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Product Review: Nutrabolics Iso-MRP

Tried Iso-MRP from the little known Nutrabolics. Quite a good brand really and coming from Canada, their products do feel a little different from the usual American stuff.

So I approached this one without any expectations. It's their answer to an MRP in the likes of Uni-Syn and Myoplex. However, the product is packaged in tubs instead of individual sachets. Perhaps there's better economy this way.


The powder's very fine and smells pretty good. That's a good indication of the taste that's to follow. Mixability, needless to say was easy and quick.


Check out my dandy MixMagic bottle!

OK, first impressions: It tastes exactly like VICO. Not Milo... but VICO, if you can tell the difference. Pleasant I must say and it made me want to take another gulp after downing one.

In terms of function as an MRP... I felt that it wasn't really satiating. Kinda felt more like a protein albeit a rich one. But with 36 grams of protein, complex organic carbs, EFAs, fibre and CLA, I ain't complaining. This is a pretty good supplement for a lean physique while staving off hunger and regulating appetite.

Product Review: LG Sciences BC+EAA

Here's one of the lesser known brands - LG Sciences... if I didn't know better I would have thought that the company sells tellies and refridgerators.

As with every other supplement company out there, they promise products which are straight to the point, effective and cost-effective. Three criteria that every savvy fitness buff genuinely cares about.

I eagerly tested out LG Sciences BC+EAA during one of my workouts. The sample came packaged in a bottle instead of an insulated paper packet.

Blue raspberry flavour. I've always been skeptical about this flavour for any supplement. It can really be a hit or miss depending on the brand's flavouring tech. A good example of a hit would be MHP's Dark Matter.

Unfortunately, I'll have to scratch LG Science's attempt as a miss. Not that it tastes awful... the flavour is there. It's just that the overall taste is too watered down in a 300-400ml dose. Benchmarked against Scivation's Xtend (which BTW released B.Rasp recently!) and I'm pretty sure where I stand about this product.

Not the kind of supp to sip while chilling out listening to Beach Boys' Kokomo or Barry Manilow's Copacabana, but it does get the job done as an intra-workout. The BCAAs, hydrolyzed EAAs and glutamine content keep catabolism at bay and promotes muscle development while training though the dosage could be a little low depending on body weight.

I honestly can swear by using BCAA + glutamine combination products during workout. I think that has attributed to most of my improvement so far.

Product Review: MHP Dark Matter

Dark Matter. -noun

1. A hypothetical type of matter that is undetectable by its emitted radiation, but whose presence can be inferred from gravitational effects. Wikipedia

2. Item required to activate Quistis' final limit break: Shockwave Pulsar, one of only three damage sources that can exceed the four digit limit in Final Fantasy VIII. (the geek in me speaks... forget it if you don't get it).

3. Great tasting post-workout composite by MHP.

I'm just going to start right off the bat by saying how good this product tastes. It's fantastic, and almost makes me torn between it and UN Torrent, another post-workout I've been using.

Seen above is a sample pack of the Blue Raspberry flavour which I tried after training one night.

As I mixed it with some cold water, the fine powder immediately turns into a dark navy blue colour and the viscosity is akin to glob often seen in some Nickelodeon children game show back in the day.

I was fairly amused and took a swig after curiously swirling my shaker a few times. The first thought that hit me as my taste buds registered and olfactory senses signaled my brain was: "This thing tastes EXACTLY like a jelly mixture that hasn't gone to the fridge!"

Not agar mind you... but jelly, the kind that Bob of Monsters VS Aliens resembles. Makes me wonder if MHP's Dark Matter can be made into a jelly dessert.

Good stuff indeed. I should consider a tub to gauge it's efficacy.

The nutrition facts check out nicely with everything that's supposed to be in a post-workout composite.

