RECOVERY (crosspost)

[STPFAN]

RECOVERY



You have 30min post workout to give your charge the power
shake he-she needs. Whey Isolate(not blend), Creatine, L
Glutamine and 1000mg of Ester C.
Post-workout your dog's body is a literal sponge. In a highly
catabolic state it will soak up anything you give it!
Simple Carbohydrates:

During the post-workout phase of training your dog's body is
in a hypoglycemic stage. Blood-sugar and insulin levels have
drastically dropped. Immediately following exercise natural GH
concentrations struggle to increase as insulin levels try to
rebound from its current highly catabolic state.

A simple carbohydrate supplement combined with the
post-workout window of opportunity will give immediate rise to
blood glucose levels and cause a state of hyperglycemia. This
will force a increase in the production of insulin!

The newly increased quantity of insulin in the blood will drive
much needed glucose (and amino acids) through the receptor
sites in the muscle cell at an insane rate.

These elevated stages of blood glucose will begin causing
further secretions of Growth Hormone, the key hormone
responsible for producing Insulin Growth factor.

Why simple carbohydrates? Increased absorption rates, and
an abruptly induced insulin burst. The faster you can get
glucose into your dog's bloodstream and muscles, the less
protein destroyed and the more glycogen stored.

This is when you want to stay clear of complex carbs.
Complex and fibrous carbs simply take way too long to digest
and will not give optimal insulin release to offset muscle
catabolism.

You also want to stay far away from any fat and fructose
sources post-workout. Fructose will not replenish muscle
glycogen but rather will replenish liver glycogen. Fat severely
delays digestion because it metabolically requires so many
more processes to break down.

Another vital key to post-workout nutrition is insulin sensitivity.
Creating stronger insulin sensitivity is the primary way to get
the most out of your dog's post-workout simple carbohydrate

Only certain types of simple carbohydrates will replenish
muscle glycogen. These are carbohydrates in the form of
glucose/dextrose.

The basis of our simple carbohydrates (post-workout) should
come from sources that register high on the glycemic index.
Dextrose or Maltodextrin are the two sources of simple carbs
to give your charge post-exercise.

Protein:

Protein intake in combination with simple carbohydrates,
post-workout, are the key ingredients to achieving a state of
anabolism and offsetting their bodies’ process converting
muscle tissue for energy expenditure.

Fast absorption via digestion, is of paramount importance at
this stage. So a liquid or powdered form of protein derived
from hydrolyzed whey is the best logical supplement. Whey in
powder or liquid form takes an average of 20 minutes to
absorb, making this form of protein number one in the race for
assimilation.

Eating a slower burning form of protein like chicken or beef
post-workout is missing the mark completely. It is impossible
to take advantage of the post-workout window with a protein
food source that will take 2 hours to hit your charge's
bloodstream.

Water

Re-hydration post-workout is crucial. Thermoregulatory
processes need to be put in check as well. Water is
responsible for storing carbohydrates and will also help to
further speed up the digestion process of the carbohydrates
and protein.

Creatine, Glutamine, and Vitamin C.

Creatine:

Creatine works by increasing the muscles' ability to generate
peak torque during training. It does this through increasing
anaerobic ATP production. Simply put, creatine will enable
your canine to train harder and longer.

Stimulating insulin release will greatly enhance the transport
and uptake of creatine into the muscle tissue where it is used
to support the reproduction of ATP (energy) and enhance cell
volume.

L-Glutamine:

L-glutamine is an absolutely essential amino acid that
possesses anti-catabolic qualities. It is also the primary fuel
source of immune cells and intestinal cells.

Under periods of stress like really intense workouts, glutamine
becomes critical because your dog's body may not be able to
make enough of it. If enough glutamine is not supplied by the
diet, then the loss of muscle tissue will provide the supply.

Intense exercise also places a high demand for glutamine in a
athlete's healthy body, canine or human, making post-workout
an ideal opportunity for consumption.

