Hi Everyone,

Had a couple questions that I would like to get people's insight on.

My question is regarding tearing the muscle fibers and muscular growth.

The only type of workout where I feel the muscle fibers tear is when I do supersets with slow negatives such as Bicep Blaster 2. Why is that? I know I have to mix things up but nothing seems to help me get the tear unless I do supersets with slow negatives. Is this normal?

Speaking of normal, why is it that my left arm (I'm right handed) seems to get more of a stronger feeling of the muscle fibers tearing than my right arm. Should I do a few more reps with right arm until I get the same feeling of muscle fiber tears as I do with my left?

Also, what is your view on protein shakes after workouts. I usually take shake immediately after workout and within an hour or two I get hungry and eat solid food. But sometimes, I'm literally starving after workout for solid food and feel like I am making mistake with first taking protein drink. Anything wrong with skipping shake all together after workout? My meals vary from 6oz Grilled Chicken with either rice, vegetables or pasta.

Thanks everyone for your attention on this matter.

When you say you feel the muscle fibers tear I do believe you mean to say you feel a burning sensation in your muscles. You shouldn't exactly feel your muscles tear unless it's an injury that is. The burning sensation is good and in some cases could be bad and I'll explain. When your muscles fatigue you get lactic acid build up which causes the burn so at least you know you are challenging your muscles, doesn't mean you aren't getting a good workout if you don't feel a burn. You're more than likely to get that burn with higher sets and reps, supersets, even slow negatives, ect. Now if you keep hitting say your shoulders twice a week and have for 6 weeks and each time get a serious burn you could be over working them and headed towards an injury. That example is just that, every bodys different but I'd excpect a good burn for the first few training sessions and then it tapering off. If you are feeling more of a burn on one side then the other I'd usually say it's because you are weaker on that side but since you say it's your left arm and you're left handed then maybe you are driving with more force on your left side since you're stronger and it is exhausting your muscles on the left side faster then your right. I'm not 100% there but maybe someone else has a better explanation. I will say DON'T do more reps on the right because then you are working the right side more and they are both for the most part getting worked equally.

As for a protein shake those are a great way to get more protein in for the day on top of what you get with your meals. Definatley if you have trouble meeting your protein goals. After a good workout your body has used up vital nutriets and energy and is searching for more. It's not a bad idea to have a shake after your workout because it is fast absorbing but if you eat a good nutritous meal 1-2 hours before you train then a shake is not totally needed but if you train fasted I'd take one immediatley after so your body doesn't decide to use your muscles as a fuel source.

Thank you very much for the feedback ADawg38.

It all makes a lot sense. We learn something new all the time.

I'm actually right handed, so my left arm feeling the burn more on one side is it due to it being the weaker arm.

My take aways are:

1. Feeling burn during workout and sore afterwards is a good thing when trying a new routine or first breaking a weight barrier. After that it really shouldn't happen to often because I could overwork them.

2. The first take away provides simple explanation now as to why my left arm would burn quicker since it is weaker of the two. So no need to do extra reps with one arm since for the most part they are both already getting worked equally.

Take care buddy

Hey man, I just responded to your post in the FAQ forum...sorry about that comment, didn't realise you had gone ahead and posted here! haha.

Anyway, looks like @Adawg38 gave you some solid advice!