First Bodybuilding Competition Prep — What to Expect Week by Week.

Creatine is mainly discussed for strength and performance while mass gainers help increase overall calorie intake

A COA should clearly identify the product and the batch being tested

A mass gainer is basically a convenient way to get more calories when normal meals are difficult to manage

Creatine has much more research behind its effects on strength and high intensity exercise

I think consumers should learn the difference between manufacturer testing and independent testing

I would look at the nutrition label before buying any mass gainer because some products contain a lot of added sugar

People sometimes expect supplements to do the work that consistent training and nutrition should be doing

I think lengthened partials are interesting because they keep the muscle working in a stretched position where there seems to be a strong growth stimulus. I have started paying more attention to that part of my reps

I find the difference between calorie intake and exercise performance is an important part of this discussion

Not everyone needs a mass gainer especially if their regular meals already provide enough nutrition

Full reps are still my preference because they give you a complete range of motion and help build strength through the movement. I would not replace every exercise with partials

Creatine and protein powder are also different products even though people often compare them

Mass gainers can be convenient but whole foods provide additional nutrients that some products lack