HighIntensity.net View Mike Mentzer Bodybuilding Topic

Anyone tried L-Glutamine? I hear it′s supposed to increase recovery ability. I know it′s more expensive than creatine, so I was wondering if a person needs to be taking it daily, or just after workouts.

Just curious.

CM

Some notice the effects, others don′t. Do you feel you recovery could improve? What are you eating right after your workout?

HD4Me,

My recovery is quite slow. I′m usually sore for 3-4 days after a workout. I feel fully recovered at about day five. Right now I′m experimenting with days off. Nine seems about right. I had been working out every seven days, but many on this forum say to add more rest days if you aren′t seeing dramatic progress.

In my leg workout two days ago, I did two short warm-up sets on the squatting machine, as I had in my leg workout sixteen days prior. With the same weight in my working set, my reps went from 11 to 16, and I was doing them a little more strictly this time. I think that′s not bad progress, but my quads are still on fire. My glutes and hams are pretty sore, too. I did no partials or forced reps.

My problem isn′t with generating intensity; it′s with recovery. I would prefer to not to wait 9-10 days between workouts if possible, so I thought the L-glutamine might help. Have you tried it, HD4Me? I′ve heard some sources say you should take a dose every day, and other sources say to take it immediately after the workout, then again two hours later. Of course, most supplement manufacturers assume you are working out multiple times a week, unlike us.

I usually try to drink some simple carbs right after a workout(Gatorade, orange juice, etc.). Then I eat a fairly large high protein, high carb meal within an hour or so.

CM

I asked what you are eating post workout because most guys don′t have a clue. You′re doing better than most, but gatorade isn′t optimal for PW nutrition. If you want to use that, get powerade powder, as it′s basically pure dextrose, which is better for the insulin spike post workout. You also want to take in protein.

In fact, there is a formula to use for your bodyweight. Here is a calculator for said formula, it′s 3/4ths of the way down the page:
http://www.teenbodybuilding.com/derek48.htm

As for glutamine, it takes time to help recovery, but those I know who get sore report less soreness. I really don′t get too sore, so I′m not the one to be asking if it worked for me.

I hope that helped.

Thanks, HD4Me. Hope your training′s going well.

CM