Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Product Review: BSN NO Xplode

Let's face it - when it comes time to choosing the right muscle-building product available, there are just too many variable to take into account: too many brands, too much science, too many compromises, too many promises that you don't know are fact or just well-scripted fiction. You may be looking for a product that fits your budget, you may be looking for a product that possesses or lacks certain compounds, or you may just be looking for the best possible product available that will meet your personal training goals. So what do you do? You do your homework. After all, this is your body we're talking about. You need to know that all your hardwork, dedication and pennies are being supported to achieve the most efficient, effective and satisfactory results possible. But this can prove to be a time-consuming venture - for every proponent you find, there will always be an opponent. But the chances are that the true quality, effect and value of any particular product will be reflected in sheer weight of numbers. That means that unless you have tried a particular product and know its unique effects on your unique bio-chemistry, you put your faith in others - as many others as possible. It takes a wise man to ask for the advice of others, and with that being said, I'm going to continue to select certain products that are available through the Explosive Nutrition website that have received numerous and widespread reviews. This will allow you to make your purchases with the most comprehensive information available. This weeks special offer is currently available on SPECIAL OFFER, only through Explosive Nutrition: BSN NO Xplode
I am often weary of pre-workout supplements. The end result is often subjecting your body to an avoidable intake of chemicals that have relatively little to no impact on true mass and strength gains. I have tried NO Xplode before in the past, and would be lying if I said that I didn't feel a slight kick in the pants after taking it. However, the above statistics show that after 531 reviews, this product has been received with only moderate support. A 60% recommendation is far from cast iron, and a 17% negative recommendation is an appreciable influence. The fact that there was nearly 13% of reviews who couldn't commit to a side is also a telling sign to this product. Generally across the board, this product rates only 70% in effectiveness, value and overall approval.


Below are the main pros and cons of each person who reviewed this product, giving you more specific insight as to what this product is really all about.




FINAL THOUGHTS


Notice that the pros are not overly enthusiastic, and are similar in numerical volume to the negatives. When I shop for a product, I look for more than 'OK' statements. There are a lot of negative comments that revolve around an upset stomach and the consequent WC activity that accompany it. Personally, you're already likely subjected your body to an intake of several powders; whey, creatine etc. This is an avoidable source of powder that your system could do without. If you're looking for a good 'pick-up' before a workout, just through back a banana with a little honey and caffeine. Even one of those '5 hour energy' gimmicks is effective for me.


There are people who cannot work-out without taking their pre-workout product. Whether this is because they have become dependent on such supplements or require the psychological placebo is a debate for another time. My advice; if you're curious, try it - just be honest with the true results you get from it.


To buy BSN NO Xplode, Click Here.

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

Product Review: Gaspari Intrapro



Let's face it - when it comes time to choosing the right muscle-building product available, there are just too many variables to take into account: too many brands, too much science, too many compromises, too many promises that you don't know are true or just well-scripted fiction.

You may be looking for a product that fits your budget, you may be looking for a product that possesses or lacks certain compounds - or you may just be looking for the best possible product available that will meet your personal goals.
So what do you do? You do your homework. After all, this is your body we're talking about. You need to know that all your hard work, dedication and pennies are being supported to achieve the most efficient results possible.
But this can prove to be a time-consuming project. For every proponent you find, there will always be an opponent. But the chances are that the true quality, effect and value of any particular product will be reflected in sheer weight of numbers. That means that unless you have tried a particular project and know the effects you can obtain that are unique only to you, you put your faith in others - as many 'others' as possible.
It takes a wise man to ask for the advice of others, and with that in mind, I'm going to continue to select certain products that are available through the Explosive Nutrition website that have received numerous, wide-spread reviews, so that you can make your purchases with the most comprehensive information available.
This week's selected product is available on SPECIAL OFFER only at Explosive Nutrition:

The first thing that should be noted when reviewing this product, is that it has received far fewer reviews than I have illustrated in previous blogs; Instead of hitting triple-digit reviews, this product has received only 8. However, I believe these to be a true representation of the product based on Gaspari's standing in the supplement community, and the over-whelming positive reviews that Intrapro has received. A 100% recommendation rating is a rare thing, and should encourage your decision to use this product.

Below are the main pros and cons that were given by each person that reviewed this product, giving you more specific insight as to what this product is really all about.

