10pm Friday – About to do back and shoulders

Took Quake 10.0 about 20 minutes ago.  My legs are shaking as I’m typing this and I’m feeling like a madman who must workout!

So far so good.. will continue this after my workout tonight..

11:30pm update – had a good workout, killed back.. did 30 min HIT cardio.. felt little shaky though.. will see how tomorrow goes!

10/5/2010 update – trying it again for second time to see how it feels.. will keep you posted..

While at the 2010 Olympia Expo, I came across this sample of “Amphetalean” by the folks over at Beast Labs.  The models were kind enough to drop 3-4 samples in my bag, thus allowing me a few days to try out this product.  Before this fat burner, I had used Red Line (in pill form) and had felt its energy at even one-third the dose.  And so I was curious to see how Amphetalean would compare.

After a few days of testing (taking 1 pill upon wakening before cardio, another in the afternoon before my weight training), i seemed to feel little in terms of energy.  I was more sluggish than I was when I took the Red Line.  I did feel odd heart palpitations though and a slight cold sweat during my workouts (similar to that of some ephedrine supplements).

Now I don’t normally take the full recommended dose as I am sensitive and realize I don’t usually need that much.  But after taking two pills (they recommend 3-6 per day), I felt more tired yet had the heart beating issue.  After four days, I discontinued use of the product (had run out of samples anyways!).

My recommendation:  I wouldn’t use this product.  Didn’t help me any.

Beast Labs description of “Amphetalean”

AmphetaLEAN by Beast Sports is a fat burning, appetite controlling weight, loss supplement that uses enteric coated capsules to release the formula in a two stage delivery process. Beast Sports presents a decent argument against other energy supplements in the weight loss industry: their effects only last for no more than one to three hours because they are absorbed through the stomach. All the ingredients of these products are sent to the bloodstream at the same time, which accounts for their effects being short-lived. AmphetaLEAN tablets are coated with a protective shell that allows its self a safe passageway into the intestine, where the formula can be absorbed over a long period of time. The AmphetaLEAN tablet is a capsule within a capsule, which they refer to as Liqui-Tab technology.

by Tony Cress

So You’ve decided to finally get yourself in the best shape you’ve ever been in your life.  You started going to the gym, watching what you eat, started lifting weights instead of just walking on the treadmill and talking to any person you know in the gym, and you decided to start shaving your chest.   Come on, it brings all the definition out.  Since you are going to all these great lengths, you want to get the most out of your newfound obsession (lifestyle).  You are looking through all the bodybuilding magazines and men’s health magazines for the latest workouts and diet plans, and every other page, there is an advertisement.  And these aren’t just any advertisements.  These are advertisements for things you NEED to make your fitness goals complete.  This ad has you gaining MASSIVE amounts of muscle in as little as 3 weeks.  This ad has you losing 10 pounds of fat in 30 days.  And this ad has you adding 3 inches to your….. wait a second.  I thought we were reading fitness magazines.  Anyway.  These ads convince you that this is the FINAL piece in the quest to your perfect body.    Well, let’s take a look at the general view of these ads.

Generally, the ads will come with some sort of scientific study.  This is GREAT.  Execept there is one small problem  The studies, they are reporting, are usually done by scientist who work for their own companies, so they get the results that they want, and omit results that they don’t.  While some of the results they get are in fact real, we’ll take a closer look at the subjects they use.

You will see ads that have tons of before and after photos in them. It worked for Joe Mammahatu, who was overweight, pale and obviously depressed.  After he took Supplement X, he all of a sudden became ripped, happy, and tan as hell.  There are a few things wrong with this.  Joe Mammahatu, is actually, Hercules Steroidian.  Usually the Before and After Pictures and testimonials are professional fitness athletes, or personal trainers who know how to get their body in peak physical form in limited time.  These companies pay these athletes to essentially get fat, and then take pictures for them at that stage, and in competition stage.  I will also say, i believe most of these guys are on some “performance enhancing drugs”.

