Axe&Sledge; The Grind, EAAS+Hydration

We call this the “Mutant Killer.” Mutant BCAAs was at the top of your rankings for All day, Recovery Day, and Off Day supplements for a while. But this stuff, this stuff smashes it. Everything Mutant has, plus more. All the BCAAs the body needs and electrolytes, just like Mutant, but this ALSO has all the EAAs too. They literally “one-up” Mutant for sure.

PERSONAL EFFECTS:

Kept me hydrated and my body loaded with BCAA’s and EAAs, at all times, workout days, and off days. Short recovery time. Did the job.

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PHYSICAL TESTING:

I followed the recommended usage with some flavorless protein, 45 minutes before I worked out, several half servings throughout the day and off days too.

My workout routine consisted of heavy lifting, high weight, moderate reps, 6 sets, 4 to 5 workouts per muscle group.

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INGREDIENT SCRUTINY

The right ratio of Essential Amino Acids and Branch Chain Amino Acids. Descent hydration and recovery additives.

Research more of the ingredients at Know your Pre-workout Ingredients

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Full Disclosure:

I took this supplement faithfully before each workout but stacked it with GNC’s flavorless protein, and ACG3 pre-workout; together as part of my pre-workout drink. I would also take half servings along with the flavorless protein on my off days as well.

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Price Point:

I don’t recall the exact price, but it was pricey. But, given the quality and price, this would be up there with the “gucci” of supplements.

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Final Recommendation:

I give B-NOX 5 of 5 Flexes!

Betancourt B-NOX

From the Manufacturer:

“Since 2009 B-NOX™ has been an industry leader in the pre-workout category and Betancourt Nutrition® continues this tradition with its newest edition of B-NOX® formulated to deliver the same great energy and intensity youʼve come to expect from B-NOX® plus our unique Ripped Juice® blend for weight management support.† Ripped Juice® has been Betancourt Nutritionʼs leader in fat loss support since 2006 and the Ripped Juice® blend will join B-NOX® in delivering pre-workout energy and physique enhancement support.† Also includes Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6.”

Recommended usage:  1 scoop (8.4g)

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PERSONAL EFFECTS:

By far, the most powerful thermogenic combined in a pre-workout form I have taken to date.  I begin sweating not to long after starting to drink it.  And I don’t mean ‘feeling hot and my forehead feels moist’ no, I mean sweating like I’ve been working out already for 30 minutes.  Sweat droplets rolling down my back and side of my face.  My palms are sweating like crazy.  Good stuff.

I do feel the boost in energy and a more intensive focus.

As I weight lift, I do have a feeling of being able to not just lift more but able to do more reps and the pumps I’ve had with this stuff have been better than pumps before I started taking this stuff.

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PHYSICAL TESTING:

I followed the recommended usage and took with about 24oz of water combined with some flavorless protein, and some BCAA and Electrolyte supplements 45 minutes before I worked out.

I did a combination of weighted body-weight workouts, resistance bands, and dumb bell moderate weight lifting exercises.

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INGREDIENT SCRUTINY

The energy blend is nasty.  They just say 1,850mg of all their concoction but don’t specify how many mg are ‘caffeine.’   That’s a little worry some.  And after taking it, it feels like a lot.  They have a little note saying “contains 197mg of caffeine” but the effects of the Guarana, Teacrine, and Green Tea extract bumps the mg of caffeine higher than just what the baseline Caffeine additive has.  I’d say it feels like 300-400mg worth of caffeine.

Research more of the ingredients at Know your Pre-workout Ingredients

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Full Disclosure:

I took this supplement faithfully before each workout but stacked it with GNC’s flavorless protein, 1/3 scoop, and Mutant’s BCAA supplement; together as part of my pre-workout drink.

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Price Point:

$34.99 is what it typically goes for.  Not too bad.  $12 cheaper than EVOGEN Xtreme pre-workout drink and feels just as good.  I’d say that’s not a bad price for this kind of pre-workout.  But remember, semi-rounded scoops means each scoop is worth $1.

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Final Recommendation:

I give B-NOX 4.5 of 5 Flexes!

Sparta Nutrition Keto BCAA, Pre Extreme, and Shred

Their Recommended Usage:

Shred: 1-2 scoops, 9-18 grams; no more than three in 24 hours.

Pre Extreme: 1 scoops, 13 grams; no more than two in 24 hours.

BCAA: 1 scoop (13g) prior to workout, 1 post workout; no more than two in 24 hours.