FINAL THOUGHTS
The majority ruling on this product is that it builds muscle and tastes great. It certainly is a very pure, high-quality protein source, and the 'no added sugar' is also a clear benefit. As for 'stinky farts', well - any user of protein supplements will tell you that protein and farting go hand-in-hand. And as far as expensive is concerned, Explosive Nutrition make this product as affordable as possible. Bottom-line: definitely worth a try. Enjoy! Click Here to buy Gaspari Intrapro

Wednesday, 2 March 2011

Product Review: USP Labs, Jack3d


Let's face it - when it comes time to choosing the right muscle-building product available, there are just too many variables to take into account; too many brands, too much science, too many compromises, too many promises that you don't know are true or just well-scripted fiction. You may be looking for a product that fits your budget, you may be looking for a product that possesses or lacks certain compounds - or you may just be looking for the best possible product available that will meet your personal goals.
So what do you do? - You do your homework. After all, this is your body we're talking about; you need to know that all your hard work, dedication and pennies are being supported to achieve the most efficient results possible.
But this can prove to be a time-consuming project - for every proponent you find, there'll always be an opponent. But the chances are that the true quality, effect and value of any particular product will be reflected in sheer weight of numbers. That means that unless you have tried a particular product and know the effects that you can obtain that are unique only to you, you put your trust in others - as many 'others' as possible.

It takes a wise man to ask for the advice of others, and with that in mind I'm going to continue to select certain products that are available through the Explosive Nutrition website that have received numerous, wide-spread reviews, so that you can make your purchases with the most comprehensive information available.

This week's product review: USP Labs Jack3d



The first thing you should appreciate about these results is that 674 reviews is an incredible number - the fact that this many people felt compelled to submit a review of this product is a testament to the product's controversial reputation and it's powerful pre-workout attributes. A positive recommendation of nearly 85% is a solid value, supported by 570 different users. While there are some negative and uncertain reviews of this product, the sheer weight of numbers will inevitably show evidence that this product's potency will disagree with a very small minority.

Below are the main pros and cons that were given by each person that reviewed this product, giving you more specific insight as to what this product is really all about:






FINAL THOUGHTS

Unfortunately, this is a product that I have no personal experience with. However, the fact that this product has received such a controversial reputation makes me approach Jack3d with a sense of cautious interest. This product has been on the market for years, I was aware of it when I was wrestling in the States, and remember that several of my buddies who tried this product enthusiastically reported the increased energy effects and the pump it gave them. This is in no small part due to a certain compound - 1,3 Dimethylamylamine, "while completely legal, it behave like a very mild amphetamine in your body".

Alarm bells should be ringing whenever a product requires an official defense statement, although this was mainly brought on by supposed rumours of athletes receiving 'false positives' during drug-screening tests.

Bases on the above evidence, this product - more than most - should be treated with caution when discovering its particular effects on your unique physiology. There is no doubt that this product is highly effect in the fields of energy, pump and focus. The ability to lift more weight AND keep your strength gains is of particular note. Pre-workout supplements are something I have tried to avoid in the past as I've never wanted to become dependent on chemicals to achieve an efficient workout.

But I am intrigued enough by this product that I will try it out on my next intense weight-lifting cycle, if only as to figure out if was worth replacing the 'e' with a '3'. My guess is; Yes.

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

Product Review: Optimum Nutrition, Pro Complex


Let's face it, when it comes time to choosing the right muscle-building product available, there are just too many variables to take into account; too many brands, too much science, too many compromises, too many promises that you don't know are true or just well-scripted fiction.
You may be looking for a product that fits your budget, you may be looking for a product that possesses or lacks certain compounds - or you may just be looking for the best possible product available that will meet your personal goals.
So what do you do? You do your homework. After all, this is your body we're talking about; you need to know that all your hard efforts, dedication and pennies are being supported to achieve the most efficient results. But this can prove to be a time-consuming project - for every proponent you find, there's always an opponent.
But the chances are that the true quality, effect and value of any particular project will be reflected in sheer weight of numbers; That means that unless you have personally tried a particular product and know the effects that you can obtain that are unique only to you, you put your faith in others - as many 'others' as possible.
It takes a wise man to ask for the advice of others, and with that thought in mind, I'm going to continue to select certain products that are available from Explosive Nutrition that have received numerous and wide-spread reviews, so that you can make your purchases with the most comprehensive information available.
This week's product review: Optimum Nutrition, Pro Complex
The consumer feedback for this product leaves zero doubt as to its effectiveness, value and overall rating. This is one of the most universally respected products available in today's market, and is a cornerstone product in Optimum Nutrition's bid to deliver the highest quality sports-supplements available. 'Nuff said. (It should be pointed out that there is a 1% margin of error in these statistics, lol). Below are the main pros and cons that were given by each person that reviewed this product, giving you more specific insight as to what this product is really all about.:



FINAL THOUGHTS

With this particular product, I have the benefit of drawing upon my own experiences. After taking MuscleTech's Nitro-Tech in all it's variants for several years, I felt it was time for a change - I reasoned that there most be newer, preferably even more effective products on the market - and boy, was it one of the best decisions I ever made. I have written a blog previously which made a comparative analysis of the two products (Click here to check it out). What I discovered was a superior product in every area - with the exception of taste (and that was being super-critical).