I will not say that i don’t believe in supplementing your nutritional plan with supplements.  I buy them myself.  But do your research.  These things are NOT the answer to your prayers.  Most of the time, they are a placebo effect.  You are taking something, so you think it works.  Some of the time, it actually does work.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide what supplements to take, but do your research.   Don’t spend Hundreds of dollars just because you see an extremely jacked up dude in the ad.  Most likely, he’s jacked up from something other than what you can get at Wal-Mart. I know the people of Las Vegas are smarter than that.

- courtesy of www.tonycress.com

It’s easy to organize your pills/vitamins/supplements! I take over 14 kinds each day and that can be a lot to keep track of. You don’t want to forget to take a pill but then you don’t want to take too much. How do you remember when it’s time to take them?

Well, I’ve found it easy to keep my pills organized by using a large 7-day pill organizer. I think I bought mine at Walgreens but you can find it pretty much anywhere, like CVS or Walmart. The 7-day organizer also has four compartments per day so you can divide your pills into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bed.

When I travel, I don’t like lugging that big organizer around so I buy these small ziplock bags and I put my pills in them. I then label the bags, for example: “Monday 8/15 AM” or “Tuesday 8/16 Dinner”.

This advice may seem simple and obvious, but it took me a while to figure out this system and now it’s keeping me on track for the best health of my life! Good luck!

Yes but the repercussions are usually mild-much like when you eat a very rich meal, according to Dr. Geo Espinosa, director of naturopathic medicine at the Center for Holistic Urology at Columbia University Medical Center.  Larger problems can arise, though, when you mix vitamins or herbs with prescription meds.  Garlic pills, vitamin E, fish oil, and saw palmetto can enhance the anti-coagulant effects of Hesparin (potentially dangerous for people undergoing or recovering from surgery), and Saint-John’s wort can dull the effects of some cholesterol medications.  To perfect your supplement program, you need to look beyond the kid manning the register at GNC — maybe even beyond your primary care doctor.  Espinosa says: “You need to talk to the right doctor — one specializing in naturopathy.

article courtesy of Men’s Health & Fitness

Steve Kim’s morning superantioxidant drink

So you’ve heard of Monavie right? An MLM company pushing a super antioxidant drink. Well, the juice costs too much because that company has to pay for all of those commissions. That’s why I dislike most MLM’s, they’re more about money than product quality and value!

Want a better alternative? Get this instead:

Miracle Fruits of the World – 30 oz.- Mangosteen, Pomegranate, Noni, Blueberry, Cherry and More

I drink this every day, I do about 1/4 oz in the AM on an empty stomach. This drink costs about $30 and lasts a month, compared to $170 for MonaVie! Also this drink has a higher ORAC rating (the scale of how much antioxidants are in the drink) so it’s even better potency! Enjoy your better health and savings!!

Here’s an article I read recently about MonaVie:

Was my wife targeted to buy snake-oil? Dozens of people weigh in.

My wife is an active member in a nation-wide, young adults group. I am a member as well, but I’m not nearly as active (lack of time, plus my Laziness kicks in). The groups’ goals are very noble. They aim to help members with public speaking and event planning skills while raising money for charity through local businesses. Recently my wife went to a meeting and was gone longer than usual. I got a little concerned, so I called her to find out how the meeting was going. It turned out that it wasn’t a typical meeting any more – one of the members had invited some business acquaintances of his. When she got back, she told me about the meeting. It turned into a presentation of an energy/antioxidant juice called MonaVie.

About MonaVie Juice
This juice is a blend of 19 juices with the most referenced being the açaí (a-sigh-eee) berry. The açaí berry supposedly has many, many antioxidant properties. I like to be as healthy as I can, so why wouldn’t I incorporate MonaVie juice into my diet?

The Price of MonaVie Juice
The business behind the juice detracts from it’s value. The juice itself is not cheap. It’s $40 a bottle with a bottle lasting only around one week. That means you can expect to pay around $175 a month for this juice. For many people, that’s a significant car payment. For this kind of money, one would expect some sort of guarantee, perhaps a popular, publicly-traded, pharmaceutical company standing behind it. The company also doesn’t publish how much of the acai berry is each bottle.