There's protein, carbs, BCAAs, creatines, waxy maize starch and interestingly, glycerol monostearate. Though only 12 grams of protein per serve, it boasts a 600% increase in synthesis in the body, bumping up the number to 40 but honestly, I don't even know how that works. 12 x 6 = 72 in my books. Maybe there's some adjustment for loss in output... I'll never know.

Sometimes it's just better to look at it for what it simply is. MHP Dark Matter is a great-tasting PWO with a decent nutrition profile and quite economical with 20 servings a tub, given two scoops per serve.

Supplement Guide: Glucosamine

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Product Review: UN Torrent 3.28lbs Cherry Blast

I recently reviewed Real Gains as one of the components of my UN Mass Stack.

This right here is the other part of it.

UN Torrent, a post-workout nutrition (PWO) product. It's simply incredible. I'm thinking of making this my staple food on my workout days. Yes, I called it food. Bite me.

It's literally instant gratification drinking this after busting my ass in the gym. The smooth tangy ice cold shake is like a panacea that washes away all my pain and troubles. Just the thought of this simple pleasure that awaits the end of a workout is enough to spur me on but I must care not to let temptation rule the day, shortening my ROM, discounting my reps and whatnot for sake of tasting Torrent. Oh, what a love-hate relationship this is going to be...

With a supplement?! God, I must be going crazy.

Anyway, it's I wasn't kidding about how good it tastes and feels taking this supp after an intense workout. If that isn't motivation enough, then the results that go along with it is sure to bowl anyone over. Anyone serious enough about working out that is.

Just the other night when House-Breaker came home, I was sitting on my bench chilling out half-naked when he said, "OMFGKNNCCBBBQ! U TAKING STEROIDS OR WHAT?"

Like Snoop Doggy Dogg, I just turned to him slowly and said, "Don't need no dope ta get dem' ropes. Just Torrent baby, fo' shizzle mah nizzle," as I pointed to my awesome stack on the dining table.

With 20 grams of protein from hydrolyzed whey, 8 grams of BCAAs, 3 grams of a creatine blend and waxy maize starch for rapid nutrient shuttling, it's no wonder this is a winning formula.

I'm only careful not to overdo my creatine intake since there're 3 grams here already. Sometimes I do take a pure creatine supplement on workout days. Even the occasional pre-workout contains creatine so none of that either. Oh yes, no Xtend either (damn!) since that'll be overdoing the BCAAs. One can get an itching or tingling sensative if overdosed on these aminos. See how much goes into Torrent... it literally cuts out the need for other stuff. That's what a good PWO does.

Supplement Guide: Glucomannan

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Product Review: UN Real Gains 6.85lbs Cookies & Cream

I've recently started on a superb stack of which this is one of the components.

UN Real Gains and it ain't called that for no reason. This is one serious lean mass gainer.

It's been awhile since I last tasted this fine shake... maybe close to a year as I was trying out other products.

When Universal Nutrition recently released Real Gains in an all new Cookies & Cream flavour, I knew I had to try it so like a ship returning to familiar port, I carted off a 6.85lbs tub home. The container itself looks different now being all black and labeled to reflect Universal Nutrition's classic iconography. Sweet...

The whiff of the product itself is not very enticing I must say. But I brushed that aside since I'm no stranger to it... could be just the new flavour.

Mixability has improved a lot and the taste.... phenomenal! The cookie bits aren't too noticeable but the blend itself is perfect. Not too sweet like Muscle Juice's rendition of the flavour.

With 52 grams of protein, just the right amount of carbs and minimal sugar and fats, this gainer is really about quality gains. Though the calories doesn't hit four digits per serve, I think that can be played to an advantage. For example, I actually take it about an hour before bed when I don't really need so many calories. The casein content works wonders to keep my body fuelled for growth as I sleep.

I just hope I don't get addicted to this stuff.

Supplement Guide: Ginseng

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My UN Mass Stack

UN Real Gains and Torrent... these two potent powders go together like Tango and Cash.

