Nutri-Sport training tip: Recovery or “deloading”
August 24, 2010 by Ryan Irwin · Leave a Comment
Getting one’s self into top physical conditioning, whether it’s onstage in a physique competition such as bodybuilding or figure, completing a triathlon or lifting a small house in a powerlifting meet, you train for weeks and months to get yourself into peak form to be at your absolute best you can be for that event.
Video of Ryan Irwin deadlifting at the recent Iowa State Fair powerlifting meet
You rocked the event, do the victory dance and enjoy the moment, now what???
While it’s usually no surprise the amount of work required to get there and the dedication needed, one should (needs to) plan and consider the recover or “deload” period after such an event. To progress, taper and peak then just drop back the intensity or diet overnight is a mistake.
Take a physique (bodybuilding or figure) competition for example. Besides the rigorous lifting and cardio sessions that take place, these athletes are on a very restricted diets for weeks at a time. After they enjoy a post contest victory meal, it is crucial to get back on their meal plan and do what I term “reverse dieting” to get their body back to normal. When I work with clients, I warn them that this is the hardest part of the program, as only your will power (verses getting onstage) keeps you focused. However by doing so, your metabolism speeds up and you stay leaner in the process. A much better health scenario, plus makes getting ready for the next contest that much easier!
Likewise for training. While 2-3 days off isn’t a bad idea, taking an extended time off of training is also a mistake. After pushing yourself physically extremely hard then just becoming a couch potato, you can quickly lose progress and motivation. Get back to training, but only go at 50% to allow the body to heal and recover. This keeps your metabolism running high, helps the body heal by pumping blood into the muscles and joints, plus keeps you in good habits.
So next time you peak for a competition, start planning your recovery phase for after the event. Your body will thank you for it and you will be that much ahead of the game for the next one!
For more information on how we can help you not only peak for your event but also plan an appropriate recovery plan, contact us today!
Ryan Irwin
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
www.nutrisportfpt.com
515-331-2141
Nutri-Sport Monthly Newsletter & Monday Madness reminder
July 27, 2010 by Ryan Irwin · Leave a Comment
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| Bring in this coupon & get 20% off your purchase of the Met-Rx Revolution or the Immunity Formula (not valid with other offers/discounts.) Good thru 8/31/10. |
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Nutri-Sport | 9992 Swanson Blvd | Clive | IA | 50325 |
Research finds popular diets fail to address proper nutrition
June 11, 2010 by Ryan Irwin · Leave a Comment
With the American population as a whole fighting obesity, plus with the popularity of reality TV shows like “The Biggest Loser”, main stream diet programs such as the Atkins and South Beach diet are commonly heard.
While there is no question that people have found success with these, there are some issues with such plans. A recent study in the Journal of Intl Sports Nutrition discovered that these plans are deficient in micronutrients, which can lead to dangerous and debilitating diseases. Read study here.
In addition to this, we feel that often these diets tend to be done in an aggressive manner, creating the “crash” diet scenario, which then leads often into a “yo-yo” pattern, as the individual has not learned healthy lifestyle habits but rather a temporary or quick fix (see client testimonial here).
With our nutrition coaching and meal plans, we work with our clients to make these lifestyle habits and eat healthy. This is for long-term results, plus proper health and nourishment. We spend a great deal of time digging into each individual to make a plan that is effective, yet fits into their lifestyle. The plans also are food-based, with only the “foundational” supplements such as a multi-vitamin, essential fatty acids like fish oil and a good quality protein highly recommended.
If you or someone you know is looking to make a permanent change in their appearance and lifestyle, contact us so we can set up an appointment to chat and start the individualized coaching for permanent and healthy results!
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
515-331-2141
www.nutrisportfpt.com
Nutri-Sport Training tip: weight training for fat loss
April 13, 2010 by Ryan Irwin · Leave a Comment
For weight loss, often people look to cardio for the answer in addition to restricting calories. While this is part of the solution, proper nutrition and weight training are important aspects as well.
In the video below, Ryan explains why weight training is not only important, but is essential to include in a fat loss program.
Along with a proper nutrition program, individuals will hit their goals much quicker, along with the benefits of weight training (increased strength, bone mass, etc).
For more information on our personal training options, nutrition programs or supplements, visit our website or contact us here.
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
www.nutrisportfpt.com
Nutri-Sport supplement tip: Glucomannan for fat loss
March 11, 2010 by Ryan Irwin · 2 Comments
It’s all about digestion! Well, there’s more to losing bodyfat than this, but one key factors is the rate at which your body digests food.
When on a calorie deficit food intake, you want to choose foods that are slow digesting for a few reasons.
