Steroids

5 Fitness Tips While Gyms Are Closed

Published

4 years ago

October 8, 2020

Paul

Fitness Tips

COVID-19 still hasn't gone away, and unfortunately, it will stay with us for a while, at least until scientists come up with an effective vaccine. While all areas of life are affected, gyms are one of those places that are hit hard. Because a lot of people exercise in a constricted space, touch the equipment on the same spots, and spend time indoors, in a (poorly) artificially ventilated space. In many countries, gyms are still closed, as they are a perfect place to spread the virus. Sure, maybe they are still open in your country, but going there isn't that smart. Fitness Tips are one of he best things you can know in nowadays.

Plus, you will need to wear a mask and protective gloves, and watch out for other gym goers that come near. Making sure you are keeping a proper distance. All of that is anything but comfortable, which is why people ask how to stay fit while gyms are closed. At least until this COVID-19 nightmare passes.

This article will tell you all about that, giving you 5 Fitness Tips on how to stay fit during the pandemic. Tips are quite simple, and it won't require too much effort or preparation to follow them, only some dedication, so start by reading the article to the end.

First Things First - What Will You Miss The Most

This article is intended for people who don't have a full home gym set up in their garage. If you do - good for you! If you have all the equipment at home, you won't miss anything but hotties exercising around you, and bros to talk about your PRs. But, for the rest of us, things will be much different. Most people go to the gym because of the equipment there. Tones and tones of weights (literally), machines, cardio equipment, all ready to use immediately.

Crunches Are For Abs:

If your #1 goal is to get bigger and stronger, the thing you will miss the most when not working out at the gym will be the weights. Without appropriate free-weight equipment, you will not build strength and size the way you were used to, and you will have to adjust.

Related Article:: 5 Home Gym Essentials To Build A Great Body

Lack Of Adequate Weight Issues

And if you don't have a barbell with the needed weight, your strength lifts will suffer the most. If you don't do squats, deadlifts, and presses, your numbers will drop, and there's no way to avoid that.

However, the good news is that muscle memory exists, and you will be back to where you were as soon as you get back to the gym. Also, if you continue to exercise with what you have, you will prevent muscle decay. Which will also contribute to getting your numbers back to where they used to be.

As for the size, there are more options to keep it (which we will discuss later), but again, without a good old barbell. You can't expect the same amount of gains you had when visiting the gym regularly.

What To Focus On of this Fitness Tips?

Your focus when not visiting the gym should be a bit different - staying fit. While being strong and big is also a part of fitness, now that you don't have access to gym equipment is an excellent time to work on other fitness areas you were lacking.

While strength and size do get the hype, there are other things you can focus on to get fitter - getting leaner, increasing endurance, power, mobility, flexibility, improving nutrition. In the sections below, we will talk about all of them. Giving you ideas that will help you create interesting routines that will keep you busy and make you healthier.

1 Clean Up Your Nutrition - one of the best Fitness Tips

When your main goal is to get as big as possible, and to lift as much as possible, having clean nutrition is not exactly the priority. As a meathead, you are probably looking to get as much fuel as possible. As long as it has protein and calories in it, it's good. The only exception would be the cutting season, where you do watch out what you eat. But, let's face it, you are mostly compensating for poor nutrition by lifting super hard.

However, now that the gym is unavailable, continuing to eat the same way will result in you getting fat. To prevent that from happening, it is a good idea to clean up your eating habits.

Now that you are spending more time home, try to prepare most of your meals yourself. In other words, stay away from junk food. If you are working from home, there is absolutely no reason why you should eat on the street or order delivery from fast-food restaurants. Also, try to ditch soda and sweets too. Opt for cleaner, home-cooked food, at least for the majority of what you eat.

