Category: Product review (Page 4 of 4)

      Muscle Armor

      April 30, 2009 /

      A training program in the form of progressive resistance exercise builds muscular size and strength. In order for a training routine to be productive, however, it must first provide the correct stimulus to induce an adaptive response. Second, a workout that stimulates and adaptive response must provide for recovery. Third, in order for recovery and subsequent size and strength increases to occur, nutrients, which are of limited supply in our bodies, must be provided. It is clear that the most important nutrient for recovery is protein. In particular, essential amino acids contained in complete protein sources; dairy, meats, and fish. It is well documented that essential amino acids consumed before, during, and after resistance training boost strength and size gains.

      HMB is a metabolite of the essential amino acid L-leucine. During many studies on protein effects, L-leucine seemed to be the single greatest contributor to muscle protein synthesis. A recent study examined the effects of an essential amino acid based product, Muscle Armor (MA); manufactured by Abbott Laboratories contains beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB).

      Seventeen healthy men were randomly assigned to one of two groups and performed twelve weeks of periodized heavy resistance training while supplementing with either MA or an isocaloric, isonitrogenous placebo (Control group (CG)). Every two weeks the subject?s strength and power were measured and blood was drawn. More-over the blood draws taken were performed pre, mid and post-training. Researchers found the MA group affected training induced changes in muscular size and strength to a significantly greater extent than the CG. Also found, was reduced levels of circulating muscle damage markers creatine kinase and malondealdehyde compared with the CG. In addition, the MA group experienced increases in resting and exercise-induced testosterone and resting growth hormone levels with reduced pre-exercise cortisol levels.
      (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2009;41(5):1111-1121)

      Anti-Aging, Bodybuilding, Endurance, General fitness, General training, Power lifting, Product review, Protein, Supplements, Weight training

      The Energy Drink Ranking

      March 5, 2009 /

      The MensFitness.com staff breaks down the most popular energy drinks and gives their thoughts on taste and nutritional impact.

      LO-CARB MONSTER
      20 calories, 6 g carbs
      Our thoughts: Seems supersweet at first, but after a few sips, the caramel-ish flavor ends up tasty and thirst quenching.
      The expert’s: With just 10% of the calories in regular Monster, you still get the same buzz, thanks to stimulants like caffeine and guarana, but don’t fall for the hype on any herbal or “energy blend” ingredients: Most have iffy research backing them up.

      GURU LITE
      10 calories, 2 g carbs
      Our thoughts: Carbonated cough syrup, the lingering taste of gummy bears, and a chemical afterburn once you finish. Gross.
      The expert’s: Guru’s calories come from organic sugarcane juice, plus a few sweet, potent herbs like guarana and gingko, which help with energy, memory, and concentration. But the flavor’s not great. End of story.

      RED BULL SUGAR-FREE
      10 calories, 3 g carbs
      Our thoughts: The gold standard isn’t necessarily solid gold. Even if you drink it a lot, the vodka’s likely disguising the tart medicinal quality that’s similar to aspirin dissolving on your tongue.
      The expert’s: Only 10 calories, but keep in mind how small the can is. Plus, the formula is pretty average: taurine., B vitamins, and, of course, caffeine.

      To read the reviews on all of the energy drinks, click here.

      Drinks, Foods products, Nutrition, Product review, Xternal Fitness, Xternal Furci

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