i let myself get this way.... see, nax and all the other vets know that i was pretty hardcore and solid about my fitness and nutrition... well... the last couple of months have been not so strict (lots and lots of jagermiester... i mean lots... i have 60 EMPTY bottles under my bar since april.... yikes) and i am just now starting to get back into it.... but, im sick and i cracked cartlege in my right knee at work and i can't do any squats or heavy leg workouts right now (dammit) and i want to start leaning out in about march or so, so i need to get serious like, now.... i quit drinking so damn much and have started getting my appetite back (wow, alcohol will definitely shrink your tummy). Now, i don't look bad becuase i kept lifting and eating mostly good, so you can't tell i was a full blown alcoholic, but i'm definitely not where i used to be. anyway, i already know what i need to do (obviously, i mean, i was gonna compete for a while there.... doh!!!) but i was going to ask this question: zma? yes or no? i have some, but it says not to take it with calcium containing supplements, but dairy is a huge part of my gaining diet, and i started taking ON's milk protein before bed, but not with zma (i did it once and thought i would never wake up!!!)... so can anyone tell me how to balance this? nax, if your out there i need some motivation!!!! lol... damn my weak will... lemme know all you vets out there...

STRONGERTHANALL!
-Pantera

don't consume anything with calcium or eat anything 2 hours before you go to sleep. You can still eat diary stuff. Drink your protein shake then 2 hours later take the zma.

hey, man. glad you're back (on the wagon). :)
Zinc and calcium fight for absorption by the body. Ideally take the zma 2-3 hours away from any dairy/calcium. Personally, I think it's a pretty useless supplement, but some people swear by it.
So whats the plan now?

Can somebody enlighten me as to what ZMA is?

thanks

Its a supplement of Zinc Mrthomonomethionine Aspertate, Magnesium Aspertate and vitamin B-6. It's supposed to increase testosterone levels and speed up recovery. In theory.

Dr Brilla of Western Wash presented a study to the ACSM that ZMA made a 30% increase in free testosterone in well conditioned athletes (college basketball players). I have not been able to read the exact study but, I question the dietary habits of the group studied. I think ZMA can work if you have a deficiency but, then ago a proper diet would also eliminatethe deficiency. Personally I think the jury is still out on ZMA and I would avoid it pending further research.

well... the plan is to get some size now and then cut it up later (march or so)... except im sicker than a dog right now and my knee is destroyed. anyway... little steps.

STRONGERTHANALL!!!
-Pantera
RIP Dimebag Darrell

Im on the same page as you, for the last 2 months I have been pretty much screwing around, drinking and doing drugs, not putting 100% into my workouts.

I would actually skip a couple days here and there, end workouts early, and just not go the extra yards I would before the summer.

It doesn't feel good to look in the mirror and see that you have went backwards, because usually im amazed at my results.

Just focus on the body man, if you want it bad enough you will get it, im hoping to be back to normal in one month from now, and by the summer I plan to be better then I ever was, good luck bro.