Cygen Laboratories product log thread / offseason training

[steve_d]

Hi, I am opening this thread as a little log of a few Cygen products that I will be trying over the next few weeks. They have a good line of products.

So far, I've tried their whey protein, as well as a pre workout supplement.

The whey protein (chocolate) was quite good. Tastewise, basically up there with the best of supplements I've tried over the years. What I liked more about it was mixability. I literally put it in a glass, spoon mixed it, and no clumps at all. Others I've had like this either tasted bad, or was not a protein supplement (but more of a carb/protein weight gainer).

As for the pre workout (Decimate), this was awesome to say the least. Perhaps because I haven't really had any pre workout stimulants/supplements in a while, but my workout was awesome. Looking at the ingredients, I was a little scared of the 300mg caffeine portion, because I am quite sensitive to it - but suprisingly I actually didn't feel that shaky caffeine feeling. Just focus. I mentioned this in another thread, but my squat was at 4 plates for 12 compared to 8 last workout on a parallel box squats. Not only that, I did 3 sets of heavy squats, whereas I usually can only do 2 at most with the same intensity.

So far so good. Hoping for similar results from their other products.

[ange_d]

I totally agree with Steve on the whey protein, tastes really good for low carb and mixes really well but the thing I like the most is that the Cygen packaging matches my Kitchenaid small appliances, lol. I have red kitchenaid everything so the black and red bottles blend right in. Lucky Steve, I won't be on him all the time to get all his bottles off the counter.

All joking aside, the whey is good stuff and I am quite picky!

[Talo]

I like their multi vitamins.

[steve_d]

I like their multi vitamins.

Agreed. Similar to the "animal pak" with the packaging. Don't need to mess around with multiple bottles in the cupboard, etc.


And yeah - funny Ange says that, this morning I woke up with a bunch of Cygen bottles strategically laid out across the counter. It's almost as though she used it as a decoration. That's a first for me. I usually get set up with the tallest cupboard in the kitchen for my "stuff". Meanwhile, I am short enough that I generally had to take out a stool or step ladder just to get at my daily vitamins, lol.

Day 2 today, later I will post results from my bench. I've been battling a few injuries in my shoulder, and having just moved out east, I am still searching for a good massage therapist. While in Ottawa, I had tried at least 14-15 people before I found my savior. But sure enough, that was about a month before we left. Funny, in all of Halifax, and probably all of NS for that matter, only 2 people are trained in Active Release. I went to see one of them last week and already noticing some improvements - in fact, I did shoulders 15 minutes after the session, and for the first time I could actually get full range of motion on shoulder press. Seeing him again today, and hopefully have a good chest workout after. Needless to say, my bench has been a little week because of it.

[steve_d]

So just getting back from a chest workout. Again, decimate as a pre-workout. I've also started toragen, which is essentially a Fenugreek extract. I've never taken it as a supplement before, but I believe someone on this forum mentioned its like tribulus but much much better. I've read a few of the clinical studies on that product (fenugreek), and the one in particular that is quoted in the marketing of this and other Fenugreek products. very sound methodology - unlike some of the so called studies you'd see out there. (you know, the ones with 2 test subjects, non-randomized, etc etc). Anyway, the study does report clinically/statistically significant changes in lean body mass / strength relative to placebo. Not earth shattering, but nothing ever is earth shattering when you are dealing with small amounts of time and a legal supplement. Anyone in this game realizes any bit helps. So anyway, if I can hold on to some of my strength while dieting, definitely something I'd benefit from.

Today, nothing crazy to report in my numbers. Was able to bench 275 for 11, which is about what I've been hitting the past few weeks. Although, the bars at my gym are really thick, and all of them are bent. Probably would get a few more reps with a better bar. Had a little bit of pain in the elbow as well, so all my reps were ultra stict form...again, I usually get a rep or 2 more when I do them quick rather than controlled. That said, here is what I liked about today... I don't remember the last time I felt this pump from a workout. Seriously, my chest / shoulders were crazy swollen. I've noticed this effect before when taking anything containing arginine in it (no2, etc). Likely this is what was helping out with that. It's been over an hour since I got back, and still feel as pumped as when I left.

[DaveFinistauri]

Sounds like thing are off to a good start, Steve.

