The Pump: Getting It, Not Getting It

[NumeroUno]

Does anyone ever have those days, where no matter what you do (even if you take a NO supp) just can't get a good pump? Or you aren't getting your maximum pump? You feel the muscle burn, but you just can't get it! Anybody else getting this?

-NumeroUno

[bake.silverback]

yeah mostly when Im not fully in the game.

[deeder]

Ah the elusive pump. I hate it. Low reps are the shit!

But I guess I should add that when I do high rep stuff I get ridiculous pumps no matter how bad the workout is going...

[Angst]

I think it also have something to do with your pre-workout meal and the timing for your NO booster. I've used Shock therapy, No-xplode, and Animal Pump, it doesn't matter what the label says, I always take it 10 min. before hitting the weights. Give it a try and see if it works

[NumeroUno]

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a go tonight.

-Daniel

[NumeroUno]

It worked, I tried being more mentally focused and I took my Animal Pump 15 minutes before I worked out. Today was one of the best chest/tri pumps I've had in a long time. Thanks everyone.

-Daniel

[PuSHiT89]

i h8 to thread bump but it isnt worth making a new thread on...i lift after school with the football team, i eat a big lunch around 12...should i take all of my NO maximazing supps 15 minutes before i lift...whens the best time?

[NumeroUno]

I don't know how a big meal before taking your NO product will hurt it. My first thought is that the food might absorb it. But I noticed an amazing difference when I took it 15 minutes before. You could try taking it a few different times (30 minutes before/15 before) and see what works best for you.

[rcrott1]

yeah mostly when Im not fully in the game.

yeah..i completely agree on this one. If you arent fully in the game...it will eat you alive. Your mental focus needs to be at 200% all times when lifting..and i understand there are those days....but use whatever it is that is taking your head out of it...and Fuel the lift. hit it even harder, get angry at it for fucking up your lifestyle.


Strength and Honor.

[Wolf Man CHG]

To help promote a pump while I am lifting on one of those days.....sometimes I'll throw in one set were my range of motion is about 1/2 of normal and use a quick explosion movement, this usually helps as well as holding a pose or flexing the muscle you are working for 10-12 seconds helps too.

[Freakshow]

I think it also have something to do with your pre-workout meal and the timing for your NO booster. I've used Shock therapy, No-xplode, and Animal Pump, it doesn't matter what the label says, I always take it 10 min. before hitting the weights. Give it a try and see if it works

I am with Angst on that. I currently take my Animal Pump when I am walking into the gym, if not when I am sitting in the locker room. I have also experimented with taking Pump post workout to prolong the pump and I have had good results.

[Freakshow]

yeah mostly when Im not fully in the game.

To true..I feel like the only thing holding me back most times is just myself.

[RedIron 392]

I have that problem when I am on low carbs. I also like dropping the Nitro 15 minutes before my workout. By the time I get warmed up I'm buzzed and ready to rock.

Later

[lstan]

When I'm training with a good mix of exercises, I seem to get better results -even without NO. Now that I'm thinking of it, though, I can't remember ever really feeling a pump in my back or that often in my chest. Anyone feel me on this or should I just get more focused?

[PuSHiT89]

all i get is a burn in my chest, no really pump. back just feels sore

[Maximus]

i h8 to thread bump but it isnt worth making a new thread on...i lift after school with the football team, i eat a big lunch around 12...should i take all of my NO maximazing supps 15 minutes before i lift...whens the best time?

What are your NO supps? When are you lifting?

[Hulk]

Mental focus in my opinion is just as important as form. If u are missing one your missing everything

[Crusher]

I take No-Xplode right before I walk into the gym and the pumps are insane. Then I take animal pump when leaving the gym and the pump seems to intensify and stays with me for several hours, give it a try and see what happens.

[showtime05]

I'm questioning if I am just genetically gifted or if my diet promotes it (I over-load in carbs due to my low BF), but I usually gain over an inch on my arms everyday I lift and closer to 2 inches when im actually lifting bi's/tri's. My chest pump is insane as well.... The pump usually lasts 30-45 minutes after my workout is completed. Should I still supplement with an NO booster or would that not be very productive?

[live2lift]

Sup brothas...I may sound like an idiot for asking this question but I will take that risk. I did a search on the topic and couldn't really find a definite answer, so here goes. Is the "pump" necessary for muscle growth? I have read numerous articles in magazines and books, and even here on the Animalpak website. Some are for it, some are against it. From what I am understanding a bigger pump means more bloodflow to the working muscle along with nutrients and oxygen...does this increase really increase muscle size. I don't mean for the time you have the pump, but is it a lasting gain? It is talked about on the Animalpak website as if it is some kind of "godsend", if it really is, then I have been missing out. Not saying that I never get a pump, but I don't necessarily train for it. Some of the people who say that it is not needed don't really have anything to back it up...they just kind of say that it doesn't equal muscle growth...whereas the supporters have proof of it. I was a little confused so I figured that I would post this, and let the brotherhood debate it. I will be checking back randomly on new replies. Thank you in advance for all of your feedback. Peace and Train Hard!

[hazarddude334]

ive worked my biceps directly twice
heavy dead lifts and other lifts will get your arms bigger

allthough i suggest doing biceps more often maybe once a week
but who cares about biceps

i have a question is this a powerlifting forum or a body building one bc sometimes i see both

if this is mostly body building ill say good bye and stop being mean to everyone

[Wasteland]

Check out Schak's article, "The Philospher". In it he talks about about the importance of the "pump":

"Training hard does not mean performing a marathon of sets and reps in the gym. This brings me to my next lesson: Stimulate don't annihilate. Just because you train like an Animal doesn't mean you should look like an asshole doing it. You're in the gym to build a pleasing physique, not look like the next great Olympic swimmer. Train hard, work till you get a pump, then go home. Do not work through the pump, but up until a maximum pump. Once you feel that your body has been beaten up and slammed around enough, you are done."

http://animalpak.com/html/article_details.cfm?ID=241&section=



Remember what a "pump" does--it floods your muscles with water and nutrients--that's why your muscles feel bigger. It actually does get bigger. This engorgement creates an anabolic environment which will help faciliate growth.

[live2lift]

ive worked my biceps directly twice
heavy dead lifts and other lifts will get your arms bigger

allthough i suggest doing biceps more often maybe once a week
but who cares about biceps

i have a question is this a powerlifting forum or a body building one bc sometimes i see both

if this is mostly body building ill say good bye and stop being mean to everyone

I think this is a forum related to all things lifting...meaning both bodybuilders and powerlifters are welcome here. We are all in this game together regardless of which sport is yours. None of us know everything there is to know about lifting and that is why this forum is so great...there are a countless number of people here to help out each other. Peace.

[live2lift]

Check out Schak's article, "The Philospher". In it he talks about about the importance of the "pump":

"Training hard does not mean performing a marathon of sets and reps in the gym. This brings me to my next lesson: Stimulate don't annihilate. Just because you train like an Animal doesn't mean you should look like an asshole doing it. You're in the gym to build a pleasing physique, not look like the next great Olympic swimmer. Train hard, work till you get a pump, then go home. Do not work through the pump, but up until a maximum pump. Once you feel that your body has been beaten up and slammed around enough, you are done."

http://animalpak.com/html/article_details.cfm?ID=241&section=



Remember what a "pump" does--it floods your muscles with water and nutrients--that's why your muscles feel bigger. It actually does get bigger. This engorgement creates an anabolic environment which will help faciliate growth.

Awesome info Wasteland...I can always count on you to help out with anything. Peace.

[JMC]

I have yet to read any article where it is not "for" pump.

[gnoll5]

ive worked my biceps directly twice
heavy dead lifts and other lifts will get your arms bigger

allthough i suggest doing biceps more often maybe once a week
but who cares about biceps

i have a question is this a powerlifting forum or a body building one bc sometimes i see both

if this is mostly body building ill say good bye and stop being mean to everyone

theres room here for everyone bro. some of us bodybuild, some powerlift, doesn't matter really. whats nice is getting a well rounded and knowledgable answer from all camps, as is related to 'lifting'.

[live2lift]

theres room here for everyone bro. some of us bodybuild, some powerlift, doesn't matter really. whats nice is getting a well rounded and knowledgable answer from all camps, as is related to 'lifting'.

Amen to that brotha. Not to be rude but can we get back to the question asked originally posted in this thread...to pump or not to pump? That is the question. Peace.

[musclealchemist]

all i can say is that i have been using pump for a little over 2 weeks, and its great. I mean having more blood in your muscles cant hurt you.

[Kiwi129]

Heh not the supplement bro... the act of pumping the muscles. Meathead moment? The pump is what bodybuilding is all about. Go search for "Arnold is coming" and see how good he feels about the pump heh...

