Time to get back to the basics.  In order to build strength and muscle one must first understand what weightlifting is actually doing to the body to produce growth.  With this knowledge making the right choice in supplementation is easy.  When we lift weights and push ourselves pass our limits we are actually inducing microscopic tears in the muscle fiber.  That’s why after a good work out we are sore.  The human body evolved in such a way that we adapt to caused trauma (microscopic muscle tears, broken bones, etc.) by recovering the affected area stronger than its original state.  This is called progressive overload when having to do with weightlifting and muscle growth.  The idea is that the harder we train, the more trauma we cause to the muscle fiber, the bigger and stronger the muscle will grow.  This is where supplementation can come in handy.  Certain supplements allow us to train harder and longer and ultimately cause more trauma to the muscle fiber which translates to greater muscle growth.  Creatines are great for this.  ANS Diesel Fuel is a customer favorite.  MSI CXS Revolution is also excellent for those trying to keep water retention to a minimum.  Pre-workout powders are also another good choice for increasing workout overload.  BioRhythm’s SSIN Juice is one of the craziest pre-workout powders I’ve ever tried.  Another aspect of muscle growth is recovery from those intense training sessions.  If the muscle is not completely recovered by the time you work it out again it will not grow and performance will be diminished.  The faster you recover the sooner you can get back in the gym to stimulate more muscle growth.  Supplements that promote a faster, fuller recovery include but are not limited to protein, glutamine and BCAAs.  Intek makes an excellent protein and BCAA powder.  BioRhythm makes a product called AfterGlow to be consumed right after a workout; this is the best stuff Performance Nutrition sells for recovery.  Stress the muscle, recover the muscle and rule the gym!

What is Creatine CXS?
MuscleSport Creatine CXS is a blend of several types of creatine, including creatine gluconate, which is comprised of creatine bonded to glucose. This combination improves creatines intestinal absorption because it’s absorbed in a manner similar to regular glucose, a fast-digesting carb. The glucose also allows the creatine to dissolve well when mixed in water and helps it enter muscle cells by increasing insulin release.

Creatine MagnaPower provides more active creatine to the bloodstream for subsequent incorporation into the cells of the muscle. Chelate provides magnesium, which is involved in more energy producing systems than creatine, plus creatine requires magnesium for its energy producing cycle. High doses of creatine are not required, since the chelate is not susceptible to acidic cyclization. Gastric disturbances are eliminated since only doses approximately 20% of what would be needed with creatine monohydrate are required.

Kre-Alkalyn is a buffered form of creatine that has been PH balanced.  It offers improved absorption, requires lower dosing and leads to less water retention in users.

Creatinol-O-Phosphate is actually not creatine although it is similar in molecular structure.  It acts more as an intracellular buffer somewhat similar to carnosine.  This is important for hard training athletes as it increases anaerobic glycolysis in the presence of lactic acid.  Basically it will allow an athlete to train longer and harder by delaying fatigue and allowing for more muscle fiber recruitment.

Creatine CXS Product Benefits

1)  Creatine helps muscle cells grow by increasing the amount of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) a hormone crucial for muscle growth. New research has found that when subjects boost their muscle creatine levels via supplementation, they also increase genetic expression of IGF-1. So it appears that creatine may enhance muscle growth by influencing critical genes in cells that regulate this growth.

2)  Another way creatine affects muscle gains is through cell volumization. When creatine enters muscle cells, it pulls water into the cell with it. When a muscle is fully loaded with creatine, such as when you supplement with it, its cells fill with water like a balloon. This increases their size immediately and leads to long-term expansion in muscle size due to the stretch placed on the cells. The stretch also turns on growth processes that boost the amount of muscle protein produced.

3)  ATP is the energy currency of every cell. This energy is used to fuel countless processes in the human body, including muscle contractions. When CP donates its phosphate to form ATP, it’s done rapidly to supply immediate energy during periods of intense exercise, like weightlifting. In other words, creatine increases strength because more creatine equals more CP in the muscle and, in turn, more ATP available for muscle contractions. Therefore, you have more energy at the end of a set, allowing you to perform more reps or lift a heavier weight.