A few notes I thought I'd mentioned about the Toragen. First being, the one REALLY unique thing about it is that unlike most other fenugreek based products on the market right now, Toragen doesn't affect hormone levels at all. This makes it a great stack with a test booster, it also makes it perfectly safe for women to use as well. Second, I'm interested to see what your bench #'s look like next week. I've found that when starting out the Torgen, the first few days I don't notice much, but by the start of the second week, I'll usually get a noticible increase in my strength; specifically in terms of muscle endurance - for ex. hitting a weight for 10 reps in week 1, and 12-13 the following week. Lastly, I'd love to see how Angela feels about the Toragen; some of the best feedback, and most dramatic results we've experienced have been from women.

Keep up the good work!

[ange_d]

So I have decided to post my off season or return in this thread. I seem to always be piggy backing off Steve's threads, haha. Here are my 2 other logs if you want to check them out:

Steve & Angela, Sudbury + Provincials 2010:
http://www.canadabodybuilding.com/showthread.php?17772-Sudbury-Provincials-prep-my-wife-and-I

Angela, Nationals 2010:
http://www.canadabodybuilding.com/showthread.php?18579-Prep-for-2010-CBBF-Figure-Nationals-By-ange_d...


As some of you know Steve and I just welcomed our second baby into the world this past August. I had a great pregnancy but have to admit I was a little slack with my workouts. I am now back at the gym 3-4 times a weeks and do cardio and conditioning at home on my days off (my precor EFX 5.21 is becoming my best friend once again, lol).

So, yesterday was my first day back at the deadlift...and my first day taking Toragen. My reps felt smooth, grip was right. In the past after taking time off from deadlifting I always felt awkward/weak but this time I felt solid. Felt like I could pull 3 plates again(well not quite) but I thought I better take it slow. I am not the greatest at taking it slow in the gym but I can't risk injury. Steve is always jealous of how I can take time off the gym and return almost as strong as when I left. I must have some crazy muscle memory that he doesn't.

[steve_d]

I am not the greatest at taking it slow in the gym but I can't risk injury. Steve is always jealous of how I can take time off the gym and return almost as strong as when I left. I must have some crazy muscle memory that he doesn't.

Isn't that the truth...Currently I am working on bringing my conventianal style lifts up, so my numbers aren't what they used to be, but I feel pretty strong in the deadlifts. But for example, in the past if I went a couple months without deadlifts (small injury, etc) I would come back lifting say 4 plates for 5. Considering I would do 5 plates for 13 before that...it's a serious loss! The form will feel way off, and I just can't get the CNS going. Ange on the other hand, will waltz into the gym, load up the bench or deadlift, and start repping things like its a warmup. Then she'll put a weight and say: "do you think I can do it?" .... I try to be supportive and say something like, sure, maybe 1-2 reps (thinking it won't budge)...Then she pounds out 8 reps. So yeah...I wouldn't be surprised that she's already at her max in the next week or so.

Another product I am liking so far: Anabolic Link. Basically some BCAA's etc (leucine, glutamine, isoleaucine, B6, etc). I think it has replaced my crystal light for the day. says to mix 1 scoop in 2 cups, but I've put a scoop in a litre and simply sipped throughout the day, and another during my workout. I have a hard time drinking plain water, so normally have 4 litres of diluted crystal light in a day. The flavor I have is blue raspberry.

SIDE NOTE:Weight is down 2 pounds. Lost 2 pounds of water which I guarantee is from the extra caffiene I am not used to. Just under 190 pounds now.

[steve_d]

Another quick update...Shoulder and triceps were really pumped today. Definitely notice the difference with and without the supplements. Hit a max on dumbell shoulder press. Not my best exercise, but it isn't a movement I do all the time. 85 pounds for 12 strict reps (dumbells all the way to my delts). Normally I will use 75 pounds, I was going to use 80s, but someone was using them, so just got a little extra psyched and took the 85s. The hardest part for me was getting the weight ready - curling 85s isn't my thing!

Tomorrow I get to workout with Ange, which is rare with our schedules - but taking the day off work. I have no parental leave, so I just use up vacation days here and there to help out a bit.

[Supplements Junky]

Subscribed to the thread.

[ange_d]

A couple of funny things today...I'm not even dieting yet and already ranting!