[MELTDOWN]

"That's it… Now go home. How big do you really think your chest is? Definitely not big enough to do 20 sets. Do not make the common mistake of overtraining. Do what you went there to do--get a pump, break down muscle tissue, go home, and feed it to grow....."

and that doesn't apply to just chest, all muscle groups...

[Shaffer_515]

Just recently I have had a really hard time getting the Good ol' Pump in my arms when I train them...At first I thought that I was over training so I cut shit out....NOTHING....then I tried spreading out my back and Arm days a few days further....NOPE...then tried G's Circut breaker then ever doing my arm exercises in reverse (the sets not the actual excersise).....NOTHING DOING.....Finally I took a week off not doing shit but eating and pounding water....went back to arm day and got a small pump from Barbell Curls and then went flat soon after.....Has this happend to any one else I still have strength and vascularity but no "HOLY SHIT" kinda pump maybe take a few weeks away from doing them but I dont think That is the way to go about it?

[workoutfreakk]

I'd say experiment with different preworkout meals and their timing, and consider a supplement to address the problem... Pump?

[Shaffer_515]

I was taking pump at the time when it started

[Seifer]

i had the same thing with my arm training.



started doing a constant tention/contraction movement and it brought it back big time.

[Malloy1344]

i used to have this issue too. What I did was focus on lighter weights, and really squeeze those muscles, and only take 30 second - 1 minute rests....also I do alot of supersetting and drop setting.

[jonsbsn]

sloooooooooow negatives and forced reps together give me great pumps... especially in arms. Drop sets work great with a hold at the contraction during the lighter sets.

[hjayss]

What you were eating, what supp you were taking, introducing suppersets would hit you hard in the w/o area. throw in some giant sets as well I do not know your w/o experience. I know I got the most amazing pump from shock therapy but after about 4 weeks of it ehhhh No response I GAVE IT TO MY BOY DRO AND HE IS BLESSED WITH THE PUMPS. I have not gotten a pump like that went to two inches from this pump I had the 20 inch arm man thought I was the shit in my basement lol...

[Shaffer_515]

It might have something to do with the time I worked out I go early in the morning around 530-600am I would knock down a small meal (rice with 3 eggs) at 5am and take my pump and ST then head to the gym It lasted a while then maybe from lack of sleep with working late and everything else I would get about 4-5 hours sleep (I wanted to get all my meals in w/o waking up for one)...But I will Definatly try the different training styles mentioned above THANKS!!

[BigAnt]

Just recently I have had a really hard time getting the Good ol' Pump in my arms when I train them...At first I thought that I was over training so I cut shit out....NOTHING....then I tried spreading out my back and Arm days a few days further....NOPE...then tried G's Circut breaker then ever doing my arm exercises in reverse (the sets not the actual excersise).....NOTHING DOING.....Finally I took a week off not doing shit but eating and pounding water....went back to arm day and got a small pump from Barbell Curls and then went flat soon after.....Has this happend to any one else I still have strength and vascularity but no "HOLY SHIT" kinda pump maybe take a few weeks away from doing them but I dont think That is the way to go about it?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pump===kinda like a false hope, shit, my calves get pumped walking up the steps in the mall, but that ain't going to make them grow!

but I feel ya, gotta love the pump, after your heavy sets (close grips, skull cruchers, standing barbell curl, alternating dumbbell curls---move to cables, go with a slower movement, and really squeeze the muscle being worked!

what is your pre-workout meal??

[Shaffer_515]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

pump===kinda like a false hope, shit, my calves get pumped walking up the steps in the mall, but that ain't going to make them grow!

but I feel ya, gotta love the pump, after your heavy sets (close grips, skull cruchers, standing barbell curl, alternating dumbbell curls---move to cables, go with a slower movement, and really squeeze the muscle being worked!

what is your pre-workout meal??


Usually the night before I cook up some rice (boil in a bag either white or brown ) then throw it in a skillet and drop a few eggs in there with alittle pepper for taste......

[Hollow1]

You said you were not getting enough sleep, this can be a contributing factor. Another possiblity would be adding a pre - exhausting exercise first.

[Riesjs]

Food and rest are obviously big keys to it. Whats your exercise selection?

[o2]

intensity!!!!

[JBlackapple]

ARMORY. I had the best arm workout using this workout except I divided the exercises and did BICEPS first then TRICEPS because supersetting both just didn't work for me. I get great pumps from changing my routine every week sometimes DB curls first or BB curls.Smaller muscle less rest.

[Young&Hungry]

I haven't used an NO supplement since May and I'm getting much better and much more consistant pumps. I think it's because I've upped my water, my diet has really improved, and my concentration in the gym is better. My advice would be to be well hydrated at all times, analyze and tweak your diet, and get an iPod to tune out the distractions in the gym so that you can put 100% of your focus into each rep. If this still doesn't help than I would say take a look at Pump or ST.

[Joe D'Amato]

Im 15 training as a bodybuilder in my basement alone since January 1st and every damn workout its getting worse there is no good workout any more. Shit just feels boaring but im down there 4 x a week busting my balls cause i want to do this just my mind doesn't. Iv tried everything; taking a week off, changing up the music, got a partner (my dad) but he didnt really have time so he was skipping and wanst doing me any good, upping my carb intake, and now im writing everything down so when i work that muscle out again ill try to beat whatever i did (bench 155 x 3) - (bench 185 x 2). If any one can give me some advice, id appreciate it. thanks, Joe

[IRBS]

Suck it up. Sorry to be rude bro, but if motivation and focus are your problem an online message board aint gonna help you.

Get in there and do your work, aint nobody gonna do it for you.

[bharatoza]

Im 15 training as a bodybuilder in my basement alone since January 1st and every damn workout its getting worse there is no good workout any more. Shit just feels boaring but im down there 4 x a week busting my balls cause i want to do this just my mind doesn't. Iv tried everything; taking a week off, changing up the music, got a partner (my dad) but he didnt really have time so he was skipping and wanst doing me any good, upping my carb intake, and now im writing everything down so when i work that muscle out again ill try to beat whatever i did (bench 155 x 3) - (bench 185 x 2). If any one can give me some advice, id appreciate it. thanks, Joe

Try joining a gym..maybe the atmosphere will help.

[Riesjs]

Go to a gym, the new/different equipment will surely increase your exercise selection! That may help the mental factor. Tell the gym you are a student, most gyms have discounts. Read some posts from the living link on the forum. Eat big, train hard. Motivation comes from in you, find some small goals to create and break them down. Good luck.

[rcrott1]

are you really saying you have no motivation???? what the fuck is wrong with some people on here......???? "i have no motivation, blah blah fucking blah."


if you read any of the other threads on this site and you STILL say you have no motivation, then there is no hope for you....You are completely FUCKED.. you want me to get mad?? you are weak...you are small...your lifts are shit. you have shitty form. get your fucking head out of your ass and get back to the fucking weights.

you dont want me to be mean? tough shit, shouldnt have posted that you are lacking motivation.


if you have no motivation, you may want to think of taking up basketweaving or some shit like that...and leave this life to those of us who can fucking cut it.



NOW, go fucking lift.

[Joe D'Amato]

Thanks brothers, today was one of the best workout iv had since January!

[Squat_Heavy]

Shut up and squat

[dominatetheiron]

Im 15 training as a bodybuilder in my basement alone since January 1st and every damn workout its getting worse there is no good workout any more. Shit just feels boaring but im down there 4 x a week busting my balls cause i want to do this just my mind doesn't. Iv tried everything; taking a week off, changing up the music, got a partner (my dad) but he didnt really have time so he was skipping and wanst doing me any good, upping my carb intake, and now im writing everything down so when i work that muscle out again ill try to beat whatever i did (bench 155 x 3) - (bench 185 x 2). If any one can give me some advice, id appreciate it. thanks, Joe

thats rough your own dad bounces from your workouts bro. the only advice i can give you is go short and heavy. dont be down there long but fuck that iron up. Get ANGRY destroy the body the eat a ton of food dont be afraid to get huge. good luck.

[violator]

if you have no motivation, you may want to think of taking up basketweaving or some shit like that...and leave this life to those of us who can fucking cut it.
.

truer words were never spoken, get off ur ass kid & move...motivation comes from WITHIN...

peace

[Lant]

Keep going at it. Just try your best, bust ass and give it all you got. Thats the most you can do.

[feelthepain12]

I believe Machine once said, "If you're not in it 100% then get the fuck out now." Take it to heart bro. Think of where you are now and where you want to be. Think about how much progress you have to make. Now get off your ass and bridge the gap.

[Armyof1]

Thanks brothers, today was one of the best workout iv had since January!

Glad to hear you bounced back bro! Don't come in here with that shit no more though, you won't find any motivation here. You can read all about where to find motivation, but nobody here is gonna give it to you. We always got your back, stay strong.

