Some bodybuilders are known to have very complicated supplement routines.
They put a lot of time into their workout routines, and it seems like they spend a near equal amount of time figure out which supplements to take when, how to cycle them, and when to switch things up.
These are definitely not “low maintenance” guys.
But not everyone is like that, and there’s lately been a push by some back to simplicity.
When it comes to workout supplements, Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance, fits right in with the goal of simplicity.
It’s nothing fancy, just what works.
Just core ingredients, proven to be effective, with no bells and whistles added to muddy up the waters.
So let’s take a look at what those core ingredients are and whether or not Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance may be on to something good.
Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance Ingredients and How They Work
There are only four ingredients in Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance.
Two are for providing your pre workout energy, and two are there to improve your general strength and performance.
Caffeine is the most common stimulant used in both pre workout and fat burning supplements.
The dose in Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance is fairly low, so you won’t feel jittery or be set up for a crash.
L-Tyrosine is also for providing energy.
It works synergistically with the caffeine as a precursor to adrenaline and dopamine.
Creatine is included for its value to improving athletic and strength performance.
Taken every day, it builds up in your system and causes your muscle to have more energy.
This allows you to lift harder and longer, leading to better overall results.
Beta Alanine is also included for its performance aspects.
When your body is saturated with Beta Alanine, you produce enough carnosine, which increases strength and endurance of your muscles by reducing muscle fatigue.
It’s recommended that you take Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance with water about half an hour before your workout.
On non-workout days, you should make sure to take creatine and beta alanine to keep your levels steadily up.
You can do this by taking Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance, or by using a bulk source instead.
Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance Pros and Cons
Advantages of Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance
It contains no fillers.
It’s reasonably priced.
It contains both pre workout and performance ingredients.
Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance reviews from customers are mainly positive.
Disadvantages of Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance
It’s advised that you use another source of creatine and beta alanine on non-workout days.
Where to Buy
Tier 1 Preworkout/Performanceis available online. A one month supply sells for just under $30.
Conclusion
In this world of marketing hype, it’s definitely refreshing to see a product that basically says, “Here’s what’ Take it or leave it.
Simple as that.” Add to it the fact that the customer reviews are so overwhelmingly positive, and Tier 1 Preworkout/Performance is a product worth trying.
If you’re health conscious at all these days, you no doubt know about the push toward eating clean for better health and fitness.
After years of back and forth about which is the cause of the obesity epidemic in US – fat or sugar, it turns out the culprit is more likely to be food technology.
If you want your body to be in the shape it’s meant to be, you need to eliminate all the junk and processed garbage that most of us eat on a daily basis.
Get back to natural, clean, healthy food prepared in a natural, clean, and healthy way.
And if you carry this philosophy through all aspects of your life, you need to include the supplements you take as well.
Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout claims to fit into this philosophy better than any other product.
Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout promises all the benefits of the pre-workout you’re currently taking, but without artificial ingredients, fillers, or dangerous substances.
You’ll achieve clean energy for your workout with no crash, more muscle endurance, increased mental focus, delayed muscle fatigue, and quicker recovery after intense exercise.
And in addition to all of this, the clean ingredients of Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout help support proper weight management and a healthier body composition.
Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout Ingredients and How They Work
The bulk of the Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout formula includes Vitamins and Amino Acids.
Some of the highlights:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that improves cellular energy production in conjunction with the B Vitamins.
Acetyl -L-Carnitine increases the production of energy within your cells while it fights against free radical damage.
Beta Alanine helps to synthesize carnosine for greater muscle endurance and delayed muscle fatigue.
BCAAs (or Branched Chain Amino Acids) which improve muscle recovery after workouts.
L-Arginine which increases blood flow during exercise for better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
Creatine which increases ATP which improves short term, fast twitch muscle strength.
L-Citrulline which converts to L-Arginine to help boost NO levels.
B and C Vitamins to support energy.
Caffeine for energy, mental clarity, and focus.
Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workoutis certified Paleo and certified Vegan and contains no sugar, salt, starch, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, soy, milk, shellfish, or preservatives.
Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout Pros and Cons
Advantages of Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout
It’s safe for just about anyone to take, regardless of their sensitivities.
The vast majority of Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout reviews I’ve seen have been favorable, saying that it really works.
It’s one of the few options for people who want only clean, natural ingredients in their pre workouts.
Disadvantages of Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout
According to most reviewers, it tastes pretty horrible.
It’s unflavored, so it’s advised that you take it with juice or a protein shake to mask the flavor.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout online. A 30 day supply costs about $40.
This is a fairly reasonable, if average price for a pre-workout solution and is not too bad.
Conclusion
By most accounts, Pure Pump Natural Pre-Workout works.So if you are trying to maintain a clean, healthy diet and you need a pre workout formula, definitely give this a try.
Just make sure you realize that it’s unflavored, so you’ll probably want to mix it with something tasty, but clean, like apple juice or a fresh fruit flavored protein shake.
If you are sensitive to or are not a big fan of stimulant heavy pre-workout supplements then you may have a hard time dealing with Pure Pump because of the caffeine but it is not in such a high dose that it will have your heart racing from what I can tell.
The two most important things most guys want from their pre workout powders are energy and pumps.
Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout claims to provide them as well as other key elements that will take your workouts to the next level and beyond.
Using a few key complexes, Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout makes the mind-body connection necessary for pushing through every workout, getting you the best results.
Customer reviews are generally very favorable, so let’s take the next step by looking at whether or not the formula has what it takes.
Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout Ingredients and How They Work
When explaining the ingredients, Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout divides it up into 3 separate matrices:
The Mind-To-Muscle Matrix is there to help you achieve the will that’s necessary to achieve great success.
It includes:
Pikatropin (a proprietary ingredient) which supports mood, cognitive function, and blood flow to the brain.
Huperzine A which supports concentration and focus so when you’re training, you’re completely present.
Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine which provides a source of choline for higher brain functioning.
Caffeine to provide energy and delay fatigue till after your workout.
Choline Bitartrate to support muscle and brain activity.
L-Tyrosine to support focus and enhance mood.
The Strength and Endurance Matrix for optimal performance includes:
Beta Alanine which delays muscle fatigue so you can work harder and longer, and supports recovery so you can do it all again tomorrow.
Creatine which supports muscle energy and fast twitch muscle action so you lift more, gaining better results more quickly.
Agmatine Sulfate to help produce nitric oxide so you get better oxygen and nutrient delivery to your muscles and better pumps.
Betaine which supports muscles strength during your workout.
The Vitamin Complex which includes:
Niacin for increasing carbohydrate metabolism for greater energy.
Vitamin B6 to support protein synthesis and metabolism.
Vitamin B12 to help turn carbohydrates into energy and improve endurance.
The recommended dose is one scoop mixed with water, taken about 15 minutes prior to your workout.
Because of the caffeine, it’s not recommended that you use Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout if you’re hoping to go to sleep within 4 hours.
Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout Pros and Cons
Advantages of Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout
Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout reviews from customers are overwhelmingly positive, saying the energy is clean with no crash.
It comes in Blue Raz, Green Apple, Orange Dream, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, and Furious Grape.
You can get it for pretty cheap.
Disadvantages of Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout
Some reviewers complain that they really didn’t get the energy they were looking for.
At GNC, a 30-serving tub sells for $37, but you can find that same tub online for $30.
Conclusion
My biggest problem with Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workoutis that they don’t tell you how much caffeine it has, so it’s tough to get an idea before trying it how much energy you’ll feel.With that said, the reviews are good, so I would say Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout is worth trying.
It’s worth noting that Evlution Nutrition Leanmode, which is their fat burner, is HIGHLY rated on several 3rd party sites.
So you know it’s backed by a reputable company.
Have You Used Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout?
Muscle Pharm has been making supplements for this community long enough to know just what its customers want.
When it comes to a fat burner, we want it all. We want energy without jitters. We want several fat burning mechanisms. We want an end to cravings. We want motivational support.
And we’ve probably tried about a million other supplements before getting to this one.
So Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix had better be good.
The promises definitely are. Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix promises to be the most powerful fat loss system on the market with its unique 8 Stage Fat Loss System that uses multiple energy pathways to mobilize and use stored fat as the body’s primary source of fuel.
Promises aside, the customer reviews I’ve seen are very mixed, so let’s dive into the formula and see what we can find.
Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix Ingredients and How They Work
The formula’s focus is on the 8-Stage Weight Loss Proprietary Blend which includes:
Stages 1 & 2: Energy and Fat Metabolism.
This stage several different forms of caffeine as well as Green Tea Leaf Extract and Cayenne Pepper.
Stages 3 & 4: Appetite Balancing and Weight Management Control.
This stage uses White Kidney Bean Powder, Glucomannan, and Raspberry Ketones.
Stage 5: Anti-Stress Mood Balancing Matrix.
This stage uses Ginseng Root Powder and Griffonia Simplicifoloia Seed Extract for its mood enhancing 5-HTP content.
Stage 6: Brain Power Matrix
This stage uses Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Vinpocetine to improve cognitive function.
Stage 7: Diuretic Complex.
This stage uses Uva Ursi and Dandelion Root Extract to combat bloating and water retention.
Stage 8: Sugar Stop and Enzyme Aid Matrix.
This stage uses Apple Pectin, Amlase, Lactase, Diastase, Peptizyme SP, and Glucoamylase to improve digestion.
Instructions are to take 3 Muscle Pharm Shred Matrixcapsules twice a day, once before breakfast and once before lunch.
You shouldn’t take it within 6 hours of bedtime if you want to sleep.
Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix Pros and Cons
Advantages of Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix
There are plenty of favorable Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix reviews from customers who saw results quickly.
It fights fat through s different pathways.
Disadvantages of Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix
Since the ingredient amounts are proprietary, we really have no idea how much caffeine each serving contains, which is could be a problem for people who are caffeine sensitive.
It’s expensive to use over time.
There are lots of negative reviews saying that it doesn’t work or that it gets you pretty wired or that they didn’t feel a thing.
You have to take 6 capsules a day.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix online or at GNC.
At GNC, a 20 day supply of 120 capsules goes for $42. Online, I’ve seen that same amount for less than $25.
Conclusion
I wouldn’t expect much in the way of results from Muscle Pharm Shred Matrix.It looks like it works well for some, and not at all for others.
If you can get it at the cheaper price, I’d say it’s probably worth giving a shot. Who knows?
Testosterone is the most important male hormone for feeling your best.
You need it for energy, for lean muscle growth and maintenance, fat loss, and sex drive. Basically, you need it to be a man.