1. Walk into the gym, to the squat cage, and on the bar are 3 x 10lb plates and 3 x 5lb plates on each side...REALLY???? I think I am going to have to host a math seminar at our gym. I have seen some funny weight denominations on bars but this one takes the cake.

2. Steve and I trained together today for the first time in a LONG time. With 2 kids we generally work out at completely different times of day. Anyway, I totally forgot how much Steve rests between sets. So I say "come on Steve, your up" he says "I need to rest more". I say "fine, you go take a nap in the corner and I'll do your deadlifts!" I heard a few snickers from the gymers, lol. I really wish we could train more together but it's just not going to happen anytime soon. Steve looks full and lean in the gym. I think he should post a picture. He really does practice what he preaches about not getting fat in the off season. This helps me keep my diet in check too.

I had a good back workout. Started taking Cygen multipack vitamins and fish oil along with my Toragen and NutriWhey. I will start posting stats, workouts, and pic's when my contet prep begins in January. For now dropping some pregnancy hormonal fat and getting my strength back are the main goals. I weigh 144 or so now and compete around 130. So I am just taking the fat loss slow and steady and focusing more on getting some strength back. Muscle memory is truely a great thing!

[steve_d]

lol...Yeah, I'll admit it, we both train slightly different - but differnet goals. I generally rest quite a bit between my sets - particularly heavy deads / squats / bench. Although, even after that Ange might do 2 sets before I do one (ex. pull downs, curls, etc). My deadlifts were ok, I am still doing conventional, so no where near the numbers I am used to, but 385 for 10 strict form felt really good. This is up 20 pounds from last workout. I think with time my conventional may in fact get close to my sumo bests. I would expect by the end of the year I should be at 475 for the same 10 (conventional). I will alternate with sumo if / when my hip feels a little better.

As for supplements, I tried the other flavor of anabolic link. Citrus punch - pretty good, but honestly nothing tops the blue raspberry. Could be personal preference. But the Blue raspberry is much sweeter (stronger), and I can dilute it into more water and still have lots of flavor. Mood seems positively effected as well after a week. I would bet it might be related to either exotest / d-aspartic. Generally every time I take some form of test booster, I feel a little better mood wise. Generally just more motivated, less lazy etc. Tribulus based products for example used to have the same effect.

[steve_d]

Another quick update.

I just came back from another intense leg day. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get squats in since I needed to rest my lower back a little more from the conventional deads of the other day. Not injured, but definitely not recovered enough to risk getting under a heavy squat. So after three hard sets of leg extensions, I started leg presses. I basically annihalated my previous best. It felt really good, secure, and strong. What I noticed was that the first reps felt just as hard (for the same weight) as I would expect, but I didn't tire as quickly. So where I normally would have been toast by 8-9 reps, I was easily able to get those last 3-4 reps. Not that the weight matters, since each leg press machine I find is different, but I worked up to 8 plates a side as far down as the machine allows my legs to go for 13 reps. Previous best was 10.

This is probably a combination of the pre-workout supp, as well as the toragen. Again, I am not superman or anything from it, but adding a few reps to my old bests in just under a week is pretty impressive if you ask me. I've also simply felt more motivated in the gym, so training with my usual intensity wasn't difficult.

My weight has climbed a little since 1 week ago, overall up 3 pounds which is what I would have expected having just started a creatine product. No bloat at all - very vascular and lean feeling still.

[steve_d]

I'm interested to see what your bench #'s look like next week. I've found that when starting out the Torgen, the first few days I don't notice much, but by the start of the second week, I'll usually get a noticible increase in my strength; specifically in terms of muscle endurance - for ex. hitting a weight for 10 reps in week 1, and 12-13 the following week.

Bench day today. did the same weight for 13 reps. Added 2 reps in 1 week (actually it's been 5 days since my last chest day). Massive pump as usual. Only had time to work chest today, so will be doing shoulders and triceps tomorrow.

[ange_d]

Leg day for me today...leg press, leg extensions, ham curls, and calves. No squat today, arthritis in hips acting up. Doing lots of sets and reps to try to loosen up the inflamation.
Loving Cygen Anabolic link in citrus punch flavour (Steve likes the other flavour, so more for me!).
I am really tired these days. We have a baby up at least twice in the night and our 3 year old has decided to start getting up in the night too. Makes for tired days. Decimate helps on these days! I am not sensitive to caffeine. I can drink a large coffee or take a caffeine pill and go to sleep. Decimate seems to give me the extra little something I need in the gym when sleeping 8 hours a night is not an option, lol. The edge I am getting is more than just a simple caffeine buzz. Will be keeping this up on training days for sure.