[ironshaolin]

yeah you're still only 15. When I was 15 I was trying outlots of different things, and if I found I wasn't motivated to do it, I realized maybe I should look for something else. If just saying the word "squat" or "deadlift" dosen't start making you ants for your next workout, maybe lifting isn't for you. Think positive. If lifting really is what you want, then fake it till you make it. Tell yourself you can't wait to workout, you can't wait to move those weights, even if you don't wanna look at them. Sometimes if you jsut keep telling yourself something, it will come true. The more you say, I'm not motivated, I'm not interested the less you will be motivated.

[rcrott1]

read this.


http://www.animalpak.com/html/article_details.cfm?section=livin&ID=167

[Shaffer_515]

There has been a thread about a dozen of these threads around, use the search function, I am guilty of posting one about not doing a competion that I was training for becasue of personal reason but if you read it I did not say I was not motivated to train and eat,.......look at everyone else is it says the same thing YOU HAVE TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF nothing will get you there and make your mind work it for you...You must find it in yourself there isnt a magical thread or supplement out there that is gunna put you there.

The also been a thread that a few people are tired of reading "give me motovation" when it is already clear that you are here what else do you want from this place everything is here, just got to look for it!

I sincerly hope you find your motovation to train and have phenominal work outs and you get back on track but you are going to find that for yourself (sorry if I came off like a dick but it need to be said)

one last thing if that doesnt help read this it is from BigAnt this is motovation

http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=8690

[live2lift]

truer words were never spoken, get off ur ass kid & move...motivation comes from WITHIN...

peace

I have to agree with this post here bro...motivation comes from within. That being said, we all have those days where you lack motivation, but for you this sounds like it has been longer that one workout. I also agree with some others here, maybe joining a gym will help because of the huge selection of equipment. You could also try watching a BB video to help, any will do but the most motivating ones to me are of course the Animal ones. Watching Wrath workout is one of the most motivating things you can do...If watching an Animal video doesn't help you are screwed. Just kidding, another thing to try is to sit down about an hour before your workout and try to focus and play your workout in your mind before actually doing it. Picture how hard you are going to train and the intensity you will have. Then when you actually workout, you will be just replaying what you have already done in your mind. This was something Dorain Yates said that he used to do and he had the mental aspect of this sport down to a science. Remember that your mind is the most powerful tool in building your body. I hope that this helps you brotha, and it sounds like the advice of others here has already helped. Keep training hard, and just know that some days are not as good as others, but if you are busting your ass working out and constantly improving then you are making progress regardless of whether you were into the workout or not. Peace and Train Hard!

[DRIVEN]

you better not let machine see this thread, lol

[Joe D'Amato]

thank you my brothers, the greatest thing about this site is that were all here to help. And im gonna keep on training hard so one day when im under them lights ill be making a serious statement.

[k1usa]

hay Joe...bro...Im going to be nice here...you arre 15...and proud you are trying this lifestyle...its hard...its tough...and sometimes you think you need help to get things going...to fan the fire so to speak...so here it goes....take a look at yourself in the mirror...see what you can see....if you do not like the way you look...then fucken change it...if you want to grow...lift...eat...eat more....rest then repeat...if you want to get big....use the fucken fork.....change what you want with your life...but it comes from you...not so much us.....its your body bro...we have lots if information here on this forum...its all here for the taking...but be careful my friend on this kind of post...most here will tell you....pretty harsh things along these lines...Machine might just let you pass go without a case of the red ass on you bro...just based on your age...so my good side here is....get your yung ass into the gym....bite your fucking toungue....dont talk...just lift...and lift till you hurt...lift till you cave in...,lift till you cant take it anymore...lift till you puke...lift till your heart feels like its going to jump out of your chest...when this happens...you will know whats its like to Body Build and be 53...so at 15...you should be just fine....so now the mission for you is.....lift..pull .,..push like there is no tomorrow..

Russ

[live2lift]

Joe, wassup brotha. I found these in another thread and they should help with your lack of focus and motivation. Watch these and then try to tell me how fortunate you are to have the ability to workout at 100% day in and day out.
Check this out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE and http://youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-...elated&search=
Hope they help, and sorry if they make you cry like a baby. Peace and Train Hard!

[xman]

try a hardcore NO supplement makeshure there is caffeine and other eyeopeners in it too. that should kick you into feeling a crazy pump and keeping you motivated witch will cause you to focus.

[feelthepain12]

Hey guys, I got a question about training for a pump. Yesterday I trained legs and got a really nice pump in my legs after only 5 minutes warmup on a stationary bike, 3 warmup sets on the leg extension, then 3 real sets supersetting lunges with extensions. Now my question is, if I get a sweet pump that early in my workout, do I stop there, or do I keep going to break down even more muscle? Thanks in advance.

[Barker]

The pump is nice, but dont let it be your only indicator in your training. The muscle responds to high intensity whether it be lots of volume or lots of weight, you just need to be working hard and striving to beat yourself every time. Also, where are the squats and or leg presses. You need to hit the compound movements, they have an overall better effect on the target muscle and stabilizing muscles hence they provide more overall stimulation and overload.

[jonsbsn]

I have a bodybuilder friend who can get a pump in his legs by just flexing them for a few minutes... some people it comes easier then others but all it means is blood has flooded your muscle and it is READY to work. This does not always mean the tissue has been broken down.

[feelthepain12]

The pump is nice, but dont let it be your only indicator in your training. The muscle responds to high intensity whether it be lots of volume or lots of weight, you just need to be working hard and striving to beat yourself every time. Also, where are the squats and or leg presses. You need to hit the compound movements, they have an overall better effect on the target muscle and stabilizing muscles hence they provide more overall stimulation and overload.

Those were later in the workout, what I mentioned was just the first 2 exercises.

[homeostatic]

There are several factors that contributes to hypertrophy
1) genetic predisposed factors
this means that there will always be certain type of people who will gain hypertrophy much easier and faster than the rest of us, making them genetically talented

2) the type of exercise that you do
hypertrophy is attained when a stimulant (eg. weight lifting) is constantly targeted at a group of cells, namely, muscle cells. This promotes synthesis of proteins to repair the wear and tear, promoting more satelite cells to specialise (satelite cells are cells that has the potential to 'change' to something that is of desire, via the demand. Simpler terms (Stem cells)) If a person were to do bicep curls day in day out, 24/7, it wil stimulate bicep growth, but do remember that the body needs to rest now and then, to recoup back the lost protein lost during the intensive workouts.


Types of hypertrophy
Two different types of muscular hypertrophy are common; sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, in which sarcoplasmic fluid in the muscle cell increases rather than the contractile protein, and hence no increase in contractile strength, and myofibrillar hypertrophy, in which there is an increase in myofibrils, and hence increase in the potential muscular contractile strength.
Strength training typically produces a combination of the two different types of hypertrophy; contraction against 80-90% of the one repetition maximum for 2-8 repetitions causes myofibrillated hypertrophy to dominate (as in powerlifters, olympic lifters and strength athletes), while several repetitions (generally 12 or more) against a sub-maximal load facilitates mainly sarcoplasmic hypertrophy (professional bodybuilders and endurance athletes). The first measurable effect is an increase in the neural drive stimulating muscle contraction. Within just a few days, an untrained individual can achieve measurable strength gains resulting from "learning" to use the muscle. As the muscle continues to receive increased demands, the synthetic machinery is upregulated. Muscle hypertrophy due to strength training does not occur for everyone, and is not necessarily well correlated with gains in actual muscle strength: it is possible for muscles to grow larger without becoming much stronger.

I believe that if anyone happened to lift weights only recently will feel the sensation of being 'pumped'; however, it takes constant 'irritation' to the set of muscles to see gains. This is why supplement companies are around, to help you speed up that gain, by artificially promoting protein synthesis that you might not be predisposed to, and on top of that, it also helps in recovery. I feel that there is a difference when people say that they feel 'pumped' and people saying that you looked pump. 'Pumped' gains may not be permanent gains (most of us know that), but constantly feeling pumped might have you achieve that desired 'pumped' site.

THE GOLDEN RULE: push yourself in the gym, you will reap what you sow.

[dominatetheiron]

Although the pump is what we all seek because its a way of telling us that what we are doing is working why stop when you get to that point. Arnold said it best in pumping Iron

"What separates a good bodybuilder from the best is that a good bodybuilder stops when he feels pain, i am the best because i reach that point and i keep going."

[Medford]

Try flipping through some bodybuilding magazines a half hour or so before you go workout.

[Torque757]

NEVER, EVER train for the "Pump", it has nothing to do with hypertroohy. Progressing Overload:(increased weight, reps, decreased rest times)+Intesnity+nutrition and rest= growth.

Notice the pump is not in the equation. A pump should be a "side effect", not the goal, of your training.

No offense, just helpin a brotha out: your leg routine sucks. You need squats and some legpress/or hacks in there, although ext and lunges is fine if your aiming to be a 155 lb mens health model.