L-Glutamine plays an important role in:

1. Protein metabolism

2. Cell Volumizing

3. Increased Strength and Endurance

4. Tissue Repair

5. Higher Growth Hormone output

6. Anti-catabolism/Decreased chance of overtraining

7. Immune system enhancer


Back to Basics.
This is why the cool down and long massage kneading the canine's muscles towards the heart are SO VERY important PWO (Post Work Out).
Also remember you only have a 30min window to give the Post Workout nutrients.
VERY IMPORTANT, remember that only dextrose-Malto will replenish muscle glycogen. Fructose will only replenish liver glycogen.
If the product you are using for your canine's PWO nutrients is transported by fructose, you are short changing your canine athlete.
There are many products out there that claim to be lactic acid buffers. Some even believe in Creatine.
Glucoronolactone....found in Red Bull and the new di-creatine products. also, the soreness human and canine athletes get the next day after a workout is not lactic acid, its ammonia. Lactic acid is water soluble and only exists in You or your Canine's muscles while the human or canine athlete is actually working out. ammonia is alot harder to get rid of but lots of water usually helps. HYDRATION!
lactic acid build up occurs when glycolosis produces pyruvic acid quicker than it can be used by the mitochandria, the pyruvic acid then converts to lactic acid. One theory is that the lactic acid causes ph shifts that alter enzymes functions in the muscle causing fatigue. It may be true that lactic acid may be part of causing muscle to fatigue.. Not to go into detail, you will never solve the lactic acid burning feeling or fatigue from any product or ph buffer that has been tried by many marathon runners with no help, and thats because in science they are not totally sure on what the fatigue and pain is exactly caused from yet...

Dont Miss the 30min Window

[STPFAN]

Supplements


Androstenedione is a male sex hormone produced naturally by the body that can be converted to testosterone. Marketers and manufacturers of "andro" (as it is popularly called) claim that a 100-mg dose of andro can increase plasma concentrations of testosterone by a factor of four within 90 minutes. Additional claims include increases in muscle size, strength, energy, immune function, libido (sex drive) and general well-being. Many experts believe that, as with other steroids, andro improves the body's ability to rapidly recover from strenuous physical activity, allowing users to train more frequently at higher intensity levels.


Presumably, the result of such training would be a substantial increase in muscle size and strength. Dr. Charles Yesalis, a leading expert on the topic of anabolic steroids, contends that andro should be placed on the list of substances covered by the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, and its use should be controlled until its long-term health effects are determined. Given its close link to testosterone, it seems logical that androstenedione has the potential to bring about the same harmful side-effects associated with anabolic steroid use. Potential users should keep in mind that even though andro is sold legally over the counter, it has been banned by such organizations as the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the International Olympic Committee and the National Football League.


Chromium


Chromium is an essential trace mineral in the body that aids insulin in the transfer of glucose, amino acids and fat from the bloodstream into the cells. Chromium can be found in many unrefined foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, prunes and mushrooms. The estimated safe range of chromium intake for adults is 50 to 200 micrograms per day. With a typical American diet, two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of chromium is consumed. Chromium supplementation became popular after it was found that exercise increases chromium loss, raising the concern that chromium deficiency may be common among physically active individuals.


Despite little evidence existing to suggest that chromium deficiency is a widespread problem, chromium picolinate (a supplemental form of chromium) has gained popularity recently as a potent stimulus for simultaneous muscular development and fat loss. The few research studies conducted on chromium supplementation have not found it to have a beneficial effect on levels of either lean muscle mass or body fat. In 1996, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) forced three of the leading marketers of chromium picolinate to stop making undocumented claims, including that the pills promote weight loss, burn fat, build muscle, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugars, and treat or prevent diabetes.


The FTC concluded that these health claims had not been substantiated by scientific studies, and that no reliable evidence existed that most Americans do not consume enough chromium. In a recent position paper, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) concluded that, "based on available evidence, chromium supplementation is not necessary." ACSM recommends that individuals consume a diet high in unrefined foods and include a wide variety of foods to obtain adequate amounts of chromium.


