Thursday, September 22, 2011

Amp Up Your Workout With Endurance Enhancing Products

The number one reason why people skip their workout is fatigue. Endurance enhancers give you the extra dose of energy that you need to make it to the gym and engage in a powerful workout. They give you a strong boost that will help you maintain focus and alertness throughout your entire workout, allowing you to reach your goals. Energy drinks, energy shots, powder energy mix and energy bars all provide that extra amp you need to get a killer workout.

Finding the right endurance enhancer for you is the key to increasing results. Compare each kind of endurance enhancers below to figure out which option is best for you.


1. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks improve mental energy by stimulating the central nervous system, which allows you to maintain focus on your workout. They may also provide physical energy through the addition of sugar and other stimulants. The composition of the energy drink depends on each brand, but often times these liquid endurance enhancers are packed full of vitamins. Common ingredients of energy drinks include guarana, taurine, B vitamins, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin B5, inositol, milk thistle, glucuronlactone, d-ribose, creatine, l-carnitine and vitamin C.

If you want a great tasting energy drink that is packed full of vitamins, try a Monster energy drink. Monster energy drinks come in a variety of different flavors, including delicious java and fruit juice varieties. There is even a low carb energy drink option available that contains a double shot of energy brew.

2. Energy Shots
Energy shots are both convenient and powerful. A major appeal is that the results of energy shots, such as five hour energy, are felt soon after taking the shot. That is precisely why the five hour energy shot slogan is “drink it in seconds, feel it in minutes!” Not only are the results fast, people typically feel an elevated sense of energy, focus and alertness for about five hours afterward. 5-Hour Energy contains no sugar, no herbal stimulants and only as much caffeine as one cup of coffee, so the crash is minimal. The best part is the active ingredients in 5-Hour Energy can be obtained in everyday foods, or is a nutrient your body makes naturally.

3. Powder Endurance Enhancer Mix
Powder endurance enhancer mixes, such as Revenge Sport, are all natural fuels that keep you pushing harder and harder. Powder endurance enhancers are easy to take, just mix with cold water and shake. For best results you should take these powder endurance enhancers 30 minutes before your workout and continuing drinking every 15 minutes during the workout. These powder endurance enhancers will help you maintain energy and stay at your peak level throughout your workout. They keep you hydrated while improving blood flow and reducing lactic acid levels.

4. Energy Bars
Another ideal way to enhance endurance is to take an all natural energy bar. Energy bars supply the body with physical energy, as measures in calories or joules, and give you the extra boost you need. Energy bars are a healthy way to satisfy your hunger while giving your body the nutrients it needs to power through a successful workout.

Everlast Energy Bars are made with all natural and delicious super foods, such as nuts, dark chocolate, berries and oats. These top of the line energy bars provide the optimal blend of nutrition. They contain protein, an important building block for muscles to keep you feeling strong, and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. Everlast energy bars also contain B-12 and complex carbohydrates to provide sustainable energy to get you through your workout, as well as antioxidants to help protect cells by reducing free radicals. As if all that wasn’t enough, these delicious energy bars also contain the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep your body strong.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Weight Loss Techniques

Safely losing weight while gaining lean muscle mass is a constant battle for many men and women. Weight loss experts agree that there is not one specific technique that results in the loss of fat. It is a multi-faceted approach that involves mindset, diet, weight training, and cardio.

The key techniques to employ when implementing a successful weight loss plan are as follows:

I. Set goals and listen to your body
Well planned weight loss goals are imperative to any weight loss plan. Goals allow you to focus on the end result and help keep you motivated throughout your weight loss journey. Listen to your body and set goals that are realistic. If your weight loss goals are beyond reach, it is more likely that you will become frustrated and discouraged.

II. Evaluate your diet

Keep a food journal or use an online program to evaluate your current diet and average daily calorie consumption. In order to successfully lose fat you must restrict the amount of calories you consume so that it is less than the amount of calories burned. However, this does not mean that you should skip meals or eat an inadequate amount of food. Not consuming enough calories will put your body in starvation mode, which will trigger it to store more fat. Instead of drastically lowering the amount of calories you consume, focus on eating smaller portions of healthy well rounded meals. Eat carbohydrates early in the day to ensure you do not overeat at night. Overeating at night may result in your body storing excess carbohydrates as fat while you sleep. Don’t limit the amount of protein you consume, muscles need to protein to repair their cells after workouts. Be sure to carry a couple low carb, low fat protein bars with you to help curb hunger pangs.

