There you sit, totally confused about why your muscles aren’t responding the way you expected. You’ve read tons of articles, you eat right, sleep enough, take supplements and train like your life depends on it.  Still, you aren’t getting your intended results. You start to wonder if all the effort is worth it.

For those who weight train, mastering intensity is a key ingredient toward fulfilling the goal of training for size and muscularity. Intensity is defined as the application of maximum physical effort systematically applied to a technically developed motor skill.  Intensity also requires breaking through the pain barrier. To do so, you must first develop pain tolerance. This is developed by progressively increasing intensity so your body gradually adjusts to sensory overload.

Your pre and post workout nutrition is crucial for maximizing workout intensity and workout gains.  This is where SSL Rush can become an invaluable tool for your workouts providing the proper nutrition to help you make your workouts more productive.

Having sustained energy is crucial for workout intensity.  Beyond caffeine Rush uses significant doses of tyrosine and b-vitamins to create a sustained level of energy.  New research on caffeine is also validating it for its ability to lessen fatigue and help fuel greater bouts of intensity.  Adaptagens like rhodiola where included for their ability to increase oxygen utilization as well as help the body to adapt to physical stressors (i.e. intense training).

SSL choose to use patented Kre-Alkalyn creatine for its superior absorption which increases the level of creatine stored in the muscle.  This is important as it allows an athlete to work at a higher proportion of their maximal voluntary muscular force capability thereby increasing the training stimulus.  Greater training stimulus creates the potential for greater performance gains.

SSL Rush was also designed to fuel ATP production which supplies the muscle with energy to do more work meaning an ability in the gym to handle more repititions and more weight.  Rush also includes beta-alanine which has been shown in studies to delay the onset of fatigue and reduce the buildup of the metabolic waste that causes muscle failure.  This is important as it will allow you to extend the duration of time the muscle is under tension which is important to muscle growth.

As you increase the intensity of your workouts post-workout nutrition becomes even more important.  Make sure you are taking a post workout shake to maximize recovery and protein synthesis.  We recommend After Glow as it is using a formula which has been shown to increase protein synthesis.

 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Minimizing the post cycle rebound effect and maximizing muscle retention is always a battle for steroid/prohormone users.  Taking synthetic forms of testosterone will shut off natural testosterone production and raise estrogen levels and can be menacing if not kept in check post cycle.  At the end of a cycle people will usually supplement with anti-estrogens and natural testosterone boosters to combat the post cycle hormone rebound effect.  Most prohormone/steroid users will lose much of the muscle gained during the cycle even if these precautions are made. 

            One thing that you must take into account is that while on a prohormone/steroid your body down regulates the androgen receptor sensitivity due to the copious amount of androgen circulating the blood stream.  This is done in an effort to keep homeostasis, or a balance in hormone activity.  When a prohormone/steroid is discontinued the body is making little to no testosterone and even if it did the androgens would not be able to bind to the receptors resulting in fatigue and muscle atrophy.  This is why smart prohormone/steroid users utilize the bridging method.  This is done after a heavier prohormone/steroid is used and before the post cycle therapy.  The idea is that if a milder anabolic that has less of an effect on the HPTA axis is taken the last week of the heavier anabolic and then run for two weeks by itself, the body’s natural hormone systems and androgen receptor sensitivity will have more of a chance to recover before the anti-estrogens and test boosters are intoduced.  This will allow maximal muscle retention post cycle.  SSL Win-E is perfect for bridging.