[pdiesel]

Look, if I were you, I would learn to be patient. You are only 15 years old! You still have a lot of natural growing to do. Once this growth is complete, you will be ableto get stronger much easier. So for now, I would just relax and try your best. Remember, you are still growing!

[Aengus]

We have all been there, man.

I will assume that you have enough motivation, cause if you don't, you are not meant for this sport.

Assuming you already have a set of steel balls, I am going to say it is almost certainly a diet and supplement problem.

If you are down there only four times a week (not too bad!) and are feeling shittier and shittier, it is almost certainly because you are not eating enough healthy food. You need to be pounding down some sick shit. If you train first thing in the morning...DON'T. If you are training last thing at night ...DON'T. You need a few good meals in you before and after your workout. You need to take in at LEAST a quarter of your daily calories before you even think about the weights. But don't stuff yourself. You need to get your meals in in an orderly fashion, every 2, maybe three hours. So at minimum you need to get up 2 hours before you train and get down a cup of oats and 6 eggs. Minimum. You need that shit to in you before you can do any real work.

Don't crowd your workout with food, either. You need to give your body some time to digest what you put in it so you have energy. Then, after you get your eating in order (3500 calories over 7 or 8 meals), you can focus on supplementation.

I don't care if you are fifteen, you need a multi. I suggest animalpak, but hell, anything is better than nothing. As for pre-workout, I see no reason why you can't get PUMP goin' for you. Barring that, have a small cup of coffee half n hour before your workout. Not a red bull or a soda (carbonation makes some queasy), but a good solid 100-150mg of caffeine. That will help light a fire under your ass and get you going.

Then you just have a bunch of smaller things to worry about. You need to create an atmosphere, a ritual around lifting. A series of things that you do to get yourself ready for war. I don't care what that is. For me, it's the walk from work to the gym, music making my ears bleed. It's me getting in to my gym rags, sunglasses on, music blasting, body tingling with hatred and anger. You have to feel the rage, the control, the power. You psyche yourself up for the war you are about to wage.

If your diet is on, and your supps are cool, and you aren't burnt out or a big fuckin' pussy, you should be able to tear the iron apart every time.

bodybuilding is about consistency as much as anything else. You have to make it work every time, and know when it is NOT going to work so you can walk away without injury. Soon, those bad workouts are the minority.

[Joe D'Amato]

Joe, wassup brotha. I found these in another thread and they should help with your lack of focus and motivation. Watch these and then try to tell me how fortunate you are to have the ability to workout at 100% day in and day out.
Check this out: http://youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE and http://youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-...elated&search=
Hope they help, and sorry if they make you cry like a baby. Peace and Train Hard!



great post about CAN. very good inspiration. the other link didnt work for me it says The url contained a malformed video id.
thanks for the support brother

[live2lift]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM&mode=related&search=

I don't know why that link didn't work. Here it is again, this time I copied it from youtube. Hopefully it works this time. I am glad that I can be of assistance. Peace.

[hjayss]

Suck it up. Sorry to be rude bro, but if motivation and focus are your problem an online message board aint gonna help you.

Get in there and do your work, aint nobody gonna do it for you.

Ammmmmmmmmmmmaaaaannn suck it up bro..There are people in the world who would love to be in your place...like people who do not have the ability to w/o no legs no arms no hands etc..load thosepeple on your back and do that shit for them you need motivation there you have it..either youo want it or you dont point blank...I live by that and I have hawk who put it straight forward for another bro a long time ago...and that is plain and simple..

[cviewmike851]

So I've been lifting hard for a year and a half now. The first 6 months were filled with great gains and tremendous pumps. Since then the pumps have gone down to almost nothing. I got on Stak 2 and the pumps shot back up but when my first cycle was over I switched to M Stak and had nothing then got back on Stak 2 and didn't have the pumps I had with the first cycle. I tried Animal Pump but it left me with insomnia and jittery all night long. Anything to help me brothers?

[SDR]

are you getting enough carbs in your diet?
enough water?
some simple sugars (if bulking) before and during helps I think.
Also there are some foods which help with the whole Nitric Oxide thing, i beleive one was red onions - so add this stuff in your diet

[k1usa]

yo buddy...the ANimal products are 2nd to none..but sounds like you are getting stuck in that..."gotta take something for the pump" syndrome....do not relie on sups for all the pump....just try a different routene....switch up the order of what you train on certin days.....go strip sets...decending and assending sets...giant sets..super sets....use cables...mix the fucker up b ro.....the pump is always there.....even when I run out of all my sups...the pump is there...it comes from my fucken sould first and is augmented by the sups...but its you first bro...its your pump from your mind and soul...not the sups....the sups help but do not do all.....


thats my take here bro...and thats from the old animal....my pumps are generated from me..its my call

[Spikes079]

So I've been lifting hard for a year and a half now. The first 6 months were filled with great gains and tremendous pumps. Since then the pumps have gone down to almost nothing. I got on Stak 2 and the pumps shot back up but when my first cycle was over I switched to M Stak and had nothing then got back on Stak 2 and didn't have the pumps I had with the first cycle. I tried Animal Pump but it left me with insomnia and jittery all night long. Anything to help me brothers?

take the red pill which is the stim in pump and give it another try, also try cycling off NO supplements for about 4 weeks and then go back on, your body may just have built up a tolerence
Also what does your training look like, are you useing any volume in your workouts?

[cviewmike851]

My workout goes....

Monday - Bench 5x5
Dumbell incline 3x3
Pec Deck 4x10
Dumbell Flyes supersetted with pushups 4x25
30 20 10 bi's
barbell bi's 5x5
incline bi's 4x12
hammer curls 4x12
forearms 4x15
ab circuit

ill post the rest in a bit....

[Gainer65]

yo buddy...the ANimal products are 2nd to none..but sounds like you are getting stuck in that..."gotta take something for the pump" syndrome....do not relie on sups for all the pump....just try a different routene....switch up the order of what you train on certin days.....go strip sets...decending and assending sets...giant sets..super sets....use cables...mix the fucker up b ro.....the pump is always there.....even when I run out of all my sups...the pump is there...it comes from my fucken sould first and is augmented by the sups...but its you first bro...its your pump from your mind and soul...not the sups....the sups help but do not do all.....


thats my take here bro...and thats from the old animal....my pumps are generated from me..its my call

What he said^^

[Riesjs]

I second that. Change is good.

[Wrestling Freak]

20+ rep sets will do the trick...

[MFALCH]

I agree with wrestling freak. Do some 20+ rep exercises at the end of your normal workout. I do pushups for both chest and arms, and I do two sets of Javorek complexes at the end of shoulders. Never fails to get me pumped.

[Giant Killer]

I would recommend supersetting a compound movement with an isolation movement for a total of 15-20 reps. For example Squat ss. Leg Extension, Benchpress ss. Cable Crossovers, Barbell Curls ss. Preacher Machine.

Also laying off any NO products for at least a month.

Try that for a little while to shock the system and then move on to a different intensity technique.

[LegendKillerJosh]

Are you eating too close to training? If you eat a big meal within 2 hours of training, your bodies blood will all be in your digestive system to break down the food, which is why you need to train with a relatively empty stomach.

[barischeg]

i agree with most of the replies but also wanted to add, 1 hour prior to ur workout have a small protein shake.. make sure it is whey protein isolate, this should definetely help...

[cviewmike851]

Im going to give a month off the NO supplements and stop eating close to lifting. thanks brothers

[Liftbig21]

Im going to give a month off the NO supplements and stop eating close to lifting. thanks brothers

Alright...over the summer i cycled off of all supplements for 2 months just to get it out of my system..the only thing i took was protein powder..point being pump is mostly about your diet and how hydrated you are..Example:when i took time off the supplements i ate ground beef and white potatoes 40 mins before workout..and i got the meaniest nastiest pump of my life.Without any N.O...Now the training aspect of it is,do you have the mind muscle connection? are you contracting strongly and squeezing every rep along with a controlled negative?..to blast your body do reps 12-15 and supersets,dropsets...and tell me you dont get a pump....hope this helped.

[MetalAsh12]

Take 2 paks of animal pump...works for me

[Liftbig21]

Take 2 paks of animal pump...works for me

one is all you need...i would stick to the directions bro.

[MetalAsh12]

one is all you need...i would stick to the directions bro.

I think I'm fine, but thanks. BigAnt recommended this to anyone who wasn't feeling a decent pump from AP; I didn't just pull it outta my ass.

