A 2006 study examined the impact of high-dose clenbuterol on cardiac and skeletal muscle function in patients with heart failure supported by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). PubMed Study Overview: - Participants: Seven heart failure patients (five ischemic, two non-ischemic) on LVAD support. - Intervention: Oral clenbuterol, titrated up to 720 mcg daily, administered for three months. - Assessments: Echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, body composition analysis, and quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) measured at baseline and after three months. Key Findings: Cardiac Function: - No improvement in ejection fraction. - Significant increase in end-diastolic dimension (from 4.73 ± 0.67 cm to 5.24 ± 0.66 cm; p < 0.01). - Trend toward increased left ventricular mass. Skeletal Muscle: - Significant increases in body weight and lean mass. - MVC improved significantly (from 37.0 ± 15.7 kg to 45.8 ± 20.6 kg; p < 0.05). Safety: - No serious adverse events or arrhythmias reported. - Elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels in four subjects, without clinical consequences. Conclusion: High-dose clenbuterol did not enhance cardiac function in LVAD-supported heart failure patients. However, it increased skeletal muscle mass and strength, counteracting the typical decline in myocyte size during LVAD support. These findings suggest clenbuterol's potential to aid skeletal muscle recovery, though its effect on cardiac function remains unproven. PubMed Implications for Bodybuilders: While clenbuterol is sometimes used off-label to increase muscle mass and strength, this study indicates that its benefits may be limited to skeletal muscle, with no positive but no real negative impact on cardiac function within 3 months of use. The potential for elevated CPK levels suggests a need for caution due to possible muscle damage.

Why do enhanced bodybuilders still have some fertility and can ejaculate on cycle, isn’t it suppressed already?Thanks!

A recent systematic review titled "Which ROMs Lead to Rome? A Systematic Review of the Effects of Range of Motion on Muscle Hypertrophy" examines how different ranges of motion (ROM) during resistance training impact muscle growth. Key Findings: Full ROM (fROM): Training with a full range of motion generally promotes greater hypertrophy in muscles like the gluteus maximus and adductors compared to partial ROM (pROM) performed in the latter part of the movement. Partial ROM at Longer Muscle Lengths: Executing pROM in the initial phase of the movement—where the muscle is elongated—can lead to significant growth in specific muscles: - Quadriceps Femoris: Notable hypertrophy observed when training at longer muscle lengths. - Biceps Brachii and Triceps Brachii: Enhanced growth achieved through pROM in the initial part of the movement. Muscle-Specific Responses: The effectiveness of fROM versus pROM varies by muscle group. For instance, pROM in the middle portion of the movement elicited greater triceps brachii hypertrophy than fROM Practical Implications: - Incorporate Both ROMs: Combining fROM with pROM, especially at longer muscle lengths, can optimize hypertrophy across different muscles. - Tailor to Muscle Groups: Customize ROM strategies based on the target muscle to maximize growth. Considerations: - Training Experience: The studies reviewed included both trained and untrained individuals; responses may differ based on training history. - Exercise Selection: The type of exercise and equipment used can influence the effectiveness of ROM variations. In summary, this review underscores the importance of strategic ROM application in resistance training to enhance muscle hypertrophy. Integrating both full and partial ROM exercises, with attention to muscle length during training, can provide a more comprehensive approach to muscle development. Source:https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/abstract/2023/05000/which_roms_lead_to_rome__a_systematic_review_of.23.aspx

If you're slapping a resistance band around your thighs during hip thrusts or glute bridges, thinking it’s the key to well-rounded glute gains, I’ve got news for you silly sally—it’s probably not helping. A new study measured muscle activity in trained lifters performing barbell hip thrusts and glute bridges, both with and without bands. The idea is that adding a band increases demand on the glute medius (the muscle on the side of your hips) through hip abduction, giving you that "side booty" pop. But it didn’t work. The research showed that bands did not increase glute medius activation at all. In fact, during glute bridges, medius activity actually decreased. And while bands did slightly increase activation in the upper glutes, the boost was minimal. Hip thrusts already provide excellent activation for both the upper and lower glutes, so the added band work isn’t moving the needle in any meaningful way. In fact Lifters using bands had to reduce their loads by around 20 kg (45 pounds). That’s a significant hit to force output, which is critical for driving the muscle tension needed to stimulate hypertrophy. The researchers concluded that bands “cannot be recommended,” at least not for heavy lifting. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373976651_Effects_of_Band-Resisted_Abduction_on_Muscle_Activity_between_the_Barbell_Hip_Thrust_and_Barbell_Glute_Bridge#:~:text=The%20results%20indicated%20four%20significant,compared%20to%20non%2Dbanded%20conditions

Insulin is often surrounded by hype and misinformation in the bodybuilding world. It's portrayed as a game-changer for muscle growth, feared for its supposed ability to make you fat, and misunderstood when paired with Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Many myths stem from a lack of understanding of basic endocrinology. Myth: "Insulin Is the Key to Massive Muscle Growth" Insulin is an anabolic hormone, meaning it fosters a growth environment by facilitating nutrient uptake into cells. However, it doesn’t exclusively shuttle nutrients to muscle—it also promotes fat storage. Here’s how insulin works: - Insulin binds to its receptor, opening pathways for glucose and amino acids to enter cells. - This supports protein synthesis (building new muscle proteins) and reduces protein breakdown. The critical question: Does exogenous insulin provide any real advantage for muscle growth if your pancreas already produces enough insulin? Answer: No. A systematic review by Trommelen in 2015, analyzing 40 studies, found that exogenous insulin doesn’t further increase muscle protein synthesis during high amino acid availability. Insulin plays a permissive role, meaning it sets the stage for muscle growth, but the real driver is amino acids. Why Some Bodybuilders Think It Works Many who report growth while using insulin fail to consider other variables: - They were likely eating more food and training harder at the same time. - The growth wasn’t due to insulin alone but from nailing the basics: high caloric intake and progressive overload in training. Top coaches in bodybuilding are split on insulin use, and plenty of high-level athletes have achieved success without it. Risks of Supraphysiological Insulin Dosing Unlike anabolic steroids or HGH, you can’t simply increase insulin doses for better results. Insulin’s effects are tied directly to carbohydrate intake, and improper dosing can lead to hypoglycemia, which is dangerous and potentially fatal. Here’s an example: - Eating 100 g of carbs might require your pancreas to release 10 units of insulin. - If you inject 15 units instead, without increasing carbs, you risk severe hypoglycemia.