Simple question. I have always used Synergy when dieting for competitions. I am now gaining, and want to incorporate it into my supplement regimine to see what kind of gains I can see. Is there a different way when gaining than taking it on an empty stomach? Thanks to all...

Not sure that taking it on an empty stomach is essential but it is important to take it both before and after your workout. For example if you work out in the morning you would take it upon waking and then again after you have finished your workout. If you workout in the afternoon or evening you can take the second dose/portion after your workout. At least this is how the Beverly team recommended that I use it.

VA MadDog

Yes, we do recommend that you take Synergy on an empty stomach if possible, because there is a slight advantage to taking Arginine on an empty stomach - or at least in the absence of protein. Theoretically, this should yield a greater GH release and pump. However, in the real world, we see that Synergy works no matter what. I think the most important thing is that you take enough of it and are consistent with it. It's a 24-7 supplement, so you still need to take it on non-training days. If you are eating frequently enough that you don't have an empty stomach to often, I wouldn't sweat it. The most important thing, is that your program fits your schedule.

Booker T - I hate to be a doubting Thomas but I have used Synergy twice now during pre-contest runs and have not really noticed a difference. Part of the problem is that synergy is just one of many supplements from Beverly that I've used, so as most people, I have a hard time deciding which supps or which combination of supps really make a difference. Together they worked well but were any one or two the key to progress/success??

From what I have read the Synergy is especially good at/intended for helping a person retain muscle and not lean towards catabolism. That's why I've used it precontest.

I just came off a contest a few weeks ago and am about to launch into a program similar to what Greg Daniels used as his "plateau buster" plan. I'm a bit delayed as I injured one of my shoulders a week ago Sunday and I'm still nursing that back to health before I can dig in again and hit the weights hard.

Greg made his gains w/o synergy (I don't think that it was out yet). I know that adding it might help, and surely would not hurt - but from a best use of supplement budget viewpiont my inclination is to also try the new program without it. My thought is that the synergy is more helpful when you are on a reduced (per-contest) calorie diet than it would be when you have bumped up calories for a gaining program.

In a way I'm disappointed that I can't say wonderful things about how synergy affected me -I was looking for the noticable benefit that others seems to get from it - yet I also realize that everyone is different and that we react to different nutritional components in different ways.

I guess that this whole issue is just something that has been on my mind for awhile. What are your thoughts?

VA MadDog

Maddog,

On the plateau buster routine the two keys are to improve each week on the cumulative series of reps that you do on a particular exercise and adhere strictly to the rest intervals.

Please reread the instructions for performing the sets as that is what makes the program work.
That 20 rep set of deadlifts without putting the bar down (do use straps) is unbelievable as are the sets of leg presses going for 10 reps each set with minimal rest.

Roger
Beverly International

Hi Roger and Sandy!

I guess that this thread has taken a slight twist but that is fine. I'd like to ask a follow-up question to your comments on the Plateau Buster strategy.

I'm just getting into this plan and sure understand how both the leg press and the deadlift routines are very challanging. Frankly I'm having a tough time keeping the rest periods between sets to a minimum as I find that I get pretty winded and this takes away from my ability to focus on the exercise and finish the set.

Can you help me undersatnd the rational behind keeping the rest periods this short? Normally I'll wait long enough between heavy sets for my breathing to return close to normal before digging in again. This program wants you to push ahead even if you are still huffing and puffing. By the time I'm finished I feel like the Big Bad Wolf that was huffing anf puffing but could not blow the Little Pigs house down! Please enlighten me a little more. Thanks!

VA MadDog