MonaVie and Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)
Beyond MonaVie juice being expensive, it is sold by distributors who are compensated in based on a multi-level marketing structure. Some of you familiar with Amway or Quixtar might understand how this works. For those who are new to multi-level marketing, the goal of the organization is to recruit more sellers and “incentivize” them for recruiting them. I’m not a big fan of such systems, it seems like the founders of the company always make a fair amount, and the people that join later end up with few sales and no one else to recruit.

The people the other night were trying to coerce my wife to buy two bottles, at nearly $100, and potentially become a distributor. My wife balked at such a thing, largely because she knew that I would want to do some research before spending that kind of money. They ended up giving her two bottles of juice to try for free. I fear that my wife may notice a placebo effect and grow a taste for the expensive juice.

MonaVie Juice: Perhaps not a Scam?
Is it possible that it could work? Well Wikipedia references that Red Sox Pitcher Jonathan Papelbon is a fan. As Red Sox fans ourselves this is high praise. Even higher praise comes from Sumner Redstone in this Fortune article. That’s a very influential person and a very influential magazine. I did find one scientific piece of research, this PDF by AIBMR Life Sciences. The clinical research shows that it does indeed deliver more antioxidants than a placebo. However, it doesn’t compare to less costly solutions, like a multivitamin, V8 Fusion Acai Berry, or just a handful of mixed berries. I’m putting the burden of proof on MonaVie to show that their juice deserves the premium over the mixed berries.

article courtesy of lazymanandmoney.com

Steve Kim’s alternative

So now you’ve heard of Monavie right?  An MLM company pushing a super antioxidant drink.  Well, the juice costs too much because that company has to pay for all of those commissions.  That’s why I dislike most MLM’s, they’re more about money than product quality and value!

Want a better alternative?  Get this instead:

Miracle Fruits of the World – 30 oz.- Mangosteen, Pomegranate, Noni, Blueberry, Cherry and More

I drink this every day, I do about 1/4 oz in the AM on an empty stomach.  This drink costs about $30 and lasts a month, compared to $170 for MonaVie!  Also this drink has a higher ORAC rating (the scale of how much antioxidants are in the drink) so it’s even better potency!  Enjoy your better health and savings!!

So you wonder how I’m able to stay looking so young and healthy?  Well, there’s a reason for it.  I take great care of myself!  So I want to share with you some tips on what I take to keep myself 10-15 years younger than the rest.

Morning

• Antioxidant Drink (High ORAC rating)
• Fatty Acid Combo Pill (Omega 3, 6, 9, Flax, Borage)
  Now Foods Super Omega 3-6-9 1200mg, 180 Gels
• 7-KETO Pill
  7-Keto (100mg)
• Tribulus Pill
  Tribulus Terrestris 500 mg 120 Caps
• MCT Oil (Multi-Chrain Triglycerides)
  MCT Oil

Afternoon

• GNC Megavitamin
• Fatty Acid Combo Pill
• Vitamin B Pill
• Joint Pill (Glucosamine, Chrondoite, MSM)
• Resveratol Pill
• Pycnogenol Pill

Evening

• Fatty Acid Combo Pill
• Joint Pill
• Grape Seed Extract Pill

Before Bed

• GNC Multivitamin
• Tribulous Pill
• 7-KETO
• ZMA
• MCT Oil

Now you’ll notice how I take a lot of fatty acid pills.  This is great for your health and keeps inflammation down, which happens naturally when you lift heavy weights like me.  I take MCT Oil to keep my body in fat burning mode and prevent fat storage.  I take anti-oxidants throughout the day.  I take my last multivitamin before bed since my body will have nothing else in it for the next 8-9 hours.

ZMA (Zinc monomethionine aspartate and Magnesium Aspartate) is a supplement used by bodybuilders and athletes. It was developed by Victor Conte (founder of BALCO Laboratories in Burlingame, California) and is a combination of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6. The formula is “patent pending” and the name “ZMA” trademarked by SNAC System Inc, also founded by Victor Conte. ZMA is claimed to raise testosterone and IGF-1 levels which may aid in gaining muscle size and strength.