Whey Isolates and Concentrates Available in the Form of Intact Proteins? Also, make sure you keep the relative protein intake high. Switching to clean eating will probably result in eating fewer calories, which is likely to put you in a caloric deficit. To ensure you are preserving muscle mass, eat enough protein, around 1 gram per pound of body weight per day. Meat, eggs, cheese, peanuts but also protein powders are all viable sources to get quality protein. Of course, to preserve muscle mass you need to exercise too; only eating protein alone is not enough.

GOLD WHEY POWDER >> HERE

2 Get Some Essential Equipment

Bodyweight exercises are an excellent way to keep your muscles engaged when you are not able to visit the gym. That makes them a perfect option for home quarantine workouts, but also for traveling. And if you are creative, you can train any muscle group without any equipment. You can use chairs to perform dips, tables to do rows, or door for pull-ups. But, that will only get you so far, and it will be a much better decision to get some >> GYM Essential fitness equipment for home gyms.

Getting just a pair of heavy dumbbells and a pull-up bar will give you so many workout options, which makes these two pieces of equipment an absolute must. The good news is that you don't need to spend a fortune to get them. Also, if you are really short on funds, getting a pair of used dumbbells is going to be even cheaper. However, visiting garage sales is not exactly the brightest idea during a pandemic.

Dumbbells >> HERE

Of course, the more money you have, the more equipment you can get. Just be careful about constricted space, as gym equipment tends to be large, exercise machines especially.

3 Focus On Other Training Modalities

Considering that exercising at home means limited weights, you will need to be creative when creating workout plans. Things are easy at the gym - you just try to lift more weight than the last time. Because you have more weights than you will ever need around, you will always have a challenging number of plates on both sides of the bar.

Pull-Up Bar >> HERE

At home, things are different. Even if you have a pair of quality heavy adjustable dumbbells, you will probably find the weight lacking at some point, especially on compound movements such as deadlifts, presses, and squats. Plus, you will always be able to lift more with a barbell, as it is a two-handed exercise, which is why relying on weight alone is not a valuable option if you want to continue progressing. So, what are your other options? Here are some:

Increase volume - the most obvious thing to do when you don't have access to heavy weight is to increase the number of reps and sets you do. You will hardly beat your one-rep deadlift PR when exercising at home. Instead, increase the number of sets and reps you perform, and go closer to failure. More sets will tax your body in a different way, and your workouts will feel harder. However, increasing volume taxes your CNS less than lifting more weight, which will mean better recovery.
Increase frequency - because lighter weights don't tax the body as much, you will be able to train more often. This will keep you busy, keep things interesting, and also burn more calories. Of course, it is still a good idea to spread out your workouts and avoid doing the same muscle groups in consecutive days. But training 5-6 times per week when weights are lower is doable if you plan it right.

FLYBIRD >> HERE

Decrease rest time - when weights are lower, there is absolutely no reason why you should rest as much as you did at the gym. So, forget about 5-minute rest between sets. Three minutes tops is more than enough for most movements. Cutting rest times will make the workouts more challenging, giving your muscles new growth stimulus. So try out different options in the 30 seconds to three-minute range.
Try supersets and giant sets - another great wat to decrease rest times is to perform supersets and giant sets. That way, you are still working out, but you are resting muscle groups that were active in one exercise while you perform the other. This is a great way to get conditioning as well as to build muscles, all that while saving time.
Slow down - Another option to make workouts more challenging is to slow down on the eccentric (lowering) part of the lifts. This will hit your muscles hard and will cause a lot of soreness the next day. So make sure you use this tactic sparingly. It is effective, but if you are too sore the next day (or the day after that), you won't be able to work out at all.
Try isometrics - performing isometric hold in the most challenging portions of exercises (such as the bottom of the squat) is extremely hard and will force your muscles to work overtime. Isometric holds kill inertia, which means no cheating. That will force your muscles to do all the work, and in the most challenging position there is, spurring new growth.