Problem is that you lose it as you you age.
For that reason, a testosterone booster is an excellent dietary choice.
They’re meant to jump start your body’s natural testosterone production process and put you back on top of your game.
I’m always on the look out for a great testosterone booster.
If you’re reading this, I’m sure you’ve seen just how deceiving a t-booster can be, depending on the brand.
Whether its flashy marketing or a no-gain formula, it can be frustrating to find one to meet your needs.
Let’s take a look the Alpha JYM formula and see how it does.
Alpha JYM Ingredients and How They Work
Alpha JYM caught my eye because the brand seemed to be very concerned with the idea of proper dosing and full disclosure.
That’s important as many testosterone boosters out there will make big promises but cut you short on the proven dosages needed to achieve the full effect.
In keeping with the company philosophy of full dosing and full disclosure, Alpha JYM lists all of the ingredients and amounts.
That means there’s no guesswork, which is common with proprietary blends.
Fenugreek Extract (1,000 mg per serving)
Alpha JYM plainly lists the potential benefits of Fenugreek Extract on their website, which includes boosting the body’s natural testosterone production by increasing free and available testosterone levels.
It is also is said to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and DHT.
The problem with the first claim is that it is unfounded.
No current studies exist to support the idea that Fenugreek is a potent testosterone booster.As for Fenugreek blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, it has been shown to do just that.
What you are left with is an ingredient that is going to be a potential troublemaker.
Since it doesn’t promote testosterone production but does block DHT, a testosterone by-product, it is opening the floodgates for your estrogen to be left unchecked.
DHT, while receiving a bad name due to its association with hair loss, is a necessary androgen as it helps to regulate your estrogen levels.
When estrogen increases in your body and testosterone decreases, you will begin to notice undesirable side effects such as the dreaded “man boobs.”
Ashwagandha Extract (1,000 mg per serving)
Used within many libido boosters, Ashwagandha is one of the few natural ingredients that has shown promise as a testosterone booster.
Ashwagandha is a shrub that has been used in natural medicine for thousands of years.
Hosting an impressive resume with its antioxidant properties, this extract has been demonstrated to prevent oxidative damage to the cells that produce testosterone.In fact, one study showed a 17% increase in testosterone production over the course of 90 days. (“Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study” November 2013. Para. 1)
Damiana Extract (1,000 mg per serving)
Again, another shrub that is more commonly found within libido enhancers, Damiana has been a hot topic ingredient in the supplement industry as of late due to its reported estrogen blocking properties.
Although studies are lacking, evidence is slowly growing to support the idea of Damiana as an estrogen stabilizer.
One study involving mice showed positive results with Damiana significantly suppressing aromatase activity. (“Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa))” December 2008. Para. 1) Damiana has also been shown to promote healthy levels of nitric oxide, which makes it ideal for increasing libido and enhancing workout performance.
DIM (500 mg per serving)
Found within super vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower, Diindolylmethane, or DIM, features a number of anticarcinogenic properties.
This supplement has become newsworthy in the realm of cancer research and, more recently, for men looking to boost their testosterone.
Although studies are difficult to come by, DIM has been reported by users to be an excellent estrogen reducer.
Essentially, DIM takes strong estrogen and converts it to weaker forms of estrogen to do less damage.
Eurycoma Longfoli (200 mg per serving)
Also referred to as Tongkat Ali, Eurycoma Longfol is a native tree to Malaysia and Thailand.
Like many of the ingredients on this list, Eurycoma Longfol is found within many libido boosters.
One of the few trusted testosterone boosting supplements, Eurycoma Longfol has the science to back it up.
It has been shown to increase testosterone levels.
Several studies have shown that t-levels improve significantly when adding in Eurycoma Longfol to a healthy supplement plan. (“Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects” 26 May 2013. Para. 3)
Quercetin (500 mg per serving)
Found in red wine, Quercetin does something remarkable with testosterone; so much so that the World Doping Agency is considering adding the tableside alcoholic beverage to the list of banned substances.
The Quercetin found in red wine helps to prevent testosterone loss by blocking signals to excrete the free testosterone in your body.
Several studies have confirmed this and there is even a warning for women who thoroughly enjoy a glass a night.
For men, this news couldn’t be better but you can avoid the extra calories simply by taking it in supplement form.
How To Take Alpha JYM
One bottle contains 180 capsules.
Assuming you follow the instructions as stated, Alpha JYM provides a full month supply.
You are recommended to take 3 capsules twice per day.
On training days, take one hour before your workout and another in the morning or night.
On non-training days, follow the simple one in the morning, one at night method.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of Alpha JYM
Very cost effective ($30 per bottle plus shipping and handling)
No mystery label: The ingredients and amounts are fully disclosed and explained
It works on all aspects of boosting testosterone, including production, freeing it up, and keeping it from converting to estrogen.
Disadvantages of Alpha JYM
Includes the ingredien Fenugreek Extract, which has been shown to block DHT, an estrogen stabilizer
Sold through second party websites; therefore a traditional money back guarantee is not available
Quality, in-depth reviews are lacking
Reviews for Alpha JYM
Alpha JYM has received predominately favorable reviews upon the Bodybuilding.com website.
If you scan through these reviews; however, credibility may become an issue.
A lot of these reviews seem to be from fan boys of Dr. Jim Stoppani, the man behind the product.
One comforting discovery is that, like many marketing driven t-boosters, Alpha JYM does not have a collection of clearly biased and paid for reviews.
The reviews you find, while low in spelling quality, present the idea of being genuine.
Where to Buy
The best place to purchase Alpha JYM is on the Bodybuilding.com website.
It is sold for $30 plus the cost of applicable taxes and shipping and handling.
Conclusion
Overall, Alpha JYM is worth a try.You have a testosterone booster that features six ingredients, five of which have impressive resumes.
With a 2 month supply at only $30 (plus taxes and shipping and handling), you cannot beat this price.Even if boosting your age declined testosterone levels isn’t your priority, I believe that Alpha JYM would also be a great addition to any type of muscle building program.
The natural formula will support healthy lean muscle mass in men.
The only thing that disappoints me with Alpha JYM is the use of Fenugreek Extact.
It’s not enough to trust an ingredient that has been plastered on the message boards of bro science majors.
You need to check the research and the fact is that there are no clinical trials proving the benefit of fenugreek for testosterone boosting.
In fact, it may cause just the opposite as it blocks the production of the estrogen stabilizer, DHT.
Thankfully, the dose of the Fenugreek Extract in this product is lower than if you were to take it as a stand alone supplement.
Considering the low cost and proven formula, I would recommend Alpha JYM to anyone looking to boost their testosterone or simply supplement healthy t-levels.
References
Ambiye, Vijay R. “Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study” November 2013. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3863556.
Web.
Talbott, Shawn. “Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects” jissn.com. 26 May 2013. Web.
He also has a broad supplement line that includes a pre workout supplement called Pre JYM, a post workout appropriately called Post JYM, and a testosterone booster called Alpha JYM.
Shred JYM is their fat burning and weight loss offering.
The claim is that when used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise, you’ll see the fat come off, whether it’s for competition, those last few pounds, or whatever your goal is.
So lets take a closer look at what goes into Shred JYM and how the product works.
The Shred JYM formula feature 6 ingredients at fairly large, but well-tested dosages.
They are:
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (1.5 grams) to transport fat to the mitochondria where it’s burned as energy.
This particular form of carnitine has the added benefit of containing acetyle groups which enter the brain and improve cognitive function, mood and energy. (Source)
Green Tea Extract (500 mg) to increase your metabolic rate which burns more calories and fat.
Specifically, green tea extract contains large quantities of a substance called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which prevents the breakdown of norepinephrine.
Among it’s many important functions, norepinephrine keeps your metabolism fast and especially increases fat burn. (Read the study here)
Caffeine (200 mg) to release fat from you fat cells so it can be burned as fuel.
Studies have also shown that caffeine increases your metabolism as a whole and total calories burned, especially when combined with Green tea. (Read that study here) Caffeine helps with fat lose by suppressing appetite, as well.
Everyone’s favorite stimulant will also increase energy and brain functions, too.
L-Tyrosine (500 mg) works in conjunction with caffeine to increase alertness, energy, focus and mood.
Primarily, this boost is a result of the increased levels of dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine that tyrosine causes.
Each of these neurotransmitters work toward improving your brain function and mood.
As far as weight loss goes, tyrosine also impacts the concentration of thyroid hormones which in turn speed up your metabolism. (Read the study here)
Capsimax (50 mg) is a patented form of capsaicin – the substance that makes hot peppers hot.
Capsaicin has been shown through numerous trials to both suppress appetite and increase metabolism. (Read one of those studies here) The issue is that many people cannot tolerate the heat associated with the substance.
To get around this, the makers of Capsimax (www.Capsimax.com)has created small capsules that each contain huge amounts of capsaicin.
These tiny pods pass through your mouth, throat and stomach without touching your taste buds and are finally released in your intestines.
This specialized delivery method not only gives you a larger-than-normal dose of capsaicin, but does so without any heat.
Advantra Z (20 mg) is a patented form of the popular weight loss supplement synephrine – an extract of bitter orange.
Chemically related to the infamous ephedrine, synephrine is slightly less potent but also less risky.
This patented form of the substance delivers it in a safe, effective dose that can be readily absorbed.
Numerous studies have shown the synephrine is a powerful stimulant, fat burner and appetite suppressant. (Source)
Here’s a snapshot of the label:
How Shred JYM Works
These ingredients are designed to all work together in three distinct stages that ultimately contribute in improved body composition.
Stage 1: Reduce the amount of fat your fat cells store.
Stage 2: Get your fat cells to leave.
Stage 3: Burn the fat off.
How does it do all of this?
Essentially, the blend of ingredients force fat to migrate out of your fat cells and into your mitochondria, where it can be burned for fuel.
Once it’s there, the ingredients in Shred JYM increase your metabolism and not only destroy the fat, but use it to produce energy that improves your athletic performance.
How To Take Shred JYM
Something especially interesting about Shred JYM is that the serving size is an enormous four pills.
While this may not seem like a great feature at first, it is designed that way to make sure that you are getting effective dosages of each ingredient.
Very often, supplements tout a long list of thoroughly studied ingredients to quickly gain your confidence.
This is actually VERY common in the male enhancement industry, even though the vast majority of the time they’re completely full of shit.
So what’s the big deal?
To cut costs however, these ingredients exist in ridiculously small dosages and as therefore incapable of producing the desired results.
