Invictus Nutrition

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  • 4-Week Randomized Strength & Conditioning Plan

    4-Week Randomized Strength & Conditioning Plan

    Goal: get stronger, build muscle, and improve conditioning — without getting bored.
    Schedule: 4 days/week (Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat works well).
    Time: ~55–70 min/session.
    Gear: barbell + dumbbells (home swaps included).
    Intensity guide: use RPE 7–8 on main lifts (2–3 reps in reserve).


    How it works

    • Main lifts stay consistent (strength focus).
    • Accessory moves are randomized using the tables below (roll a D6 or use any RNG 1–6).
    • Progression:
      • Week 1: baseline loads.
      • Week 2: +1 rep on main lifts (or +2.5–5% load).
      • Week 3: keep Week 2 reps and nudge load +2.5%.
      • Week 4 (deload): −20–30% load or −1 set on everything.

    Warm-up (every day)

    5–8 min easy cardio → dynamic mobility (hips/shoulders) → 2–3 ramp-up sets for the first lift.


    WEEK 1 (Fully Generated Example)

    Day 1 — Push (Strength)

    1. Barbell Bench Press — 5×5 @ RPE 7–8, rest 2–3 min
    2. Incline DB Press — 3×8–10, 90s (home: push-ups 4×AMRAP)
    3. Seated DB Shoulder Press — 3×8–10 (home: pike push-ups 3×AMRAP)
    4. Dips or Assisted Dips — 3×AMRAP (home: bench dips 3×12–15)
    5. Finisher (EMOM 10): 8 push-ups + 10 KB/DB swings (scale reps)

    Day 2 — Lower (Hypertrophy)

    1. Back Squat — 4×6–8, 2–3 min (home: DB goblet squat 4×10)
    2. Romanian Deadlift — 3×8–10 (home: DB RDL)
    3. Walking Lunges — 3×12/leg
    4. Leg Curl (machine/band) — 3×12–15
    5. Standing Calf Raises — 4×12–15
    6. Finisher: 6 rounds — 30s hard bike/row/run + 60s easy

    Day 3 — Pull (Strength)

    1. Conventional Deadlift — 5×3 @ RPE 7–8, 3 min (home: DB sumo deadlift)
    2. Pull-ups or Lat Pulldown — 4×AMRAP / 4×8–12
    3. Bent-Over Row (barbell/DB) — 3×6–8
    4. Face Pulls / Band Pull-aparts — 3×12–15
    5. EZ-Bar or DB Curls — 3×10–12
    6. Finisher: 5 rounds — 200 m row + 10 burpees, rest 60–90s

    Day 4 — Conditioning + Core (Mixed)

    • AMRAP 20 min: 200 m run, 12 KB goblet squats, 10 sit-ups, 8 DB push press
    • Core tri-set ×3: plank 45s, hollow hold 20s, side plank 30s/side
    • Cool-down: 5 min mobility (hips/ankles/thoracic)

    Accessory Randomizer Tables (Weeks 2–4)

    How to use: each slot lists 6 options. Roll 1–6 (or RNG 1–6) to pick that week’s move.

    Push Pool

    1. Incline DB press
    2. Machine chest press / weighted push-ups
    3. Cable fly / DB fly
    4. Arnold press
    5. Lateral raises (DB/cable)
    6. Rope press-downs / skullcrushers

    Pull Pool

    1. Chest-supported row
    2. Single-arm DB row
    3. T-bar row / landmine row
    4. Seated cable row (wide/neutral)
    5. Rear-delt fly (machine/DB)
    6. Hammer curls / preacher curls

    Lower Pool

    1. Front squat / goblet squat
    2. Bulgarian split squat
    3. Leg press / step-ups
    4. Hip thrust / glute bridge
    5. Hamstring curl (machine/band)
    6. Seated or standing calf raise

    Conditioning Pool (pick 1)

    1. EMOM 12: 10 wall balls, 8 burpees
    2. 10×(30s hard / 60s easy) bike/row
    3. AMRAP 16: 10 KB swings, 10 box step-ups/side, 10 sit-ups
    4. 5 rounds: 400 m run, 15 air squats, 10 push-ups
    5. Ladder 1→10: KB snatch/side + V-ups
    6. 6 rounds: 250 m row + 12 slam balls

    Scaling & Notes

    • Brand-new lifters: drop 1 set from everything; keep RPE ≤7.
    • Home setups: swap barbell lifts for DB or bodyweight alternatives listed.
    • Time-crunched: cut the finisher and do a brisk 10-minute walk instead.
    • Recovery: sleep 7–9 h, protein ~1.6–2.2 g/kg/day, easy walking on rest days.

    Safety note: If you have any medical concerns, get clearance before starting. Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or anything unusual.

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Protein Powder

    A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Protein Powder

    Walking into a supplement store or browsing online can feel overwhelming. With so many options—
    whey, casein, plant-based—how do you know which protein powder is right for you? This guide is
    designed to cut through the confusion and help you make an informed decision based on your goals and
    dietary needs

    Step 1: Understand the Main Types of Protein Powder
    ● Whey Protein: This is the most popular type and is a complete protein, meaning it contains all
    nine essential amino acids. It’s fast-digesting, making it ideal for post-workout recovery when your
    muscles need a quick amino acid boost.
    ○ Best for: Post-workout recovery, muscle building.
    ● Casein Protein: Also a milk-based complete protein, but it digests slowly. It forms a gel in your
    stomach, releasing amino acids gradually over several hours.
    ○ Best for: Before bed to prevent muscle breakdown overnight, or as a meal replacement
    to stay full longer.
    ● Plant-Based Protein: A great option for vegans, vegetarians, or those with dairy sensitivities.
    Common sources include pea, brown rice, hemp, and soy.
    ○ Best for: Anyone following a plant-based diet or with dairy issues. Look for a blend of
    different plant proteins to ensure a complete amino acid profile.

    Step 2: Define Your Fitness Goals
    ● For Muscle Building: A fast-digesting protein like whey is your best friend right after a workout.
    ● For Weight Loss: Protein can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing cravings. Casein’s slow-
    digesting properties can be particularly useful here.
    ● For Endurance Athletes: Protein helps with muscle repair and recovery after long runs or rides.
    Both whey and casein can be beneficial.

    Step 3: Check the Nutrition Label Don’t just look at the grams of protein. Also, check the sugar content,
    as some powders can be loaded with unnecessary sweeteners. Look for a short and clean ingredient list

    Conclusion: The “right” protein powder is the one that fits your goals, diet, and lifestyle. Take the time to
    understand the differences, and you’ll be able to confidently choose a supplement that supports your
    fitness journey