Rebound and Thermogenics

[Canwood]

To any who can shed light,
My fiance recently decided to try some Xenadrine, ephedrine free version. She's a gym-maniac, but just can't seem to get cut for the amount of work she puts in. One of the personal trainers at her gym told her NOT to use thermogenics, because she would "get a rebound weight gain" once she was off the supplement. My question is, is this a legit concern? Is this personal trainer full of it? I've used the ECA stack in the past, but not for long periods; my experience in this area is really limited, and I was mostly after a workout-booster.

 

[Slugfast]

I can definitely see possible rebounds if your fiance doesnt have self restraint or willpower after the cycle of ECA is over. I gained a little weight the first week (like 1-2 pounds), just due to that my body was used to all the ephederine ( I took Hydroxy for about 2 months), and I was sluggish the first week and had no motivation, after the first week, it got better, and I willed myself into going to the gym again, and the third week, it wasn't very noticable at all. My reccomendation is to cycle down off the Ephederine so you don't have any withdrawal effects, as listed above, ie taking 2 pills twice a day for a week, then one twice a day for a week, then one once a day for a week, then stop. You should be ok with that.

 

[shoichi]

I hardly ever tell clients to use thermogenics. I don't believe it's worth it for the potential side effects, and I would much rather have someone learn how to clean their diet up and eat right then taking a supplement. If someone isn't willing to clean up how they eat, the fat loss aid is a waste. It's amazing how tweaking your diet just a little can help alot.

I do recommend them for athletes or people entering competitions. It is important for them to know exactly what they're getting into.

That being said, I will not recommend an ECA stack, or anything with Ephedra in it. I prefer thermogenics with green tea extract or caffeine.

 

[Slugfast]

I agree with Stoichi in some respects, don't use Ephederine if you have any heart problems, diabetic, any serious health issues. Green Tea Extract has been proven in a few cases to be a good substitute for Ephederine, but not quite as effective... plus Green Tea fights Free Radicals.

 

[Canwood]

Well, first few days on the Xenadrine EFX, and WOW, I guess some people can be sensitive. She was taking the recommended 2 caps in the AM, 2 in the afternoon; what she got was headaches, nausea, and a general feeling of CRAP. She halved the dose, all seems well so far. I actually took some yesterday, had a good workout, but no side effects....anyways, thanks for the replies!!

 

[Stryc-9]

In my experience:

I've never been able to stay as lean when I'm off ECA as when I'm on it....but that doesn't mean that I gain back more weight than before I started.

If you're using ECA to get cut for a show - that's fine. If you're using it to try and maintain a certain level of bodyfat all year round - it simply won't work. I feel bad for a lot of the amateur women I see who take ECA in hopes of reaching a consistent level of bodyfat. The fact is - when you stop taking ECA, it is extremely difficult to maintain the same levels of adipose tissue.

ECA suppresses appetite so people tend to begin eating more calories once they stop...unless you have a steel will - otherwise you'll just feel like shit all day long. It also increases your basal metabolic rate to a slight degree - so that effect also leaves the picture once you stop.

 

[Slugfast]

I found that I could maintain my levels for about 3 months, then Xmas hit and I kinda gained about 7-8 pounds as I got lazy, but have started to drop it again. I think once I reach my level, I can actually have a few drinks on the weekend without fears of gaining weight, but again I do insane amounts of Cardio training for Triatholons, boxing, and being a Meat Head.