Most of the time, companies will use proprietary blends to get around this since this legal loophole means that they do not have to disclose all of the ingredient’s names or quantities.
A lot of times, people will see an ingredients list and recognize a formula that has proven to be great in other similar products, but that does not mean that it is in the right levels and concentration in the supplement in question.
As part of their company policy, JYM does not use proprietary blends and is very transparent when it comes to their ingredients.
So, while throwing back four pills might seem like a hassle, you can be sure that those pills are actually going to do what they promise.
My Personal Test Results
I decided to try Shred JYM for one week just to get a gauge on how effective of a fat burner it might be. I really only need to lose like 10 lbs. to reach my “fighting weight”, but figured it could possibly work well as a pre workout as well.
The directions on the label stats that you should take 6 capsules 1 time per day with or without food.
Since I’m particularly sensitive to caffeine, I NEVER go with a full dose the first time around.
Typically I’ll cut the dose in half (3 capsules in this case), but since it contains SO many other stimulants, I pushed that down to just 2 capsules on day 1.
Here are my general Shred JYM results:
Energy
You can definitely feel a kick off of Shred JYM, especially with a 4 capsule dose on an empty stomach. The energy boost seems to last a few hours and then starts to wear off, which is probably the reason why they recommend you take it 2 – 3 times per day.
Focus
I did feel an increase in focus / concentration, especially during my workouts. But it wasn’t anything more then a potent caffeine pill might do.
Appetite Suppressant
The one huge thing I noticed was that my appetite was way less then normal, which I can attribute to the cayenne pepper.
Side Effects
The only side effect I noticed was a little bit of insomnia if I took it too late in the day. They recommend you don’t take any 6 hours prior to bedtime, and I recommend you heed that warning. That said, Shred JYM contains about 500 mg of green tea extract, which may be a problem for some if they decide to take it on an empty stomach.
Weight Loss
After about a week I noticed I had lost about 3 lbs., but I’m not sure if it was water weight or fat. I definitely looked “leaner”, and fit into board shorts that I haven’t fit into in a couple of years.
Very few user reported any negative side effects from taking Shred JYM.
Those that did have complaints, seemed to have encountered the issues one would normally expect from this type of supplement.
Namely, skin flushing, increased body temperature, jitters and stomach discomfort.
Because of the side effects, you should never exceed the maximum recommended daily dose and if you feel as though you are starting to experience any ill effects, monitor them closely and get in touch with your doctor if need be.
This is likely a result of all of the stimulants they’re pumping in to the Shred JYM ingredients list.
Shred JYM Warnings
They do make a number of warnings pretty crystal clear on their label, including things like:
Don’t exceed the recommended dose.
Avoid combining with other caffeinated / stimulant beverages or sources.
Refrain use after 8 weeks.
Don’t take it within 6 hours of bedtime, maybe more if you’re especially sensitive to caffeine.
Consult with your physician prior to using Shred JYM.
Shred JYM Pros and Cons
Advantages of Shred JYM
It uses 3-Stage fat loss plan so your fat comes off most efficiently.
The Shred JYM reviews are very positive.
It’s less expensive than most JYM products.
JYM is a highly reputable company.
Disadvantages of Shred JYM
There’s no money back guarantee.
8 capsules per day is an inconvenient dosage size.
Where to Buy Shred JYM
You can purchase Shred JYM through Bodybuilding.com.
The 240-count bottle will last for 30 days, and costs about $35. Compared to most other supplements in the weight loss, fat burning class this is relatively inexpensive.
Outside of that, I haven’t been able to find Shred JYM for sale in any stores like GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Walgreens, or CVS.
Even the link of JYM’s company website brings you to Bodybuilding.com.This isn’t necessarily anything to be worried about, though.
Bodybuilding.com is a reputable store that generally has decent prices and Stoppani has been associated with them for a long time.
About Jim Stoppani and JYM Supplement Science
Jim Stoppani is one of the worlds most foremost leaders in fitness and wellness.
If you’ve ever done any research online on any fitness or nutrition topic, you’re likely familiar with Stoppani.
The man is a renowned expert and the JYM line of supplements represents the results of his experience.
He’s written 1,000’s of articles and co-authored several notable books such as:
Stronger Arms and Upper Body
LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle
What about JYM Supplement Science?
What’s different about JYM Supplement Science is that they believe in full disclosure.
That means when you buy something from them, you’ll know just what you’re getting and how it works.
In fact, when you reach out to JYM for customer service the company website very proudly tells you that you know exactly who you’ll be dealing with: Dr. Jim Stoppani.
You can visit his twitter profile and see for yourself that he actually answers any product related questions himself.
I just went there and saw that he answered 2 of them today:
Pretty cool, and something you don’t normally see from a supplement company!
Conclusion
In general, JYM is an excellent line of products created by a highly respected fitness and nutrition expert.
The company as a whole practices a refreshing degree of honesty and the ingredients included in Shred have been tested in both the lab and the real world.
As a whole this lends considerable credibility to Shred JYM.
What about the formula?
Looking more closely at the Shred formula, it’s actually pretty standard.
What really makes this product unique, though, is that the unusually large serving size that make sure you’re getting dosages that will actually work.
The inclusion of designer forms of capsaicin and synephrine is also an interesting choice.
While Capsimax could cut down on any unpleasant side effects associated with large capsaicin doses, the information is a little vague regarding Advantra Z and what makes it so special.
This is necessarily a bad thing, but I’m not convinced that it’s totally needed either.
Biggest problem I have with Shred JYM
The major downside that keeps coming up in my research into this product is the serving size.
Many people complain that it is simply difficult to take 8 to 12 pills every day.
On the other hand, if the product works well for you it’s really not a terrible trade-off.
Would you rather take two pills that do nothing or 12 that do exactly what you expected?
Ultimately, I see no reason not to give Shred JYM a try if you’re looking for a boost to your weight loss goals.
In addition to helping you lose fat, several of the substances found in the supplement can help to improve your energy and mood which can always be helpful.
Even though there is nothing really new or surprising in the ingredients list, that’s probably not a bad thing.
The stuff packed into that handful of pills has been proven to work time and again.
On top of that, Shred JYM is cheaper than many competitors.
Supplementing protein is almost a no-brainer whether you’re working out for bulk, strength, or weight loss. Protein builds muscle, period.
So when you’re working out, you’ll need it for that muscle growth and development, again whether your using that muscle to be strong and bulky or to lose weight.
You might think “protein is protein” so I’ll just get the cheapest one, but if you do, you probably won’t be doing your body any favors.
The trick is to find a quality, good tasting protein at a value price-point, one that meets and exceeds your needs and expectations.
Pro JYM is a protein supplement made by JYM Supplement Science, a boutique supplement line made by bodybuilding enthusiast/Exercise Physiology PhD, Jim Stoppani.
He’s partnered up with Bodybuilding.com, and his supplements are getting a lot of positive word of mouth.
Pro JYM is a complete protein powder that seems to be passing the test with almost all of its customers.
Pro JYM Ingredients and How They Work
Each serving of Pro JYM contains 24 grams of protein, and here’s something different: Pro JYM lists the amounts of each different type of protein that goes into making up the 24 g.
This is basically unheard of in the industry, and it shows just how deeply Jim Stoppani takes his principle of full ingredient disclosure.
The 24 grams includes:
7.5 g Whey Protein Isolate
7 g Micellar Casein
2.5 g Egg Albumen
7 g Milk Protein Isolate (5.5 g casein, 1.5 g whey)
They break it up by category as well, and it falls out like this:
9 g Whey Protein
12.5 g Micellar Casein
2.5 g Egg White Protein
The reason for the different types of protein largely comes down to absorption rates.
If you don’t want spikes and dips, you want several different kinds metabolizing at several different rates.
Whey is fast digesting, so you need the slow digesting protein in Casein and the medium digesting protein in Eggs.
Pro JYM Pros and Cons
Advantages of Pro JYM
The Pro JYM reviews I’ve seen mostly very positive.
It uses different protein sources for different rates of absorption.
There’s no money back guarantee.
Disadvantages of Pro JYM
Some say it’s gritty (though there are also plenty of raves about the taste).
It’s more expensive than a lot of proteins.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Pro JYM through bodybuilding.com.
The 23 serving tub sells for $32. The flavors are Vanilla, S’mores, Cookies & Cream, and Chocolate Cookie Crunch.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new protein powder and you’re curious about what the difference between ordinary and quality might be, pick up a tub of Pro JYMand check it out.It may be worth the few extra bucks.
Post JYM is a post workout supplement from JYM Supplement Science.
It’s a small company with a relatively small stable of products, founded and run by Dr. Jim Stoppani.
Stoppani has a PhD in exercise physiology and a passion for fitness and working out.
He developed his line of products to ensure that he, and everyone, could get all the correct ingredients, in all the correct doses, to achieve the best results from their hard work and effort at the gym.
The line includes a pre workout, a post workout, and a protein, along with a few others.
We took a look at the post workout, and here’s what we found.
Post JYM Ingredients and How They Work
One of the founding principles of JYM Supplement Science is that they use full dosing for all their ingredients.
This is a big sticking point for Dr. Stoppani, and who can blame him?
All these supplement companies use “proprietary formulas” so they can hide the tiny amounts of active ingredients they use. Not Post JYM.
Everything is listed and everything is fully dosed.
There’s:
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) at 6 grams.
These are Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine.
Leucine is the most important and present at a 3:1:1 ratio to the other two.
They stimulate muscle protein synthesis so your muscles are able to recover and rebuild faster and more completely.
Creatine HCL at 2 grams.
Creatine has been shown in numerous studies to be safe and effective for building muscle strength and power.
Creatine HCL is more soluble than other forms.
CarnoSyn Beta Alanine at 2 grams.
It forms carnosine which then increases muscle strength and power, endurance and recovery.
Carnipure L-Carnitine L-Tartrate at 2 grams. Studies show this to enhance recovery.
It increases androgen receptors in muscles, which means more testosterone is being used to build your muscle.
Glutamine at 3 grams.
This is a very important amino acid for muscle recovery and growth.
It also boosts your immune system.
Betaine at 1.5 grams.
This is a modified version of Glycine which can improve the production of strength and power in muscles.
With more muscle power, you’re doing heavier weights and more reps, reaching greater results.
It also increases protein synthesis post workout so you’re getting better muscle growth.
Taurine at 1 gram.
This increases muscle endurance and nitric oxide.
