Supplements and Workout

[Kaleb Skalicky]

Hello guys, I saw the other post on supplements and enjoyed your posts but I do not think this fits me. That is why I am posting my own.

I am starting MMA and strength training while doing some cardio. My biggest concern is to gain muscle and size, without gaining a bunch of excess weight so it will be easier for me to meet weight requirements. My workouts consist of, Monday and Thursday- chest and shoulders, Tuesday and Wednesday- arms and back. I have noticed a pretty nice gain in muscle mass and stamina. The only supplements I take are a multi vitamin, vitamin D, C and calcium pills, as well as a 60g protein shake from GNC right after each work out for recovery. I also eat other numerous fruits and vegetables in my meals.

So my question is, do I need to add more supplements, or change my workout to accomidate my active lifestyle and martial arts?

[Paul]

Sounds like you got a pretty good program going.  As far as supplements, let your body be your guide and see if you feel depleted the next day after a workout, sore, etc.  That could mean you need more protein, increased hydration or other supplements that aid recovery.  For example, i've had good experiences with the First Endurance ultragen because even after doing 500 bodyweight squats and intervals on a trainer, I have zero soreness the next day.  I'm not plugging Ultragen, there's lots of great supplements out there but 've found that sufficient supplementation can make huge differences in your training.

If your primary goal is MMA conditioning, I'd say focus on your power to weight ratio.  You don't say what weight class you're in so I'd say unless you're a heavyweight, great big huge hercules dude, think Bruce Lee, which means lean and tremendous power to weight ratio. 

Another consideration for MMA is your fighting style.  Are you a ground & pound / grappler-wrestler type?  Or are you more of a boxer/upright?  This will also determine whether you want to focus on punching speed and power or brute takedown strength. 

Hope this helps.  Good luck out there.  Let us know when you're on TV.