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Personal Effects:

Shred:  I would drink this on my off days before or with a meal.  No serious effect but I do feel as though it kept my energy levels up through the day.  It says its a “thermogenic” but I did not feel my body temp increase at all or notice anything different in that area.

Pre Extreme:  For two weeks I used this as my sole pre-workout supplement.  The reason I say two-weeks, is because, after the two weeks I switched to something else.  This stuff had no noticeable effect on me.

BCAA: I definitely got all the BCAAs, hydration, and Ketone salts my body needed.  I added half scoops in various drinks throughout the day to continue the transportation of BCAAs to the body; without exceeding the recommended usage.

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Physical Testing:

Shred:  I followed the recommended uses and did not feel any noticeable thermogenic change.  During the time I was taking it, my body fat did not increase, even on a semi-dirty diet.

Pre Extreme:  Sucks.  Didn’t feel energized (aside from the 300mg of caffeine).  Didn’t notice any positive effect in my workouts or recovery.  It just made my pre workout drink taste decent.

BCAA:  As noted above, made full use of this stuff.  Tastes good.  Stayed hydrated, continuous intake of BCAAs, and during the time i used it my body fat did not increase, even during a dirty diet.

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Ingredient Scrutiny:

Shred:

So, what exactly is the goBHB?  This is also called Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid.   Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a chemical that is made by the body to provide energy in times when not enough carbohydrates or sugars have been eaten.  Beta-hydroxybutyrate seems to help nerves and the brain to work better. Beta-hydroxybutyrate might be used as energy by muscles in the body to improve exercise ability.   Early research shows that taking a chemical called 3-hydroxybutyl-3-hydroxybutyrate, which turns into beta-hydroxybutyrate in the body, might help athletes to run faster.  But aside from that, there really isn’t a whole lot of research on this stuff.

Ashwagandha is to improve mental focus and reduce stress.  Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling (inflammation), lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system.   Some research shows that taking a specific ashwagandha root extract (KSM66, Ixoreal Biomed) 300 mg twice daily after food or another specific extract (Shoden, Arjuna Natural Ltd.) 240 mg daily for 60 days appears to improve symptoms of stress.  But, there is really not enough studies done to say it, itself, works.  Antipsychotics are used to treat schizophrenia but they can cause levels of fat and sugar in the blood to increase. Taking a specific ashwagandha extract (Cap Strelaxin, M/s Pharmanza Herbal Pvt. Ltd.) 400 mg three times daily for one month might reduce levels of fat and sugar in the blood in people using these medications.

InnoSlim; There are some studies on this stuff.  1st, one study seems to show that it isn’t toxic (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6633876/).  That’s good news.  A second study is still in the works (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04201314).  In theory, this will help your body burn fat and sugar.

PRE EXTREME:

AlphaSize A-GPC:  Alpha-GPC is a chemical released when a fatty acid found in soy and other plants breaks down.  This version is modified from the doctor prescribed version.  In Europe alpha-GPC is a prescription medication for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It is available in two forms; one is taken by mouth, and the other is given as a shot. In the United States alpha-GPC is only available as a dietary supplement, mostly in products promoted to improve memory.  Alpha-GPC seems to increase a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This brain chemical is important for memory and learning functions.  This would give the sharpened mental focus.

Methyliberine:  Methylliberine (CAS 51168-26-4), a methoxiuric acid, is a caffeine metabolite.  There are a limited few studies on it (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31911801/).  It doesn’t seem that this stuff has any real effects at 100mg. In one study, while small changes were found in some cardiovascular and blood biomarkers, no clinically significant changes occurred at 150+mg (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32121218/).   But, at least it seems to be safe at that dosage.

BCAA:

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Full Disclosure:

I did stack these three.  Shred on my off days, Pre Extreme for my pre-workout, and BCAA in both my off day and intra or post workout drink.  But, my diet was dirty and I was also taking other supplements as well.

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Price Point:

Expensive.  Over priced.

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Final Recommendation:

I give BCAA 4 of 5 Flexes!

I give SHRED 3.5 of 5 Flexes!

1/2

I give Pre Extreme 2 of 5 Flexes!

                              

Supplement Review: NDS Liporush XTP

Just going to stay this straight out the gate: Best fat burner ever made. Now, it is a high stimulant, but man, does it work. Drinking it on my off days, it increased my calories burned by 9% alone. It is a smooth thermogenic that doesn’t make me sweat profusely. AND it really does feel like it slows my feeling of hunger so I can nail my macro numbers more often.