[RED DOG]

join a gym, but not the pussy shiny type, no machines in the gym you go to and for gods sake no aerobics music. i mean go to a shit hole run down sweaty gym with beasts and iron being beasts of a burden, that shit will open your eyes and get you pumped, and if that dont, then theyll take you under there wing and smack you in the head when your lackin that littole somethin haha ;) and nothin better then a good smack to wake ya up and get that last couple of sets out of ya

get out tyhere and do it brother

lekka

[RED DOG]

hey brothers, im assuming if your like me and you have a semblance of normality, then you to have experienced a period where no matter what you did, and no matter how hard you workiout and no matter how well you eat, you just cant get a pump goin. this shit sucks eh, like having your girl in bed but not being able to get it up, the most shit feeling in the world, for us, no pump is like when you start to yawn but just at that last second when its supposed to climax and fill your lungs with air it cuts off and leaves you with a hollow empty gap in your lungs tat no matter how hard you try you cant fill. thats how i see it anyway, so if anyof you have had this problem in the past let a brother know how you got your pump back so he can feel that surge of power that is oh so addicting to us.

lekka

[simpleguy]

hey bro, I guess you have to change some new things in your routine... by the way, I've been on very low carbs for two days now, and I can tell you, I barely moved a dumbbel today... ok maybe not like that but I have had better days, so, make sure you get some good carbs before your workouts... also try something new everytime you hit a plateau, shake things up a bit to keep your body from adapting to the same routine...

[darkside64]

Listening to the people bashin you isnt going to help you either, cuz they have never been in that rut. I HAVE. Here is the answer ready? Perserverance. Sometimes this shit is more work than it is fun. You gotta stick it out. Maybe you dont have a set image of what you wanna look like. Your already wasting your time. Get in there and just do it. Put up pics of what you wanna look like. Measure your progress in every way possible. Once you see little results it will motivate you more and more.

[RED DOG]

thanks brother, will keep that in mind next time, just gotta keep bustin my balls and eatin right, itll come back eh....just sucks not havin it when you want it eh?

[simpleguy]

yeah bro, nothing but the truth... btw, in order to get a good pump, make sure you drink plenty of water before and during your w/o...

[big H]

hey man allong with changing things up you may hat eto hear it.. but randomly when i hit a plataue or i hit the time your in, ill take a day off. i missed arms last week for a football practise and went back yesterday and after the first two lifts i had a huge pump.. gotta keep the nutrion and im not saying stop working out to get back into it lol. but like really shake things up you know. and yea thats a good call, without water you cant get blood movin through your veins... hope it helps man id like to hear about it when you get back into your groove

[k1usa]

understand the feeling...we all tend to loos that pump at times...its diet...trainign schedule and order..its rest and believe me...state of mind will get you the pump or leave you limp as shit.......keep the WO changed up...eat and rest well....look at the sups...do you take Pump pre WO...or Pak....look into Shock pre wo and Storm post. One thing I do pre wo is this....Pump....with Shock and Storm stacked....pre WO and during WO and hit some protiene with a good load of Glutamine post WO with a huge meal....its all we can do bro.....let me know how things are going bro..never fucken give up...

[RED DOG]

hahaha GOT MY PUMP BACK SOMETHIN AWEFUL TODAY BROTHERS...THANKS FOR THE TIPS...LOTSA WATER AND LOTSA CARBS PRE WORKOUT...IM SWEET TO GO...DID HSOULDERS AND THEY LIKE BAM OUT THERE...HAHA LIKE LOSIN YOUR VIRGINITY ALL OVER AGAIN...AMAZING...LATER BROTHERS...

SEAN

[the-craig]

iv read this a bit on here and saw it in an interview with jay cutler when he was talking about his last off season. People say you should get a pump then go home, i prefer to stick around and hammer the muscle, is there anybody here who gets a pump and goes home any benefits from it? and i know each to their own but what kind of angle do people usualy use for incline bench press its tough geting the right angle too low its a flat press too high and its a shoulder press
thanks everyone

[bigrhino]

There is a clear difference between what he said and "hammering." I personally put all I have into my 10-12 sets/workout than pound it out for 2 hours with countless sets. Besides, for smaller muscles, you can't be there for 2 hours doing everyhing. If you do arms with that many sets. Are you going to be ready when it is time for chest, back, or shoulders?

I go with 45 degrees and try to feel my chest work

[Lionstrong]

I see a lot of people goto the gym an guage progress by the pump? I can drop and do a few pushups and get a good pump but have done nothing for growth. I don't even consider the pump a sign of progress/effectiveness at all. In another post I compare it to the emissions of a running vehicle from a tail pipe. It's certainly a by product of every vehicle I'm aware of but that doesn't correlate at all to the mechanics of a smooth running engine and what it takes to have one. I am not talking about the product Animal Pump....so no need to go into a downward spiral tail spin all you NO lovers.

[Lionstrong]

oh...for debates sake anyone agree/disagree?

[Terranova1340]

I think when people talk about getting a pump its assumed your working your ass off at the same time. Like say you did 120pushups in a row and last time you did them you only got 118. You got a little stronger then next time you do them you try to get 121, I think that goes hand in hand. But sometimes you will just kill a muscle and not get a good pump going, I find if I don't change up chest work outs after a while the pump is very minimal so i think your looking at it from only one angle and assuming people are looking at it from a very blunt point of veiw as well..... just my thought

[Brick By Brick]

The pump is a nice extra, but I'm usually going for max lbs with what I do.

[Lionstrong]

you would think it would just be that, but I was reading deep into some threads on here and a few times I read about guys going to the gym for a pump, as if that equates to something? Like I guess there philosophy being a big pump=more accomplished. When I'm very lean I get pumps quick. I can walk out to my car and get somewhat of a pump in my legs doing so.

[Terranova1340]

The pump is a nice extra, but I'm usually going for max lbs with what I do.

I can agree with that lol

[Terranova1340]

you would think it would just be that, but I was reading deep into some threads on here and a few times I read about guys going to the gym for a pump, as if that equates to something? Like I guess there philosophy being a big pump=more accomplished. When I'm very lean I get pumps quick. I can walk out to my car and get somewhat of a pump in my legs doing so.

haha yeah I suppose I have seen that I think people mean more then that though.... just perhaps to lazy to type it out... or maybe saying I got a pump sounds more bad ass?? :/

[Lionstrong]

could be. I was curious so I got this thread going. All I'm saying is I've never once used a pump as a sign that I've worked a muscle enough or efficiently etc. I admit I'm pretty old school philosophically speaking so maybe young guys really look for pump above all things? How does everyone guage when they are done for the day here? strength loss? counting sets? time on the clock? pump fade?

[Terranova1340]

I hear ya bro...for me it depends on the body part I like to go till I am cooked or until I can't go any higher with the weight I like to start light and build up.... once I get to where I can't do any more then say 5 reps with back I am done.... if that makes sense

[excessive endorphins]

Arnold "The greatest feeling you can get in a gym or the most satisfying feeling you can get in the gym is the pump. Let's say you train your biceps, blood is rushing in to your muscles and that's what we call the pump. Your muscles get a really tight feeling like your skin is going to explode any minute and its really tight and its like someone is blowing air into your muscle and it just blows up and it feels different, it feels fantastic. It's as satifying to me as cumming is, you know, as in having sex with a woman and cumming. So can you believe how much I am in heaven? I am like getting the feeling of cumming in the gym, I'm getting the feeling of cumming at home, I'm getting the feeling of cumming backstage, when I pump up, when I pose out in front of 5000 people I get the same feeling, so I am cumming day and night. Its terrific, right? So I am in heaven."


I had one of the best pumps of my life yesterday,When you have such an amazing pump,strength is up,everythings just better.Ya dig?

[Lionstrong]

ya...through trial and error I learned I respond to relatively low volume. Nothing Dorian Yates low which is crazy but low nonetheless. I guage is partially by counting sets (example in the range of 6-8 for biceps and I'm done soon) and more so by strength loss. When I pyramid I go 8-6-4. If I can't hit 4 again after a decent rest I know I'm close. It's worked for me so far. Every few months I throw in a huge volume day just to pummel things. Basically I'm done when strength significantly drops no matter the rest between sets.

[excessive endorphins]

Somedays i do 5 sets im fine,ive done 40 set back workouts And was fine.Everyones different

[Lionstrong]

ya everyone is different. Thats a point on here thats worth reminding people. Sometimes I think guys read a jay cutler (or fill in the blank pro) interview and then repeat what he says about dieting, then basically take it as gospel. Never mind ever having trying it first hand to SEE if it works. I find low works for me, but it's hrd to argue with high volume guys like Arnold and Lee Priest. What most guys don't realize about high volume trainers is they don't train year round, like Arnold. he trained a fraction of the year which enabled him to train the way he did without "overtraining".

[Torque757]

The pump should be a side effect, not a goal.

However, it may be beneficial to "finish off" a muscle by adding a couple of high rep iso sets at the end of a workout, to force blood in and stretch the fascia, which is beneficial to growth.

[Dozer]

The pump should be a side effect, not a goal.

However, it may be beneficial to "finish off" a muscle by adding a couple of high rep iso sets at the end of a workout, to force blood in and stretch the fascia, which is beneficial to growth.