Related Article:: Top 20 Score New GYM Shoes for Under $100

4 Doing Some Mobility Work Won't Kill You

This article is about getting fit, and even though most guys only care about size and somewhat strength, mobility will keep you healthy in the long run. Therefore, use this opportunity, and do some mobility work to fix those imbalances years of neglect created.

pullup_back

Working on your mobility and flexibility will not only make you feel better as it will take care of those nagging pains and clicks you feel often, it will also keep you injury-free. So, by taking care of your body now, you will develop good habits. All of which will help you prevent injuries when you do get back to the gym. And no injuries means more time spent lifting, which will translate to more gains and new personal records. In other words, not only that a little yoga or foam rolling won't kill you. It can help you get bigger and stronger, just indirectly.

Related Article:: The 10 Best Fitness Products for 2020

5 Train Outside

Lastly, we have another part of fitness that meatheads avoid - cardio. Yes, running on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike is boring, there's no denying that. That's why you've always made excuses not to do cardio. But, things have changed, and now that you don't go to the gym it's time to work on your cardio by exercising outside.

Walking, jogging, or cycling outside is much more fun than doing the same activities indoors. You get to enjoy nature, spend time on the fresh air, in a corona-safe environment. Of course, all that while burning fat and working on your conditioning. Furthermore, you can stop at a local park and do a few sets on a pull-up bar or dip station. Also, it will help you build muscle mass, making outside exercise a win-win situation. So don't avoid it anymore, lace your shoes, and hit the track today!

Must Read: Training Template by Lift Run Bang

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to stay fit (or get fit) even without gyms. What's more important, you will still continue to exercise regularly, and you won't lose that valuable habit. And as soon as the gyms open, you will get back where you belong. Getting your gains and PRs back where they belong too. And who knows, you might keep some of the habits build during the quarantine too, even after you get back to the gym.

So stay persistent, and make sure you exercise regularly, no matter which type of activity you choose. Let us know in the comments below how you are getting buy during the pandemic? How you are managing to stay fit when gyms are not available.

Share on Social Media

Steroids

Creatine vs Myostatin: An Expert’s Analysis

Published

6 days ago

March 20, 2025

Sane

Myostatin, a protein encoded by the MSTN gene, acts as a regulator of muscle growth. High levels of myostatin limit the body's ability to build muscle, effectively putting a cap on potential hypertrophy. Inhibiting myostatin has become a focal point for bodybuilders looking to break through plateaus and achieve significant muscle gains. The question is: can creatine, a popular and widely available supplement, help in this regard?

Medical History of Myostatin and Creatine

Myostatin and creatine, while popular now in the bodybuilding world, have their roots in entirely different contexts:

Myostatin: Natural Muscle Growth Regulator

Myostatin is a protein originally identified for its role in regulating skeletal muscle mass. In nature, it serves an evolutionary purpose: by limiting muscle growth, it conserves energy, ensuring that animals (and humans) don’t expend unnecessary resources maintaining excessive muscle tissue. This was especially important in the wild, where energy efficiency could mean the difference between survival and extinction.

Check Adipotide (FTPP) 10mg by Peptide Science

In the medical field, research into myostatin has focused on its role in muscle-wasting diseases. Scientists are exploring ways to inhibit myostatin to treat conditions like muscular dystrophy, where excessive muscle loss impairs quality of life. This therapeutic potential is where the idea of myostatin inhibition first began—long before bodybuilders latched onto the concept.

Creatine: Energy and Medical Applications

Creatine was originally studied for its role in energy metabolism. It’s a naturally occurring compound stored in muscle cells and plays a critical part in replenishing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s primary energy currency during short, high-intensity activities.

Before becoming a bodybuilding staple, creatine gained recognition in medical and sports science for its ability to improve athletic performance and assist with recovery. Furthermore, in medicine, creatine was investigated for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and muscular dystrophy, given its potential to improve muscle function and brain energy metabolism.

In the sports world, it was initially adopted by sprinters and weightlifters in the 1970s and 1980s for its energy-enhancing benefits.