PERSONAL EFFECTS:

It doesn’t taste bad. I do however add some Walmart drink additives to assist in the taste. It doesn’t feel like a pre-workout and I don’t get the feeling of paranoia or crackhead twitching. It’s smooth. All the nerdy data I track shows that on days I drink it, I burn 9% more calories than days I don’t (all non workout days). I am able to function better at work, far more alert and focused on details, compared to days I don’t drink it. And it does seem to help in appetite control too. All around, it is a very nice burner.

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PHYSICAL TESTING:

I followed the recommended usage, 1 scoop of only 5 freakn grams. That’s how potent this stuff is. I will mix some flavorless protein and powdered MCT oil, maybe some fiber too.

My workout routine consisted of heavy lifting, high weight, moderate reps, 6 sets, 4 to 5 workouts per muscle group; but I DO NOT take this stuff on workout days. Only on NON-workout days.

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INGREDIENT SCRUTINY

This ingredient list is NOICE so I will highlight a couple of things.

The “burn blend” contains 320mg of Caffeine. Yep. But also has TeaCrine, Cayenne Fruit Powder, QU995, and Yohimbe Bark Extract.

This sucker also has Ashwagandha Extract root, KSM-66, Licorice root, all your BCAAs, and BioPerine.

Research more of the ingredients at Know your Pre-workout Ingredients

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Full Disclosure:

I took this supplement faithfully on my off days but stacked it with GNC’s flavorless protein, MCT Oil powder, sometimes Fiber, and half a serving of Axe&Sledge: The Grind. I would only take one servings, 1 scoop. Never dared going over the recommended serving, given all the other supps I was taking.

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Price Point:

EXPENSIVE. $50+ depending on where you go. But BUT this stuff is GUCCI.

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Final Recommendation:

I give B-NOX 5 of 5 Flexes!

💥💪💪💪💪💪💥

Supplement Review: PMD; ACG3 Super-Charger

Now THIS is a high stim pre-workout, but, interestingly enough, it doesn’t have the feeling of being on meth and crack at the same time, like most high stim pre workouts do. This has a smooth increase in krunkness and gradually ushers you into beast mode. What is most important to note, is the quality of ingredients in this can of whoopass.

PERSONAL EFFECTS:

It didn’t taste that bad. It didn’t give me the crackhead ADHD jitters. But when I go to the gym, it was on like donky kong. I fu*ked myself up so bad and didn’t even realize it until the next day. This stuff was/is perfect.

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PHYSICAL TESTING:

I followed the recommended usage with some flavorless protein, 45 minutes before I worked out. It says take 1 or 2 scoops. I always just took 1 scoop to make this can of gold last longer. And even with just one scoop, it is effective none the less.

My workout routine consisted of heavy lifting, high weight, moderate reps, 6 sets, 4 to 5 workouts per muscle group.

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INGREDIENT SCRUTINY

Yo, the ingredient list is toooo extensive to go through, but I will highlight a couple of things.

It already contains creatine, in various forms, even Creatine MagnaPower.

Various forms of Betaine, even CarnoSyn.

AstraGin, VitaCholine, Ashwagandha Extract, KSM-66…

Various forms of Caffeine, including TeaCrine.

Yohimbe Bark Extract, QU995, Guarana…

and on and on…

Research more of the ingredients at Know your Pre-workout Ingredients

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Full Disclosure:

I took this supplement faithfully before each workout but stacked it with GNC’s flavorless protein, and Axe&Sledge: The Grind; together as part of my pre-workout drink. I would only take half servings, 1 scoop. Never needed to go full Hulk.

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Price Point:

EXPENSIVE. $55+ depending on where you go. But BUT this stuff is GUCCI.

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Final Recommendation:

I give B-NOX 5 of 5 Flexes!

💥💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💥

Supplement Review: Axe&Sledge; The Grind, EAAS+Hydration

We call this the “Mutant Killer.” Mutant BCAAs was at the top of your rankings for All day, Recovery Day, and Off Day supplements for a while. But this stuff, this stuff smashes it. Everything Mutant has, plus more. All the BCAAs the body needs and electrolytes, just like Mutant, but this ALSO has all the EAAs too. They literally “one-up” Mutant for sure.

PERSONAL EFFECTS:

Kept me hydrated and my body loaded with BCAA’s and EAAs, at all times, workout days, and off days. Short recovery time. Did the job.

---

PHYSICAL TESTING:

I followed the recommended usage with some flavorless protein, 45 minutes before I worked out, several half servings throughout the day and off days too.

My workout routine consisted of heavy lifting, high weight, moderate reps, 6 sets, 4 to 5 workouts per muscle group.

