Nitro X: Should You Take It, Or Just Leave It?

"Take Nitro X and Just Be a Man." This is the seductive slogan that greeted me upon my arrival at the website of the supplier of Nitro X. But it was their online advertisement that sparked my initial interest in the supplement, and that led to my wanting to learn more about it.

Nitro X is a muscle building and performance enhancing supplement, you can claim your trial order (a one month supply) on their website. And with bold claims of muscle and strength gains, fat-loss and sexual stamina, who wouldn't be tempted to try it? Not many I'm sure.

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But just how much satisfaction if any will you get from supplementing with Nitro X? In order to find out, let's take a look at some of the ingredients that it contains. Since there is a total of twenty, we'll only take a closer look at those upon which its supplier base their claims.

• Glutamine
• Vitamins B-3, B-6, B-12
• Yohimbine HCL
• Green Tea

Glutamine:  L-Glutamine is a naturally occurring essential amino acid within our bodies. In fact, it is the most common amino acid present within our muscles. Sources of L-Glutamine includes meats, vegetables, and dairy products. The primary job of this essential amino acid is to prevent the breakdown of our muscles, and to assist them in their recovery after workouts.

Vitamins B-3 B-6, and B-12:  The job of B Vitamins is to support healthy cell metabolism. But Vitamins B-3 B-6 and B-12 have another important job, and that is to provide energy, and to convert carbohydrates to energy as well.

Yohimbine HCL: Once thought to increase testosterone levels, Yohimbine has since been downgraded to being more of an aphrodisiac. However, Yohimbine has been proven to be effective at producing harder erections.

Green Tea:  Green Tea has been around for centuries, and when consumed it has many health benefits. But given the claims of Nitro X, there can be just one reason why it contains Green Tea, and that is to aid in the loss of fat.

Now, let's sum all of this information up in order to answer our question. Should you take Nitro X or leave it? Well, based upon the main ingredients within Nitro X, this supplement appears to be no more than a libido enhancer with a dash of a fat-loss aid and muscle tissue preserver.

If this is what you desire, by all means give Nitro X a try. If your goal is to build muscle mass, leave it alone, because I doubt your are going to see any gains by supplementing with it. But whatever you decide to do, be sure to read the fine print carefully because if Nitro X's offer sounds too good to be true, it just might turn out to be.

Testostorm: Faster Muscle Gains, or Just Quicker Let-Downs?

FutureDNA's Testostorm, "take it and just be a man." If you're a bodybuilder you've most likely seen advertisements for Testostorm, an all natural muscle-building steroid alternative. It is promoted as being able to deliver what bodybuilders desire; more strength and faster gains.

But the question is, can Testostorm deliver on these claims? In order to find the answer this question, I decided to study their website(s). While there, I discovered that they seem to market Testostorm to men over the age of 25 with low testosterone who want to feel "younger."

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FutureDNA's claim is that Testostorm has the ability to boost your free testosterone levels; free testosterone is desirable to bodybuilders because of its availability for use during workouts. But what exactly does Testostorm contain, and what do those ingredients do? Well, let's list them and find out.

• Testofen (Fenugreek)
• L-Arginine HGL
• Tribulus Terrestris Extract
• Rhodiola Rosea
• Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Each one of the above ingredients is present in many of today's muscle building and sexual health supplements. In my last post, I provided a link to a study which refuted claims that Testofen increases testosterone. L-Arginine is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction because it increases blood flow to the genitals.

Tribulus Terresestris is known for sending a signal to our testes to produce luteinizing (male sex) hormones. I also provided a link (above) that explains the benefit of supplementing with Rhodiola Rosea, and we are all familiar with the benefits of essential vitamins and minerals.

That said, since Testostorm is mostly promoted as being a "performance" supplement (in the gym and bedroom) take their word for it. Because the level of testosterone that this supplement can free-up (if it could) won't make any difference unless you already have a problem in this area.

And if it did, that difference wouldn't be enough to build anymore muscle than you can without taking it. So, who will most likely benefit from supplementing with Testostorm? Older males (35 and up) who want to feel "young" again in the areas of physical and sexual fitness. Even though participating in these two activities alone will do a great job of boosting your testosterone.

Maximum Shred: Can it Help Build Lean Muscle, or Just Fat Dreams?

Maximum Shred is a muscle-building supplement/pre-workout energy and focus amplifier. It is sold exclusively online, and the company even offers a 100 percent risk free 1 month supply on their website at the cost of $5.95 for shipping.

Maximum Shred is promoted as being able to help you gain lean ripped muscles within "weeks," their website says these results are guaranteed, and based on scientific facts. The product consists of a proprietary blend which boasts two "key" ingredients which are said to have won a Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1998.

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What are these two "key" ingredients, and can they truly provide mind-blowing results as claimed by Maximum Shred? Let's find out. Since Maximum Shred actually contains a total of four active ingredients, I'll list all of them before we begin:

• Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
• Taurine
• Beta Alanine
• Caffeine

Now, let's take a look at the two "key" ingredients which Maximum Shred says are responsible for muscle hypertrophy and reduced body fat: Alpha-Ketoglutarate (a natural substance within our bodies that metabolizes essential amino acids) and Beta Alanine (a non-essential amino acid).