Both myostatin and creatine have found new life in bodybuilding circles, demonstrating how discoveries in natural physiology and medical science can lead to transformative applications in fitness.

Benefits of Creatine as a Myostatin Inhibitor

Muscle Growth Potential: Research suggests that creatine, when paired with intense resistance training, may inhibit myostatin to a degree, fostering an environment for enhanced muscle growth.

Improved Exercise Performance: Creatine is well-known for its ability to increase ATP production, translating to better performance during high-intensity activities.

Versatility Across Fitness Levels

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, creatine offers benefits that complement various stages of muscle-building.

Must Read: A New Caffeine? What You Need to Know about Teacrine

Affordability and Accessibility

Compared to specialized myostatin inhibitors like YK-11 and ACE-031, creatine is significantly more affordable and accessible.

Side Effects of Creatine

While generally safe for most individuals, creatine supplementation does come with some potential side effects:

Water Retention: Some users experience bloating due to increased water retention in muscle cells.

Gastrointestinal Issues: High doses may lead to stomach upset or diarrhea.

Kidney Concerns: Although rare, prolonged excessive use could strain the kidneys, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Buy Methyl-1-Test 10 -100 tabs by Dragon Pharma

Alternatives to Creatine for Myostatin Inhibition

YK-11: A synthetic myostatin inhibitor derived from SARMs, offering more potent results but accompanied by more significant risks.

ACE-031: A peptide that directly inhibits myostatin, though it remains in experimental phases and is not legally approved in many regions.

Natural Alternatives

Follistatin-rich Foods: Eggs and dairy products may have natural myostatin-inhibiting properties.

Resistance Training: Intense and consistent weightlifting alone can naturally lower myostatin levels.

Where to Buy Creatine

Creatine is readily available worldwide. It can be purchased from:

Local Pharmacies and Nutrition Stores: Ideal for trusted and immediate access.

Online Platforms: Websites like Amazon, iHerb, or bodybuilding-specific stores offer a variety of brands and formulations.

Supplement Brands: Well-established brands such as Optimum Nutrition, MyProtein, and Cellucor often carry high-quality creatine.

Legality of Myostatin Inhibitors

Creatine: Creatine is completely legal and widely accepted as a dietary supplement.

YK-11 and ACE-031: These compounds exist in a legal gray area in many countries due to their experimental nature and potential risks. It's essential to research local laws before considering these options.

Best Stores and Suppliers

For reputable products, consider:

Transparent Labs: Known for purity and transparent labeling.

Optimum Nutrition: Offers pharmaceutical-grade creatine monohydrate.

Bulk Supplements: A great choice for bulk buyers seeking affordability and quality.

Our Advice to Bodybuilders

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are already using AAS or other advanced compounds.

Prioritize a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine. Supplements like creatine work best as part of a holistic approach to fitness.

Stay hydrated while using creatine to minimize water retention side effects and support kidney health.

Related Article: Best Syringes for Steroid Injection on Amazon

Overall

While creatine may not be as potent a myostatin inhibitor as advanced compounds like YK-11 or ACE-031, its affordability, safety, and accessibility make it a valuable addition to any bodybuilder's supplement stack. By leveraging its benefits alongside proper training and nutrition, you can maximize muscle growth and overcome plateaus, regardless of your fitness level.

Share on Social Media

Steroids

Raloxifene (Evista) 101: A Non-Surgical Solution for Gyno

Published

2 weeks ago

March 11, 2025

Sane

Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is one of the most valuable yet less common options available today. Originally developed to prevent and treat breast cancer similar to Tamoxifen, it has gained popularity among bodybuilders seeking to prevent or eliminate gyno.

Click Here to Buy Evimed 60 by Deus Medicals

Unlike Tamoxifen, Raloxifene is potent enough to reduce long-standing gynecomastia and is frequently used to reverse pubertal gynecomastia. While it can also boost testosterone levels, it is one of the weaker SERMs in this regard.