It's all about stretching the fascia, man. Think of it this way--if you never stretch a muscle, fill it up, will it grow that big? The more you stretch it out, the more "room" you're making for growth. Pump = stretching the fascia.

[Lionstrong]

ok but a muscle engorged with blood isnt actually stretching fiber....I mean this as a literal statement outside of conjecture. Its a myth perpetuated by people, and after a while so many people repeat it they think its the truth. Drinking a ton of water before working out would have the same effect by adding to the volume in the blood supply (vein) walls. NO products may actually be detrimental due to venodilation......the smoothing and relaxing of the vessel walls which in turn drops blood pressure. This is due to there is still the same amount of volume (blood) but the vessel that carries it is now bigger. Picture a water filled straw, now take that same amount of water and put it into a firehouse.

[Lionstrong]

oops fire "hose" not house.

[pmug0000]

I fucking LOVE getting a good pump. I think it is a sign that your muscles are really working hard, blood and nutrients are being forced into the muscle, and you are activating growth when you feel the pump.
Lionstrong - you say you get a good pump after a couple pushups? Either you are exaggerating or you don't really know a good pump. I know that I never get a good pump unless I am really training hard, therefore I think that the feeling should be strived for while training.

[Lionstrong]

I can do 25 pushups right now and get a pump going. This has zero to do with growth. I'm afraid there are a lot of people with fish hooks in their mouths and a few smiling marketers feeling the weight of their wallets. It's like a runner and the endorphin thing. Ya, it's an awesome by product of the work....but thats about it. It's not like if one day you run 10 (saying someone is a runner here for debate) miles and have 3 cups of endorphins after and then the next day you run 10 miles and then only have 2 cups of endorhins that is was lest productive thn the run before which produced 3. You still ran 10 miles bottom line. The pump is little more than an awesome feeling and looking by-product. Those nutrients aren't just hiding in the intestinal wall when there isn't a pump going, they are still circulating. The argument of the pump holding nutrients in the muscle doesn't work either since one receptor only grabs 1 nutrient (to make the analogy easier) it doesn't matter how many more are floating around it.

[pmug0000]

I'm not really sure what your point is with this thread. Are you saying that the feeling of a pump is worthless? Are you just trying to start arguments with people who think that the pump shows that you are working hard? And what does this have to do with marketers - you can get a pump by training hard without buying anything.

It seems like this thread was just started for argumentative purposes and other than that is pretty worthless. Is there something useful here that I am missing?

[Lionstrong]

The pump is awesome. I'm talking about NO products in relation to the pump, I guess in my efficiency I assumed that would be qued upon and well understood without stating it. The pump has nothing to do with a well worked muscle, since, like I said if you drop down and do push ups you can get a pump, the more you do the more you get a pump. When I run for cardio my whole body gets a mild pump, admittedly mild but a pump.

[JJRiel]

"Maximum vasciodialation/higher blood volume - anything you can do to continuously push the limits in expanding that fascia, the easier it is going to be to achieve additional hypertrophy. Each muscle is sheathed in a fascia and if you have ever seen a deer slaughtered then you know exactly how tough that is and how resiliantly it holds the muscle. The muscle is limited in its ability to hypertrophy by that fascia's ability to expand and accomodate. This is why bodybuilding is largely about the pump."

Quote from Tiny

[Lionstrong]

ok but the pump doesnt increase volume. Increasing volume would be more blood, literally. Like adding an IV of fluids into a vein is increasing volume, or preload if you will. The pump isn't stretching the fascia.....is my point. Every held or pulled on real muscle? Its damn tough stuff. Compare it to the stuff the make trampolines out of, the stuff you actually jump on. If you want to stretch the fascia, then stretch it....by stretching it! Strength comes in two ways, an increase in the number of fibers or an increase of the SIZE of the fibers (or both). Show me the science that holding extra CC's of blood is stretching that trampoline material.

[pmug0000]

ok but the pump doesnt increase volume. Increasing volume would be more blood, literally. Like adding an IV of fluids into a vein is increasing volume, or preload if you will. The pump isn't stretching the fascia.....is my point. Every held or pulled on real muscle? Its damn tough stuff. Compare it to the stuff the make trampolines out of, the stuff you actually jump on. If you want to stretch the fascia, then stretch it....by stretching it! Strength comes in two ways, an increase in the number of fibers or an increase of the SIZE of the fibers (or both). Show me the science that holding extra CC's of blood is stretching that trampoline material.

What the hell are you talking about dude? Bodybuilders don't get huge by stretching! Stretching the fascia is all about the pump bro, not literally stretching out.

[Lionstrong]

It is just as ridiculous to think a few extra CC's of blood (how much blood do you all actually think is in there "stretching" the muscle for god sakes) is going to help the muscle grow as actually doing stretches. Neither one does anything since they are the same thing being done by different means.

[Lionstrong]

your not stretching the fascia, research on muscle and fascia would make you march back to your store to demand a refund on NO products. So muscle fiber can handle repeatedly being stressed by hundreds of pounds of weights over an hour or so but some extra blood in it will also stretch it?

[pmug0000]

It is just as ridiculous to think a few extra CC's of blood (how much blood do you all actually think is in there "stretching" the muscle for god sakes) is going to help the muscle grow as actually doing stretches. Neither one does anything since they are the same thing being done by different means.

your not stretching the fascia, research on muscle and fascia would make you march back to your store to demand a refund on NO products. So muscle fiber can handle repeatedly being stressed by hundreds of pounds of weights over an hour or so but some extra blood in it will also stretch it?

I know a few chicks who do a lot of yoga and stretch all the time. Their muscles are not very big. I also know some huge motherfuckers who try to maximize NO output during lifting and love the pump. I'm not trying to look like a yoga chick, I'm trying to look like a big motherfucker. Enough said.
Ask any of the pros what they think is better for muscle growth: stretching, or lifting and maximizing NO, then go ahead and post their reply in this thread.

[Lionstrong]

I know a few chicks who do a lot of yoga and stretch all the time. Their muscles are not very big. I also know some huge motherfuckers who try to maximize NO output during lifting and love the pump. I'm not trying to look like a yoga chick, I'm trying to look like a big motherfucker. Enough said.
Ask any of the pros what they think is better for muscle growth: stretching, or lifting and maximizing NO, then go ahead and post their reply in this thread.

I think you missed the point. I agree, Stretching in any way shape or form is useless...are you not reading the posts? I mean I've literally said that, literally. And I am big, so I know a thing about getting big. And thats a big meaning lean. Not big like also has shit hanging over his belt loop. And loving the pump doesn't mean it equates to strength, which is my point. Im starting to think, err, shall I say we think on two very different levels. Not because you don't agree but your saying the same thing I am partially. I love the pump, I also love all hot blond women with big boobs, but that isn't making me grow any more than a pump is.

[pmug0000]

I think you missed the point. I agree, Stretching in any way shape or form is useless...are you not reading the posts? I mean I've literally said that, literally. And I am big, so I know a thing about getting big. And thats a big meaning lean. Not big like also has shit hanging over his belt loop. And loving the pump doesn't mean it equates to strength, which is my point. Im starting to think, err, shall I say we think on two very different levels. Not because you don't agree but your saying the same thing I am partially. I love the pump, I also love all hot blond women with big boobs, but that isn't making me grow any more than a pump is.

Ok I think i'm following what you're saying: you like blonds with big boobs? Just kidding but I really disagree with you about the pump signifying muscle growth or at least an anabolic response.
I feel at least as much, no - I definitely feel a greater pump after going super-heavy for as many reps as I can. Let's say I do my previous 5 rep max on bench press for an extra rep or two - I feel a HUGE pump. Let's say I do 30 pushups - I feel maybe a little burn, maybe a little pump, but nothing spectacular.
I think that this does show that the 'pump' does have something to do with muscle growth. My 'heavy' example above is definitely going to trigger more muscle growth than a few pushups. And I think that the same can be said for other lifts - feeling a pump means that the muscle is straining, and when this straining of the muscle is caused by heavy weights the result is anabolism.

[Mindaugas]

You get a pump from walking to the gym ? heh

I guess im one of the guy who love NO boosters. I just love the feeling, when the muscles feel like they're going to tear out the skin, and the veins are gonna pop. It's quite a feeling, one of the many reasons i keep going back to the gym week after week, and hopefully year after year.

And sure getting a pump is good, more bloodflow to the muscles meaning more nutrients get to them.

[Lionstrong]

pmug, your a good dude. I like a guy who can debate. People are funny in their aversion to one, I tend to think its completely healthy to debate. All great societies were built on the ability to debate (thus democracy)....one being ancient rome WHICH THIS FORUM IS SUPPOSED TO REPLICATE. It's also funny how when the debater says something they agree to, its "debating". But as soon as the debater says something they dont, its "arguing". Chicken shit. I myself am going to end this for the time being by saying I love the pump and keep a watchful eye for it every workout, because I look BIG. But on days where it's just not there, no biggie it doesn't change anything the workout did for me. Take care amigo.