[steve_d]

Happy Halloween to everyone following this thread!

Today was a back day. Normally I alternate back days where I do deadlifts 1 workout, and give my lower back a break and focus on other exercises the next. Today was a non-deadlift day. Felt very strong. Normally I am a bit tired from the deads when I get to the other exercises, but today I went straight into pulldowns, rows, etc. It has been since before this log that I had a back day without deadlifts, and I can really tell that my strenght is increasing on the 'non-powerlifting' exercises.

1. It's been forever since I felt this strong on pulldowns. (IE being able to handle a weight that doesn't come down with my own bodyweight during my setup - for over a dozen reps).
2. Moving along to my other sets, my vascularity is really starting to show. It's not nearly as vascular as when I am a few weeks out or anything, but either I am getting a little leaner, or I am getting some increased pump/vascularity from the pre-workout supplement. Either way, I am pleased since I have not changed my diet in the least bit.
3. Weight has gone from 186 to 190 morning (consistent) in just under 2 weeks. Again, I am just as lean, if not slightly leaner. Attributing this to the creatine in Decimate.

[ange_d]

Happy Halloween to everyone following this thread!

Today was a back day. Normally I alternate back days where I do deadlifts 1 workout, and give my lower back a break and focus on other exercises the next. Today was a non-deadlift day. Felt very strong. Normally I am a bit tired from the deads when I get to the other exercises, but today I went straight into pulldowns, rows, etc. It has been since before this log that I had a back day without deadlifts, and I can really tell that my strenght is increasing on the 'non-powerlifting' exercises.

1. It's been forever since I felt this strong on pulldowns. (IE being able to handle a weight that doesn't come down with my own bodyweight during my setup - for over a dozen reps).
2. Moving along to my other sets, my vascularity is really starting to show. It's not nearly as vascular as when I am a few weeks out or anything, but either I am getting a little leaner, or I am getting some increased pump/vascularity from the pre-workout supplement. Either way, I am pleased since I have not changed my diet in the least bit.
3. Weight has gone from 186 to 190 morning (consistent) in just under 2 weeks. Again, I am just as lean, if not slightly leaner. Attributing this to the creatine in Decimate.

Time for a pic!

[DaveFinistauri]

Time for a pic!

I think you've just been called out.

[ange_d]

Suffering from Halloween candy hangover...so took my Cygen Toragen, Decimate, and put some Anabolic Link in my water bottle and hoped it all would combine with the treats from last night and cause a super pump back/hamstring workout. It certainly worked! I felt sluggish starting my workout but after a couple of heavy sets I was on. I am getting stronger fast. Maybe I'll even do some cardio at home this afternoon. We have a Precor eliptical that I have used for years and last week Steve came home with a new treadmill. Guess he is getting us prepared for our "on" season. I am really impressed with the Cygen product line. It's just what I need to get me feeling good physically and mentally post pregnancy.

[steve_d]

Squats are up again. It was my first squat day since my initial post. I was able to add another 3 reps to the same weight (4 plates) that I did last time for 12 reps. So 4 plates for 15, on same height is about my best raw squat.

If you would have asked me 2 weeks ago if it were possible to be hitting these numbers I would have said no way...At that point my lifts in the squat and bench seemed to have hit a plateau. I am certainly busting out of that plateau.

[steve_d]

Had a busy couple of days...Both at home and at work. Took 2 days off in a row, which was a first in a long time. But a plus to that was I think it will help rest some joints that were in need of a break. Today was also a quick day in the gym. Only had time for calfs and biceps, so not too much to talk about other than great pumps/vascularity in the gym!

I am glad weekend is here. Tomorrow is a bench day and I feel I am going to have another great one!

[steve_d]

Yesterday's workout I decided to train a little lighter for more reps. again, nagging shoulder injury. I felt strong though, and worked up to 2 plates for reps only. Managed 28 reps, which is the most I've ever done 2 plates for. Needless to say, the high reps really got some blood flow going and chest felt like it was going to rep through my skin.

