Anyone use ZMA?

[Big E 118]

Got a freebie tub of ZMA with a protein order and haven't used it before, is it worth taking?

I do 6 mornings a week at the gym, 3 cardio and 3 with decent weights although I'm not looking to get put on a lot of bulk (I'm 100kg+ now and happy with that) I do like to push myself with the weight training. I only take protien once a day straight after excercise as more of a recovery drink rather than for weight gain.

I've done a bit of Googleing and there seems to have been very little research into the benefits, anyone got any first hand experience?

[Shinobi]

I tried some of the MaxiMuscle stuff for a week maybe 2 and didn't really notice any difference. Didn't make me train harder or want to train more and not sure if I had any side effects.

[Team 17]

It seems to help me with getting a more restful and deep sleep when taken a little while before going to bed (other people have reported the same effect), apart from that I didn't notice any other effects.

[frank hovis]

I use ZMA periodically , like Team 17 it helps me sleep and that about it , i buy the cheap Holland and Barrett type stuff , no need for expensive versions

[Big E 118]

Thanks guys, I had seen a couple of reviews that said that it aids sleep.

There were also a couple of reports which mentioned acne and p*ssing blood which put me off slightly!

I got the Maximuscle stuff free with a tub of Cyclone protein from the www.thesupplementstore.co.uk if anyone is interested.

I'll give it a go over the next couple of weeks and report back!

[UncleRic]

Be prepared for some stonking* dreams as a side effect of ZMA.

*Superb, realistic, vivid, lucid, bonkers etc

[Nevin]

I have stopped taking it because my dreams were becoming too insanely vivid and real. I was waking up and not being entirely sure whether I had dreamt something or whether it had actually happened, and having to phone people to check. It was cool, but a bit much every night.

I was getting phenomenal nights sleep though.

[Big E 118]

Nevin said:

I have stopped taking it because my dreams were becoming too insanely vivid and real. I was waking up and not being entirely sure whether I had dreamt something or whether it had actually happened, and having to phone people to check. It was cool, but a bit much every night.

I was getting phenomenal nights sleep though.

Wow that sounds pretty weird! You sure you weren't taking it with acid?!

Did you notice any gains in training?

[Nevin]

Big E 118 said:

Wow that sounds pretty weird! You sure you weren't taking it with acid?!

Did you notice any gains in training?

Nope, but I was cutting caffeine and artificial sugars out of my diet at the same time which also helped with the awesome sleeping. I am still getting great sleep and vivid dreams now I have cut those things, but not as insane as they were on the ZMA.

The first night I tried it I slept better than I have in about 16 years, so if its good sleep you're looking for then its great.

I suspect it may be worth trying again now that my diet is sorted and seeing if I get any gains.