Thursday 31 July 2014

Scitec Attack Review



Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

Attack the weights with ferocity with the help of our complex pre-workout Creatine booster formula! Don't take part in the futile debate of which single Creatine type is the best – take many types! “Carpet bomb” your muscle cells with important versions of Creatine with our “CREA-BOMB” matrix. Each serving gives you 5 grams of the most studied Creatine, Creatine Monohydrate (and other Creatines in our proprietary matrix).

At least a 3 g daily dose of Creatine is scientifically proven to increase performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise like weight training and interval cardio.* ATTACK! 2.0 contains a good dose of extra amino acids, and vitamins, plus intermediates of the energy producing Krebs-cycle. Some of our key ingredients contribute to one or more of the following beneficial physiological effects:

- Normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Normal amino acid synthesis.
- Normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Normal function of the immune system.
- Normal blood formation.
- Normal psychological function.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 10 g (approximately 1 scoop)
Amount per serving
RDA%*
Amount per serving
RDA%*
Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide)
2.5 mg
15%
Folic Acid
30 mcg
15%
"ATTACK STACK" Proprietary Blend
8157 mg
Multi-Component Glutamine Family Matrix
520 mg
"CREA-BOMB" Multi-Creatine Matrix
5000 mg
L-Glutamine, L-Ornithine HCl, Alpha-Ketoglutarate Calcium (AKG),
Pteroyl-L-Glutamic Acid
Creatine Monohydrate, MicronTec micronized Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Pyruvate, Creatine Citrate, Creatine Phosphate
Support Matrix
637 mg
Nitric Oxide Precursor
L-Arginine HCl
2000 mg
Taurine, L-Tyrosine, Fumaric Acid, Malic Acid, Alpha Lipoic Acid,
4-Hydroxy Isoleucine, Nicotinamide

So this preworkout isn’t a stimulant booster but tries to reduce muscle fatigue and tiredness so you can psych yourself up for the gym and it’ll help you out in the workout rather than before it. It’s handy to know of a few good non-stimulant preworkouts in case you are taking a few other supplements with caffeine in and want to be able to sleep at night.

Taste
I have to say that I never would have bought of a cherry flavoured pre-workout normally. It's not a flavour I would typically choose. I would have missed out. This is one of the nicest preworkouts I've ever had. It was like drinking Cherry Aid. It wasn't hard to drink and didn't leave any nasty aftertaste probably due to the fact you mix it with 500ml it dissolves nicely leaving no grit.

Side Effects
None

Price
£18.99 for 25 sachets with 1 serving in each.

Results
I generally find that preworkouts take a bit longer for me to feel the effects than they would other people. Scitecs ATTACK kicked in roughly the same time every time 30-40 mins after taking I had a massive boost in momentum and felt like I could continue training. Since this is a non-stimulant preworkout it’s less an energy rush and more a feel like you can go on, your muscles don’t feel as tired. It’s a strange feeling but one that I like. No high doses of caffeine means no nasty energy crash afterwards as well.

The thing I really like is that if you forget to take it before your workout you can take it after for improved recovery. Make sure you do a workout before or after taking this or you will struggle to sit still. It tastes nice, is fairly priced and has no unwanted side effects.

Scitec have done it again. Great product 9/10


Wednesday 30 July 2014

Pure Labs Turbo Review


 Pure Labs Turbo

Overview
Pure Labs Turbo separates itself from the rest of pre-workout formulas with its unorthodox approach and use of conventional ingredients combined with novel compounds. Turbo is a testament to real research and development that thinks outside the box, looking at the overall picture rather than being short sighted and relying on general belief.
These alternative uses require much smaller dosages than commonly thought, thus making Turbo a scientifically affective product at a price everyone can afford. Why pay more for inferior formulation? Turbo is a true innovation in an industry full of generic copies.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 Scoop (10 Grams)
Servings Per Container: 30

Typical Values
Per Serving
Beta-Alanine
Creatine Monohydrate 99.9% Pure
L-Taurine
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Natural Sweetener (Erythritol)
Agmatine Sulfate
Natural Additive (Citric Acid)
Trimethylglycine
Mucuna Pruriens Extract (bean)(Concentrated for Alkaloid Content)
Flavouring (Lemonade)
Green Tea Extract (leaf)(Yielding L-Theanine)
Caffeine Anhydrous
Dendrobium Nobile Extract (stem)(Concentrated for    Alkaloid Content)
1,970 mg
1,670 mg
1,170 mg
1,170 mg
971 mg
670 mg
471 mg
419 mg
419 mg
329 mg
271 mg
250 mg
219 mg

So let’s briefly look at the ingredients that makes Turbo unique.

They have the standard ingredients that you would expect to see such as Creatine, Beta-Alanine and Caffeine. Then some you might not have heard of:

N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine – reduces blood pressure when stressed, also increases focus and alertness.
Mucuna Pruriens Extract – increases growth hormone release
Trimethylglycine – an antidepressant to help with ease the energy crash after the caffeine buzz wears off.