Since you lose Taurine during exercise, it’s important to replace it with your post workout supplement.
While JYM Supplement Science seems like a good company, it’s small and doesn’t work out of a certified facility.
There’s no listed money back guarantee.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the 30 serving tub for $35. Post JYM comes in two flavors – Fruit Punch and Watermelon.
Conclusion
Post JYM has the ingredients and the positive reviews we look for in a post workout supplement.It’s definitely a product and company backed by the passion and knowledge of its founder and creator.
If you get a chance to try Post JYM, I would go for it.
They’re calling it a “Scientifically Advanced All-In-One Formula for Improved Workouts.” It’s Pre JYM from Jim Stoppani of JYM Supplement Science.
If you haven’t heard of him, he’s a scientist who’s been working out since he was 11 years old.
He’s got a website, he was a Senior Science Editor at Muscle and Fitness Magazine, and he works with Bodybuilding.com, and he’s basically pretty serious about what it takes to perform, succeed, and excel.
He runs his company very closely, even taking questions directly come customers through Twitter and Facebook.
Pre JYM Ingredients and How They Work
Pre JYM is a comprehensive pre workout supplement, and in some cases, comprehensive can mean that there are lots of different ingredients for lots of different benefits, but the amounts of each ingredient are so small as to not really have any effect in the end.
This is something that Pre JYM, and JYM Supplement Science, pushes back against pretty hard.
This supplement uses full, effective dosing for all of its ingredients, and no proprietary blends.
Everything is fully disclosed.
The formula is divided up into several matrices:
The Power/Strength Matrix includes Creatine and Beta Alanine which both increase the strength and power of your muscles for more intense lifting.
The Maximal Pump/Vascularity & Energy Amplifier includes Citrulline Malate which will increase the amount of nitric oxide in your system, opening up your blood vessels and allowing increased blood to make it to your muscles for that pump you want.
The Fatigue Fighting Anabolic Activator includes BCAAs L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine to ensure a quick and complete post workout recovery.
If you can’t go back to the gym the next day, then you need BCAAs.
The Focus & Drive Intensifier uses Caffeine and Huperzine A to increase energy and mental clarity and focus so your eyes stay on the prize and you have the energy, will, and stamina to see it through.
Pre JYM Pros and Cons
Advantages of Pre JYM
It’s a complete and well rounded formula.
It contains full doses of the ingredients.
There are tons of favorable Pre JYM reviews.
People say it tastes great.
Disadvantages of Pre JYM
It’s kind of expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions We Get
Does it have any side effects?
After pouring through countless customer reviews, it looks like the most common we’ve seen is instance of bloating, a strong “tingly” feeling, and insomnia. Obviously you can prevent the insomnia issue by taking it as early as possible in the day before your workout, but that’s not always possible for many who have a late day workout routine.
Is there a Pre Jym pre workout available without caffeine?
At this time no, however, the owner has explicitly stated that there is a caffeine free version of the product available called Post JYM (which is a post workout supplement).
How do I take it?
The instructions on the label say to mix one scoop of Pre JYM with 14 oz of water about 30-45 minutes prior to your workout. It’s not stated whether or not you should take it on an empty or full stomach, however, it is recommended that you start with half a scoop to assess your tolerance.
What are the reviews saying?
Check out a couple of popular Pre JYM reviews we found on Youtube:
The 20 serving tub sells for $35. It doesn’t appear to be sold on Amazon, and currently no brick and mortar stores like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart carry it.
Conclusion
With a well rounded formula, fully dosed ingredients, and rave reviews, I would say go for Pre JYM, with just a couple reservations. 300 mg of caffeine is a lot, so some people might find that to be too much.Also, the price is a little steep, but not too awfully bad.
If the big dose of caffeine doesn’t bother you, give Pre JYM a try.
Having the energy to get through your day and still have enough left over for the gym can be tough.
Thankfully, the supplement world has provided an easy and quick solution: the pre-workout formula.
The best pre-workout supplements give us long-lasting energy while helping to avoid catabolic states and promote post-workout recovery.
What’s more, the true pre-workout formula will also be categorized as a nitric oxide booster.
Nitro Shred claims to be just that: an advanced pre-workout supplement that provides you with more than just a heightened sense of focus and energy.
It helps to burn fat, allowing you to attain that cut and defined look, all while enhancing your post-workout recovery. Best of all, it’s an N.O. booster.
That’s a tall order for one supplement.
Let’s see if it can hold up upon further research.
Ingredients in Nitro Shred
Beet Root Extract & Red Beet Juice Extract
Beet Root has become one of the latest super foods to sweep the health and fitness world.
As the taste of a beet can be less than desired, supplementation is an obvious choice.
With its high nitrate content, Beet Root Extract has been suggested to improve muscle oxygenation during exercise.
This is important, especially during long-term or high intensity workouts because your body will be able to better handle the workload without entering a catabolic state.
Reliable clinical trials have not been conducted but based on proven studies using beet roots, this is a valuable ingredient to have in your pre-workout supplement.
Sodium Nitrate
Belonging to a class of salts, much like table salt, Sodium Nitrate is supplement form has been suggested by many advocates to enhance endurance during exercise. Although you may find Sodium Nitrate in a number of new pre-workout formulas, there is no evidence to suggest that it has any impact on exercise performance.
One recent study tested 13 trained athletes in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.
The athletes performed a 40-minute workout after supplementation with sodium nitrate.
The results: “Sodium nitrate supplementation did not improve a 40-min distance-trial performance in endurance athletes.” (“Sodium nitrate supplementation does not enhance performance of endurance athletes.” 2012. Para 1.)
Niacinamide
When pre-workout supplements first swept over the industry, most contained Niacin, otherwise known as vitamin B3. Niacin provided that characteristic flush feeling when you first took it.
While some loved that feeling, others did not.
This prompted the industry to create a non-flush Niacin. That’s how Niacinamide was born.
It was said to contain all of the benefits of Niacin without that frustrating flush.
As research now points out, Niacinamide is far more trouble than it’s worth.
Many advocates of Niacin are protesting the use of Niacinamide, calling it an anti-Resveratrol.
One study discovered that “nicotinamide can inhibit Sir2 enzymes, even in noncycling cells, and raise the concern that there may be deleterious consequences of long term nicotinamide therapy in humans.” (“Inhibition of Silencing and Accelerated Aging by Nicotinamide, a Putative Negative Regulator of Yeast Sir2 and Human SIRT1” 2002. Para. 23)
Melon Juice Concentrate
Certainly, the odd ball in the list of common pre-workout ingredients, Melon Juice Concentrate should not be overlooked. Studies have shown that it has a positive effect on the body during times of stress and fatigue.
While it hosts other benefits such as anti-aging and anti-inflammation properties, its ability to reduce the stress response is very important.
It can help the body to avoid potentially harmful catabolic states that occur intra or post workout, depending on your experience, health state, and gender.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is a free-form amino acid that is found in many pre-workout supplements.
It is considered semi-essential because the body may not be able to produce enough of it on its own.
If you are especially active then supplementation is always a great idea. L-Arginine has been shown to be beneficial in a number of duties including energy production, urea removal, protein synthesis, and nitric oxide production.
Nitro Shred Side Effects
While the product label claims that there are no side effects associated with Nitro Shred, it is important to break down all of the ingredients (as I’ve done above) and see if any interfere with allergies you have or medications you may currently be on.
Aside from Niacinamide already being the subject of debate, it may also affect those with high blood pressure.
In fact, as this is a nitric oxide booster, I would not recommend taking this product if you are on any type of anti-nitrate medication.
Pros and Con’s
Advantages of Nitro Shred
The supplement has a decent selection of ingredients that have been shown to support workout performance.
It seems to focus on those vitamins that are quickly depleted during exercise such as vitamin B3 and it may also support a non-catabolic environment.
Disadvantages of Nitro Shred
The biggest issue I have with this supplement is that it’s currently utilizing the ingredient, Niacinamide, which is the subject of much debate in the supplement industry.
The concern about long-term effects of using Niacinamide are enough for me to look elsewhere for a pre-workout. The cost is also a huge disadvantage, especially for a product that does not contain any ground-breaking ingredients.
The selection is decent but not worth the amount you’ll pay via the official website.
Nitro Shred Reviews and Complaints
Finding legitimate reviews for this product is tough.
A simple search and you’ll come up with pages of obviously sponsored websites dedicated to providing a “trusted” review.
The product is not for sale on Amazon, where you may actually be able to find people who have used the product.
The product doesn’t even have a video review from a reliable source.
A reputable brand should provide easy access to consumers to be able to review their product and this is not something you will find with Nitro Shred.
Where To Buy
You can buy Nitro Shred from the official website for $79.97 plus the cost of shipping and handling.If you opt to take advantage of the trial membership, be aware that’ll you will be signed up for an auto-ship service.
The following statement is directly from the manufacturer’s website:
“By clicking rush my order, you agree to be enrolled in the 14 day trial offer for $6.95 which is the cost of shipping, and after the trial expires, you agree that your card will be charged $79.97 for you Nitro Shred as part of our exclusive member auto ship program. Your monthly member autoship will recur at $79.97 plus $6.95 for shipping and handling every month from the time your trial expires until you cancel.If you choose to opt of the Risk Free Trial, all product shipments must be returned at the customers expense and return the used or unused product to avoid being charged for the month supply already shipped to you.”
Conclusion
From the lack of superior ingredients to the absence of trusted reviews, Nitro Shred has bad news written all over it.
Don’t get me started on the price of this supplement.
For the same $80 you would spend on this, you can buy WHOLE bottles of each ingredient from trusted companies.Do yourself a favor and avoid this one.
2. Bitterman, Kevin. “Inhibition of Silencing and Accelerated Aging by Nicotinamide, a Putative Negative Regulator of Yeast Sir2 and Human SIRT1” 2002. http://www.jbc.org/content/277/47/45099.full#SEC2.
Pre workout supplements can be divided into several different categories, and sometimes they can overlap into several categories at once.
There are pre workouts that contains stimulants and those that don’t.
There are pre workouts that contain some post workout ingredients and there are those that don’t.
And there are pre workouts that contain creatine and those that don’t.
There are plenty of pros and cons with each category and each overlap.
Which one you choose really comes down to personal preference.
Scitec Attack 2.0 definitely has some category overlap.
It doesn’t contain stimulants, and it does contain creatine.
So let’s take a look at what that means.
Scitec Attack 2.0 is a European product.
You can buy it online in the States, but it’s far more popular in Europe.
