Background: I’m 39 years old and have always been about 130 pounds, with a lean runner’s build (although I don’t run). I’ve worked out at a gym for about six years, always with the goal of just staying fit and toned. Lately, I’ve thought: Hey, why not try to add a little bit of muscle? So now my goal is to add eight to 10 pounds of muscle mass, which I don’t think is TOO ambitious. I’ve already started increasing my caloric intake from food, and I’m stepping up the intensity of my lifting. But I’ve also considered adding the component of muscle gainers (NOT steroids). I’m a novice on that front, though, and have a few questions. Can anyone help? (Oh, also: I’m already taking whey protein shakes after workouts)
1. Based on the background details, are there any products you’d particularly recommend? I work out at 24-Hour Fitness in Dallas, where they have all sorts of stuff, like CytoGainer, BSN TrueMass, APEX Volumizer, Glutamine powder, Muscle Milk etc.
2. If I used any of these products and achieve my goal and am happy with the results, can I phase out the products (because wow, they are expensive!), or do I have to keep taking them to preserve the muscle gains? Once I acquire the new muscle, are there alternatives to the products that would allow me to keep the muscle?
3. Is it true that some of these products cause bloating? While I’m no model or super athlete, I do have nice abs that I’m proud of, and I wouldn’t want to run into a permanent “bloating look” that would ruin that appearance. Is the bloating temporary?
4. I am only able to work out 3 to 4 times a week. Are you required to use most of the products every single day, or could I see results by taking them on workout days only?
5. If I can only afford one or two products, what would you recommend? The CytoGainer appears to be fairly all-purpose. Thoughts?
Sorry for the long string of questions. Thanks for any input!