It's been a week into my stack and I'm getting results already. It's not like I've been keeping tabs on my bodypart dimensions but I know I'm on the right track when I'm getting the right compliments.

I'll review each of these supps sometimes soon...

Supplement Guide: Glutamine

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Product Review: Axis Labs Smash Fully Loaded

Listen up brothers... (and sisters, if any) cuz this is one for the the elite.

To those of you who've been down the pre-workout supplement lane, I'm sure you can feel me when I say that we're always thirsting for a newer, stronger kick.

Axis Labs has heard our calling and answered with a renewed formula of their hit product, Smash.

This Fully Loaded version promises to keep all barrels locked and loaded as you blaze a firestorm of fury in the gym.




It's got everything covered for a pre-workout,

Arginine - for the intense pumps
Creatine - for energy and recovery
Beta alanine - to curb fatigue
Caffeine, gingko biloba - for mental focus
Electrolytes - for endurance

And just like icing on a cake, Axis Labs have flavoured the product a citrus-y blend instead of some generic tropical fruit punch with a strong cherry taste. Very suitable for us asian buggers.

Supplement Guide: Ginkgo Biloba

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Product Review: Ultimate Prostar Whey

I regularly get questions from friends and clients alike about protein powders. Questions like,

"Which is the best brand?"

"What is the best flavour?"

"How many grams protein so-and-so product has in a serve?"

"How to take and when?"

and my all-time favourite, "Which is the cheapest ar?"

Granted, some of these are pretty valid questions and asking them is a perfect exercise of consumer savvyness. But in all honesty, I also believe that one man's meat is another man's poison. What works for me might not apply to you and vice versa. Think about it, isn't it the same with infant formula? or medicine? or fashion? Everyone's made differently and variety is the spice of life.

Having said that, finding a supplement that works for you can be like searching for true love so sometimes it's just best to judge for yourself. While I may be able to tackle the technical questions with absolute certainty, I usually just find middle-ground for the more vague ones and leave it to interpretation.

Case in point. Let's observe a simple product here: Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey. Another bread and butter product for any gym rat. Good ol' Chocolate flavour in a 2 pound tub with 22 grams of protein per serving. With 35 of these servings per tub and having almost no fat and sugar, it's food champions are made of.

But is it the best brand?

What constitutes a best brand? Is it the overall product quality? It's efficacy? The magnitude of following or customer loyalty? Company strength? If so, then Ultimate Nutrition definitely checks out... c'mon, they're even the title sponsor for Mr. Olympia this year!

But let's not get caught up with all that. Just look at the product before you and be rational.

The modest container hides a fine instantized powder. No surprises here. It's the industry's standard these days so if you're still getting crummy ass products that clump from some pharmacy or personal care shop, STOP. That's wasting your top dollar man.

Give it a few whirls in a shaker and the homogenous mixture is ready for consumption. As expected from a regular whey, it's not very rich unless mixed with milk (yum yum..) or other flavour enhancers like peanut butter, honey, oats and the like.

But to some of us, taste is secondary. We care about what's in the potent mix and what it can do for the body more than anything else. Having this kind of mindset really makes a difference how one looks at food on a daily basis. lol

Anyway, Prostar's ideal for that anabolic window post-workout. It's rapidly absorbed and with about 10 flavours to choose from, I don't see how anyone can't be pleased.

Supplement Guide: Gamma-Linolenic Acid

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Product Review: EAS Myoplex Original

Are you,

1. A bachelor/bachelorette living on your own in the city trying to eke out a life with no homecooked food?
2. Someone with terrible nutrition timing due to work or other contraints?
3. An avid traveler with a hectic schedule?
4. Trying to manage weight with some funky diet programme?
5. An athlete, gym rat or someone who leads an active lifestyle?
6. A curious monkey with a knack for trying the unknown?

Well if the answer is 'Yes' to any one or more of the above, then this product is a lifesaver.