Shoulders and triceps were today, and my arms felt swollen and hot the whole workout. Was a good feeling! Again, this is the pre-workout (Decimate) which I am really starting to like. I actually didn't even feel like I was going to have a good workout, but it all changes after 1 set getting the bloodflow in.

Ange's quote to me today: "I think the next time you get shredded, you are going to be 'grossly' vascular". Not sure if I should take this as a compliment, but I'll take it, as I am normally not vascular at all, and barely show veins on stage. If I can get a camera that can do this justice, I will try to get a before and after. I tried with the camera phone, and it just looked washed out.

[DaveFinistauri]

Looking forward to seeing some pics Steve! Sounds like things are going well thus far. Keep it up.

[steve_d]

I am really noticing a difference in Ange now as well. We have been able to workout together on weekends, and this weekend she looked entirely different than last. I'll let her post up about how she's feeling, but I am really seeing her drive up again, all this without a full nights sleep in a long time.... Once again, she surprises me how she can take so much time away from the gym, and in under a month transform the way she does. I would dare say anyone would be shocked to know she just gave birth 3 months ago...I think it's time for me to call HER out as well now. Before and after pics Ange?!

[ange_d]

I knew Steve would call me out, lol.
I have a strict policy of not posting pic's here until I am 7 weeks out of a show, lol.
I do feel and see my body changing into a good off season shape, but 9 months of fat storing and stretching skin needs a little time to go back to normal. I am really happy with my transformation so far. Eating clean has become very easy now, with the occasional treat of course. These Cygen products are really helping me gain strength and confidence back in the gym. I have been suffering from inflamed joints due to arthritis but am fighting through. Honestly I'd rather it flare up now than in the new year when the real prep begins. If I can stay healthy I will be competing in April. My lifts are increasing in both weight and reps and I am starting to feel really good in the gym again. Dropped a couple more pounds in the last couple of weeks without much effort so all is going smoothly.

I still think Steve should post up a pic...maybe I'll sneak some pic's or a vid of him this weekend in the gym.

[ange_d]

Thought I'd share some of my fav diet secrets (well, not so secret as most of you will already know these but fun to share anyway).

Protein packed yogurt (my fav thing right now):
3/4 cup greek yogurt
1 scoop Cygen Nutriwhey Chocolate flavour
1 teaspoon or so vanilla extract (you could also add cocoa instead for a really rich chocolate treat)
2 sweetner packets

This tastes like chocolate cheesecake to me, without the crust of course.


Pancakes:
1 large well cooked sweet potato
2 scoops Cygen Nutriwhey
sweetner (to taste - if you have a sweet tooth)
I used my food processor to blend but I'm sure a blender would work.
Top with sugar free syrop
I was really reluctant on this one but it is quite good, surprisiningly


Orange Talipia:
4 Talipia fillets (fresh or frozen will work well)
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 cup Orange Juice
1 Tbsp Orange Peel, grated finely
salt and pepper
roasted red pepper seasoning (or any seasoning you like)
I don't really enjoy frozen fish but this recipe makes it delicious.
Cook as per fish instructions - frozen is usually 20 mins or so at 450F


One other thing I do to make water more tolerable during the day is I dissolve Cygen Anabolic Link into more water than it calls for (about 750ml's to 1 Litre) and add a couple of sweetners to it. That way I am drinking protein water that tastes good, speeds my recovery time, and gives my immune system a boost.

[steve_d]

So just getting into the third week and I have definitely noticed some changes from day 1. I've had some fluctuations along the way, from initial water loss from the caffeine I wasn't used to, to some weight gain from starting a creatine supplement (I hadn't taken creatine for a while now). But after the dust settled, my weight has basically stabilized to the starting point. But I am quite a bit leaner than I was in the past month.

I don't hold much water at all, and when I lose weight, it is mainly fat weight. For example, I will only lose about 10 pounds during a contest prep, + a few pounds dehydration before going on stage. And those 10 pounds make a world of difference on me. Compared to some people I know who look just as lean when starting their prep, but need to lose 15 pounds before they even start to see a difference! Anyway, all this to say that I feel as though I am noticeably leaner, even though I am at the same starting bodyweight. Probably 2-3 pounds of bodyfat gone, maybe more.

I haven't changed my diet at all, in fact if anything - I have eaten more than normal!