First-time users will discover a surprisingly thin, smooth taste to this product. It may appear weaker in taste due to a lack of fillers or additives - but mixed in to a smoothie, it has the added benefit of actually thinning the smoothie! The lack of available flavours is this product's only weakness, but I have tried both the chocolate and vanilla flavours and have found them to be excellent and more 'natural' tasting than many of their counter-parts.

Bottom-line: Optimum Nutrition is one of the most highly regarded and trusted companies in the market, and have received a lot of positive attention for their contributions to the field of sports-supplementation. If you haven't already, try this product. Once you do, I guarantee that you won't want to use anything else. Period. Click Here to buy Optimum Nutrition's Pro Complex.

Thursday, 17 February 2011

Product Review: MuscleTech, CellTech Hardcore Pro Series

Let's face it - when it comes time to choosing the right muscle-building product available, there are just too many variables to take into account; too many brands, too much science, too many compromises, too many promises that you don't know are true or well-scripted fiction. You may be looking for a product that fits your budget, you may be looking for a product that possesses or lacks certain compounds - or you may just be looking for the best possible product available that will meet your personal goals.

So what do you do? You do your homework. After all, this is your body we're talking about; you need to know that all your hard efforts, dedication and pennies are being supported to achieve the most efficient results possible. But this can prove to be a time-consuming project - for every proponent you find, there's always an opponent. But the chances are that the true quality, effect and value of any particular product will be reflected in sheer weight of numbers; That means that unless you have personally tried a particular product and know the effects that you can obtain that are unique only to you, you put your faith in others - as many 'others' as possible.

It takes a wise man to ask for the advice of others, and with that being said, I'm going to continue to select certain products that are available from Explosive Nutrition that have received numerous, wide-spread reviews, so that you can make your purchases with the most comprehensive information available.

This week's product review: MuscleTech's Cell Tech Hardcore Pro Series.


As you tell from the above statistical analysis, CTHC/PS is by no means a 'people's choice'. MuscleTech as a company has taken a battering in recent years in perceived consumer value and the ability to make good on their product range abilities, despite remaining one of the biggest U.S. players in the sports-supplementation industry. With barely a 55% approval rate from nearly 100 reviews, this is a poor performance. Perhaps more concerning is the 21% of people that would not recommend this product. Below are the main pros and cons that were given by each person that reviewed this product, giving you more specific insight to what this product is really all about:


FINAL THOUGHTS

With this particular product, I have the benefit of being able to draw upon my own experiences. MuscleTech's Nitro-Tech and Cell-Tech were the first sports-supplements that I ever took - I had come to America to begin my wrestling ambitions and soon realised that I would need help to run with the big dogs. I was referred to MuscleTech by a former Welsh Body-building judge that was living in the States, and I knew no better than to try it.

I have used this product throughout every stage of its evolution; from Cell-Tech/ CT Hard core/ CTHC Pro Series. The most notable improvement was the taste and decrease in acidity. Personally, I achieved some great results with this product, despite the considerable bad press about the product and it's company (my body shot on this blog site will show that). Yes - there is a lot of sugar in this product, but used immediately after an intense resistance workout, it is mostly put to good use by the body. I was never really made aware of the bloating factor until after I got back on this product after taking several months off it when I returned to the U.K. My mother and sister (biased, but honest judges of mine) were the first to notice a distinct protruding belly after only the first week of use.

I would definitely recommend to NOT follow the 'loading phase' guidelines of this product. It will lead to bloating and water retention, and depending on your seasoning to sports-supplements, active use of the toilet. I believe the reason why I didn't really experience any noticeable negative effects was due to my high activity levels whilst I was wrestling - working out twice a day with intense cardio, 6 days a week probably off-set these effects.

Price has always been the biggest drawback to MuscleTech products in comparison to its rivals, and I believe that a main reason for why this product has received such negative press is due to the perceived failings of the Company, more than the product's own. However, isn't this just as telling as to the rating of the product?

Bottom-line: This product does work, I can attest to that. Pro Series has a great taste, and your strength and mass will increase significantly. But I believe that there are much 'purer' products available, without the high sugar content that this product possesses. Would I recommend it? Yes, but be aware of any negative changes in your physiology, and come off it if you do. Click Here to buy MuscleTech's Cell Tech Hard Core Pro Series.

Friday, 11 February 2011

Product Review: Gaspari Myofusion


Let's face it - when it comes to choosing the right muscle-building product available, there are just too many variables to take in to account; too many brands, too much science, too many compromises, too many promises that you don't know are true or well-scripted fiction. You may be looking for a product that fits your budget, you may be looking for a product that possesses or lacks certain compounds - or you may just be looking for the best possible product available that will meet your personal goals.