MuscleSport’s Lean Revolution shakes up the pre-workout category by introducing the novel ingredient GPLC.  Short-term supplementation of GPLC was shown in research studies to produce significant enhancement of anaerobic power during repeated cycle sprints in resistance trained men. The increase in peak power output was accompanied by a significantly lower accumulation of lactate.

GPLC amplifies the mobilization of fatty acids (stored energy) into working tissue for cellular metabolism, which creates energy in the ATP or Krebs’s Cycle via the beta oxidation process. When supplemented into the diet for a period of over eight weeks, GPLC has been shown to increase this fat burning process in subjects when combined with aerobic activity.

For intense energy and focus Lean Revolution turned to1,3-dimethylamylamine or geranium oil which resembles the body’s own chemical messenger, epinephrine (adrenaline). Similar to adrenaline, 1,3-dimethylamylamine exhibits a powerful CNS stimulating ability, for increased energy, mental clarity, and physical performance. 

Lean Revolution boasts a significant dose of Carnosyn Beta Alanine which is synthesized from Beta Alanine and Histidine and is known to buffer hydrogen ions resulting in a positive impact on exercise performance. Research has shown that supplementing with 3.2 grams per day of Beta Alanine can increase muscle carnosine stores by as much as 66%. This elevation in carnosine has been shown to improve athletic performance. Studies have shown oral supplementation of Beta Alanine for 2-4 weeks has improved a range of athletic tests from sprint cycling to leg extensions by 8-12%.

Lean Revolution also introduces Agmatine Sulfate another new ingredient to the sports supplement market.  As a metabolic byproduct of Arginine, Agmatine goes beyond Arginine and works  by stimulating the release of pituitary hormones such as Leutinizing Hormone (LH) and Growth Hormone (GH). Agmatine also demonstrates insulin like properties.

For raw strength and power Lean Revolution turned to Creatine MagnaPower® also known as magnesium creatine chelate, a fully-reacted magnesium and creatine chelate. Magnesium is needed to drive the conversion of creatine into ATP. Creatine MagnaPower® will deliver 12% more free creatine to the body than a 5 gram serving of creatine monohydrate. It is a stable molecule and will not convert to creatinine in stomach acid.

Creatine plays a vital role in energy production by recycling ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). ATP is the source of energy for all muscle cells and is required for all cellular functions including muscle contraction, DNA synthesis and protein synthesis. The ATP recycling function of creatine does not occur without magnesium because magnesium is the mineral cofactor required for the enzyme which converts creatine into ATP. In fact, magnesium actually stabilizes ATP (energy) in the body. By combining magnesium and creatine into the same molecule, both of these nutrients are provided to the cell to work in the energy producing pathways.

Magnesium creatine chelate has been shown through research to be more effective then creatine monohydrate in enhancing lean muscle mass, increasing strength and power, and supporting energy levels.

Creatine MagnaPower provides more active creatine to the bloodstream for subsequent incorporation into the cells of the muscle. Chelate provides magnesium, which is involved in more energy producing systems than creatine, plus creatine requires magnesium for its energy producing cycle. High doses of creatine are not required, since the chelate is not susceptible to acidic cyclization. Gastric disturbances are eliminated since only doses approximately 20% of what would be needed with creatine monohydrate are required.

While stimulants can definitely help fuel workout intensity it is just as important to facilitiate the mind muscle connection.  That’s whey MuscleSport added Pikatropin-a nootropic compound that increases blood flow to the brain and lessens mental fatigue. Pikatropin also improves hand -eye coordination and reaction time.

CDP Choline was also added for brain and mood support.  CDP Choline results in a noticeable level of alertness and motivation.  In addition, colors seem brighter and sharper and libido is enhanced.

ANS Diesel Fuel creatine builds muscle through several different pathways but for the purpose of this article we will touch on its effect on producing a natural insulin response. 