Creatine


Creatine is one of the "hottest" supplements among fitness enthusiasts. Part of the reason for its popularity is the growing evidence suggesting that taking creatine supplements may improve the ability to perform short-term, intense exercise. The effect of creatine on short-term, intense exercise is hardly surprising, given the relationship between creatine and skeletal muscle. All skeletal muscle tissue contains creatine, and dietary creatine is found in both meat and fish. In its phosphorylated form, creatine plays a key role in the formation of ATP (the body's energy source) and, during exercise; a portion of the muscle's creatine is depleted. Without sufficient amounts of creatine, which is manufactured in the liver and the kidneys and stored in the skeletal muscles, the cycle that creates this energy is unable to produce enough ATP to meet the demand of short bursts of high-intensity exercise. Creatine supplements have been shown to increase the total creatine content (creatine and creatine phosphate) of muscle on an average of 20 to 30 percent. Several studies suggest that ingestion of 20 to 25 grams of creatine monohydrate per day for five to six days improves muscular performance during activities that require short periods of high-intensity power and strength (weightlifting, sprinting). Sufficient evidence exists to state that, under certain conditions, creatine supplementation can enhance performance in these activities. If individuals can train at higher intensity levels, they may be able to add strength and power at accelerated rates over a period of time. Creatine can also lead to weight gain, but the mechanism responsible for the added weight has not been adequately investigated.


Before individuals start buying and taking creatine supplements, however, they should consider the following: * Approximately 20 grams per day (four doses of 5 grams each, consumed over the course of the day) should increase muscle creatine levels within five to seven days. To encourage the storage of creatine in the muscles, 90 grams of carbohydrates should be consumed with each 5-gram dose.


A more gradual technique would be to consume 3 grams of creatine a day for approximately one month.

Two grams of creatine supplementation per day will maintain muscle creatine levels once these levels are full.

The long-term effects of taking creatine have not been studied. The majority of studies have examined the short- term (30 days or less) effects.

All of the studies conducted have involved adults only. Creatine's effects on children are unknown.

Consuming large quantities of creatine (greater than 30 grams per month) may encourage fat to accumulate in the liver.

Stomach cramping and diarrhea have been cited as adverse side effects of creatine supplementation.

Creatine supplementation is not recommended for individuals involved in aerobic endurance activities, since any resultant increase in body-mass levels could impair performance.

[STPFAN]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the following statement regarding creatine use: "Much remains unknown about whether creatine is absolutely safe for long-term use at levels currently being recommended. Both current and potential users should consult their physicians to identify any potential health problems."


Truth in advertising ?


Many nutritional supplements are marketed using deceptive, misleading or downright dishonest claims. Although many of their claims are unsubstantiated, such substances can be marketed without the FDA review of safety and effectiveness. Another problem with these "magic pills, powders and potions" is that the concentration of active ingredients can greatly differ from product to product due to the lack of regulatory control.


Although some supplements may confer beneficial effects, most are associated with various adverse side-effects. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes should remain skeptical when considering nutritional supplement use. As the old saying goes, "Caveat emptor: Let the buyer beware."


The Antioxidants


A healthy cell has a mortal enemy, which is called a "free radical." Free radicals constantly seek out healthy cells and attack their vulnerable outer membranes eventually causing cellular degeneration and death. Free radicals, scientists know today, carry out the actual destructive work in disease, in infection, in stress and in aging. Additionally, free radicals can negatively affect athletic performance by slowing or halting muscle growth and by lowering aerobic capacity. Further, free radicals are known to cause defects in normal RNA as well as in life perpetuating DNA, the genetic material of the cells. Normal molecules in the body have two (a paired group) electrons in their outer shell. A molecule with a single electron (unpaired) in its outer shell is called a free radical. Free radicals occur naturally when oxygen in the bloodstream combine with any of a diverse group of chemicals including those commonly found in polluted air, in primary and/or second hand cigarette smoke, in known chemical toxins; as well as, in food additives and in re-heated cooking oil.


