Question:
Why do some bodybuilders use insulin as a supplement?
Answer:
First, I’d hardly call synthetic insulin a “supplement.” it is really a serious drug, not meant to be used by bodybuilders but those inflicted with insulin-dependent diabetes. Insulin is only available by prescription, but that has never stood in the way of muscle hungry bodybuilders that want a specific drug.
The reason that bodybuilders are interested in insulin lies in it’s ability to cause the storage of greater amounts of carbohydrates and amino acids inside muscle cells. Insulin is both anabolic and anti-catabolic in nature, and can produce dramatic and rapid increases in the size and fullness of the muscles when used “correctly.”
Insulin also has a synergistic effect with other bodybuilding drugs like growth hormone and steroids, each helping the other drug to work more efficiently.
I should also mention that because insulin is not detected by standard urinalysis testing, it is also a favorite among “natural” bodybuilders as well. Insulin, along with HGH, which is also undetectable, are used by many that compete in drug tested events. This is cheating at its worst of course.
Bottom line, synthetic insulin is a powerful and dangerous drug. When used “correctly” it can certainly enhance hypertrophy to astounding levels. Used incorrectly on the other hand, it can make you fat, or far worse, kill you.
Question:
I love to squat, but find that my outer thigh is growing far better than my tear drop. How can I get to that muscle right above the knee?
Answer:
The tear-drop shaped muscle you are referring to is the vastus medialis (vm). This muscle develops quite easily for some, but is tough to develop for others. For those that have trouble with this particular muscle, all hope is not lost! There are ways to enhance the recruitment of the vm by using foot position, body alignment, and training technique to your advantage. Since you love to squat and you feel you get alot out of this movement, lets discuss how you can use it to more effectively target the vm.
First, you need to make your stance more narrow (less than shoulder width) while also elevating your heels (use a block of wood or two 25 lb plates). Doing these two things will move your body’s center of gravity foward and set your thighs up to utilize more vm fibers than wide stance, flat footed squatting does.
Second, try doing your squats (this can be done with leg presses as well) in the one and a quarter style. To use this technique you will lower yourself slowly to the bottom squat position, but then, instead of coming all the way up you will only rise one quarter of the way. Next, slowly descend back to the bottom position and then push quickly to just before lockout. This will force greater recruitment of the vm as this muscle, along with the hamstrings is most responsible for getting out of the bottom squat position. 2-3 sets of 6-8 reps of this exercise and you’ll not only have big teardrops on your thighs, but also streaming down your face from the pain!