This product has developed its own cult following by producing consistent positive results.  It has also generated a lot of questions on why it works so much better than competing products.  Read on to learn more about how Diesel Fuel creatine works.

ANS Diesel Fuel forces an insulin response in order to drive creatine and amino acids into the muscle for enhanced muscle growth.  This concept involves using the body’s natural insulin response to drive increased levels of amino acids, creatine, and glucose into muscle during extremely intense training sessions. The net effect equals more rapid gains in strength and muscle.

Insulin is the chemical trigger that drives nutrients into muscle cells. The larger the insulin response the greater the anabolic response. It’s that simple.

Insulin up regulates and activates all the transport mechanisms responsible for pumping amino acids, creatine, and glucose (all of which are critical for building maximum muscle and strength) directly into the muscle tissue.

So in effect, going into a workout with insulin spiked, and the bloodstream loaded with an abundance of these nutrients, will produce the necessary anabolic environment for gains in mass and strength.

ANS has taken this strategy to an entirely new level with the advent of Diesel Fuel, by utilizing the body’s own insulin production to drive increased levels of anabolic nutrients into working muscle — effectively turning the body into an anabolic machine.

Diesel Fuel sets off a near skin-splitting pump. It should be noted that even though the pump feels very pronounced and is definitely addictive, it’s not the feel that’s anabolic. It’s what’s being pumped into the engorged muscle tissue that’s making the difference.

Diesel Fuel can be taken pre or post workout but if you are looking for the pre-workout insulin response make sure to dose it before your workout.  If you really want to maximize results from this product mix it into a pre-workout product like SSL Rush or BioRhythm’s Juice.

BioRhythm SSIN Juice is a concentrated pre-workout with No fillers and No ingredients that cause bloat or stomach discomfort.  Each scoop of only 4 grams packs the power of 20 grams of the traditional style pre-workout powder.

Juice is the ultimate in energy working on multiple energy system pathways to pump you up and increase focus and concentration without the crash.

Mental Energy, Intensity and Focus

1,3-dimethylamylamine also known as geranium will energize even the most hardcore energy supplement user.  Geranium resembles the body’s own chemical messenger, epinephrine (adrenaline). Similar to adrenaline, geranium exhibits a powerful CNS stimulating ability, for increased energy, mental clarity, and physical performance.  This is especially valuable to athletes during calorie restriction or when a high level of focus is needed.  Geranium works through a similar pathway as ephedrine, causing an increase in cAMP (the chemical messenger that triggers fat release and thermogenic action).  This is ideal for your workout as it will allow you to fuel off of fat while working out.

Tyrosine will give you that laser like focus keeping you in the zone while enduring even the most brutal of workouts.  Tyrosine keeps the nervous system tuned up and you mind focused on the task at hand.

The precise dose and type of caffeine in Juice has been shown in studies to create a state of alertness.  Caffeine also plays an interesting role in increasing muscle output and athletic performance.  New research shows it improves reaction time and coordination. Caffeine taken prior to exercise also causes the body to release calcium stores which play a role in increasing the force in maximal muscle contractions. This can help an athlete generate more force to push more weight and more reps.

Physical Energy – The Book End Approach

While some products help promote energy and others focus on reducing fatigue Juice is one of the few to attack the energy cycle from both ends by promoting cellular energy and reducing fatigue toxins.

Mg2+ Creatine Chelate is a powerful low dose creatine that drives ATP production which supplies the muscle with energy to do more work meaning an ability in the gym to handle more repetitions and more weight. 

Beta-alanine serves as the rate-limiting precursor of carnosine and as such, it has been shown that by supplementing with beta-alanine, you can greatly increase carnosine levels in skeletal muscle tissue.  This is important because it acts as a buffer, preventing the increase of acidity or Hydrogen ion accumulation in skeletal muscle; something which contributes to the fatiguing of muscles.  This process allows you to extend the duration of time the muscle is under tension which is important to muscle growth.

By addressing both the regeneration of ATP, while also limiting Hydrogen ion accumulation, BioRhythm SSIN Juice provides a one-two combination that effectively reduces fatigue and fuels energy production.