[pmug0000]

I myself am going to end this for the time being by saying I love the pump and keep a watchful eye for it every workout, because I look BIG. But on days where it's just not there, no biggie it doesn't change anything the workout did for me. Take care amigo.

I think that's essentially the point right there - we all love the pump because it makes us look bigger. I think we can all admit that we like to look and feel big.

And of course, on some days you just might not get the same pump that you did before. Does this mean the session was worthless? I don't think so. I sure as hell hope not, because I myself, and I think most lifters have had those days where they just did not get the same muscle response - typically that just makes me strive for it harder and harder until I get that feeling.

You think getting the pump while lifting doesn't make you bigger once the pump is gone, and I think with proper nutrition it does - that's the only point we differ on. And no, I don't have any scientific studies to prove my theory, it is just something I like to think, and will continue to do so. Even if you are right, and getting a pump while lifting does not result in muscle growth, fuck it - I still love that feeling.

[Seifer]

http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=10555&highlight=EFS


EFS is a part of DC training. The idea is to get the muscle full of blood...then stretch the hell out of it. Not the sissy 'stretching for a sprint around a track' stretches....but stretches to where you are trembling and drenched with sweat and want to die.

[pmug0000]

http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=10555&highlight=EFS


EFS is a part of DC training. The idea is to get the muscle full of blood...then stretch the hell out of it. Not the sissy 'stretching for a sprint around a track' stretches....but stretches to where you are trembling and drenched with sweat and want to die.

I wasn't aware of this aspect of DC training. I've done a little reading on it, but kind of got disinterested after seeing the type of split that was recommended (I think it was lifting 3 days a week with some atypical body-parts paired on the same day) but I always hear about people getting great results with it and it is always highly recommended.
I'm still pretty interested in trying it out, but splitting up body parts on different days just seems to work so well for me I don't want to switch it up.
This concept of EFS does sound like a tempting addition to any routine, can you explain it a little more? And do you think it could be incorporated into a 5 day split?

[Toni69]

So, you dont think the pump you get from training has anything to do with growth? That taut feeling in your muscles when they're engorged with blood and fluids, where you can see nearly every vein and you think that your muscles may explode and break through the skin at any moment?

I can do 15lb db curls and get pumped cause I rep it out hard and controlled...I can do deads with 225 and my back is pumped cause I used near max effort within the targeted muscles to pull that weight. That pump we get from lifting is what primes your muscles for growth. Of course big weights mean size and strength gains and you dont always get pumps from doing stuff like heavy ass squats...doesnt mean blood isnt working its way into those quads...and although you may not feel that swole pump..they are getting pumped. For strength athletes, maybe they dont chase the pump like us BB'rs do...doesnt mean they dont ever get pumped either.

Keep in mind...with the right nutrients and timing of supplements--including carbs for driving fluids into your muscles with a high intake of water to make sure that you have those fluids available in the first place--your giving your body the ability to enhance and improve the workout. You ask any BB'r..that pump is a very fulfilling feeling when your said and done with your wo and you look in the mirror back at yourself and you can see the work you put in and how it makes you feel. Pumps are beneficial to muscle growth and they provide a mentally gratifying satisfaction which will increase your confidence and benefit your workouts.

[RoJoHen]

To me the pump represents the potential for growth. If I look in the mirror immediately after a workout and my muscles are full and pumped, it's awesome. I know that they will shrink down once the blood stops flowing and I'm more relaxed, but at least I know that I CAN BE bigger.

Do I strive for a pump? To look huge? Of course. That's what bodybuilding is about. But it's also important to realize what you're really looking at.

[XTRM]

Yo Brothers,

Just 1 question, at the moment im hitting real heavy weights to bulk up doing low reps however im not feeling the burning sensation and pump that you get from doing a medium weight with a rep of 10 or 12 for example. Is this okey or am i doing something wrong here ?

As for the exact excerise im doing its realy everything like arms, chest etc......

[pmug0000]

Yo Brothers,

Just 1 question, at the moment im hitting real heavy weights to bulk up doing low reps however im not feeling the burning sensation and pump that you get from doing a medium weight with a rep of 10 or 12 for example. Is this okey or am i doing something wrong here ?

As for the exact excerise im doing its realy everything like arms, chest etc......

I think its normal. Personally, I get great pumps even when I go really heavy/ low reps, but I hear other people who say they need more reps to feel any kind of a pump.

[XTRM]

Yea.....the heavier i go i still no difference i don't feel anything, its only the average weights that give me that pump, its kinda annoying me coz i dont feel like im growing and hitting the exact muscle

[gjn5002]

heavy weight with low reps wont give you as great of a pump just by the nature of low volume. As long as youre working the muscle hard dont worry about it, but if you really need that feeling try 1:Focus on contractions at the peak of the excercise for example at the top of a db press squeeze the pecs hard and hold for a sec 2: Do your heavy sets then last set of the day do a high volume excercise to get the pump and exaust the muscle cables for examples on chest day.

[XTRM]

Yea thanks bro, il try that tonight concentrating when im lifting.

[The man in the arena]

I don't get as good of a pump when I am lifting heavy either. I make up for it by doing negatives or a pyramind. My muscles are as tight as can be and right before I leave the gym I will doing something to blast the pump.
i.e. Chest- I do my workout but when I am done I do a pyramind with 5(10) on each side, I do 10 reps take a ten off each side... and so on. I built my muscle on my heavy sets, I am giving my last bit at this and I get a good pump to leave on.

[XTRM]

Great, so its seems im not the only one out there with that feeling. Im gona try all those tips and hopefully get some results

[EdMunsta]

Ok Brothers I Have Been Doing The Workout From The Training Section Of The Website Its Training Program 1 The Three Day Split. I Have Been Doing It For Two Weeks Now But When I Do It I Dont Feel Pumped And My Muscle Arent Tired Is This Supposed To Happen?

[Thetasteofink69]

You don't always necessarily have to be tired in order to get a great workout in.. If you're using proper form and lifting to your full potential you should be fine.. But If you're not feeling any fatigue at all, something doesn't seem right..

But, if something isn't working for you, try something else.. The whole thing behind training routines is they're actually more of guidelines/tips.. What could work for one person could do nothing for someone else.. Do what you feel is right and come up with something that you feel good about

[Chin]

Ok Brothers I Have Been Doing The Workout From The Training Section Of The Website Its Training Program 1 The Three Day Split. I Have Been Doing It For Two Weeks Now But When I Do It I Dont Feel Pumped And My Muscle Arent Tired Is This Supposed To Happen?

Everyone responds differently to exercises and routines... it could be because of many variables: Form, diet, intensity... etc etc... and on top of that some of my best workouts come from when I don't get a pump... it is not necessary to feel a pump to ensure that you are growing...

Chin

[BrotherInArms]

Don't feel like you have to stick with a program only because it's posted on this site or it's worked for others. Lifting is all about finding the program that is tailored to your needs, whether it's high volume, little rest, whatever.. Trial and error, my friend. There is no secret formula, just hard work.

[mk53220]

Why is it when i lift I look damn swole and looks like my bf% is way lower but when I wake up the next day it looks like I havent lifted in years?? WHATS THE DEAL??

[krazyassmexican]

it's called the PUMP
which you get when blood rushes into your muscles
next day they are relaxed and recovering
and that is why you dont look that huge!

[Enforcer]

Why is it when i lift I look damn swole and looks like my bf% is way lower but when I wake up the next day it looks like I havent lifted in years?? WHATS THE DEAL??

Its called the Pump. "It feels like coming- I get the feeling of coming when I am in the gym, I am amcomign when I at home" ahahahahahahaha. Its caused the blood in your body filling up that muscle that you are training.

[mk53220]

Im assuming to get that full look it just takes time and hard work huh??

[BrotherInArms]

For me, the problem lies with the mind. Once I get my mind used to the fact that I will not be taking the day off and instead, I need to buckle down and get serious, the pump follows.

[MassMan]

I get sick, nasty pumps by eating a carb meal 1 hour pre w/o, then taking Shock w/ 3 scoops of Torrent 15min Pre w/o.... Follow that with my workout drink during workout, (1/2 gal water, 1/2 gal gatorade, 1 scoop storm, 4 scoops EAA Stack, 1 scoop glutamine), and another serving of Torrent PWO..... I wake up with a nasty pump and it HURTS!!!!


I think Tiny uses several servings of Torrent, pre, intra, and PWO..... I also thinks he knows what the fuck he's talking about because he's 300+lbs....

[pmug0000]

I get sick, nasty pumps by eating a carb meal 1 hour pre w/o, then taking Shock w/ 3 scoops of Torrent 15min Pre w/o.... Follow that with my workout drink during workout, (1/2 gal water, 1/2 gal gatorade, 1 scoop storm, 4 scoops EAA Stack, 1 scoop glutamine), and another serving of Torrent PWO..... I wake up with a nasty pump and it HURTS!!!!