III. Add weight training to your fitness regime
Weight training is imperative to any successful fat loss plan. Weight training builds muscle, which increases your metabolism. Several studies have proven that your metabolic rate can be elevated for up to 24 hours after a weight training session. The numbers of calories expended by the body by weight training continues long after your workout due to the increased metabolic rate and the energy required for cell repair. Weight training also increases joint stability and bone density, as well as lean muscle mass. If that isn’t enough to convince you to add weight training to your regime, multiple studies suggest for every 1 kg (2.2 lb) of muscle you have, your body burns around 100 extra calories per day! If you already include weight training in your fitness regime, consider ramping it up by adding heavier weights or purchasing a new fitness product. Fitness products, such as versa grips will help optimize your weight training routine.

IV. Mix up your cardiovascular workouts
Cardio is a key component to weight loss because it raises your heart rate and helps your body burn calories. Mixing up your cardio workouts and upping the level of intensity will help you increase your calorie burn. To maintain a heart healthy lifestyle 15-20 minutes of cardio a day is recommended. If you are not planning on cutting calories from your diet, this number should be increased to meet your weight loss goals. There really isn’t one cardio exercise that is better than the other, but experts do suggest trying a variety of activities to keep you from getting bored or frustrated. Consider adding high impact activities into your regime to keep your heart rate high.

V. Take a proven weight loss supplement
Weight loss supplements and fat burners help you get your body over the weight loss plateau. Taking a trusted weight loss supplement boosts your metabolism and helps your body focus on burning fat, not muscle. There are universal supplements that aid in fat loss, as well as supplements specific to women or men. SlimQuick Extreme is one of the strongest female fat burners on the market. SlimQuick Extreme contains 100% authentic hoodia gordonni, which helps the brain feel full faster. The four other unique ingredients increase fatty acid oxidation and decrease fatty acid synthesis, which results in the loss of unwanted fat. A popular male weight loss supplement is Gamma-O , which naturally increases healthy testosterone levels. The increase in natural testosterone and endorphins aids in the development of lean muscle tissue while burning off excess fat. These are just a few examples of a variety of proven weight loss supplements, so carefully select the right one for you.

VI. Drink Plenty of Water
As you employ all the other techniques above, remember to continuously drink water. The body requires water to function properly and flush toxins from its system. The amount of water needed to remain hydrated will likely increase as you ramp up your workouts. Make sure to account for any extra water lost through sweat or diuretic use.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Natural Supplements vs. Steroids

Anabolic steroids are artificial substances developed in the 1930s to help men with an inadequate amount of testosterone develop masculine characteristics. Present day they are used to rapidly build muscle and enhance performance. The main reason these synthetic substances aid in quick muscle creation is by helping users recover from their workout faster, which allows them to train longer and more often. Although the benefits seem promising, they often do not outweigh the major side effects. The destructive side effects of anabolic steroids include:
  • Liver tumors
  • Jaundice
  • Fluid retention
  • Enlargement of the heart
  • High blood pressure
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Elevated cholesterol levels
  • Heart palpitations
  • Heart attach
  • Kidney stones
  • Kidney disease
  • Infertility
  • Hallucinations
  • Depression

Natural supplements are a safer way to increase energy, build muscle and help your muscles recover faster. There are many different kinds of natural supplements and each has specific benefits. For example, creatine supplements are known to increase strength, performance and muscular endurance. Creatine plays a key role in the transfer of energy to the muscles by converting to phospocreatine, which allows the body to produce more ATP. There is significant scientific evidence that short term creatine use can increase maximum power and performance in high-intensity anaerobic repetitive work by 5 to 15%. Current studies indicate that both short term and long term creatine supplementation is safe and may even improve your health.

Nitric oxide supplements are also a safe and effective way to increase energy, size and strength. This natural chemical compound improves muscular fullness and protects the heart through increased blood flow, vasodilatation and oxygen delivery. As natural nitric oxide supplements move oxygen into your muscles they spark powerful muscle growth. To further benefit your body, nitric oxide opens the blood vessels to allow more oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the muscle tissue.

Whey protein, the highest quality protein supplement, provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce the amino acids needed for muscle growth. Whey protein powders are a great alternative to artificial anabolic steroids. Scientific research proves the positive effect of whey protein on the body’s immune system, which is the opposite of anabolic steroids that have a negative effect. Whey protein is the richest known source of naturally occurring branched chain amino acids which are imperative components of muscle repair and growth.

Herbal supplements are also a great alternative to anabolic steroids. All natural herbal supplements, such as acai, cayenne and dandelion root, are beneficial to your health, energy level and body composition. Herbal supplements exists how nature intended them to be and are free of toxic chemical pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers. The superfood acai contains potassium, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, proteins and several vitamins, as well the most antioxidants of any fruit or vegetables. Acai is not only nutritious, it also helps reduce injuries and speeds up recovery time, which makes it a perfect addition to any bodybuilder’s diet.