EAS Myoplex Original Meal Replacement Powder (MRP). Essentially, it is designed to be a complete meal, providing all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals in a shake. Pretty nifty eh?

Just to yammer a lil' on the company, EAS is one of the earliest sports nutrition company to hit the market and they really do have quite an expansive range of products. In fact, they are credited with releasing the very first commercial grade creatine product, Phosphagen, a simple monohydrate. Together with Myoplex, these have been their flagship products for some time as many fitness buffs can attest.

The insulated paper packet comes with an easy-to-tear top and I'm treated to a pleasant chocolate whiff as the fine powder hits the water in my shaker.

One serving packs about 280 calories, which I think cuts it right down the middle. It is not too much like a gainer which typically packs 600-1000 calories a serve and neither is it too little like a standard whey protein which would usually hover around 100 calories or so a serve.

That's makes it ideal for diet programmes and weight watchers. I also find it quite satiating even for myself (with my crazy metabolism) and this could be due to its mid-range Glycemic Index rating.

Coupled with 42 grams of protein and only 3 grams of fat, this is quite the superfood really. The carbs are a little low with only 23 grams but that can be easily remedied if one chooses to binge on crackers or rice cakes with this shake.

The shake itself is a little too frothy when shaken vigourously. It mixes very well though so no real complains but I wonder how it would fare in a blender instead.

Supplement Guide: Forskolin

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Product Review: Gaspari MyoFusion

Finally, the last product in my lil' Gaspari Stack.

Gaspari MyoFusion... Good ol' protein. It's bread and butter for any gym rat or athlete.

It belongs to the sustained-release category of protein supplements along the likes of GAT Muscletein, MAP Freak Fix and MHP Probolic.

So then, the common question a savvy consumer would ask is, "What's the difference?"

It'll be difficult to answer this question without being long-winded so just to simplify things, I'll say that one should always look at 3 basic criteria: economy, efficacy and taste (yeah, it's OK to be a big baby sometimes).

Looking at MyoFusion's nutrition facts, I can already see that it's a quality product with it's unique blend of ingredients. The protein variety checks out with Cross-Flow Cold Process and Microfiltered Whey Protein Concentrate and Isolate, Egg Albumen, and Milk Protein Isolate for that sustained-release. But what sets it apart from the others is the inclusion of CLA and Flaxseed Oil for that balance of healthy fats and metabolism boost.

A single scoop of MyoFusion packs close to 160 calories which is a little higher than your typical whey protein but still tolerable for those on a diet. A notable mention is also the 25 grams of protein in a serving and with about 25 servings per 2lb tub, its pretty good value.

Taste? I took a swig of it after gym and found it quite pleasant. Perhaps not as rich as Probolic but decent nonetheless. Definitely eases the senses after toiling the weights. ^_^

ProTan

I unconditionally became a guinea pig for some tanning products.

It's like cosmetics for men.

ooh look at all the pretty shiny colours!

Honestly, I'm in no shape to be slathering on the stuff but my colleagues wanted to see the results on someone with a little less melanin.

"Interesting," I thought. It's like a preview of how I would look a few shades darker.

Maybe then I'll decide if it's a good idea to get a tan.

a nice dark brown.

compared with the underarm..

a better comparison with my sleeve rolled up

The stuff smells pretty good. Kinda fruity. Imagine a bodybuilder getting all waxed up from head to toe... a man full of muscles yet smells like strawberries or something.

The thing about ProTan is that it really is like putting on make-up. There's step 1, 2, 3 and 4.. kinda like how foundation is laid on a woman's face. The guys from the company swear that it's the proper way to put your muscles on display after all the hard work months before. This is because there are competitor products out there that are kinda like an all-in-one solution and really now, who doesn't like no-fuss stuff? The truth, hardcore-ness or simply a marketing ploy? I dunno.

Anyway, if you're serious about how you want to look on stage, then why scrimp on the final touch? Excellent colour, no streaking, easy to apply and wash off. Not forgetting the nice scent!

