers at the zoo with their raw meat at feeding time.  The first couple days, of course, I felt very full after drinking it, my little belly adjusting to taking in the extras.  

Weight: You know how I feel about scales, but due to the unique nature of this product, I thought I would check what my weight is doing.  When I finished the Birthday Challenge a couple of weeks ago, I stepped on the scale before that photo shoot and was about 167.  Just now I am 172.  Not a big difference, but, I think it's pretty fair to say that I have gained a couple pounds of hard muscle in the last couple of weeks, and the only real change to my intake calorically is this Re-Built Mass.  Not bad!  I've managed to stay lean, since my intake and training are pretty dialed in.  I imagine that adding in another Re-Built Mass shake throughout the day would bump this up a little more, but may alter how lean I can stayas well?  

You know the obnoxious guy who take a photo of himself in the mirror?  Well, here is one of those from late last night, just so you know I'm not getting too squishy:  

Performance: For me- having the silly jobs that I do- looking a certain way is important, but so is performing a certain way.  I'm very happy to put on a few pounds of muscle- as long as my body supports it functionally.  I'm happy to say that I have pushed myself a few times in workouts over the last couple of weeks and I feel great, and my strength is easily supporting any growth my body is doing.

Here are a few tests of functionality that I tried recently:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n4Bh6Rneuo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygiq6lHqaO8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2iZQLvWcGw

Conclusion: You know me, no illusions of grandeur- Jay Cutler isn't worried about me at the next Mr. O and I'm not gonna win any powerlifting competitions in 2012.  But, for guys like me- there are millions!- the golden egg has always been how to stay lean AND add muscle.  How to get bigger and stronger but not squishier!  Well, I think GNC' Re-Built Mass is a fantastic tool for this.  If you maintain your discipline in other areas, and add in one or two of these meals (I mean shakes!) I think you will be very happy with the results.  For a guy who has been trying to figure it out for 20 years now, I know I am.  And it's only been a couple of weeks!

I'm looking forward to pushing even harder.  Thanks guys.

As always, holler at me here, or on Twitter @andymcd23

FitFluential LLC compensated me for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Guys, I had a great birthday weekend.  Surrounded by lots of dear friends and family- we all celebrated getting older instead of mourned it, like an Irish funeral...

I have learned a lot from the past couple of months.  I dialed in my intake and ramped up my training.  I confirmed the thinking that we create a habit after a few weeks, and then soon thereafter, that habit becomes a part of your lifestyle.  Habits are strong.  Good and bad.  The more good habits we take one, the better our lifestyle.

Habits are stronger than will power.  I feel my will power is probably up there with anyone's based on a lifetime of forcing myself to do what most won't, but habits are stronger.

Now, moving forward, the changes I made are now permanent.  I am looking forward to getting to another level.

Think about a couple of small changes you could make- either your training, your food, your drinks, sleep, water, etc.  Make one or two at a time- nothing crazy.  Make small, slow changes, and they will stick.  Before you know it, you are different, because your lifestyle is different.

Are you better than you were yesterday?  :)

Last thought: several folks have asked what happened with that last audition, since it had to do with fitness, etc.  Thanks for supporting the wannabe...  I was to be the host of a big commercial/infomercial for a "revolutionary new fitness and nutrition system." Well, good news: I got called back to do a screen test with the star and creator of the program.  More good news: I was told it went great and they really liked me.  BAD NEWS: they decided not to use me because I was too fit.  They didn't want me to stand next to the star and take away from him.  He is supposed to be the man.  I guess I understand, from a business perspective, but personally it's very disappointing.

But, you know what I've decided?  I'm going to push harder and get even more fit.  Something is around the corner, and I want to be more than ready... 

Hi guys!  I hope all is well out there!  Thanks for all the kind notes, comments, questions I have been receiving lately!  I try to get back to everyone ASAP, sorry that I'm a bit behind.  Life is crazier than ever around here.  But all smiles!

Anyway, I've had a LOT of questions about how I'm breaking down my training these days, so, for what it's worth, here it is.  I don't recommend this, however, unless you're an idiot like me (of course you are much more intelligent)!  But, maybe you can compare notes and take what you like.

The birthday is coming up on 2/4- 36 years old, is that even possible?!  But, I'm feeling pretty good about my goal to be in the best shape of my life on that day.  Of course, there are different times in your life when you are strong at different things- like when I was playing soccer I could sprint around all day- but overall, I'm feeling pretty good...

A couple of updates- a couple of months ago I was contacted by the editor at Muscle and Fitness and Men's Fitness.  I managed to put together a couple of articles for him.  He hooked me up with the editor of the online site, so now I'm making quick training videos for MensFitness.com  Lastly, I'm headed out to LA on Monday for a final screen test for something pretty big coming out-- exciting, I'll tell you about it if I get the gig.  If they don't select me, then I'll talk badly about the product for years to come... haha!

And here's the required photo- the guys at M and F wanted a photo to go with the article on "training guns," so Juice took a few of me trying to flex like a gorilla...  Skinny guy trying to look big for M and F 

Monday:

1. Stretch, Core

2. Circuit at gym- Thighs and Shoulders- I always start with the most important heavy work (dead lifts, presses, then go to higher rep exercises)

3. Run 25 minutes

Tuesday:

1. Stretch, Core

 2. Circuit at gym- Chest and Back

3. Run 25 minutes

Wednesday:

1. Stretch, Core

2. Run 25 minutes

3. Ride bike at work up and down parking garages

4. Circuit at gym- Arms and Calves

Thursday:

1. Stretch, Core

2. Run 25 minutes

3. Ride bike at work up and down parking garages

4. Circuit at gym- Thighs and Shoulders (different emphasis than Monday)

Friday:

1. Stretch, Core

2. Run 25 minutes

3. Circuit at gym Chest/Back (different exercises)

Saturday:

1. Stretch, Core

2. Run 25 minutes

3. Circuit at gym Arms/Calves

Sunday:

1. Stretch, Slow jog