Creatine, nitric oxide, whey protein and acai are just a few of the many healthy and safe alternatives to anabolic steroids. When deciding between anabolic steroids or natural supplements, consider the long term effect on your body.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are Essential for Bodybuilders

How many times have you seen “essential fatty acids” and “omega 3 acids” in a fitness magazine or food label? These dietary supplements are often buzzed about, but how much do you know about their full benefits and most importantly, where to find them?

Essential fatty acids are molecules that cannot be synthesized by the human body but are vital for normal metabolism. Omega 3 fatty acids are one of two families of essential fatty acids. They are referred to as essential fatty acids because they have the ability to promote long-term cardiovascular health, yet the body can’t make them from scratch. Omega 3 fatty acids must be obtained through certain foods or omega fatty acid supplements .

Why does our body need omega 3 fatty acids?

The body is continuously repairing itself from cellular damage. In order to do this, it needs a generous supply of polyunsaturated fats from essential fatty acids capable of constructing cell membranes that are elastic, functional and strong. Having a generous supply allows the heart to effortlessly return to a normal resting state.

The American Heart Association has conducted extensive research that links omega 3 fatty acids to a decreased risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), decreased triglyceride levels, slower growth rate of atheroslecortic plaque and lower blood pressure. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega 3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be vital to cognitive and behavioral function.

Omega 3 fatty acids may also be used for:


  • High Cholesterol

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Heart Disease

  • Diabetes

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

  • Osteoporosis

  • Depression

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Schizophrenia

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

  • Skin Disorders

  • Inflammatory Bowl Disease

  • Asthma

  • Menstrual Pain

  • Colon Cancer

  • Breast Cancer

  • Prostate Cancer

What is the minimum daily intake of omega 3 fatty acids?

A minimum daily intake of 1.6grams/day for men and 1.1 grams/day for women is needed in order to prevent disease resulting from deficiency. Three ounces of salmon contains roughly 1.991 grams of omega 3 fatty acids so consuming a salmon filet is a great way to reach this daily minimum. Symptoms of deficiency include acne, cardiovascular disorders, aging, heart disease, hypertension, psoriasis, prostate cancer, schizophrenia, mental illness, lupus, vision disorders, and depression.

What foods contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids?

There are three main omega 3 fatty acids commonly referred to as EPA, DHA and ALA. EPA and DHA are mainly found in oily fish, while ALA is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and leafy vegetables.

The following foods are considered a good source of omega 3 fatty acids:


  • Salmon

  • Mackerel

  • Tuna

  • Halibut

  • Algae and Krill

  • Grass Fed Lamb

  • Nut oils

  • Flax seeds

  • Kiwi fruit

  • Walnuts

  • Hemp

The conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is limited in the body and ALA is primarily used for energy. Therefore it is suggested that people consume oily fish two times a week or take omega 3 supplements to obtain the full health benefits of essential fatty acids.

Why do bodybuilders need more omega 3 fatty acids in their diet?

Omega 3 fatty acids are particularly important for bodybuilders because they assist the liver in breaking down protein from your diet to build muscle. Essential fatty acids also aid in muscle growth by enhancing testosterone levels, protecting joints while body building and increasing energy levels. EFA supplements, such as omega 3 fish oil or omega 3 flax seed oil , are strongly recommended for people on a low fat diet because energy level will significantly decrease if there is not enough unsaturated fat in your diet. Even if your diet is adequate, essential fatty acid supplements are a great way to improve overall health, enhance testosterone levels, protect joints, boost energy, and reduce recovery periods after workouts.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Protein & Working Out: Why is Protein Critical for Building Muscle and Staying Healthy?

Proteins are one of the most crucial components of any fitness enthusiast’s diet. This nutrient-packed compound is important no matter what your fitness goals may be – losing weight, gaining muscle, or even just toning up. Any individual engaged in weight training needs to make sure that he or she is getting enough protein.

Protein is a structural element, making up the bulk of your muscles, bones, cartilage, skin, blood, organs and tissues, and essential for hormone function, healthy immune systems, and healthy hair and nails. It is involved in almost every aspect of your body’s well-being in one form or another. Most importantly protein is necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue.

Protein & Weight Loss

Muscle tissue is the ultimate calorie burner! Since muscle burns calories more efficiently, the more muscle you have the more calories you will burn even when inactive. Strong, active muscles will continue to burn calories even when at rest so make sure you protect your muscles by working out and supplementing your diet with protein. Providing your body with enough protein will keep your energy up, provide your muscle with the nutrients they need to recover from a strenuous work out, and allow you to stay strong while working out.

Many bodybuilders and people who exercise frequently note that when they decrease their protein intake, they lose weight and feel weaker. This is because your body needs protein to recover from tough, tiresome workouts. Without protein, your body will turn to muscle tissue for energy!

The Best Protein for Working Out

For meals, the best sources of protein are lean meats, poultry, fish and dairy. Beans and lentils have a huge amount of protein but low levels of fat, especially saturated fats, which is extremely desirable for those looking to lose weight and tone up.