So Turbo does indeed have a lot of ingredients that I wouldn’t expect to see in a preworkout. It is a very interesting ingredient list and I like that it’s not reliant on massive amounts of caffeine, they only supply 250mg which isn’t that much for a preworkout.

Taste
I’ve used both Apple Blast and Raspberry Rush and both are fairly pleasant but the Apple one is definitely the better option. You don’t have to mix it with a lot of water either so it won’t bloat you before your workout.

Side Effects
None, no nasty energy crash either.

Price
£29.99 for a tub with 30 servings in.

Results
When this kicks in you certainly know about it! It’s doesn’t take too long to start working  either, somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes before you can feel a small tremble and tingling feeling. Man is that a good feeling. It feels like you can squeeze that extra rep out, run that extra mile or whack another 10kg on the bar. The energy rush isn’t short lived either it lasts for a good 50 minutes or so before starting to taper off. If for some reason you are attempting a particually gruelling workout lasting longer than an hour then it might be an idea to take a second serving with you and drink it at the 45 minute mark. The pumps are definitely there but aren’t anything special, they aren’t mind blowing but they are solid.
A lot of preworkouts can leave you incredibly tired after they wear off but with the inclusion of an antidepressant and a mood enhancer you’ll be happy all day.
I like Turbo, I like the ingredients, I like the flavour, I like the effectiveness and its not unreasonably expensive.  It is an excellent preworkout 9/10


Monday 28 July 2014

Scitec HOS Review


 HOS - Hormone Optimization Support

Overview
Here’s what Scitec have to say:

Our HOS: HORMONE OPTIMIZATION SUPPORT is a sophisticated, integrated supplement program consisting of 3 different products. EZTRODIM is exclusively available in HOS only!

DAA PRO is an advanced D-Aspartic Acid (DAA) complex with support ingredients.

DIABOLICA is a specialty complex of 7 popular ingredients, including HMB, Beta Ecdysterone, essential amino acids, plant extracts and Vitamin B6! This strong formula contributes to the optimization of hormonal activity, protein metabolism and energy production in your body.

EZTRODIM is a carefully selected 6 ingredient plant extract matrix. This composition features many of the well-known and popular extracts including Mangosteen, Quercetin and Resveratrol. We also included a standardized extract of Green Tea (with a minimum of 50% Polyphenols, 30% Catechins including EGCG), plus Grape Seed extract providing Proanthocyandins. In addition, you’ll find a Red Clover extract in EZTRODIM that is standardized for 8% Isoflavones.

Follow the HOS 25 day program and you will not be disappointed!

To make things easier I’ll be referring to HORMONE OPTIMIZATION SUPPORT as HOS from now on.

Nutritional Information


DAA PRO
Serving size: 4 capsules
Servings Per Container: 25



Amount per serving
RDA%*


Amount per serving
RDA%*
Zinc
1,5 mg
15%

D-Aspartic Acid
3000 mg
Pantothenic Acid
0,9 mg
15%

N,N-Dimethylglycine
200 mg

DIABOLICA
Serving size: 4 capsules
Servings Per Container: 25



Amount per serving
RDA%*


Amount per serving
RDA%*
Vitamin B6
0,21 mg
15%

L-Isoleucine
200 mg
HMB-Ca
1200 mg

Fenugreek extract
80 mg
(Calcium Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate)

(standardized for 4-Hydroxy Isoleucine)


Spinacia oleracea extract
1000 mg

BioPerine® (Piper nigrum extract)
5 mg
(standardized for Beta Ecdysterone)






L-Leucine
400 mg





EZTRODIM
Serving size: 2 capsule
Servings Per Container: 25



Amount per serving
RDA%*


Amount per serving
RDA%*
Caffeine (from Green Tea)
20 mg

Green Tea extract
200 mg
Mangosteen extract
200 mg

Grape Seed extract
200 mg
(standardized for 10% Mangostin)



Red Clover extract
100 mg
Quercetin Dihydrate
200 mg

(standardized for 8% Isoflavones)


Japanese Knotweed extract (Standardized for Resveratrol)
200 mg






This is one of the most complete testosterone boosting products I’ve ever seen! No stone has been left unturned. I’ll try my best to explain the key ingredients as simply as I can

D-Aspartic Acid is common and reliable T-Boosting ingredient
HMB enhances recovery, assist in muscle building and inhibits muscle breakdown.
Japanese Knotweed extract helps reduce Estrogen levels

Taste
None of the capsules have a taste or an aftertaste.

Side Effects
No unpleasant side effects.

Price
£41.99 for a 25 day course.