---

INGREDIENT SCRUTINY

The right ratio of Essential Amino Acids and Branch Chain Amino Acids. Descent hydration and recovery additives.

Research more of the ingredients at Know your Pre-workout Ingredients

---

Full Disclosure:

I took this supplement faithfully before each workout but stacked it with GNC’s flavorless protein, and ACG3 pre-workout; together as part of my pre-workout drink. I would also take half servings along with the flavorless protein on my off days as well.

---

Price Point:

I don’t recall the exact price, but it was pricey. But, given the quality and price, this would be up there with the “gucci” of supplements.

---

Final Recommendation:

I give B-NOX 5 of 5 Flexes!

                        **💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽**

Best 2020 Fitness Presidential Candidate

We don’t really get into politics but seeing as how politicians shut down our gyms and preach about how important health and hygiene is, it’s kinda relates.  Here we will look at the candidate who would be best for the health and fitness industry, given their track record.

Supplement Review: Betancourt B-NOX

From the Manufacturer:

“Since 2009 B-NOX™ has been an industry leader in the pre-workout category and Betancourt Nutrition® continues this tradition with its newest edition of B-NOX® formulated to deliver the same great energy and intensity youʼve come to expect from B-NOX® plus our unique Ripped Juice® blend for weight management support.† Ripped Juice® has been Betancourt Nutritionʼs leader in fat loss support since 2006 and the Ripped Juice® blend will join B-NOX® in delivering pre-workout energy and physique enhancement support.† Also includes Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6.”

Supplement Review: Sparta Nutrition Keto BCAA, Pre Extreme, and Shred

Only You Can Prevent – Muscle Loss

Losing muscle leads to the loss of strength, mobility, performance, and other negative health issues.  Sometimes you can workout too hardcore, that your body breaks down muscle for energy.  You think your doing so good losing all this weight but your really losing muscle and making your body less healthy.  What are things we can do to prevent this or slow it?  How can you maintain muscle mass?

Appetite Suppression

Since we are stuck at home more often, we tend to eat more.  I noticed my total calorie intake increase by 5% since the real start of “stay-at-home” mandates.  To compensate, I’ve had to increase the intensity of home workouts.  But, why do all that when you can just suppress your appetite, and feel full and content, longer?

How Fat-Burning Works and How To Do IT!

If you want to melt away body fat, you should first understand how it works.  We lay out how fat storage and burning works, then give 4 principles to fight it, with a list of things you can do and track to make your fat melting effective!

Diet and Fitness, on a budget

We aren’t all wealthy rich sissies that have their own personal trainers and personal chefs that live in our big guest house with our personal drivers, all organized by our personal assistant.  That’s just not the majority of us.  But we all want and need a healthy diet and to be fit, and most of us are on a budget.

Supplement Review: ProSupps Mr. Hyde NitroX, 2020

Their Recommended Usage:

1 scoop. That’s all you need. There is really no reason to take more than that, unless you want to have heart complications and insomnia…

This is a upgraded version of last years Mr. Hyde “Signature” blend.

Supplement Review: Mutant BCAA 9.7

MUTANT BCAA 9.7

Their Recommended Usage:

Mutant recommends 1 scoop; consume during exercise on training days, or throughout the day on non-training days.

Supplement Review: GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein, unflavored

Their Recommendations: 1 scoop with drink; 1 to 2 daily.

I took about 2 to 3 scoops daily, after workouts and about 1/4 scoops in with various drinks and meals throughout the day. It was very handy having a unflavored protein mix.

Protein Powders, what’s the difference?

We see all kinds of protein powders; Whey, casein, isolate, organic, veggie… and on and on.  But what kinds are best for the human body and best times to take them?  I will explore and review all that and more!

Nuke that belly fat hiding your abs!

Having a lot of belly fat is actually just as bad as being obese according to recent studies; and is linked to heart disease and type-2 diabetes (62).  This isn’t fat-shaming, it’s science.  There are four main factors that go into burning off your belly fat.  Those waist sweat bands are really a joke.  No, spot reduction or selective fat burning doesn’t exactly work the way its promoted.  Yes, there are things (1) you need to avoid, (2) things you should supplement, and (3) some self effort.

How to boost your Testosterone, naturally!

Injecting steroids is for losers and those cowards who are scared of the hard work, dedication, self discipline, self control, and self respect.  BUT testosterone is an extremely important factor in building muscle and burning body fat.   Supporting and increasing testosterone production isn’t as hard as you think.

EVOGEN EVP Xtreme Pre-workout Review

I tested out the EVOGEN EVP Xtreme pre-workout for 30 days during my workout routine and this is what I found.