Leg day yesterday was great as usual. I just came back from getting some deep tissue on my shoulder, and didn't want to aggravate things by getting under a bar (my flexibility in that shoulder isn't great, and didn't want to push it). So it was another leg press day. I worked up to my usual weight, and it felt really easy - so rather than increase the weight I really went smooth, slow, and strict with each rep just for a change of pace. Let me tell you, I could barely walk after each set. The pump was incredible!

[steve_d]

28300

Just came back from a quick workout...I didn't have enough time to do shoulders and tris with my chest workout yesterday, so I finished them up today. Attached a post workout pic...As I mentioned before, I am really not a vascular guy - i never have been, but I sure feel more vascular than normal. Offseason is going well so far!

[DaveFinistauri]

I believe the correct term is "roadmap vascularity"

[ange_d]

Steve took some pics of me this morning in the gym! Here are a couple. I will use these as my first pic's (post pregancy) to my road back to the stage.

[steve_d]

Had another great deadlift day. As mentioned before, I've been starting to work my conventional deadlifts instead of my sumo. My last deadlift day a little over a week or so ago was at 385 for 10. After doing 385 for 10 this workout, I stopped and decided that would be another warmup set. 425 for 10 was my next set. I knew my conventional deadlift would jump quick, but not this quick! In fact this was a conventional personal best for me, and the last time I was this strong conventional style, I could do 610 pounds sumo for 1 rep.

After those 2 sets though, I was pretty wiped I must admit! Finished off with some pulldowns and called it a day! 5 days in a row in the gym - so today is a much needed day off!

[aznaro8]

Where is the post-baby bodyweight?? You would make many women very jealous.... you both look good!

[ange_d]

Where is the post-baby bodyweight?? You would make many women very jealous.... you both look good!

thanks for the compliment!

Baby weight is dropping off fairly fast, I still have a way to go but it was easier this time around (second baby). I still only get to the gym 3 - 4 times a week and am not doing any cardio. Once I start adding cardio and bump my gym visits up to 5 -6 times a week with cardio I know some serious changes will happen. For now I am taking it slow to avoid injury or exhaustion (not sleeping much some nights with the baby). Some days I want to fast forward to January and start my real prep!

[steve_d]

Squat day yesterday...was feeling a little off with a stomach bug that has been going around here. Even still, was able to get a really good burn in the legs, and can barely walk today. I focused again on going deeper than normal, and doing some paused box squats (sitting back)...Felt really powerful from the bottom.

I found a 'girl' exercise machine at our gym for glutes. I decided to give it a try, and I am really hurting today from just 2 sets of it. Funny how the simplest new movement can get you ultra sore the next day.

I've been having the chocolate isolate protein post workout for a while now, and I must say, it is by far the best Isolate I've ever had. Normally I like the concentrate tastewise in all brands, and hence never really go for an isolate - but this isolate is actually better than any of the concentrates I've had in the past.

[steve_d]

Just a quick progress picture. Feel like my legs have improved alot compared to years ago. I really had no legs a few years ago. My motto is constantly make your weakness your strength.

I was actually just training calfs today...Was a day off, but figured I would just go in and finish up what I missed last day. Weight is pretty much holding steady at just under 190 or so. Leanest I've been at this weight by quite a bit.

28385

[Thorgrim]

Glad training is going well for both of you. Nice to see a mother who doesn't use pregnancy as an excuse to let herself go.

The toragen sounds interesting.

[DaveFinistauri]

Glad training is going well for both of you. Nice to see a mother who doesn't use pregnancy as an excuse to let herself go.

The toragen sounds interesting.

Here's the link to the abstract of the clinical study on Torabolic (active ingredient in Toragen) which was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: http://www.jissn.com/content/5/S1/P11

The best testament is to try it out though. Once people see what it can do, they're become believers. The only reason more people haven't heard about it is because the science is difficult for many people to explain.

[ange_d]

Glad training is going well for both of you. Nice to see a mother who doesn't use pregnancy as an excuse to let herself go.

The toragen sounds interesting.

I don't use pregnancy/motherhood as an excuse to let myself go BUT I do use the gym as an excuse to let myself get away from my kids, lol. Having an adult hobby/life outside being a Mommy is very important to me.

Toragen is good stuff. Nothing like anything I have tried before.

[steve_d]

Deadlifts again a new personal best with conventional style. 455 x 8 reps.