- Lower blood sugar (which keeps insulin levels low, promotes fat loss)
- Satiety (feeling full verses hungry helps control appetite and splurges)
- Increase metabolism (by causing the body to “work” more to digest food, increases the calorie “expense” of that food)
To further increase this effect, one of the products we carry in our Ultimate Fat Loss System is Glucamannan. Glucomannan is a supplement that is a water soluble polysaccharide dietary fiber that you simply take 20-30 minutes before a meal and it slows the rate of absorption, which will accomplish the points mentioned above, but also help you feel fuller quicker and help keep you from over-eating.
In the International Journal of Obesity, studies showed a 5.5 lb reduction and decrease in cholesterol in only 8 weeks. What was even more impressive was that this was without a change in their diet or exercise program. Besides the fat-loss and cholesterol lowering benefits of Glucomannan, it can also help with constipation.
Including Glucomannan in your supplement program, along with the rest of our Complete Fat Loss System, plus with one of our customized meal plans and an exercise program from our certified trainers will get/keep you going on the right path to reach your full potential! It’s not about quick fixes, it’s about long term results and a healthy lifestyle!
Glucomannan
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
www.nutrisportfpt.com
515-331-2141
Training update, on the road to NASA Powerlifting Nationals
January 21, 2010 by Ryan Irwin · Leave a Comment
Since my last competition, where I won my IFPA natural bodybuilding pro card, I have preparing for NASA powerlifting nationals, held in Oklahoma this weekend.
This is the largest meet I will have competed in and have maintained my leanness since my bodybuilding competition allowing me to drop to a lower weight class. My goal is to win the national title and hopefully break some records in the process!
The weight class I will be competing at will be 148lbs. My goals are squat: 425lbs, bench: 300lbs and deadlift 530lbs. I know I can hit these and will be very competitive with them. In order to do so, I cycled my training so that the last two weeks I have been focusing on recovery by reducing the weight lifted and stretching/massages.
Last year I was ranked 33rd overall compared to all the other raw federations at 165lbs by powerliftingwatch.com, 20th in the deadlift. I am hoping to improve that at 148lbs.
Nutrition and supplementation are key as well. I should not have to dehydrate myself to make weight, instead gradually reducing carbs and sodium while keeping my water intake high to flush out the excess water. Creatine, beta alanine, Branch Chain Amino Acids, along with a solid multi vitamin and essential fatty acids have been the back bone of my supplement program.
Below is a video of one of my last squat workouts, feeling very good with all the lifts, excited to see it all come together!!
Ryan Irwin
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
www.nutrisportfpt.com
Top 5 precontest myths and training update
November 13, 2009 by Ryan Irwin · Leave a Comment
It’s been 3 weeks since the NANBF Natural USA contest and my pro card victory and I’m still replaying the moment through my head! As my goal is to do my first pro show (IFPA Mr. Universe) in June, I am in growth mode, but going slowly to ensure I stay leaner and don’t have to overly diet for this competition. Came in today only a 1/2 pound over my stage weight and was at 5.8% bodyfat, so far so good! The picture below is from this morning.
Ryan Irwin 3 weeks post contest, 5.8% bodyfat
In my quest to compete at the NASA Nationals in January at Oklahoma, my strength levels have been steadily increasing. This week was the last week in my first 3 week cycle and I’m very pleased with the progress. We have been doing varying range of motions to continue to shock the body and attack the weak points. Below is a video of some deadlifts off 6″ blocks, which is right where my sticking point is. Squats are going great, as is bench too.
I have compiled a list of myths in regards to precontest prep that I thought I would share. When I work with my clients, it never fails that the locker room talk brings these up and others swear by them. Keep in mind, this is regarding those who are not using steroids or prohormones, but apply to most everyone.
Top 5 myths for precontest prep
5. Lift light for more definition: Wrong-lifting heavy weights stimulates muscle growth/retention, cardio & diet cuts the bodyfat. Wanna keep the muscle, keep the weights.
4. Stop taking creatine as it causes water retention: Creatine causes retention of fluid inside the muscle fibers, not underneith the skin. That keeps them hard and full, which is a good thing.
3. Do cardio on an empty stomach: Fasted state cardio has been shown in research studies to not increase the amount of fat utilized, but does lend itself to lose muscle tissue, not a good thing!
2. Don’t eat any carbs: This is a HUGE variable topic that really differs among individuals, but carbs are muscle sparing and you want to keep them as high as individually possible, gradually dropping them as needed.
1. Dehydrate/drastic carb deplete/carb load: This is a method that is supposed to draw water and carbs into the muscle fibers, make them hard and full. However, the timing is very difficult to hit dead-on and you do something extreme and you get an extreme reaction, often not what you want. A conservative approach is much more predictable. Muscle is 75-80% water, so when one dehydrates, what happens? Muscles flatten out and aren’t as full and hard. Most of the time when you hear someone is “holding water”, actually it is bodyfat and they didn’t diet long or hard enough.