Additionally, free radical production and damage is accelerated by the normal radiation found in sunlight and by increasing exercise, especially running and other aerobic activities. This is easy to understand in that aerobic exercise can increase oxygen consumption ten to twenty times normal values. With more oxygen available in the bloodstream; free radical production soars. Worse, the direct muscle destroying activities of the free radicals continue many hours after exercise stops. The destructive effects of free radicals can be prevented with the addition of anti-oxidants in the diet or by anti-oxidant supplements. A good anti-oxidant complex supplement actually has advantages over diet sources in that the complex has many different specific types of anti-oxidants, which seek out and destroy free radicals at many various cellular sites. A single anti-oxidant, for example Vitamin E, only protects the outer fatty layers of the cell. It will not stabilize DNA which, for example, is one the main effects of the anti-oxidant Vitamin C. The process by which different anti-oxidants disperse through the bloodstream to protect the cells at different sites is referred to in science as "anti-oxidant synergy." When a specific anti-oxidant meets a free radical in the bloodstream at it's appropriate activity site, it naturally combines with it and coverts the free radical to harmless water and oxygen. As a result, as anti-oxidant increases due to the supplementation of higher amounts of a greater variety of anti-oxidants, cellular damage lessens and performance and health improves. In fact, aside from the numerous


Scientifically compelling studies addressing the varied health benefits of anti-oxidant supplementation, there have been studies completed demonstrating a dramatic decrease in injuries in athletic training with the simple addition of a good anti-oxidant complex supplement. A good anti-oxidant complex should have a variety of powerful individual anti-oxidants including Vitamins A, C and E, the minerals Zinc and Selenium, the amino acid N-Acetyl-Cysteine and natural plant extracts of Grape Skin, Bilberry and Green Tea. Green Tea and Grape Skin are especially powerful anti-oxidants, providing twenty to thirty times the biological activity of other individual anti-oxidants.


When to Feed your Bulldog


Anabolism is when your DOG is in a state of positive nitrogen balance hence muscle-forming. If you don't constantly supply his body with nutrients on a regular basis, you may throw off his nitrogen balance and go into catabolism. Catabolism is a condition in which the body uses his lean muscle as fuel and spares the food they've consumed. You can ensure that he remains anabolic by eating when he is most likely to be catabolic. These times are when he first wakes up, after his workout, and in the middle of the night. By feeding him as soon as he gets up and immediately after his workout, you ensure him a state of anabolism during these times. I even set my alarm for the middle of the night to feed them a small nutritious meal to keep them in an anabolic state. Their post-workout meal is the most important in keeping you anabolic. If they don't eat immediately (within 30-45 minutes) after training, their body looks to burn their lean muscle as fuel. Yes, you actually will make them lose muscle by working out! You need to replace all the lost glycogen in their muscles, and help them recover. Give them to take in around 150-200 grams of carbs and 30-50 grams of protein as well as a lot of water. This is one time when eating high glycemic carbs is beneficial because of the quick insulin release they induce.

Then, the next most important meal is the pre-workout meal, which should be consumed about at least 2 hours before training. This meal safeguards their body from using muscle as the fuel for your workouts. Feeding them a small meal right before sleep is a good idea also because their body assimilates food well during night sleep. This meal should be lower in carbs and higher in fat and protein. This is because carbs tend to be stored as fat faster late at night than fat and protein.