So what do you do? You do your home work. After all, this is your body we're talking about; you need to know that all your hard efforts, dedication and pennies are being surported to achieve the most efficient results possible. But this can prove to be a time-consuming project - for every proponent you find, there's always an opponent. But the chances are that the true quality, effect and value of any particular product will be reflected in sheer weight of numbers; That means that unless you have personally tried a particular product and know the effects that you can obtain that are unique only to you, you put your faith in others - as many 'others' as possible.

It takes a wise man to ask for the advice of others, and with that being said, I'm going to start selecting certain products available from Explosive Nutrition that have received numerous, wide-spread reviews, so that you can make your purchases with the most comprehensive information available. This week's product review: Gaspari Myofusion.


After viewing the above statistics, there's little doubt that this is a universally tried-and-tested product that delivers on its promises. Below are the main pros and cons that were given by each person that reviewed this product, giving you more specific insight to what this product is really all about:

Final thoughts


If you're looking to start using a protein supplement, or thinking about switching to something new, this product is definately worth a try. This is an excellent complete protein source at a very reasonable price, something that I intend to personally try in the near future. Click here to buy Gaspari Myofusion.

Thursday, 3 February 2011

High-Protein, High-Calorie Drinks

In my previous blogs, I have discussed the benefits of protein supplement drinks, and how they are an excellent and essential addition for meal plans designed to maximise lean muscle mass gains while achieving and maintaining low body fat composition. Actually, there are two very different kinds of drinks you can use to obtain additional protein:
  1. protein drinks that have no added (or very few) additional calories except for those found in the protein itself. Excellent examples of such drinks include Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey, and Sci-Mx Grs-5 Proetin System.

  2. weight-gainer drinks and supplements that are loaded with a lot of additional calories as well as those contained in the protein. Boditronics Mass Attack Evo is one such product, along with USN Hyperbolic Mass. A brand new product now available from Explosive Nutrition that is receiving good reviews is Reflex One Stop Extreme. Click on the link to learn more about the cutting-edge product.

When you take the time to read the labels on these two different products you can easily see the difference. A straight-forward protein supplement drink providing 27 grams of protein, mixed with water and sweetened artificially contains approximately 108 calories. On the other hand, a typical weight-gainer product that has the same amount of protein but is also loaded with carbohydrates and contains some fat as well, when mixed with whole milk as recommended, contains a whopping 2,000 calories per serving! Obviously, you should know the difference when you decide to use such a product.

Ultimately, it is important to realistically and logically assess your training goals, intensity and subsequent dietary needs to create the necessary demand for such weight-gainer drinks. Creating demand is also a subject I have previously discussed, and something I believe that most individuals set on 'getting jacked' routinely over-look. Without creating the demand for your body to utilise these excessive macro nutrient levels and the required cardio-vascular exercise to help bolster your metabolic rate, you will gain weight - but it will be centered around your waist-line, not where you actually need it in terms of muscle mass.

When I returned to England after wrestling in America and quickly realised that the job opportunities I was hoping for were few and far between, my survival depended on conserving as much money as I could to hold me over until I could land a job. That meant cutting all my supplements from my diet - a very disconcerting thought given that sports-supplementation products had been such a fundamental part of my diet for years. That meant relying solely on whole foods to supply my nutritional requirements.

The positive aspect of this is that I became much more aware of food nutritional values and foods that were very useful to me. I soon developed my own improvised protein-drinks, a benefit of which was that I knew precisely what was in them and what kind of nutritional benefit I was getting (refer back to one of my earliest blogs - Steve's Power Smoothie).

I'd combine my protein sources from oatmeal, weetabix, skimmed milk and Quark (similar to cottage cheese, but with virtually zero fat,neutral taste and 30g of protein at 70p per pot) to hit a target of 50-60g of protein per serving. I'd sometimes take this around with me in a thermos bottle at home or at work, so that I could drink it throughout the day.

But whether it's a commercial product or a home-made concoction, the purpose of such drinks is the same: to super-saturate the body with protein, making the necessary amino acids available for maximum muscle-building, and to supply the necessary calories to fuel training and growth.

The best protein powders are those that derive their amino acids from milk and egg sources - Whey protein shakes in particular has become the standard for protein drinks. But recently, other non-dairy based protein drinks have become increasingly popular - pea protein and rice protein in particular are favoured among vegetarian athletes (while not a complete protein source, when combined with proper diet and other meat and dairy protein sources it can become very potent).

Always check the label of any protein powder you are considering purchasing. Just because a serving size is listed at '1 scoop', don't just arbitrarily follow the direction. By now, you should know how much protein you need to ingest daily, and that 50-60g is typically the maximum amount of protein you can ingest in one sitting. To make sure I hit 50g of protein, not powder weight in a serving, I often weigh-out my protein, knowing what weight value is needed to hit my target.