This is up huge from where I used to be a month ago, which was approx 60 pounds less in the same rep range. My goal is to get 5 plates for similar reps, and I think it is going to happen in the next month or 2. Once the hip heals up and I start sumo, I feel I will be easily hitting personal bests in no time! 6 plates for reps soon enough.

[steve_d]

two day update:

yesterday did some legs, nothing to report strengthwise I was saving the back from the deadlifts the day before. Focused on leg presses, leg extensions, curls, etc. Today was chest day, I am really having trouble with my shoulder, so I had to take it easy. I was still able to get an incredible pump. I am hovering around 185 for the last few days. My brother showed up at the gym and hadn't seen me in the gym in about 2 weeks and he noticed right away I looked quite a bit leaner. I don't see it as much since I see myself everyday - but I am only 1 pound lighter since 3-4 weeks ago, and way leaner.

Time to up the calories!!

[steve_d]

Last night our daughter woke us up with the worst sounding cough, which caught me by surprise because I am usually the one to feel sick and the sickness last forever. This past week I did feel a little off, and I thought I was coming down with something, but seems the immune system is working at full capacity. The multi vits and fish oil seem to be helping me not come with the typical bad colds I get this time of year. Knock on wood!

It's been a month already, and I can't stress enough how pleased I have been with the results. I am by far leaner than I was 30 days ago, my strength has skyrocketted in the deadlift, my bench has climbed (particularly the initial 2 weeks but levelled off - most likely from my nagging shoulder), and my squats had also gone up almost 10%. My other lifts have also improved - it's usually tough to notice strength improvements on those exercises since I do them after I am exhausted from the main powerlifting lifts. However, what I did notice was fatigue didn't set in until much later in the workouts. In fact many days I leave the gym thinking I could continue doing more.

I will post back in a couple days with some more final thoughts as I go through the remainder of the products.

[JMP]

Steve - are you still liking the Decimate ? After a couple weeks are you still getting same effects from it or have you noticed it has toned down or your getting used to it ?



Hi, I am opening this thread as a little log of a few Cygen products that I will be trying over the next few weeks. They have a good line of products.

So far, I've tried their whey protein, as well as a pre workout supplement.

The whey protein (chocolate) was quite good. Tastewise, basically up there with the best of supplements I've tried over the years. What I liked more about it was mixability. I literally put it in a glass, spoon mixed it, and no clumps at all. Others I've had like this either tasted bad, or was not a protein supplement (but more of a carb/protein weight gainer).

As for the pre workout (Decimate), this was awesome to say the least. Perhaps because I haven't really had any pre workout stimulants/supplements in a while, but my workout was awesome. Looking at the ingredients, I was a little scared of the 300mg caffeine portion, because I am quite sensitive to it - but suprisingly I actually didn't feel that shaky caffeine feeling. Just focus. I mentioned this in another thread, but my squat was at 4 plates for 12 compared to 8 last workout on a parallel box squats. Not only that, I did 3 sets of heavy squats, whereas I usually can only do 2 at most with the same intensity.

So far so good. Hoping for similar results from their other products.

[steve_d]

Steve - are you still liking the Decimate ? After a couple weeks are you still getting same effects from it or have you noticed it has toned down or your getting used to it ?

I have not gotten used to it by any means. I still feel the same focus / pumps / energy as I have the first day. Which is what makes me believe the caffeine is only playing part of the role. After a month straight of caffeine, the effects of that part wears off slightly. If you're not used to any pre-workout supplement, or haven't had one in a while, then you will likely be in for a surprise.

One thing to note though, is that I usually have a relatively empty stomach when I take it, so if you're eating a tun, you might not feel the effects quite as much. At least that has been my experience with other similar products. But I usually like working out without a full belly, so it works out great. That and I only take on training days, so if you get 2 days a week break from any of the stimulant properties I think that has lead to not getting 'used' to the product.

[JMP]

Appreciate your comments , I have been wanting to give this a shot , think you just sold me on it . Thanks !

[gregdoucette]

Im looking farward to when u can challenge me in the conventional deadlift. better double up on the cygen supplements

[ange_d]

As Steve mentioned we were more than satisfied with the Cygen products.
My fav's are the Anabolic Link, Toragen, and the ISO 90.
I swear that Toragen is the only thing that kept me in the gym some days after being up all night with a baby who has a cold.
Overall this past month I have dropped a few pounds without cardio and no major diet changes. My strength has increased but most importantly my focus has intensified.
For the rest of this year I will be taking it slow in the gym, enjoying some holiday family time, and starting a plan for competing in 2012. My prep will for sure involve Cygen supplements.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holiday's!!!