Results
In short it works. It really works. I have always responded well to D-Aspartic Acid and use it regularly whilst trying to add muscle rather than lose fat but I have never seen results like this from a T-Booster. Within the first 10 days my strength had shot through the roof some lifts increasing by 15kg. By the end of the second week my muscles were looking fuller but not bloated. At the end of my 25 day cycle my bench had gone up by 22.5kg, my deadlift by 35kg and my squat by 40kg. I’m not sure I can attribute all of that to H.O.S but that is more progression that I expect to see in 6 months in just 25 days. As for muscle gains it took probably 20 days before I noticed any solid gains whether that was directly from the product or a from lifting much heavier weights and that shocking my system into growth I’m not 100% sure what I do know is one way or another H.O.S was responsible. One of the things I was expecting was to lean out a little as a side effect of the extra testosterone but I didn’t notice any extra fat loss over the 25 days.

There were a number of ingredients that I have never taken before included in H.O.S so I was a tad unsure how I would react to it but I had absolutely no side effects which was fantastic. I didn’t notice any bloating, water retention or mood swings.

It’s priced at £41.99 for a 25 day cycle which isn’t too bad at all considering the results.

I 100% recommend this product when you start your next bulking cycle. 9/10


Friday 25 July 2014

HPN Pre-Run


 

Overview

Here's what HPN have to say:

We have designed our Pre-run formula to allow you to train harder and race faster.  Athletes trying Optirun Pre-Run for the first time will immediately become aware of its key benefits and fantastic natural taste.

Optirun Pre-Run delivers a quick and easy solution to the problem of getting the right fuel you need into your system before a training session or race, just simply add water to your powdered formula, shake and you’re ready to go! It’s efficient, comfortable and very readily digested without bloating (we recommend taking 45 min before your workout/race).

For anyone putting their body through constant weekly workouts our Pre-Run is an absolute must buy for you.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

Energy                          213 kcal
Carbohydrates              50.2g
Of which Sugars           50.2g
Protein                         1.94g
Fat                               0g
Of which Saturates       0g
Fibre                            Trace
Salt                              Trace

Includes a mix of BCAA’s as well as a few other bits outlined below.

Beta Alanine
Helps stave off the build-up of Lactic acid during intense training sessions.

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)
Helps prevent the catabolic effect of long and intense training sessions
Helps maintain lean tissue
Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine in a 2:1:1 ratio
Helps prevent muscle breakdown

Caffeine
Aids mental focus
Improves Performance

Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium is a mineral that is crucial for energy production

B Vitamin COMPLEX
Aids energy production

Vitamin C
Improves immune function
Excellent antioxidant

So the energy is coming from caffeine and a sugar rush. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though.

Taste
As far as pre workouts go this one has a really nice taste. It only comes in Lemon flavour though, it’s not too strong and doesn't have a nasty aftertaste.

Side Effects
None.

Price
£23.99 for a 1.14kg tub containing 20 servings.

Results
The good thing with this pre workout was that it not only gave me a quick energy boost but was really easy to drink. I didn't suffer through it. Designed as a pre run formula it really did give me the drive I needed while doing cardio workouts either in the gym or playing sports. Since this is a “cardio” preworkout when I used it whilst weight training it didn’t supply me with any extra pump or the usual things we’ve come to expect from a preworkout but the energy boost was still just as effective. So it’s clearly more geared towards sports and cardio (it’s called Pre-Run!) but it still has a place in the gym. Overall it does exactly what it set out to do and that’s the sign of a great product. 8/10


HPN Cyclo Endurance

Overview

Here's what HPN have to say:

HPN Ultimate Cyclo Endurance is a carefully balanced isotonic formula specifically designed to provide a constant feed of carbohydrates to the muscles during your Cycling training sessions and competitions, whilst also replacing electrolytes lost through sweat and keeping your body hydrated at the same time. Replacing the body’s Glycogen stores via carbohydrate consumption is crucial for optimal performance during endurance training and competition. It can also reduce the catabolic effect that endurance training has on the muscles due to decreasing Glycogen levels. BCAA’s have also been included in our formula to provide a constant feed of these key Amino Acids to help combat catabolism and reduce fatigue.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

Energy                          193.2 kcal
Carbohydrates              44.9g
Of which Sugars           44.9g
Protein                         1.8g
Fat                               0g
Of which Saturates       0g
Fibre                            0g
Salt                              0.84g

So the energy is coming exclusively from sugars, not the nasty immediately turn into fat sugars, but from Dextrose and Maltodextrin which when used during exercise or immediately after will replenish the Glycogen stores in your muscles.

Taste
Over the last few months I've used a lot of lemon flavoured drinks offered by lots of different companies. This is one my favourites. It mixes really well and has a nice tart lemony flavour.

Side Effects
None

Price
£14.99 for a 1.05kg bag that provides 20 servings

Results
I found Cyclo-Endurance was really effective. Designed to help with cardiovascular endurance it did just that. When your body is feeling fatigued a few sips gave you a much need boost. It not only helped with cardio though I also used it whilst weight training and it seem adept at keeping my energy levels high for that as well. The energy is derived from Carbs, well Sugars, in the form of dextrose and maltodextrin. You also get a nice helping of BCAA’s to help with muscle maintenance and avoiding that nasty catabolic state that long haul cardio can have on the body. Plus it tastes nice and its pretty good value too at about 75p a serving. 8/10