It’s a pre workout powder that provides energy and pumps through the pathway of nitric oxide, and it also gives you that boost in muscle energy that you get from loading your body up with creatine.
Scitec Attack 2.0 Ingredients and How They Work
The ingredient profile of Scitec Attack 2.0 is pretty extensive, so let’s dive right in.
Some of it you may recognize from plenty of other workout formulas, but there are some that even surprised me.
It starts off with 5 different kinds of creatine for a total of 5 grams per dose.
It includes: Creatine Monohydrate (the most common form), MicronTec Micronized Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Pyruvate, Creatine Citrate, and Creatine Phosphate.
What creatine does is boost your muscles performance in short-term, high intensity exercise (like lifting weights).
When your muscles put out that energy burst at just the right time, you have more power to lift more weight, and your results show it.
Research shows that you’ll get results with 3 grams daily, so 5 grams is plenty.
Next is L-Arginine for the nitric oxide boost.
NO is a vasodilator which means that your blood vessels open up, allowing more blood to flow through more freely.
This means not only better pumps when you lift, but also more oxygen and nutrients delivered to your muscles right when they need them, giving them energy and power.
Finally, there’s an amino acid complex for protein synthesis and post workout recovery.
They’re called BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids), and they support a quick and complete post workout recovery.
If you’re not sore the next day, you can work out harder and get better, faster results.
Scitec Attack 2.0 is called a pre workout supplement, but the instructions say that you can take it pre, post, or half an hour before a meal.
As long as you’re feeding these components to your body daily, you’re getting the support you need.
Scitec Attack 2.0 Pros and Cons
Advantages of Scitec Attack 2.0
Its reasonably priced.
It’s a fairly complete workout formula.
The Scitec Attack 2.0 reviews I’ve seen are favorable.
It’s non-stimulant.
Disadvantages of Scitec Attack 2.0
There isn’t a whole lot of customer feedback available online.
Where to Buy
You can find Scitec Attack 2.0 for sale online. The 320 gram tub (which is about 32 servings) sells for
about $20.
Conclusion
Scitec Attack 2.0 looks like a good multipurpose pre workout formula.My one concern would be that it tries to do too much, but at least judging by the few online reviews I found, it seems to be working.
So, for the price, I say give it a shot.
The nitric oxide boosting properties contribute to good and effective blood-flow through the extremities which helps a lot in workouts, especially resistance training, and the formula overall is full of ingredients proven to be effective in workouts.
How You Probably Originally Found Out About Alpha Fuel
Most guys learn about Alpha Fuel (and others like Apha Cut HD, Alpha Muscle, etc.) by coming across what appears to be an ESPN or Mens Health article.
Does this look familiar?
I thought so.
So throughout this article it says that celebs like Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), Gerard Butler, even Colin Kaepernick are using supplements like Alpha Fuel to completely transform their bodies.
They are doing this with none other than Alpha Fuel and some other supplement like Alpha Cut.
Telling guys that these supplements have virtually been banned from the shelves of GNC, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS, they go on to say that you can get these 2 controversial supplements by simply paying for the shipping cost.
The page looks legit, but I’m here to tell you that it’s NOT at all.
First off, if you look at the web address, this is NOT the REAL Mens Health website.
And you’ll also see a big ADVERTISEMENT notice pinned to the top of the page.
If that wasn’t enough, if you scroll to the bottom of the page you’ll see a big disclaimer that reads like this:
All BS aside, do these products really even work?
Well let’s take a quick look at the ingredients and reviews on the Alpha Fuel website before we start making any accusations.
Ingredients in Alpha Fuel XT
Long Jack Root
Chances are if you’ve looked up various testosterone boosters, then you’ve seen the ingredient eurycoma longifolia.
This ingredient is more commonly known as Tongkat Ali and, to a lesser extent, as Long Jack Root.
Clearly, a great marketing choice on the part of the Alpha Fuel XT, Long Jack Root is one of the few proven testosterone-boosting ingredients that you can purchase over the counter. It’s found in numerous other testosterone boosting supplements, including Virectin, Blackcore Edge, and Spartagen XT.
Studies have shown that Long Jack Root, or Tongkat Ali to stimulate release of free testosterone.It also improves your sex drive and overall well-being while reducing fatigue. (“Tongkat Ali” June 25, 2014. Para. 1)
Nettle Root
Sometimes referred to as Stinging Nettle Root, this is an ingredient that is featured in many testosterone boosting supplements but the jury is still out on whether or not it truly contributes to a direct increase in testosterone.That’s not to say that it doesn’t have great medicinal benefits.
Nettle Root protects and promotes proper prostate health. It’s also great for inflammation as it has been shown to relieve pain in muscles and joints.Some advocates claim that it does promote a healthy increase in testosterone; however, as mentioned before, the evidence is lacking.Regardless, this is a terrific ingredient to have because, despite the unproven possibility of it boosting your testosterone levels, it has been proven to be a great post-workout recovery ingredient.
Tribulus Terrestris
This is an herbal remedy that has been around for a very long time.
Primarily used in ancient cultures, Tribulus Terrestris was a daily part of life for many citizens of China and India as an alternative medicine for various ailments.
Today it remains an alternative solution to conditions relating to the cardiovascular system.It’s also taken to help with performance in the bedroom.
Tribulus Terrestris didn’t make its way to the center of the supplement world until reports of its testosterone boosting effects began popping up.Now it’s hard to miss this ingredient in any supplement geared toward men. It’s found in literally thousands of other supplements, including ones we’ve tested like Nugenix, T90 Xplode and Testadrox. Despite its popularity, Tribulus Terrestris does not have sufficient evidence as a testosterone booster or performance enhancer.
Piper Nigrum
More commonly known as Bioperine, this ingredient is an extract of black pepper.
Much like Nettle Root, there is no evidence that Piper Nigrum has any direct testosterone boosting effects but it is certainly a valuable ingredient.It has been shown to enhance the absorption of other nutrients.
Essentially, whatever you eat or ingest prior to or while you take Piper Nigrum will have a greater absorption rate.This is very important, especially for those with poor or lacking digestive systems.Again, evidence does not support this as a direct testosterone booster; however, it can certainly aid in the absorption of ingredients that do amplify testosterone production. Other supplements containing Bioperine include Virectin, Vigrx Plus, and one of my top testosterone boosting choices, Prime Male.
Mucuna Pruriens
Also known as Cowhage, this ingredient comes from a bean-like plant that is native to tropical regions such as India, Bahamas, and southern Florida.Like other ingredients on this list, the evidence for the testosterone boosting properties of Mucuna Pruriens is not sufficient.The very limited studies that have been conducted concluded that it was an effective ingredient for infertile men in raising free testosterone levels.The problem is that it is not known whether it is effective for average, healthy men with normal or just below normal levels of testosterone.
Avena Sativa
Avena Sativa, also known as Oat Straw, is as simple as it sounds.
This ingredient is made from un-ripened oat straw and is sold under a number of names with Avena Sativa being the most common. I have personally used supplements containing Avena Sativa, including Force Factors Test X180 Ignite.Avena Sativa has been tested for a number of benefits including increasing cognitive function, and some even claim that it’s a potent poor mans over the counter viagra.
However, the studies are not as abundant for its effect on testosterone.
One study, performed at a graduate school in San Francisco, California, claims that Avena Sativa is able to increase free testosterone levels.It does so by helping testosterone compounds release themselves from other compounds in the body.
While this study produced seemingly good results, a large-scale study has yet to be conducted. (“Avena Sativa (Green Oats) Extract, Benefits, Sex Drive Support” N.D.
Para. 1)
Ashwagandha
What could just be another bright orange weed growing in your backyard has been reported to have testosterone boosting properties.
Ashwagandha was the center of a study in which testosterone levels were checked before and after supplementation.Accordingly to the results, the data from these 46 men indicated that daily supplementation of Ashwaganda for 90 days increased testosterone levels by 17%.The catch is that the study was conducted on men who had low fertility rates.
Just like Mucuna Pruriens, this ingredient may be great for men who have very lower levels of testosterone and it may be complete ineffective for those men who are healthy. (“Ashwagandha may promote healthy testosterone production in men: Clinical data” May 23, 2014. Para. 2)
Diindolylmethane
Commonly known as DIM, this ingredient has been getting a lot of media attention lately for its supposed antioxidant benefits.
This phytonutrient has been recommended as a daily supplement as it can help reduce inflammation and fight different types of cancer in the body.
What about testosterone?DIM has been shown to help promote a healthy hormonal balance and when taken regularly, it can actually prevent testosterone from being converted into estrogen. This is definitely an ingredient you would want in an effective testosterone booster.
When searching for Alpha Advanced Testosterone Booster reviews, you’ll come across a lot of dead links, or pages that once existed but are now unavailable.
Most of the reviews you find on a typical search will also present a number of obviously sponsored reviews.
Some are even contradictory, i.e. the following:
Keep looking and you’ll eventually find actual reviews. All of which agree that the benefits of Alpha Fuel XT are not felt until your second or third bottle.
Some of these reviews even highlighted the fact that they needed to double the dosage as they were very active athletes.
That turns your one-month supply into a two-week supply.
Overall, it appears to be a product that has worked for those that have tried it but only after allowing the body to adjust during a 60 to 90 day time frame.
Since Alpha Fuel XT is sold on Amazon, there are a few reviews on there as well. Something seems quite suspicious about them, however, because noone really seems to elaborate on their results. They simply use words like “awesome product”, “it works wonderful”, and “really good stuff”.
Noone seems to detail how it made them feel, whether or not the lost weight or built muscle with it, or if it actually increased their testosterone. One negative review even called it ‘snake oil’, and plenty of others had nothing good to say about it.
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Video Reviews
One interesting thing to note is one of the video reviews of Alpha Fuel XT I came across seemed pretty legit at first. This guy talks alot about how great this supplement worked for him, and how well it could potentially work for you as well. Check it out below:
What’s interesting to note though, is that this guy is a paid actor!! How do I know this? Check out what I found on a website called Fiverr (it’s where actors solicit their reviews and testimonials)…
This practice is actually illegal, because the FTC requires that anyone being financially compensated to disclose their connection. It’s clearly not happening in this case, but doesn’t surprise me at all.
Now, just to be clear, he’s NOT a practicing physician. There’s some very big differences between the 2.
For instance, doctors have to complete a 4 year medical degree, do 1 year internships, 2 – 8 years of residency depending on their specialty, and they can prescribe medications.