These are just a handful of tidbits thought I would share! If you’re interested in competing in the Natural Iowa contest in May or just getting in the best shape of your life, come in and let’s chat so we can help provide direction. You bust your butt, so might as well make sure you’re doing it the most effective way possible.
Also, our next 9-week Bodysculpting course starts up in 2 weeks, if you’re interested, check it out!
Ryan Irwin
IFPA Natural Pro Bodybuilder
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd, Clive, IA 50325 515-331-2141, ryan@nutrisportfpt.com
Let’s talk about real world results!!
November 4, 2009 by Ryan Irwin · 1 Comment
One of the most important days of your life is your wedding day! One of our client realized that and came to us to help her get into the physical shape she wanted to so she could look her best on that special day! Diana Ringgold has worked with Tasha in our Full Potential Training studio inside Nutri-Sport, below is a testimonial of her results. Tasha not only pushed Diana through tough workouts, but also helped hold her accountable with her diet and food intake. The results were significant!!
Diana lost 20.5 total inches
Her waist went from 46 3/4 down to 39 inches
Total weight lost was 29.6lbs
Best of all, her wedding dress looked awesome on the big day!!!
Before picture
After back wedding dress picture
Before wedding dress front
After front wedding dress
For more information how we can help you look and feel your absolute best, stop in and see our full equipped studio and visit with one of our certified trainers on our many different options.
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
515-331-2141
www.nutrisportFPT.com
Contest prep update -1 week out!!!
October 15, 2009 by Ryan Irwin · 2 Comments
Hard to believe the NANBF Natural USA is next weekend!! I tested my bodyfat yesterday and came in at 5% and I feel totally ready. I had a little scare today as my intestines started to cramp, but that went away after a few hours, so good to go.
This week I continued to break the traditional rules and have been testing my strength levels. So far at 1 week out I have hit personal records in my deadlifts, squats and hack squats. Tomorrow is bench day and hope to do the same there. Have my training cycle planned out for after the bodybuilding contest to get ready for the powerlifting meet. Have achieved the goal I initially wanted (to maintain strength levels) and have set new ones!
For supplements, I have been very happy with my stack and attribute maintaining my strength and muscle retention to it. Extremely happy with the Bio Heat and the Nitro PM for my fat loss agent, along with sipping on Xtend throughout the day for the BCAAs.
Hard work is done, time to just do what I have to do to finish things out!
Ryan Irwin side chest
Ryan Irwin intercostal shot
Supplement stack:
Ecogreen multi vitamin capsules
Quad protein (timed release protein)
Bio Heat (fat burner)
Nitro Burn PM (night time fat burner/cortisol blocker)
Creatine (Bio Cell)
L-Carnitine/Alpha Lipic Acid (pre/post workout)
Xtend (during workout and in between meals)
Omega 3/6/9
CLA
Multi Whey & Karbolyn (post workout protein/carb shake)
Beta Alanine
Casein protein (before bed and added to whey to help get in between meals)
Psyllium husk
100% liquid egg whites
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
www.nutrisportFPT.com
Contest prep -2 weeks out
October 8, 2009 by Ryan Irwin · Leave a Comment
Wow, time has flown by! Hard to believe I’ve been dieting since July!! This has been a very smooth contest prep for the NANBF Natural USA in Chicago on Oct 24th. I believe the variety of food choices has really helped a lot on this. Everything is right on track, looking to come in stong!
Speaking of strong, I am simply amazed at how my strength has held. I attribute this to focusing on progression of weights and cycling my training to allow for recovery. I continue to get stronger with my leg exercises as well as the bench press and deadlift. My shoulder and lower back feel awesome and looking to start my training for NASA powerlifting Nationals at 100% right out of the gates.
For supplementation, the 100% liquid egg whites have be awesome to keep me satisfied and is very convenient. In either a shake or cooked as an omelet, they have been great. I am also going to add some night time herbs in before bed as sleeping has been increasingly difficult.
Have been working more on posing and putting together my routine. Looking forward to having fun with it as this will be the first time my kids will see me onstage!
Ryan Irwin front double bicep, 2.5 weeks out
Ryan Irwin 2.5 weeks out rear double bicep
Supplement stack:
Ecogreen multi vitamin capsules
Quad protein (timed release protein)
Bio Heat (fat burner)
Nitro Burn PM (night time fat burner/cortisol blocker)
Creatine (Bio Cell)
L-Carnitine/Alpha Lipic Acid (pre/post workout)
Xtend (during workout and in between meals)
Omega 3/6/9
CLA
Multi Whey & Karbolyn (post workout protein/carb shake)
Beta Alanine
Casein protein (before bed and added to whey to help get in between meals)
Psyllium husk
100% liquid egg whites
Nutri-Sport & Full Potential Training
9992 Swanson Blvd
Clive, IA 50325
www.nutrisportFPT.com