Supplement Guide: Flaxseed Oil

Disclaimer

Product Review: Gaspari SizeOn

The second product in the Gaspari Stack.

After Superpump 250 blew like a tumbleweed in the wind for me, I was honestly hoping that SizeOn would totally bring it on.

And boy it did alright.

At first whiff upon opening the sachet, I'm greeted by a scent reminiscent of chinese ginseng. Not too strange... but I braced myself in expectation of a taste that would go along with that scent.

Surprisingly, it didn't taste that way. In fact, I think it tastes absolutely awesome. A nice, thick, zesty flavour that feels full-bodied and is simply perfect as a reward after a grueling gym session.

So what does SizeOn do? Like its namesake, it's definitely meant to make you bigger but the thing is... it doesn't contain any protein. WHAT? NO PROTEIN?

yum....

Well, think of it as a support product. While we all know that muscles are mostly made from protein, it is also crucial to have supporting factors. SizeOn aids volumization and recovery with its proprietary blend of creatines, electrolytes, minerals and carbs.

Any gym goer who knows his/her stuff knows that you don't grow before or during a workout. It is after - when you are resting and recovering that the body strengthens itself and improves.

And this is where I think SizeOn trumps.

Markus Ruhl @ EGOnutritions.com

It was no lie. The big man did come to town.

One of the top 10 IFBB pros in his competitive years, Markus Ruhl has since laid back a lil' bit... flying around the world to meet his fans and helping promote Ultimate Nutrition, his main sponsor.

He'll be competing this year though, for the Sandow and by the looks of it, he's gonna be mean and lean and full of muscles in the 8 weeks to come.

As I took a picture with him, his sheer presence was overwhelming. I couldn't breathe properly... maybe he was sucking up all the air standing next to me.

Autograph session.

A bicep pose. Not only packin' some serious 20"+ guns, this guy's forearm is as big as my leg man...

No topless poses though, since it's all hush hush before competition. Don't want to reveal his condition and form to potential competitors.

Quite an incredible experience meeting the fella and his wife, Simone who's so strong she could break me like a twig (she shoulder presses up to 160lbs!).

I wonder who'll come next?

Supplement Guide: 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan

Disclaimer

Product Review: Gaspari Superpump 250

This is the first product in the Gaspari Stack.

I tell ya, the Westerners have some funky idea of what a Fruit Punch should be. Almost all supplements that I've tried bearing the flavour comes across as Cherry Juice. I don't think we Asians take too well to the overwhelming taste of cherries.





Anyway, pre-workouts are meant to be downed in one go so I didn't have to put up with the taste that much.


Went ahead with my training and anticipated a crazy pump or rush... but nothing happened for me. This one's a dud for me I think. I've heard rave reviews from other guys who have taken the stuff but once again, it's like I've always said... some stuff works for you while some don't. Every body is different so it's really about finding what works.

Looking at the formula, it's pretty decent but very technical. Gaspari sure spent his top dollar churning this stuff out with all the proprietary ingredients. I mean, you don't usually see ginseng in a typical pre-workout.

It has the usual electrolytes, arginines and BCAAs among the other stuff I've yet to figure out so all I can say is that Superpump 250 checks out alright... it's just whether it's a hit or miss for you.

Supplement Guide: Fish Oil

Disclaimer

The Gaspari Stack

I guess that explains it nicely.

What I've got my grubby hands on are sample packs of Gaspari Nutrition products.

Superpump 250 for pre-workout; Sizeon for post-workout and MyoFusion, a protein supplement for anytime.

As I try out this mini-stack, it's probably going to be more of a taste test. Cept' for Superpump 250 maybe... I'll be paying attention to feel if it has any kick.

Product Review: MHP Dark Rage

This is one funky pre-workout product.