How it Works

Raloxifene functions by blocking estrogen receptors in the breasts, which helps prevent or treat both gynecomastia and breast cancer. Additionally, it blocks estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, stimulating testosterone production.

Beyond these primary benefits, Raloxifene can enhance bone mass, combat osteoporosis, and lower cholesterol levels.

Potential Side Effects

While Raloxifene is considered a generally safe and effective medication, like all drugs, it comes with its own set of potential side effects. One of the most notable is the reduction in Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. IGF-1 plays a key role in muscle growth and repair, so decreased levels could potentially impact athletic performance or recovery.

However, compared to other medications in its class, Raloxifene has a relatively low risk of causing severe liver toxicity. Users are less likely to experience harmful effects such as blood clots, mood swings, or sexual dysfunction, making it a preferable choice for many.

While rare, some users might experience less serious side effects such as hot flashes, leg cramps, or flu-like symptoms. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to monitor any adverse reactions and ensure the medication is being used safely.

So, despite its efficacy, Raloxifene is not without side effects, but they are typically manageable and less severe compared to other SERMs.

Check Out Halotest 10 mg, Balkan Pharmaceuticals

For gyno reversal, the typical protocol involves taking 60mg daily for 1-2 weeks, followed by 30mg daily for up to 3 months or until the condition resolves.

Typical Protocol

For gynecomastia reversal, the typical protocol involves taking 60mg of Raloxifene per day for 1-2 weeks, followed by a reduced dose of 30mg per day for up to 3 months or until the gynecomastia is resolved. In post-cycle therapy (PCT), bodybuilders generally take 60mg per day for 4-6 weeks, and then lower the dose to 30mg per day during the last week. Raloxifene is highly effective for managing gynecomastia and supporting post-cycle recovery, making it a valuable addition to a well-optimized bodybuilding regimen.

Overall

Raloxifene (Evista) is a versatile SERM used to treat breast cancer and is popular among bodybuilders for managing gynecomastia (gyno). Unlike Tamoxifen, it effectively shrinks long-standing gyno and reverses pubertal gyno. It blocks estrogen receptors in the breast and hypothalamus, thus preventing gyno and promoting Testosterone secretion. Additionally, it improves bone mass, combats osteoporosis, and lowers cholesterol levels. For gyno, take 60mg/day for 1-2 weeks, then 30mg/day for up to 3 months. For post-cycle therapy (PCT), take 60mg/day for 4-6 weeks, then reduce to 30mg/day during the final week. This safe and effective medication has minimal side effects.

Share on Social Media

Bodybuilding

Mastering Bodybuilding in 2025: Top Fitness Tips for Success

Published

4 weeks ago

March 1, 2025

Sane

Bodybuilding is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle that requires dedication, discipline, and a thorough understanding of fitness principles. As the world of fitness continues to evolve, bodybuilders must stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and scientific advancements to achieve their goals. In 2025, several innovative approaches are redefining bodybuilding. Here are essential fitness tips for bodybuilders to excel this year.

Embrace Technology-Driven Workouts

In 2025, technology plays a significant role in bodybuilding. Wearable devices, fitness apps, and virtual reality (VR) training are now integral components of an effective workout regimen.

Wearable Devices

Modern wearables track everything from heart rate and sleep patterns to muscle activation and caloric expenditure. Utilize these devices to monitor your progress and make data-driven adjustments to your training and nutrition plans.

Fitness Apps

Leverage fitness apps for customized workout plans, progress tracking, and virtual coaching. Many apps now incorporate artificial intelligence to provide personalized feedback and recommendations.

Virtual Reality Training

VR technology offers immersive workout experiences, allowing bodybuilders to simulate different training environments and scenarios. This can enhance motivation and add variety to your routine.

Focus on Functional Strength

While hypertrophy (muscle growth) remains a primary goal, functional strength is gaining importance. Functional strength training improves overall performance, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances daily activities.