Chiropractors on the other hand only require a 4 year chiropractic degree and then they are licensed to practice chiropractic manipulation.
I say this so that you take his words with a grain of salt. I’m not saying he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, just that there are some major differences between doctors and chiropractics.
The video is a bit hard to understand because of the quality, but essentially Dr. Vanderloop has treated (in the homepathic sense) patients suffering from reduced testosterone levels.
Since he can’t write a prescription for testosterone replacement therapy, he’s forced to make recommendations for herbal supplements like Alpha Fuel XT.
He talks about studies involving eurycoma longifolia, black pepper, tribulus terrestris, and their effects on testosterone production.
He also talks about the dangers of testosterone replacement therapy, which I tend to agree with.
Long story short, he basically says that he can’t find anything wrong with Alpha Fuel XT, as far as it’s potential to work well at helping restore natural testosterone levels.
Alpha Fuel XT and Orvigomax
One of my visitors recently contacted me and asked whether or not the combination of Alpha Fuel XT and Orvigomax will help you grow your penis. At first I kind of laughed it off, but when that very same person sent me a link to a page that made that very same claim, I was flabbergasted.
Just when I think I’ve written about practically every combo out there, I run into this one. Apparently there is some blog that’s been pushing the combo of a supplement called Alpha Muscle along with Alpha Fuel.
According to the official site, it looks like Alpha Muscle is an all natural testosterone booster that’s designed to increase sex drive, skyrocket your stamina and endurance, and grow muscle fast.
As usual, though, I can’t seem to find any info on the ingredients, it’s potential side effects, or even where to buy it. I would be very wary of buying a supplement like this, as it’s nearly impossible to tell if it will work.
I plan on doing more research on this particular supplement in the future, so be sure to check back soon.
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Alpha Fuel XT Side Effects
Although each of these ingredients has not been associated with any direct side effects when taken alone, you must always check with your doctor if you are currently on any type of medication.
Herbal remedies, while safe, may interact with certain ingredients within prescription medication.
So which ingredients in Alpha Fuel XT have the potential to cause side effects?
The short answer is they ALL have the potential, but it’s highly unlikely based on the ingredients list I’m looking at.
I got a chance to try out a one month supply of Alpha Fuel XT, and I have to say I didn’t see much in the way of results. The directions on the label state that you should take 2 capsules daily with a meal, which I did.
Now, I didn’t take a blood test or anything to determine what my actual T levels were before I started.
It sounds stupid, but to be honest it’s not really “practical” for me to take a blood test every time I take a testosterone booster.
However, I do base my experience largely in part to how it makes me feel, and if the claims on their website / the bottle match my exprience with it.
The Alpha Fuel XT official website describes the feelings of increased testosterone production, including increases in muscle size and strength, reduce body fat, and increased energy.
Well, I took it for about 2 weeks and to be honest didn’t notice any of these feelings. There was no surge in energy, no gains in muscle mass / size, and certainly no reduced body fat.
If anything, I would say that I felt maybe a bit of an increase in libido, but nothing to write home about.
Pros and Con’s
Pros
Alpha Fuel XT has a solid line up for a testosterone-boosting supplement.
Although not every single ingredient has passed numerous clinical studies with proven effects on testosterone production, it is still a supplement with an impressive amount of researched ingredients.
Even the ones that are lacking in evidence for testosterone production are still beneficial in some way relating to health and fitness.
Cons
One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost: For a one-month supply, Alpha Fuel XT will set you back $89.95 plus shipping and handling.Another disadvantage is buying it directly through the website due to the auto-ship program that you are enrolled in.
Please see the “Where to Buy” section for further explanation.
3 BIG Reasons You Shouldn’t Buy It
They use FALSE and DECEPTIVE advertising to try to get you to buy the product.
I personally didn’t see any results from it.
It’s SUPER expensive, especially when compared to most other testosterone boosters.
You can purchase Alpha Fuel XT directly from the manufacturer’s website.
When you do so, you are given the offer to receive a “free” bottle of the product.
Be aware that signing up for this bottle signs you up for the auto-ship program.
The following is directly from the official website:
“To receive a 30 day supply of AlphaFuel XT you must pay a shipping and handling fee of $5.95($7.95 Canada).You can try the product Risk Free for 14 days. After the 14 day trial period has ended you will be charged our regular price of $89.95.If you decide to cancel during the 14 day trial period, you will be required to return the bottle at your expense via an RMA number issued by customer service.If you choose not to cancel, you will be enrolled in our membership program and receive a fresh 30 day supply every 30 days for the same low price of $89.95 until you cancel.”
You can avoid this completely by purchasing it on Amazon. They sell it there for about $50 per bottle, which includes free shipping. I would actually recommend buying it there to take advantage of the buyer protection they offer.
As far as I can tell they don’t sell Alpha Fuel XT in any stores like GNC, Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS.
The fact that they have to resort promoting their product via a free trial leads me to believe it’s not as effective as you think. What really irks me is the fact that they are KNOWINGLY using paid actors to promote their supplements, but pawning these actors off as real people.
Is Alpha Fuel a scam? It’s tough to tell.
It might work, but with so much conflicting information out there it’s hard for me to recommend this to any guy looking for a solid quality supplement.
Have you used Alpha Fuel XT?Leave your review below!
To put things in perspective, here’s a quick snapshot of the label:
The Spartagen XT formula includes:
Tongkat Ali which comes from Malaysia and has been used to increase free testosterone levels by binding itself to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) so the SHBG can’t bind itself to the testosterone molecules, making them useless.
Tribulus Terrestris increases testosterone by signaling for the release of increased Luteinizing Hormone. Tribulus Terrestris can literally be found in HUNDREDS of other testosterone boosters, including Super Male Vitality, Alpha Fuel XT, and Asox9.
Chrysin which supports muscle growth by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Korean Red Ginseng which improves mental health and physical performance while increasing testosterone levels. The root has also been believed to boost the immune system, improve circulation and heart health, increasing energy, and treating symptoms of ED.
Maca, which is another primary ingredient in Spartagen XT, is a Peruvian aphrodisiac that also prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Zinc which is essential to the natural testosterone production process, and can also be found in supplement like Nugenix.
It also contains common vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, E, and B6, as well as magnesium.
You can use Spartagen XT anytime or you can specifically choose to use it for post cycle therapy to get your natural testosterone production going again.
Quick Tip: Think you have low testosterone? Click Here to take our quiz!
They don’t specifically mention how long Spartagen XT takes to start feeling the effects.
My guess would be you should wait AT LEAST a week or two before deciding on whether or not it’s working for you.
Is this something for a guy in his 20’s?
They specifically seem to state that their product is intended more for guys in their 30’s and above, so I would recommend you stay away from it if you’re younger then that.
If you’re a young guy that’s looking for a great testosterone booster, check out my Testofuel review here.
Like any supplement, there is definitely the potential for side effects, and Spartagen XT is no different.
In fact, they even warn about exceeding the recommended dose right on the label.
Here are the most common ones:
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Nausea
Headaches
Loss of appetite
However, if you follow the manufacturers recommendation as far as dosing, and clear things with your doctor, you should be good to go.
I would also recommend that you avoid taking it if you’re under the age of 18, and if you’re a pregnant woman (or even just a woman at all, it won’t have any effect).
I also recommend that you take your first dose of Spartagen XT on a completely full stomach, and half the dose, to figure out how your body will respond to it.
Furthermore, any instance of adverse reactions can be severely minimized by simply sticking with a low dose.
A one month supply sells for $70, and you can save if you buy in bulk.For instance, a 6 month supply costs $294 which is less than $50 per month.They also include 5 free bonuses with your order, which all look to be ebooks. They are:
Kama Sutra – The Lost Chapter
Spartan 300 Top Secret Workout
Healthy, Happy and Hung
Superstar Stamina
33 Innocent Words Turn Her On
Unfortunately, when I purchased Spartagen XT I didn’t see any of these. I’m not sure if I should be expecting it in my inbox or what, but I haven’t seen anything.
I searched around on various other brick and mortar stores like GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, and none of them said they carry it.
It used to be sold on Amazon, but as of this review it is currently out of stock and it’s unclear as to when they will be selling it again.
While the FDA routinely tests supplements out to make sure they are not adulterated, supplements do not require the same stringent testing that is done on pharmaceutical products.
It’s made by a company called Edge Bioactives, but I couldn’t find a ton of info about them.
We know they’re located in Edgewater, NJ, and the address they have listed on their site is Suite 108, 725 River Road Edgewater, New Jersey, 07020.
Most noteworthy, it looks like it’s an office building with several other tenants.
The company that makes Spartagen XT (Edge Bioactives) is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau, but there are 2 resolved cases on there involving Advertising / Sales and Billing / Collection issues.
This is no doubt in part due to their free trial setup, which some may deem as sort of deceptive.
What I do know is that they also have several other supplements that they sell, including Rail male enhancement and the Peruvian brew system. both of which I’ve personally tested.
So alot of guys have been asking me to take this, and I finally got a chance to finish it up. I must say, the first few weeks I could definitely feel a little bit of a difference in my energy and libido.
I felt like I was sleeping better, had a better overall mood, and my energy levels felt like they had increased.
However, after the first few weeks were up I could honestly say that the effects were essentially completely gone and I returned to my normal “baseline”. Compared to many other testosterone boosters I’ve test, Spartagen XT was definitely one of the stranger supplements.
Simply put, usually a product will either work or not work
It won’t just work for a couple of weeks and then stop working completely, which was the case here.
One thing that REALLY caught me off guard was their deceptive auto shipping billing feature. When you go to order, it appears as though you’re making a one-time purchase. There’s nothing on the Spartagen XT sales page (at least from what I could tell) indicating that there’s any sort of recurring subscription or billing setup.
So about 2 weeks later I login to my bank account and I see a charge from a company called EMMHELP.COMin the amount of $79.99. I looked it up and wouldn’t you know it? EMMHELP.COMis the customer support website for Spartagen XT!
When you visit that site, and click any of the links that say things like “create a new ticket” or “check ticket status”, it redirects to the Edge Bioactives website.
They billed me $79.99 2 weeks after my original order, and I had NO CLUE I was even getting rebilled for another box of the stuff. What’s WORSE is I didn’t even RECEIVE another box of Spartagen XT, they just flat out billed me and never shipped it.
I usually NEVER fall for stuff like this…typically I’ll read the terms and conditions very carefully so I know what I’m getting myself into. Several other supplements I’ve tried in the past, including Test X180 Ignite and Bio Testosterone XR, all have free trials but make it very clear that they will be billing you.