SAMPLE CYCLES:

Beginner:

Week1           Week2            Week3          Week4            Week5          Week6

SSL 1T2             “                       ”                     “                   Win-E            Win-E

2 per day      3 per day        3 per day       2 per day       4 per day      4 per day

                                                                     SSL Win-E

                                                                      3 per day                            start post———————-Week10

Intermediate:

Week1            Week2            Week3            Week4            Week5            Week6

SSL Super-D      “                     “                       “                   Win-E              Win-E

1 per day       2 per day        2 per day        1 per day      4 per day         4 per day

                                                                      SSL Win-E

                                                                        3 per day                           start post———————Week10

Advanced:

Week1            Week2            Week3            Week4            Week5            Week6

SSL Inc Bulk      “                       “                        “                  Win-E              Win-E

2 per day      3 per day        3 per day         2 per day       4 per day         4 per day

                                                                       SSL Win-E

                                                                        3 per day                           start post———————Week10

The Science of AdrenaLean

AdrenaLean was originally designed as a soft-gel stimulant. However, after several sample runs, the census was good but only good like everyone else. So BioRhythm then turned toward the science behind the revolutionary Kre-Alkalyn.

AdrenaLean is the first and only pH correct stimulant fat burner. It is actually taken a step or two further with a sodium correct isotonic preparation. Isotonic is defined as:

“A solution that has the same salt concentration as the normal cells of the body and the blood. An isotonic beverage may be drunk to replace the fluid and minerals which the body uses during physical activity.”

We are always on the lookout for interesting ingredients and new products to try and review.  Several of our staff has been trying out Labrada’s Humanofort and although the results produced are subtle we think it is a decent product. 

Realistically it is not a big muscle builder but probably more appropriate for keeping testosterone levels high during intense training.  Often intense training can cause a drop in testosterone levels which obviously isn’t ideal for someone looking to maximize performance.  Humanofort is a supplement that could help keep test levels from being comprised during this type of training.  Recovery could also be enhanced by this product as well.  By optimizing testosterone and growth hormone levels users should be able to recover more quickly leading to more frequent and more intense training sessions.

The other role we see this product playing is as a PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) component.  It should not be run on its own but could be run with other post cycle products to help bring back hormone levels more quickly.

See below for a more detailed description of Humanofort.

Humanofort is a powerful, pharmaceutically standardized chicken embryo extract that contains naturally occurring growth factors. These growth factors are made of clusters of low-molecular weight oligopeptides, which, by their very nature, are quickly and easily assimilated and transported to their specific receptor sites. Each of the growth factors in Humanofort has unique, bio-stimulating properties:

• IGF-1, IGF-2 (insulin-like growth factor-1,2)- a family of peptides that play important roles in growth and development. IGF-1 mediates many of the growth-promoting effects of growth hormone, while IGF-2 is essential to liver, kidney, and brain function.
• FGF (fibroblast growth factors)- a family of peptides that play a prominent role in the development of the skeletal and nervous system.
• NGF (nerve growth factors)- peptides that promote neural cell survival.
• EGF (epidermal growth factors)- polypeptides that promote skin tissue growth and development as well as wound healing.
• CTGF (connective tissue growth factors)- peptides that promote collagen accumulation in the body. Experimental and clinical tests have revealed that

Humanofort induces a highly significant increase in key adrenal hormones like 17-ketosteroid sulfates and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids.

Humanofort has also been shown to increase plasma concentrations of DHEA, DHEA-S, and testosterone—all while normalizing elevated cortisol levels.1

Initial Clinical Trial:  Twenty-eight healthy male rugby players (age 20-32) volunteered to participate in a 21 day clinical trial.1 Blood was drawn and hormone levels measured before the start of the trial to establish a baseline for each of the players. After 21 days of consuming 600mg of Humanofort per day, with no modifications made to their diet or training, hormone levels were again measured in the rugby players. The results confirmed that Humanofort significantly increased key anabolic hormones while improving recovery by reducing oxidative stress.

Anyone who has opened a fitness magazine in the last 10 years has seen the advertisements for MuscleTech products.  These guys practically own the magazines with their huge ad campaigns.  We often get asked about MuscleTech products and how they stack up against some of the other brands out there.  Below is a review of Cell Tech and some information on what Cell Tech can and cannot do in terms of athletic performance.