Taking the usual arginine based formula one notch higher, MHP's Dark Rage boasts of EPO technology. That's like blood doping though I don't really know how potent this product is. I doubt it is anything close to the actual procedure. I mean, think about it. Logically it is just a powdered drink. MHP is just being a bit fancy with their marketing more likely. Dark Rage supposedly uses natural ingredients like iron and arachidonic acid among other stuff that promote red blood cell production.

Termed EPODROL™ and HEMASTEM™, the label states mostly botanicals and minerals responsible for the product's effects.

Well OK. I took a swig to put it to the test.

Cola Fizz was the flavour and I must say, it tastes like cola alright. Now, we're all too familiar with Coca Cola or Pepsi as the most popular drinks on the planet but what most people don't know is that cola by itself wasn't a very popular tasting drink. It was bitter due to the kola nut content. The inventor of cola didn't enjoy too much success with it and eventually sold the formula to the founder of Coca Cola.

OK enough history talk. Dark Rage's Cola Fizz is cola alright... minus the Fizz. Might want to mix it up with some soda water or 100 Plus if you can't take the taste of cola.

I took the supp a little after 7pm and couldn't sleep AT ALL. By far the craziest pre-workout I've taken... I think the effects are sustained. But I wasn't jittery like what I experienced with some of the other pre-workout supps. Perhaps Dark Rage is more suited for endurance or cardio-oriented sports.

Formula wise, apart from the proprietary stuff, it is quite complete with a dash of carbs, creatine, beta-alanine, vitamins and minerals. These add up to a sizable 45g scoop per serve thus giving about 20 shots of the product.

Then, it's back to deciding on the next pre-workout to try.

Supplement Guide: Fibre

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Product Review: GAT Muscletein Ultra-7

Here's a sneak peek at GAT (German American Technologies) Muscletein Ultra-7, a sustained-release protein.

Now, sustained-release protein products are usually pretty tasty stuff and work wonders for the body but the drawback is their cost. They are considerably more expensive than your good ol' bread and butter whey and rightfully so, because sustained-release proteins usually contains a spectrum of protein sources like egg, casein, and other various milk fractions. You pay more to get more, it's simple logic.

But that might soon be a thing of the past with this one. Not that this product defies logic, but for some reason, it's 5 pounder tub is quite affordable. Yes, that's another thing you don't see everyday, 5 pounds of sustained-released protein. Most of em' come in 2lbs. At least over here in Malaysia it does. C'mon take your pick: MAP Freak Fix, MHP Probolic-SR, Axis Labs Muscle Delight, and the list goes on.. Muscletech Nitrotech doesn't count. That's a thing of the past.

Seen here is a sachet of Strawberry flavoured Muscletein Ultra-7. The number 7 supposedly denoted the different types of protein that makes up the product: Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Concentrate, Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Alpha And Beta Caseins And Caseinates, Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumin and Glutamine Peptides.

The powder is very fine and upon tearing the packet, there is an instant waft of the smell of butterscotch. It's strange... but really very appetizing!

As with most instantized proteins, Muscletein Ultra-7 dissolved very well although shaking it does produce a bit of foam just like UN Ultra Whey Pro. Well, not too much of a problem for us big guys... we ain't babies about to regurgitate milk after sucking up some foam. A mighty belch is prolly the only effect this will cause.

I took a sip and it really does taste..... butterscotchy. But blended very well with a strawberry flavour. Yummy I must say. It made me want to down the whole shaker at once. Fuuny how the label only says 4 grams of sugar per serving, but it does taste quite sweet. Hmmm...

However, I couldn't say the same for the Chocolate flavour. It wasn't bad, but somehow Strawberry had more kick. There was the same underlying butterscotch tinge and maybe the choc was a lil' overpowered by that. Goes to show that flavours can vary a lot despite being a same product. Or it could just be me.

In any case, definitely a 5-star product. Great taste, great value (45 grams of protein per serve) and good affordability.

Supplement Guide: Fenugreek

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