But in this case, Edge Bioactives did a VERY good job at concealing this auro-rebill, auto-shipment program, and buried it VERY deeply on their terms and conditions page.
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What Others Are Saying About It…
I searched around for various other Spartagen XT reviews online, but it was tough to find legit ones.
On Amazon there were 3, with 2 noting dramatic differences from taking Spartagen XT, while 1 said it was completely useless.
The other sites that popped up were saying great things about it, but there was no REAL indication that they really used the product. Most of their review was just mindless text that made no sense in a lot of places.
The official site has plenty of good reviews, which is no surprise. I searched around on youtube and found a few credible looking vidoes.
For example, this guy says that he bought 4 boxes of Spartagen XT.
Spartagen XT seemed to work for me for the first few weeks, and then it just dropped off completely.
Whether or not that was a fluke or was indicative of what should be expected with this product is not something that I know, but I do know that I was disappointed when I first noticed the drop off.
Does that mean you’ll get the same results?
Maybe.
Everyone responds different to various supplements, and you’ll likely get different results (either good or bad).
Our bodies are all different, but the fact of the matter is that when something is a dud for me, I am done with it for good and have no desire to put it back down my gullet.
Couple that with a high price tag, hidden charges, and a lack of REAL customer reviews, I would therefore say take a pass!
It’s no secret that celebrities like The Rock, Hugh Jackman, Chris Helmsworth, and Mel Gibson probably have a wealth of trainers, chef’s, and nutritionists at their disposal. Their bodies are their brands, and like any good brand it takes alot of work to maintain the appeal of that brand. They don’t just get jacked from sitting around on their asses all day eating cheesy puffs. They put the work into it, and as a result often have the bodies we dream of.
But, do they also use supplements to help them achieve that “hollywood body” they need to keep securing work? Well, one recent “Mens Health and Life” blog post I was just reading reports just that. According to them, celebrities have been using a secret combination of supplements called Nitro Shred and Alpha T-10, which apparently has been gaining popularity amount hollywood trainers.
But, there is a shocking “truth” behind this combo that they don’t really want you to know about. I’ll dive into that a little bit later, but let’s examine the claims made by NitroShred and Alpha T-10 before we draw any conclusions.
What is Nitro Shred?
Nitro Shred is reportedly a pre workout nitric oxide booster that claims a number of benefits, including improved focus, sustained energy, stronger lists, and decreased muscle breakdown. Their proprietary blend is made up of a number of all natural ingredients which include Beet root extract, Ascorbic Acid, Melon Juice, and L-Arginine HCL. L-Arginine is more then likely the primary ingredient here, and basically works as a vasodilator which in theory is supposed to help improve blood flow, allowing for more efficient nutrient delivery.
On their official website they note that they are advertised on Men’s Health Magazine, Maxim, Playboy, and Mens Journal, but I reached out to the advertising departments of each and none of them said they have even heard of Nitro Shred. This supplement is only sold on their official website, and as of this review it’s not available in stores like GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Walmart and others.
What is Alpha T-10?
Alpha T-10 is apparently an HGH releasing supplement that works to help boost your endurance threshold, increase energy levels, reduce body fat deposits, and increase lean muscle. While they don’t clearly state exactly what’s in their supplement, from some of the official sites literature we can see that it contains DHEA, L-Arginine, and IGF-1. IGF-1 (or Insulin Like Growth Factor) is a hormone similar in molecule structure to insulin, and plays an important role in childhood growth as well as having anabolic effects in adults. (1)
Just like Nitro Shred, Alpha T-10 says that they are advertised on several major media outlets like NBC, Men’s Health, and ESPN. However, just like with Nitro Shred, I checked with all 3 of these media publications and none of them have heard of Alpha T-10. This supplement is also not available in stores, and can only be found on their official website.
What Got You Here In The First Place?
What probably got you to this article was that you probably were browsing through your Facebook news feed and came across an ad that looked alot like this. I’ve seen dozens of ads similar to this one before….sometimes they use a picture of The Rock, sometimes Hugh Jackman, and sometimes it’s just some random dude. The promise is always the same though….it’s always some “Shocking Secret” that celebs are using to get massive and cut up.
Once you click the ad, it takes you to a page that looks like this. It looks alot like the Mens Health website, doesn’t it? It’s complete with links to other parts of their site like the Sex & Love section, Weight Loss, Yoga, and even a newsletter signup. But, what your probably didn’t notice was that if you try and click on these links it doesn’t actually take you to the section you were thinking it would. Let me show you a quick example in this video below:
As you can see, EVERY SINGLE link you click on go’s to the NitroShred official website. It doesn’t take you to the Sex and Love section, you can’t search for anything on the men’s health website, and you certainly can’t like it on Facebook. So, what’s up with that?!?
Well, if you probably didn’t realize, this is not a legit Men’s Health blog post. In fact, it’s not even a legit article by a Mens fitness website. Instead, it is a flat out advertisement. You probably missed it, but it’s posted very clandestine-like in the upper right hand corner of the page, check it out. That’s red flag #1….
Our Problem With NitroShred and Alpha T-10
All of the above aside, it really boils down to whether or not the products work, right? Unfortunately, finding credible reviews of Nitro Shred and Alpha T-10 was practically impossible. If you run a quick google search for reviews, you are bombarded by sites that are clearly setup by the company or their affiliates to help sell the product.
Finding reviews on Youtube was equally as worthless, as you’ll see in the videos below:
That’s red flag #2….if you can’t find any credible info about a supplement in forums or discussion boards, then how can you tell if it even works?? Red Flag #3 is the deceptive billing they use to end up charging your credit card a hefty amount at the end of your supposed free trial.
What do I mean by this? Well, when you go to checkout with your orders of Nitro Shred and Alpha T-10, your prompted to enter your credit card info to pay for shipping.
It’s only a modest amount of $4.95 for each supplement, but what you may NOT have noticed was the “30 day money back guarantee” at the bottom of the Alpha T-10 page….check it out:
That’s right….If you don’t cancel your trial within 14 days they end up billing that very same credit card for close to $80, all when you thought you were getting it free of charge. Things are even worse for Nitro Shred….they don’t even list their terms and conditions on the order checkout page. If you click on the terms link at the bottom of the page though, you’re told the following:
“By clicking rush my order, you agree to be enrolled in the 14 day trial offer for $6.95 which is the cost of shipping, and after the trial expires, you agree that your card will be charged $79.97 for you Nitro Shred as part of our exclusive member auto ship program.Your monthly member autoship will recur at $79.97 plus $6.95 for shipping and handling every month from the time your trial expires until you cancel.
If you choose to opt of the Risk Free Trial, all product shipments must be returned at the customers expense and return the used or unused product to avoid being charged for the month supply already shipped to you.You must call 866-641-1487at least 24 hours prior to the date that your next monthly delivery order is shipped from our warehouse.”
So, here we are with close to $160 in charges that most of you probably weren’t even aware of. The FTC posted a great video on these sorts of scams, and what you can do to avoid them, check it out below:
The FTC makes a number of key points that you should take away from the video…
1. Do the research and look for complaints. I’ve already done this on the Better Business Bureau and other community message boards, but came up short on complaints. But don’t worry, once guys start reading this review of Nitro Shred and Alpha T-10 it will only be a matter of time before complaints from guys who got sucked into this start popping up in the comments section below.
2. Uncheck pre checked boxes. It’s funny here because when you get to the order page for each supplement, they don’t even have a pre checked box, even though they are supposed to. Further evidence they are trying to bilk you out of your money.
3. Mark the cancellation date on your calendar. I can’t stress this one enough!!! Even though this is a free trial and you only have 14 days to try it, some guys may want to go ahead and give them a shot anyway. If you do, please, PLEASE, mark your calendar so that you are aware of when you need to cancel your trial by. I would also suggest you make a note of the companies contact info in case you can’t seem to find it in the future.
Recommendation
We come across these supposed miracle offers constantly, and try to warn as many guys as possible as to what they are getting involved in. It’s pretty clear to me (and should be to you by now), that taking the combo of Nitro Shred and Alpha T-10 will probably NOT get you the results they were promising. There are plenty of other legit supplements out there that will not enroll you in a scam free trial, auto-rebill program, and ones that likely work MUCH better then these two.
Have You Used Nitro Shred and Alpha T-10? Leave Your Review Below!
They call it a “hormone and muscle growth optimizer” because it claims to do just that – balance hormones and improve muscle growth.
The logic is there, but now we need to look at the actual product to see if it delivers in the real world.
Natubolic Growth Fuel Ingredients and How They Work
When Maxgenics talks about the ingredients that make up the Natubolic Growth Fuel formula, they kind of work backwards from the effect.
This supplement works obtaining the optimal balance of 5 hormones, and they explain each of the ingredients in terms of these hormones:
Testosterone is increased by the use of Fenugreek Seed, DHEA, and L-Dopa
HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is increased using Colostrum
Insulin Sensitivity is increased using Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Estrogen is decreased using Resveratrol, DIM, and Indiole -3-Carbinol
Cortisol is reduced with Rhodiola Root Extract and Ashwagandha Root Extract.
There’s also a performance boosting element that includes L-Glutamine, L-Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate, and Dindolymenthane.
Instructions are to mix one scoop with water or another beverage and drink it once a day.
It’s recommended that you take Natubolic Growth Fuel for a 4 week cycle, take one week off, then start again.
Natubolic Growth Fuel Pros and Cons
We look at both sides of every product, making sure we factor in everything we can before making a decision.
Advantages of Natubolic Growth Fuel
The formula is based on solid science.
There are lots of favorable Natubolic Growth Fuelreviews on the Maxgenics website talking about energy, gains, and improvements in focus and clarity.
Disadvantages of Natubolic Growth Fuel
It’s expensive.
There are not many independent reviews touting its benefits.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Natubolic Growth Fuel through the Maxgenics website.
The 28 serving tub which would take you through one 4-week cycle costs $99.
Conclusion
The biggest drawback of Natubolic Growth Fuel is that it’s expensive.On top of that, there aren’t really any independent customer reviews to rely on for feedback.
I’d say keep your eye on Natubolic Growth Fuel.
Wait for more feedback to come in, and if it’s positive, this could be a great product.
With all the testosterone boosting supplements available on the market, it’s tough to decide which one may be right for you.
So you start researching them, and before long, your head is spinning because you just don’t know what to believe anymore.
They’re all going to turn you into superman, so we might as well just pick one.