GPLC is a propionyl ester of carnitine (PLC) that includes an additional glycine component. Compared with other forms of carnitine, GPLC executes its powerful effects on muscle tissues, including the heart.

GPLC exerts powerful antioxidant effects against superoxide radicals and it limits lipid peroxidation. It plays an important role in energy production by acting as a vehicle for the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria and as a vehicle for the removal of waste substances out of the mitochondria. GPLC maximizes muscle function by compensating for reduced oxygen availability during times of physical exertion and it offers powerful support for arterial blood flow. Under reduced oxygen conditions, GPLC also supports normal carbohydrate metabolism and minimizes lactic acid buildup.

In US studies, GPLC has been shown to increase NO levels in the human blood stream. Increases in NO optimize the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, and facilitate the body in producing ATP energy (energy at the muscle’s cellular level).  NO is essential to anaerobic power activities such as strength training and bodybuilding and, in this capacity, helps to increase stamina, endurance and recovery.

GPLC also improves the pump associated with weight training through an increase in nitric oxide (NO) retention.

An increase in NO has the added benefit of antioxidant properties.  NO aids in the expelling of metabolic waste build up, such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide – elements that decrease time to fatigue.  An increase in NO thereby improves muscle efficiency, again increasing stamina, endurance and recovery.

Look for GPLC in products like EST’s Plasmatic.

The importance of nutrient timing has been one of the most important concepts discovered by sports nutritionists in the last 40 years. More recently, scientists discovered that feeding protein-carbohydrate supplements before or after resistive exercise caused greater increases in strength and muscle mass than training alone. At first, we thought that supplemental protein provided amino acids for increased muscle protein growth. Research show that amino acids from protein act as signaling chemicals that activate genes involved in protein synthesis. High-quality protein supplements fed immediately before and after training increased muscle mass and some measures or strength more than placebo or weight training alone. Whey protein supplements consumed before and after weight training are best for increasing muscle strength and size.

Insulin is a powerful anabolic hormone that increases muscle growth. It speeds the movement of amino acids into muscle cells and activates signaling chemicals that promote protein synthesis. Blood glucose is a powerful insulin stimulator, but amino acids can also trigger insulin release. Many athletes take protein or amino acids supplements before or after weight training to boost muscle mass and strength. The amino acids from protein act as building blocks for muscle repair and protein synthesis. Hydrolyzed whey protein has been shown to increases insulin release more so than regular whey protein. Hydrolyzed whey protein contains protein hydrolysates which are small packets of amino acids produced by breaking down proteins with acids or enzymes. Insulin release was 28 percent greater following ingestion of HWP compared to WP. The body absorbs HWP better than WP, which results in higher blood levels of specific aminos and greater potential for muscle protein synthesis.

For a great tasting product that uses Hydrolyzed whey protein try Intek Isolate Evolution.

Protein supplements taken before or after weight training increase protein synthesis and decrease protein break-down. Research has found that consuming protein and carbohydrates every 15 minutes during a 2-hour weight-training workout reduced protein breakdown by 8.4 percent and increased protein synthesis by 33 percent compared to when they took a carb alone. Consuming the supplement during exercise increased blood levels of critical amino acids, such as BCAA’s phenylalanine and tyrosine. This still worked even when test subjects had eaten recently. In conclusion consuming protein during weight training stimulates full-body and muscle protein synthesis.

Overfeeding gradually leads to increased fat mass. Arginine supplements prevented fat accumulation in rats fed high-calorie diets. In a study genetically obese rats were fed diets high or low in fat. Fat pad weights were 74 percent higher in rats fed a high-fat diet. Supplementing their diet with arginine reduced fat increase by 50 percent. Arginine treatments resulted in lower blood levels of leptin (weight controlling hormone), glucose, triglycerides, urea, glutamine and branched-chain amino acids. The arginine-fed rats also had higher levels of nitric oxide, an important marker of metabolic health. If these results apply to humans, taking arginine supplements might be useful in athletes trying to gain quality weight.