What is Cell Tech:

Cell Tech is a creatine product which uses a high dose of carbohydrates, specifically sugar to create an insulin response which is supposed to help shuttle the creatine in Cell Tech into the muscle cells.  Cell Tech is really a pretty simple product which contains primarily sugar and creatine monohydrate.  In fairness to the manufacturer there are other forms of creatine in Cell Tech but the first creatine listed is creatine monohydrate which would make it the primary form of creatine in this product.  With 75 grams of sugar this product contains more calories and sugar than most candy bars.

What does Cell Tech Do:

Cell Tech is designed to be a cell volumizing product.  This means Cell Tech will draw water into the muscle cell causing it to swell up.  This will help produce strength gains although they are often temporary and will result in added scale weight as a result of water retained in the muscle cells.  The weight gained while on Cell Tech is often temporary as well as it is largely a result of water retention which is then shed by the body when you stop taking the product.

Building Muscle:

Most users of Cell Tech are looking to build muscle while cell volumization can play a role in this process we think there are better options out there for this purpose.  Before you make a purchase read some of the other articles in this blog and email us with any questions.  The more educated you are the more likely you will be happy with the supplements you choose to use.

The Science of BioRhythm AfterGlow

AfterGlow is a post workout supplement designed to be taken fifteen minutes to an hour after physical activity.  

A series of comparison studies were done at the Univ. of TX Medical Ctr in Galveston.  The studies compared the effectiveness of several post workout formulas by measuring the NET PROTEIN SYSTHESIS shortly after ingestion.  This was deemed the most accurate measure of recovery.  The formulas were:

#1  - 6g Protein, 0g Carbs, 0g Fat

#2  - 20g Protein, 0g Carbs, 0g Fat

#3  - 20g Protein, 35g Carbs, 0g Fat 

#4  - 40g Protein, 10g Carbs, 10g Fat

#5  - 0g Protein, 100g Carbs, 0g Fat

Variables such as exercises performed, duration, timing, protein and carbohydrate source (as well as others) were all addressed. The formula that showed the highest rate of recovery was number 3.  In fact, it out-performed number 4 (one with twice as much protein) by over 20%. 

The macronutrient breakdown (protein, carbs & fat) is paramount to a successful and complete recovery, but AfterGlow offers more:

Phosphatidylserine – A study done as recently as July of this year (J. Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008 Jul 28;5:11.) concluded that 600mg/day (AfterGlow uses 800mg) will reduce exercise-induced fatigue and suppress increases cortisol levels. 

BCAA and Glutamine – We all know the strong evidence of these amino’s (AfterGlow has over 10 grams) in their role in recovery.  What is not as well known is that they also significantly reduce post exercise fatigue and cortisol.

So why does fatigue and cortisol reduction matter?  AfterGlow users have been consistently reporting feeling good immediately after a serving.  Now you have a recovery product with the promise of actually “feeling it”.  In fact, the sub name of AfterGlow is Post Workout Euphoria.

Cortisol is a catabolic hormone released during times of physical or mental stress that triggers muscle atrophy (shrinkage).  Reducing this hormone will halt muscle loss.  No other supplement has shown the type of results that phosphatidylserine offers.

Cissus Quadrangularis has over 45 studies on accelerated healing and as an agent to treat metabolic syndrome, a very involved metabolic disorder.

Additionally, AfterGlow has nearly 2000mg of antioxidants and free radical scavengers to assure a cleansing effect at the time when it is needed most.  Increased metabolic activity produces more metabolic waste. And since most customers do not address by buying a antioxidant, AfterGlow does.

Finally, dozens of studies have been done on the recovery effects of creatine.  Surprisingly, creatine is as effective or more when used after a workout.  AfterGlow uses 1000mg of KreAlkalyn.