I think Tiny uses several servings of Torrent, pre, intra, and PWO..... I also thinks he knows what the fuck he's talking about because he's 300+lbs....

Yeah that looks very similar to the method endorsed by Tiny. I did something like that for a while and like you said the pumps are fucking sick, but unfortunately I had to stop because I just couldn't afford all that Torrent.

By the way though, I know Tiny is fucking MONSTER but I don't think he is 300+ lbs.

[MassMan]

Yeah that looks very similar to the method endorsed by Tiny. I did something like that for a while and like you said the pumps are fucking sick, but unfortunately I had to stop because I just couldn't afford all that Torrent.

By the way though, I know Tiny is fucking MONSTER but I don't think he is 300+ lbs.

He says he reaches 330+ in the off season, but probably around 270~280 contest.... I read an old article about cardio and he says he was 325 in that article..... I only do this for leb and back day.... sometimes for arms for shits and giggles.... have fun loading up carbs pre,intra, post and prepare to experience the perpetual pump!!!

[torinalth]

Ok, you lift weight to break down muscle so it can rebuild better. the pump is needed to stretch the skins covering the muscle and allow for the larger size. This I understand. My theory is that due to the size, and engorging of the muscle with blood, it increases nutrient flow to the muscles, oxygen, sugars, etc. Am I correct on this?

now, my 2 questions that i am concerned with.

1 - Getting the pump is great and what you want. How long should I try and maintain the pump? The reason I ask was due to todays exercises. I did legs: curls, extensions, seated press, squats. My curls got my first pump after the 4th set., extensions got my quads pumped after the third. going into the press I was loving it. after the second set of presses I lost my pump from the curls, then lost my quads pump after the second set of squats. Should I go back to the curl and extension machine and rip out a 25 set to grab my pump back before hitting the locker room?

2 - would I be correct in assuming that due to the pump effect I'd be smart in taking torrent durring the training session to force feed my muscles all the universal goods while the muscles are taking everything they can? I know someone on here (pro, or rep) uses a ST and torrent mix, or something close, but i thought i read it was due to added pump.

Am I making any sense?

T

[never_2_big]

yeah man youre making good sense...

the idea is to get the pump as early in the workout as you can... when you do your curls and squats your getting the blood into your legs and your pulse racing through the roof... when you hit the presses you might need to aim at a higher rep range with some intensity techniques like drop sets, rest pauses or even negatives to keep your pump... but as long as you are working the muscle properly with the right form the blood will flow and deliver nutrients to your muscles... You can hit the extesion for a high rep set, but if you use a good intensity technique on your presses there may be no need.

torrent during your workout is an option and a very good one at that, however personally torrent is a bit 'heavy' for me it kinda just sits in my stomach... i like to use the BigAnt drink... its full of creatine, simple sugars and other stuff that will help you out. Run a search if youre interested. Then torrent straight after youre done lifting...

hope this helped

[torinalth]

I'll hvae to figure something out to keep the pump on my squats and presses (i always lose it on squats, still trying to nail my form down and get an appropriate weight). I i want to get the pump fast, thats already done. as far as keeping it. should I go back to get the pump back or just finish up and get to the torrent if i lose it?

T

[never_2_big]

umm, it depends if youre losing it really half way through your workout you have to get it back, but if you get to your last set and and find its going, finish off then hit the lockers chances are your muscles have all they can get from whats in your system...

[npeezy]

i had this problem with legs for a while...i couldnt seem to get a sick workout...i started doing drop sets and very high reps and since then my pump has been insane.

this is my leg routine..

leg extensions - 4x15-20 with dropset
hack squats - 3x15x20
leg press - 3x15 with dropset
leg curls - 4x15-20 with dropset
seated leg curls (one at a time) 2x15-20
stiff legged deads - 3x15

the high reps with drop sets at the end of some of the exercises causes an insane pump...i look forward to leg day...i used to have the same problem where i couldnt get a pump or maintain a pump in my legs, so i tried this routine out and it worked. i eventually added the dropsets to keep my legs guessing and now the pump is amazing...id say try out something like this and youll love it.

[Enforcer]

"It feels like comming"- hahahhahahah

[torinalth]

"It feels like comming"- hahahhahahah

Arnold If I am not mistaken...

I'll give the drop sets a shot. I am currently running 8-12 reps per set. when doing the dropset, how much would be recomended to pull? Should I be at failure on #25?

Also, my animal pump just came in the mail, so here is hoping it helps to prolong my pump in my leg... arms never have the issue which is why this is so maddening.

T

[ironshaolin]

If you're training for a pump, you're best using SHORT rest periods, no more than 60 secs betweens sets. Go at least 8 reps, or more, with a nice steady tempo. Make sure you have plenty of carbs stored up in you. Also keep in mind however, the pump is not the only way to make yourself grow, especially if you're a beginner-intermediate. If you can't bench 225 yet, it may be a better idea training for strength instead of pumps. REAL growth happens only 1 way-progress. I used to focus on pump training, and I tell ya, I spent about a year getting SICK pumps every workout, taking pump supps like shock therapy, I'd always leave the gym after doing supersets, drop sets, every intensity technique under the sun. I'd always wake up sore as hell the next day, yet I wasn't growing. After thinking about it, I realized, in that year my weights I was using hadn't gone up more than 15lbs. So I forgot about that and focused on getting stronger, trying to add weight every workout, and I've put on more size in 6 months training for strength than I did in ayear of training for pumps.

[Universal Rep]

Check out: http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=232&highlight=Pump

[InkdMuscle]

Check out: http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=232&highlight=Pump


great thread. glad u threw in the link U-Rep.

[rev8ball]

Also try this thread for a little better understanding of what the pump may actually be:

http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=14062&page=2

Post #22

[Tiny]

I'm questioning if I am just genetically gifted or if my diet promotes it (I over-load in carbs due to my low BF), but I usually gain over an inch on my arms everyday I lift and closer to 2 inches when im actually lifting bi's/tri's. My chest pump is insane as well.... The pump usually lasts 30-45 minutes after my workout is completed. Should I still supplement with an NO booster or would that not be very productive?

It's all thanks to your dietary intake. I too get insane pumps which add several inches to my dimensions - always, never fails - BUT I understand how what I am eating affects this and I have the shit down to a formula. Kids, if you ain't getting pumped, you ain't storing the glycogen effectively, and it is as simple as that. Nothing magic or esoteric about it - it is all about glycogen loading, reserves, etc. AND to answer your question, anything you can do to enhance the mad pumps you are already getting will serve to additionally stretch that fasia and that there's the name of the game. Fasia too restrictive = slow gains in muscle size; fasia nice and accomodating = abundant room for hypertrophy. It ain't rocket science.

[krazyassmexican]

It's all thanks to your dietary intake. I too get insane pumps which add several inches to my dimensions - always, never fails - BUT I understand how what I am eating affects this and I have the shit down to a formula. Kids, if you ain't getting pumped, you ain't storing the glycogen effectively, and it is as simple as that. Nothing magic or esoteric about it - it is all about glycogen loading, reserves, etc. AND to answer your question, anything you can do to enhance the mad pumps you are already getting will serve to additionally stretch that fasia and that there's the name of the game. Fasia too restrictive = slow gains in muscle size; fasia nice and accomodating = abundant room for hypertrophy. It ain't rocket science.

you need to enlight me on this
my biceps never get pumped

(my chest rarely does)

[Lunatic001]

you need to enlight me on this
my biceps never get pumped

(my chest rarely does)

I am not trying to steal this thread or answer for Tiny, but have you tried his arm or chest routine posted on his thread?/ I tried his arm session and I had best pump I ever had!..

My 2 cents,
Lunatic001

[maxrep]

Not bein in tha game and no mental focus has somthin to do with not gettin a "pump".

I also think it has to do with overtraining.

[Tiny]

you need to enlight me on this
my biceps never get pumped

(my chest rarely does)

Well, YOU need to get down here and visit so WE can slam some iron around.

[excessive endorphins]

Ive never gotten a good pump in chest,ive thrown up some heavy (for me) pr's and been amped to do it,but the pump and bench dont mix well for me.

[pmug0000]

Ive never gotten a good pump in chest,ive thrown up some heavy (for me) pr's and been amped to do it,but the pump and bench dont mix well for me.

You ever try dropsets with barbell or dumbbell press? Those give my chest a great pump.

[mundal]

when i do let's say chest..... and i get a good pump should i stop training at this point ???? becouse when i train more after that the pump disappears. so should i stop when the pump is the gratest or smash those muscles more ????

[never.satisfied]

i guess its not a stupid question bro..wanted to ask same question longtime ago..but after usin Animal Pump...the pumps lasted for a longer time.