[steve_d]

Yesterday I did a very quick back workout (or a couple back workouts)...First after shoveling for about an hour and still not able to get my car out of the driveway, I decided to stay home from work. Rested a little inside, got my cygen supplements in order. The decimate definitely came in handy to get me pumped to even go to the gym after that. Skipped deadlifts and went straight to some pull downs. Its been a while since I started my workout with pulldowns. Usually if I do, I am quite a bit stronger. I usally get up to about 195 for 10-12 reps depending on the machine. Some are harder than others. I was extremely shocked when I got up to 240 for 10. This was 50 pounds more than my bodyweight, so you can imagine it was hard enough just to get the bar down to begin my workout.

Really shows what strength i've put in a month since it really had been since before starting on the cygen supplements that I did a similar start to my workout, and I added about 20% to my lift.

So all and all, It's been a successful 30 days. Cygen is a relatively new company, but once a few more people start trying their products, they will surely grow. They are definitely in line with all the top brands out there. And IMHO, probably the best brand I've tried overall. A few companies have 1 or 2 products that I like, but I actually was impressed by most of Cygen's line.

[steve_d]

Im looking farward to when u can challenge me in the conventional deadlift. better double up on the cygen supplements

It won't be long big bro...Factor in that I am 15% lighter than you, I think I am basically right there pound for pound...At least in conventional. Once my Piriformis muscle heals up, sumo will be next.

[steve_d]

Just as a closer to this log...

After finishing up with a test run of all the cygen products, I just wanted to summurize all my thoughts:


Chocolate Isolate: Nothing bad to say. Hands down best I've ever had.
Chocolate Whey Concentrate: Also, nothing bad to say. We both prefer the isolate tastewise though.

Multi-Vitamins: very convenient packaging. Great complete multi vitamin product.

Decimate: Ange thought it was a bit of a 'chemically' taste. I don't mind it - although, I am more experienced with what really chemically tastes can be. Ex. Creatine ethyl Ester as a powder. I am curious to try the blue raspberry. I heard it is quite close to the taste of the anabolic link. This would make it awesome. On a really picky note...The decimate bottle barely fits the scoop, unless you put the scoop in from the handle first and burry it into the powder.

Anabolic Link: Love this stuff. This is my favorite of all the products. Ange says the same. Taste is great, and we basically drink our 4 litres + intake exclusively with a diluted amount of the product. This saves us from tuns of crystal light we normally use to get our water intake in.

Exotest: Packaging is nice, although I prefer things in bottles. Having it in the push out sheets make it 'feel' more like a special product though. Personally I think its 'cooler' as a sheet, but I like opening bottles. These sheets are perhaps great if you're on the go and want to slip a few in your workout bag rather than bringin bottles of this and that everywear you go.

Toragen: Same as exotest with regards to the bottle vs. sheet. The product itself is unique, and it what I am guessing responsible for alot of the gains I made this month. We've both made visual improvements no doubt from this.

D-Aspartic: This is a tough one, as I haven't had much research or experience in this type of product. I've read on d-aspartic acid in the past but never jumped on the bandwagon. As I understand, some people report huge increases in test levels. This may or may not have been true for me. I didn't notice the typical increase in sex drive you'd see with an increase in test levels, but my mood has been generally enhanced this month (could be exotest).

Power Greens: After having this every day for a while, I started not liking it quite as much. Although, I have had some off and on, and honestly the taste is quite good for a green product. Probably something i'll likely get into it more when in contest prep mode when taste is not as much of a concern. Anything tastes good when you're dieting!

Fish oil: What can I say...EFAs are a must for anyone in this game!

I hope everyone who has followed along enjoyed the log. I will be continuing my off-season training, and perhaps open a new seperate log soon enough.

[JMP]

Thanks Steve , tried the Decimate this morning (Chest day) , i like the fact its not just about getting you wired and jitters , chest felt super full and great focus. I have used so many P/W I dont care to list them , but this ones up there for sure , thanks the log above it sold me ~!