Protein Supplements

For those actively attempting to build muscle, increase strength, and tone, supplemental protein may be necessary in the diet. Those who find themselves feeling sluggish and weak, and who get dizzy during workouts may need to increase their protein intake via shakes, powders or other protein supplements. We recommend protein shakes as they are quick and easy to make and come in a variety of delicious flavors!

Protein products also have the added benefit of upping the intake of concentrated protein in the diet without additional calories or fats! As the name indicates, these are protein supplements – they should not replace a balanced diet, but rather, should be used in addition to it.

When to Take a Protein Supplement

Certain times of the day are best for taking protein supplements as they will best assist your metabolism and muscle tissue reparation.

1. After working out: This is the best time to ingest supplement as your body will be craving the raw materials to replenish its energies and rebuild its muscle tissue. If you don’t provide your body with what it needs, it’ll break down muscle elsewhere in the body to rebuild tissue. You can also take protein an hour after working out as the body has at this point settled down from the workout routine and is ready to start rebuilding.
2. In the morning: A scoop of protein powder in your morning fruit smoothie will boost your metabolism and give your muscles plenty of fuel after that 8 hour overnight fast.
3. Before bed: Before the 8 hour fast that is sleeping, give your body some whey protein which is easy to break down and gets digested quickly. Mix a small scoop with a glass of soy milk just before going to bed!

Friday, April 22, 2011

OxyElite Pro – Using Thermogenesis to Blast Away Fat!

How many of us have spent hours in the gym, several days a week without seeing the rapid, powerful results we anticipated? Sometimes it feels like a fruitless endeavor, you work out, do your reps, drink the obligatory protein shake, but the physical changes are slow to come. We’ve all been there and it doesn’t have to be that way – OxyElite Pro is designed to assist you with problem spots and nature’s impediments.

For some, love handles are stubborn and refuse to go away. For others, it’s obstinate belly fat or arms. For many of us, it’s simply that with age, our bodies have begun to slow down and it becomes increasingly more difficult to take off what we’ve put on over the years. What makes USPLabs OxyElite Pro stand apart from other bodybuilding products is that is uses thermogenesis to help melt away body fat.

What the heck is Thermogenesis?

Thermogenesis is defined as “the process of heat production in organisms.” The stimulation of heat in the body activates metabolism, speeding up the rate at which you can burn calories and fat. As a component of metabolic rate, thermogenesis can be stimulated to increase energy expenditure and fat burning.

Thermogenesis exists in 3 main forms: Exercise-associated, Non-exercise activity, and Diet-induced. Those using OxyElite Pro will typically be involved in all three variations – through focused work out regimens, natural, everyday activities, and controlled calorie intake.

What are the benefits and impacts of OxyElite Pro?

The natural ingredients in this powerful USPLabs product will amp up your energy, allowing you to blast through more reps and keep working out longer without experiencing fatigue. In addition to more energy, OxyElite has also been shown to improve endurance, allowing you to continue with heavy weight loads without buckling!

One of the best aspects of this product, according to user reviews, is the smooth stimulation. Unlike caffeine-loaded pills and drinks, OxyElite Pro will improve energy levels without crazy jitters, shakes and late-night restlessness. In the words of one reviewer, “Finally a product that really burns fat, that doesn't make you feel like a meth addict!” Since OxyElite Pro doesn’t rely on heavy amounts of caffeine, you won’t experience an energy crash after using it.

So what’s in it?

The goal of USPLabs products is to create supplements that are effective without harming the body. To this end, only natural, beneficial ingredients are used. Here’s a sampling:

Bauhinia purpurea L: a flowering plant native to south China, but also grown in Hawaii, Texas and California. It has been known to possess antibacterial, antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, anticancerous, nephroprotective and thyroid hormone regulating activity.

Bacopa monnieri: This herb has long been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as treatment for epilepsy and asthma. It also has antioxidant properties, reducing oxidation of fats in the bloodstream. Extracts of this powerful plant have also shown to reduce anxiety, enhance cognitive ability, improve memory capacity. In OxyElitePro, it acts as a potent fat burner.

Cirsium Oligophyllum: also known as plume thistles, this flowering plant was originally used as a remedy against swollen veins. Used in confluence with caffeine, this element can speed along weight loss efforts.

For vegetarians:

For our veggie brethren, the capsule is made with animal gelatin so we recommend emptying the content into either a vegetarian capsule or mixing it with water.

And now the fine print!

OxyElite Pro is made in the USPLabs manufacturing facility which is GMP-approved, FDA-inspected facility. USPLabs adheres to pharmaceutical level guidelines and quality-control processes. The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a physician prior to use, especially for those on anti-depressants or thyroid medications. Do not mix with amphetamine-based prescription drugs or any other stimulant.

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