ZMA is a combination of two minerals, zinc and magnesium, and Vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine. All three of these compounds are important in biological processes, and while studies have shown that most Americans get enough zinc and Vitamin B6,[1] more than 50% are deficient in magnesium.[2]

An increase in exercise can lead to the loss of vitamins and minerals making it particularly important for bodybuilding due to the blood sugar level rises and urination increases, increasing the loss of magnesium, zinc, B12, B6, folic acid, and many other nutrients. Although drinking water re-hydrates an athlete, fruit juice, sports drinks or foods high in water such as vegetables are needed to replenish water-soluble nutrients.

The proportion of ingredients generally used in products is 20-30 mg Zinc, 400-500 mg Magnesium and ~10mg B6. According to the label directions, ZMA should be taken before bed on an empty stomach (2 hours after eating your last meal and at least 30 minutes prior to any other supplements). The product should not be taken with calcium (cheese,milk,etc.), the reason being that calcium blocks the absorption of zinc.

Scientific studies
A 1999 study was undertaken on NCAA Football players during an 8 week spring training program. The control group was told to cease taking any nutritional supplements. Those who took the ZMA tablets showed greater increases in muscle strength, free testosterone levels, and IGF-1 levels.[3] This study was funded by SNAC Systems Inc. (the patent holders) and one of the study’s authors (Victor Conte) has equity in this company.

Another study in 2004 conducted jointly by the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Lab of Baylor University, IMAGINutrition, and the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, found that ZMA has no effect on strength, hormone levels, or anaerobic capacity.[4]

History
The supplement played a large role in the controversial non-fiction book Game of Shadows by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams. It is important to note that “of the 57 Western Washington University football players who signed up for the study, 30 quit. By the end, only a dozen players were using ZMA while 15 took the placebo.” (Game Of Shadows 46)[5]

References
“Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet”. Retrieved on 2006-08-11.
“More than half of Americans don’t get nearly enough magnesium” (PDF). Retrieved on 2006-08-11.
Lukaski HC (2000). “Magnesium, zinc, and chromium nutriture and physical activity”. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 72 (2): 585s-593s. PMID 10919964, http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/72/2/585S.
Fainaru-Wada, Mark, and Lance Williams. Game of Shadows. 1st Edition. New York: Penguin Group , 2006

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Omega 3-6-9 is one product that truly covers all aspects of supporting heart and circulation health – it contains flax and canola seed oils for Omega 3, GLA from primrose for Omega 6, and Oleic acid for Omega 9. Omega 3-6-9 is the perfect product for those wanting to add essential oils to their diet.

Consuming adequate amounts of healthy kinds of fat – “essential fatty acids,” like those found in Omega 3-6-9 formula, is vital for your overall health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Promote Heart Health

Studies have shown diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids support heart health by promoting proper triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

The Important Role Played by Omega-6 Fatty Acids

The key type of omega-6 fatty acid is called GLA (gamma linolenic acid). GLA is a precursor to hormone-like prostaglandins (PGE-1). Prostaglandins and specifically PGE-1 are powerful health “gladiators” cascading through the body.

PGE-1 promotes healthy blood flow to and from the heart by supporting blood vessels.

Immune function is also under the powerful influence of PGE-1, which controls the release of lymphokines known to activate immune system cells.

Production and secretion of vital hormones in the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands, as well as immune boosting and lean tissue building growth hormone, are all stimulated by “multi-talented” PGE-1. PGE-1 also promotes the release and uptake of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the nervous system, which support healthy sleep patterns and mood.

Healthy levels of fatty acids which lead to adequate PGE-1 are important for those wishing to maintain energy levels.

Omega 9 Fatty Acid
Common to olive oil, peanuts and avocado, Omega 9 fatty acid is also known as oleic acid. While not an essential fatty acid (the body can manufacture omega 9), supplementing with Omega 9 provides a good source of monounsaturated fat that promotes a healthy inflammation response.