1-AD


ERGO pharm's organic chemnist, Patrick Arnold has developed the steroid alternative "1-AD". It is a natural androgen made in the human body, so it can be sold legally as a supplement. It is said to be 700% more potent than testosterone and has no estrogen transformation, reduced water retention and may be quite safe. You'll soon see alot about it. It is much stronger than alternatives from the past. As for dogs and 1-AD, no one knows yet. P. Arnold has been developing T-Booster supplements for ErgoPharm for 6 years. He has made great advancements in that time. 1-AD lists for just over $40. per 60 caps and the dosage is regulated by weight. This supplement was developed for people. Some dog owners all of a sudden claim to have been using this for years, but it was just developed after working hard on it during the last year and a half. 4-AD and nor-4-AD were developed just before 1-AD. The amount given will differ for canines. If someone is anxious i suggest going light on the product while watching the effects and taking notes. It's going to take a few years to get alot of opinions to weigh differences. I already have a pretty good opinion but I'm not promoting anything. However I will tell you more about it because it is legally sold. 1-AD is a synthesized nontoxic natural compound. It is potent and best of all it is orally active with no liver toxicity and sold as a nutritional supplement. Many people are already using this product. One of my concerns as with steroids is how heavy use may effect the bodys ability to produce testosterone naturally especially in youth. You can be assured 1-AD should be safe when used properly. T-Boosters increase energy, fat loss, mood, muscle mass, performance, sexual drive, immune system, etc.. Arnold also developed 4-AD and nor-4-AD prohormones. Stacking these products with 1-AD can be fast acting and very effective.


Glucosamine


Glucosamine is not only useful for conditioning sporting and working dogs for competition, but it can also be used to treat arthritis or osteoarthritis especially in older dogs. If you're interested in alternatives to Rimadyl or other dangerous prescription drugs used for treating arthritis or osteoarthritis, first consider upgrading your dogs nutritional needs, because the bulk of todays dog feeds are known as primary causes of many dog health related issues including arthritis. Next you may want to study the natural alternatives to prescription drugs such as shark cartilage and seriously look at all other alternatives such as Glucosamine.

[starlet]

Nice info, but sometimes too many suplements may do harm

[STPFAN]

Nice info, but sometimes too many suplements may do harm
Yes you are right! Supplements are used best and safely in moderation and proper dosage! But I believe when a dog is heavily stressed when preparing for a show or pull, supplements will benefit your dog!

YIS

[Saiyagin]

STP fan stop giving away too many secrets lol you will make our competitors harder to beat. hehehehehe

[starlet]

Yeah based on studies it will give good results, we must also consider food or supplement allergies. My dog was on (a powder supplement made for dogs) and my dog starts to loose hair. Some supplement also tends to make the dog run hot easy.

[O.D.]

STP fan stop giving away too many secrets lol you will make our competitors harder to beat. hehehehehe
HE IS JUST PASSING ON GOOD INFO, AS IT WAS PASSED ON TO HIM. GOOD JOB THOUGH. I'VE READ THE ARTICLE A NUMBER OF TIMES MYSELF BUT WOULD HAVE NEVER POSTED IT HERE. I HOPE THE INFO IS APPRECIATED.

[TxDogger]

Thanks for the info, but have to agree with OD

[PorsA]

Nice to read.

[who]

nice to read but a WELL balanced nutrious meal will always do what food does a simple multi-vitamin, B-12, and WELL balanced food will always work instead of giving your dogs dosages of this when part of his feed does that?........thats why you RUB down, water, and feed your dog in that "30 minute window".......

[STPFAN]

Thanks for the compliments guys....but what I have posted is what most should know about the nutrition and feeding aspects of putting a dog in shape! Unfortunately this is what I would tell anybody needing to learn! Most seasoned dogmen know there are way more secrets out there then what I have posted to make you good! As long as most of you have benifited and learned from this post then I guess it was a good post!

This is what this board is about ain't it?

YIS

[ChAnimal]

I personally wouldnt use creatine maybe something like metabolol II, cytomax and dmg

[PADogman]

I hear alot of people using Tribulis with very good results.Anybody try that stuff

[Saiyagin]

I personally wouldnt use creatine maybe something like metabolol II, cytomax and dmg
Why not? Creatine is very important for a working dog.

[Saiyagin]

Also Tribulus is great but it does make your dog horney lol.

[XxKonnectionsxX]

I think this was an excellent post STPFAN. I know there are more secrets out there and I feel that this is some vital information. For people who don't know I feel that should take advantage of this post and learn a few things, because this information is not normally given away so freely!

[_Alpha_]

pardon my ignorance but how does this simple carb(glucose) works, is it literally has to be drunk? very nice post STPFAN