Well, before you do, take a look at our reviews, and this in particular, to see which one might actually be right for you.
Diesel Test Hard Coreis made by Get Diesel, and promises to cover all the bases when it comes to natural testosterone boosters.
With this product you’ll:
Increase free testosterone levels.
Improve muscle strength and hardness.
Increase sex drive.
Decrease estrogen
Improve erections.
Increase semen volume.
Prevent cortisol production.
That’s basically the gamut of benefits you can get from a testosterone booster, so let’s take a look at how Diesel Test Hard Core does it.
Diesel Test Hard Core Ingredients and How They Work
The Diesel Test Hard Core formula starts off with Zinc, Selenium, and Copper to support the testosterone boosting properties of the rest of the ingredients, which include:
Tribulus Terrestris for signaling the increased release of Luteinizing Hormone which then calls for the production of increased testosterone.
Epimedium and L-Arginine which increases nitric oxide for better erections.
Muira Puama, Cnidium Monniere, and Mucuna Pruriens which are all natural aphrodisiacs.
Avena Sativa and Tongkat Ali which both free up bound testosterone that is otherwise useless.
Instructions are to take 6-10 capsules a day for 5 to 6 days a week.
Take 2-4 in the morning, 2-4 in the afternoon, and 1 or 2 before bed.
On workout days, make sure one of your doses is taken 45 minutes prior to your workout.
Diesel Test Hard Core Pros and Cons
There is good and bad in just about everything.
We like to consider both when reviewing supplements.
Advantages of Diesel Test Hard Core
The ingredients are all natural.
It’s affordable (when you can find it).
The ingredient profile covers a lot of bases.
Disadvantages of Diesel Test Hard Core
The claims seem to be a bit over the top when compared to the ingredient list.
It looks like lots of retailers are out of stock, indicating that it may not be being made anymore or available for long.
The dosing instructions are very cumbersome, needing to take 6 to 10 tablets a day.
Where to Buy
You can currently find Diesel Test Hard Core for sale at several online supplement retail sites.
The 200 tablet bottle sells for just under $40.
Conclusion
There are so many testosterone boosting supplements out there, you can hardly blame Diesel Test Hard Corefor making outrageous claims in order to set itself apart.It just doesn’t seem like the ingredient profile can back up those claims.
MuscleTech has a reputation for making pretty wild claims and pissing off customers when those claims don’t materialize.
Over the years, they’ve tried to tone things down a bit, and they have, but they’re definitely no shrinking violet when it comes to promoting themselves.
Not too long ago, they came out with a new product called MuscleTech Clear Muscle.
The claim is that this clear capsule will help you put on an insane amount of muscle over a 12 week period, and that you’ll lose fat at the same time.
At Tampa University, the main ingredient in MuscleTech Clear Muscle was put to the test with a 12 week double blind placebo controlled trial.
There were two groups of experienced lifters, all using the same hardcore lifting routine, one group taking BetaTOR, the other taking a placebo.
The BetaTOR group gained 16 pounds of lean muscle over the 12 week period while the placebo group gained 6.
On the MuscleTech website, you can download the exact workout routine that was used in the clinical trial, so you can see how your results might stack up against the clinical trial.
I’m not sure what to think.The clinical results look like what we all want.
But the actual MuscleTech Clear Muscle reviews from customers tell a different story. I would say wait a while on this one.
It’s still pretty new and word keeps trickling in.
If you do decide to use it, take into consideration that this is MuscleTech, so you’ll want to keep your expectations in check.
As a rule of thumb for me personally, I tend to stay away from supplements whose manufacturers have a history of rubbing customers the wrong way with their practices and prefer to stick with companies that I know are going to put their best foot forward with products that can be trusted.
A lot of the most serious bodybuilders use single ingredient formulations so they know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies.
Instead of ready-made formulations, they make combine what they know to be best for their bodies during any given period or cycle.
Carnitine is one of the more popular ingredients they look for, and Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure provides it.
Gaspari Nutrition was started by legendary bodybuilder Rich Gaspari, and it’s made quite a name for itself as a company.
They’ve gained the trust of those serious guys we were talking about, and that goes a long way toward credibility and trust that what they put out actually works.
So if you’re looking for something to add to any cycle that will help use fat as energy and improve your post workout recovery, take a look at Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure.
Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure Ingredients and How They Work
There’s only one active ingredient in Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure, and that’s 1 gram of Carnitine Tartrate per serving.
One of the great things about Carnitine is its wide range of benefits.
If you’re cutting or dieting, use Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure to facilitate your body in converting fat to energy.
You want to burn fat, not muscle, and carnitine helps make that happen. And the increase in conversion means more energy throughout the day.
Carnitine also has post workout recovery benefits.
You can take one scoop mixed with water as a pre workout or 1 or 2 scoops as an intra workout drink or throughout the day.
The idea is not that you’ll feel explosive effects.
It’s more that you’ll have more steady energy throughout the day and realize weight loss benefits over time.
One of the biggest complaints about Carnitine powders is that they don’t taste very good.
This doesn’t seem to be the case with Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure.
It comes in Watermelon and Pineapple flavors, and almost all the reviews I’ve seen rave about the taste of both.
Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure Pros and Cons
Advantages of Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure
It tastes great.
It’s a pure, single ingredient supplement.
It provides all day energy.
Disadvantages of Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure
For someone who wants a more complete supplement, Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure doesn’t provide enough breadth of benefits.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure online. The 80 serving tub sells for about $25 to $30.
Conclusion
If you’re only going to go with one supplement, I wouldn’t think Gaspari Nutrition Carnipurewould be it.It’s great for what it is – a great tasting carnitine powder – but there are other products with benefits you would look for first.
But if you know what you’re looking for, and it’s carnitine, go with Gaspari Nutrition Carnipure.
If you feel sluggish and old, the culprit might be low testosterone or an incorrect hormonal balance in general. Here’s how it works.
When we get older, our bodies produce less testosterone. It’s just a fact of life.
There’s plenty to go around when we’re young.
We have lots of energy, muscle comes and fat goes easily, and our sex drives are through the roof!
As you start to round past 35 or 40 or so, that all starts to change.
Your body produces less natural testosterone and you start to feel less energy, less sex drive, and your body has a harder time putting on lean, hard muscle.
If you use testosterone replacement therapy (like Androgen gel), you run the risk of also increasing estrogen. This is because testosterone converts to estrogen. So your best bet is to use something that boosts testosterone while countering the conversion to estrogen. That something could be Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry.
The idea behind this product is that it helps you get leaner and harder past the point where fat burners and diets can get you.
So if you’re someone who wants to get shredded beyond where you’ve reached so far, Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry may be able to help.
Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry Ingredients and How They Work
The Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry formula is a proprietary blend called the Dry Hormone Modulating matrix.
It’s 500 mg that includes:
Corydalis Yanhusuo
Isodon Excisus
Citrus Retiulata
Lontarus Domestica
None of these ingredients are explained by Cutler Nutrition in terms of what they actually are and how they actually work.
This is disappointing because the claims so strongly and precisely say what you can achieve, but there’s no information at all on how this product will really help.
The recommended dose is 1 Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry capsule taken daily in the morning on a full stomach.
You should use it for one or two cycles (4 or 8 weeks) before taking 4 weeks off.
Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry Pros and Cons
Advantages of Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry
The ingredients are natural.
There are some positive Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry reviews especially when used in combination with the Cutler Testosterone Booster.
Disadvantages of Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry
There’s no explanation of how it works or what the ingredients do.
There are lots of negative reviews from customers saying it did nothing or actually made them feel more lethargic.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Jay Cutler Signature Series Dry online. A 28 capsule bottle would last a month, and it costs around $30.
Conclusion
There just isn’t enough information about or explanation of how Jay Cutler Signature Series Dryworks to make us think it’s worth trying.None of the ingredients are familiar, and we’ve looked at a lot of testosterone boosters and estrogen suppressors.
Given the mixed reviews on top of the lack of information, we advise that you look elsewhere.
Who better to put his name on a line of bodybuilding supplements than a 4-time Mr. Olympia.
That’s what Jay Cutler is, and that’s what he’s done.
Along with entries like Amino Pump and Dry, there is Jay Cutler Signature Series King, the mass builder of the bunch.
Taking King will get you big with its focus on growth factors, myogenic regulators, and increasing muscle fibers.
Jay Cutler Signature Series King claims to reign supreme among anabolic supplements.
Jay Cutler Signature Series King Ingredients and How They Work
The Jay Cutler Signature Series King formula uses new, but tested technology to increase your muscle mass.
The Glycoprotein Muscle Growth Blend is proprietary, but contains:
MTor (Phosphatidic Acid) which activates signaling pathways that control protein synthesis.
Dactylorhiza Hategirea
Fructus Ligustri
Berberis Thunbergii (Berbamine HCL)
Naigen (Nicotinamide) which increases metabolism and replenishes ATP levels in muscles which is provides energy and endurance.
In addition, the formula contains significant amounts of Vitamins D3 and K2. It is important that you take Jay Cutler Signature Series Kingas directed, which is 1 capsule 3 times a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening.
This is a supplement that should be used during a bulking cycle and not for more than 8 weeks at a time.
Jay Cutler Signature Series King Pros and Cons
We always take an even-handed look at what’s good and what’s not so good about each product we review.
That way, you can be sure it’s been looked at from all angles.
Advantages of Jay Cutler Signature Series King
It uses cutting edge muscle building technology.
They say you can achieve a 37% increase in squat strength, and 55% increase in bench press strength, and 26 fold increase in lean mass versus taking a placebo.
The one Jay Cutler Signature Series King review I found from a customer was favorable, saying it lives up to the hype.
The doses used are the same as what’s been tested.
Disadvantages of Jay Cutler Signature Series King
There are not many customer reviews to help determine whether or not it works in the real world.
Jay Cutler Signature Series King is no longer displayed on the Jay Cutler website and some vendors are out of stock, so it may not be being produced any longer.
Where to Buy
At this time, there are still some online vendors selling Jay Cutler Signature Series King.
The 90 capsule bottle which is a one month supply runs around $35 to $45 depending on where you look.
Conclusion
Even though Jay Cutler Signature Series King claims to have been tested, the results are not presented in a clinical way so we’re a little skeptical.Without customer feedback, it’s tough to tell whether or not it works.
Either way, for some reason, it appears that Jay Cutler Signature Series King won’t be available for long, so you may want to look for something else for your bulking stacks.
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