When protein isn’t enough, AfterGlow is the Answer

By Tony Mosca – Performance Nutrition Nashua

These are all the supplements I am currently using and some brief reasoning on why.  I like to cycle my supplements so that my body does not get used to any one particular compound or combination of compounds. I also change up the supplements depending on my goals i.e. trying to lose fat, gain muscle, or drop water weight. Right now I am trying to gain a bit of muscle while keeping body fat levels in check.

1. ANS Whole food Multi-Vitamin….I use this year-round for general health. Whole food extract vitamins are the way to go. They break down, absorb and assimilate better than any other type of vitamin.

2. BioRhythm Olio….This is something else I use year-round for general health. A great source for fish oils and a nice high dose of CLA to keep body fat levels in check.

3. Now Acetyl-L-Carnitine….Great for natural energy levels, testosterone and fat loss.

4. Now B12 Packets….Also great for natural energy.

5. BioRhythm Arnge Krush….Awesome kick in the ass for before the gym. Stimulants for an energy rush, Kre-Alkalyn creatine for strength and size, arginine for pumps and many other ingredients to keep you moving.

6. BioRhythm O2 Positive….This stuff is brand new and is great as an intra-workout drink. Karbolyn starchy carb for energy and increased nutrient uptake, arginine AKG and citrulline malate for pumps, creatine magnesium chelate for strength, a nice high dose of luecine to prevent muscle breakdown and much more. Definitely an interesting supplement.

7. BioRhythm After Glow….Best post-workout recovery protein drink in the store. Enough said.

8. BioRhythm Whole Gains Protein….Since I’m not in a carb restricted diet I like to have some carbs to my protein shakes. This stuff uses whole grains as their carb source for slower digestion and lasting energy. They are also adding essential fats, fiber and digestive enzymes.

Arnge Krush is designed to be used before a workout and is considered a workout amplifier.  This means it will help make you workouts more productive.  Many supplement users assume that if they take a product they will either build muscle or lose body fat as a result of the supplement.  This is not the case.  Supplements are tools to help improve workout performance.  A product like Arnge Krush can be used to either build muscle or reduce body fat.  For example lets assume you would like to build muscle.  Muscle growth is an adaption by the body to stress placed on the muscle.  In the gym this equates to more sets/reps and heavier weights.  This sounds simple however the difficult part is always in the execution.  Whether you have hit a plateau, lack motivation, or have some other limiting factor holding you back.  Arnge Krush was designed as a catalyst to push through limitations whether they happen to be physical or mental.

Increasing the workload:

Increasing the workload provides a stressor to the muscle tissue.  Your body will respond to this stress over time by growing stronger and getting larger.  The substrates in Arnge Krush are designed to fuel the mental and physical aspects of your workout.  More specifically this product uses what are called focal adaptors which are designed to enhance the mind muscle connection.  This helps with motivation and drive. 

Krush also uses a time released stimulant to increase norephinephrine resulting in greater physical energy.  This is similar to the feel you would get from drinking an energy drink.  When the central nervous system is stimulated you will notice an ability to increase your workout capacity.  The body will recruit more muscle motor units and perceived fatigue will be lessened.

Building size through strength:

Muscle is typically built when the muscle experiences significant time under tension.  This usually happens in the 8-12 rep range for most people.  The catch is you have to be able to handle a heavy enough weight for this rep range to stimulate the muscle.  This is why even though some individuals can do a large number of pushups they will find that pushups by themselves will not build significant muscle.  The best way to build strength and size is by working in phases, one phase working on strength and the next geared toward increasing muscle size.  Again this is easy to talk or write about but much harder to implement in practice.  One of the limiting factors on workout performance is energy production in the form of ATP.  ATP is the energy source that allows the muscle to contract (move).  The patented form of creatine in Arnge Krush is designed to enhance ATP production and storage as well as volumize the muscle cell.  Cell volume is important for protein synthesis and typically leads to strength gains.  Over time increased muscle cell volume can speed up the process of muscle growth.  Volumizing the muscle cell can also kick start protein synthesis which is the building of more muscle proteins.