Check Out Our1 4 Weeks Quality Strength & Lean Muscles

Compound Movements

Incorporate compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and joints, promoting balanced strength development.

Core Stability

Prioritize exercises that strengthen the core, such as planks, Russian twists, and leg raises. A strong core supports better lifting mechanics and reduces the risk of lower back injuries.

Optimize Nutrition for Muscle Growth and Recovery

Nutrition is the cornerstone of successful bodybuilding. In 2025, the focus is on personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs and goals.

Protein Intake

Ensure adequate protein intake to support muscle repair and growth. Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on your training intensity and goals.

Click Here to Buy SynthaTrope By SynthaPharma

Nutrient Timing

Pay attention to nutrient timing to maximize muscle recovery and growth. Consume protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes post-workout to replenish glycogen stores and kickstart muscle repair.

Supplements

Utilize supplements wisely. Creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and omega-3 fatty acids are popular choices for enhancing performance and recovery.

Prioritize Mental Health and Mindfulness

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall fitness. Incorporating mindfulness practices can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance performance.

Meditation

Incorporate meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Mindfulness meditation can enhance your mind-muscle connection during workouts.

Visualization

Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse your workouts. Visualizing successful lifts and achieving your goals can boost confidence and motivation.

Rest and Recovery

Prioritize rest and recovery to prevent burnout and overtraining. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and incorporate rest days into your training schedule.

Leverage Advanced Training Techniques

Advanced training techniques can help break through plateaus and stimulate muscle growth. In 2025, several methods are gaining popularity among bodybuilders.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training: BFR involves restricting blood flow to the muscles during low-intensity exercises. This technique can enhance muscle growth and strength without the need for heavy weights.

Eccentric Training: Focus on the eccentric (lowering) phase of exercises. Eccentric training can stimulate greater muscle damage and growth compared to traditional concentric movements.

Periodization: Implement periodization into your training plan. Varying the intensity, volume, and type of exercises can prevent plateaus and ensure continuous progress.

Incorporate Recovery and Mobility Work

Recovery and mobility are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining optimal performance. In 2025, bodybuilders are paying more attention to these aspects of training.

Foam Rolling and Myofascial Release: Use foam rollers and massage balls to release muscle tightness and improve flexibility. Regular myofascial release can reduce soreness and enhance recovery.

Stretching: Incorporate dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching after workouts. Stretching improves range of motion and prevents muscle imbalances.

Cryotherapy and Hydrotherapy: Explore recovery techniques like cryotherapy (cold therapy) and hydrotherapy (water therapy) to reduce inflammation and accelerate muscle recovery.

Engage in Continuous Learning and Community Building

The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for success. Engage in continuous learning and connect with the bodybuilding community for support and motivation.

Educational Resources: Read books, watch videos, and attend seminars to stay updated on the latest research and trends in bodybuilding.

Community Engagement: Join online forums, social media groups, and local bodybuilding clubs. Sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow bodybuilders can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Professional Guidance: Consider working with a certified personal trainer or coach. Professional guidance can help you optimize your training and nutrition plans, ensuring you're on the right track.

With your FB Plus subscription or active FB Plus Pass, you now have access to 124 weeks of our most popular workout programs, which typically sell for $10-$30 each. Additionally, our popular 4-week Meal Plan is included. This is on top of the 38 Challenges and Programs that are already available to Plus members.

We've also introduced a new feature that many of you have requested. To assist you in choosing your next program, you can now preview each day of any program from its detail view. This feature lets you see all the included workout videos and content before you schedule it, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

Conclusion

In 2025, bodybuilding is more than just lifting weights; it's a holistic approach to fitness that encompasses technology, nutrition, mental health, and advanced training techniques. By embracing these fitness tips, bodybuilders can achieve their goals, stay injury-free, and enjoy a fulfilling fitness journey. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to success in bodybuilding. Stay committed, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun on your path to becoming the best version of yourself.