Some bodybuilders swear by Alpha-Ketoglutarate and Beta Alanine's ability to help you make muscle gains. Since I have not tried these ingredients personally, I did some research. What I found were studies that suggest Alpha-Ketoglutarate and Beta Alanine have no effect on muscle growth, although they can help you with performance (if you take between 3.2 - 6.4 grams per day).

Maximum Shred recommends you take between 10-17 of their capsules per week, they don't however, say how many milligrams are in each capsule. Maximum Shred also contains Arginine, which I have used, and Arginine is great for increased blood flow.

That said, Maximum Shred is by far a performance (in the gym and bedroom) supplement than it is one for building muscle. You be the judge, read their website, and you'll see that they promote its ability to increase performance much more than its ability to build muscle. Beta-Alanine, the facts. A study that refutes the claims of Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate.

Test X180 Ignite: More Free Testosterone, Fact or Fiction?

Test X180 Ignite is a popular muscle-building supplement. It was created by former Harvard University rowers, and formulated by Force Factor. Test X180 Ignite was designed specifically for men who want to build muscle, burn fat, and improve physical and sexual performance.

Test X180 Ignite is said to be able to help you improve lean muscle gains by way of its ability to boost your free testosterone levels. It is advertised on their website as a two week supply, you can apply for a free sample there as well.

But the question still remains; can you boost your free testosterone levels by supplementing with Test X180 Ignite? Let's find out. First, let take a look at Test X180 Ignite's main ingredients:

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• Testofen (Fenugreek)
• Green Tea Leaf Extract
• Caffeine
• Avena Stavia Extract
• Horny Goat Weed Extract
• Green Coffee Bean Extract
• White Tea Extract

One serving of Test X180 Ignite contains (400mg) of the above ingredients, plus vitamins. But since our goal is to determine whether or not Test X180 Ignite has the ability to increase free testosterone, we only need to look at one ingredient; Testofen (Fenugreek).

According to Force Factor's website, Testofen (Fenugreek) has been clinically researched and shown to help men increase their levels of free testosterone. After doing my own research I found an article with a link to a 2010 study that supports their claims.

The bad news is, your free testosterone increase will come at a price; a decrease in DHT. Testofen (Fenugreek) has been shown to increase your free testosterone levels by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). But since DHT is a more potent androgen than testosterone, Testofen supplementation might not be worth the loss.

The main reason being, you can raise your free testosterone levels without lowering your DHT by simply changing your diet. That said, the only thing you stand to gain by taking Test X180 Ignite is a heightened libido and better performance in bed. 

Xtreme Antler: Why It Does Deliver on Its Promises

There are a lot of debates going on over whether or not Xtreme Antler Spray works. Many are calling it one of the best supplements on the market today, while others say that it doesn't deliver on its claims of faster muscle recovery, muscle gains, fat loss, and stronger sex drive.

While I have never tried Xtreme Antler, I have used all but one of its ingredients in some form or another with 100 percent satisfaction. That's why I disagree with those who say that it doesn't work.

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In fact, I know Xtreme Antler Spray can and does deliver on all of its claims, and I can prove it. Here are its active ingredients and most attractive claims, which I found on their website.

1. Deer Antler Velvet: They claim this ingredient will provide a little bit more IGF-1 than your body already produces. Meaning your body will continue to do the job of producing enough IGF-1 on its own, and the little bit that Deer Antler Velvet provides won't make any real difference.
2. Epimedium: They claim Epimedium (horny goat weed) is added because it promotes sexual health (this has been proven by several different studies). 
3. Tribulus: They claim Tribulus helps with muscle gains because of it ability to increase the body's production of testosterone. But Tribulus has never been proven to actually increase testosterone, only to encourage your body to release more luteinizing (sex) hormones; meaning it will help you in the sack.  
4. L-Arginine: Their claim is that it aids in muscle growth and sexual health. L-Arginine is an amino acid that helps your body synthesize protein, it also helps with blood flow to the genitals. It is present in meats, dairy products, and nuts. Again, you are most likely getting enough L-Arginine from the foods that you eat, but getting a little bit more from Xtreme Antler Spray will certainly help you in the sack.
5. Eurycoma Longifolia: They claim it will help build muscle and increase your sex drive. According to their website, Eurycoma Longifolia is "thought" to increase testosterone, not that it "does" increase testosterone. And because of this, you can expect an increase in your sex drive.

I'm sure you see the pattern here, Xtreme Antler Spray does deliver on every one of its promises. It just so happens that the only thing they suggest will happen after using their product is that you will enjoy a great sex life, and you most likely will.

The best thing about Xtreme Deer Antler Spray is that it is taken under the tongue, which makes it more effective because it is absorbed 100% and goes to work in minutes.

Protein Powders: How are They Best Used?

Protein powders have been around for decades and have come a long way since their humble beginnings. Bodybuilders have also come a long way over those years when it comes to how we use protein powders; many of us using them as a way to gain muscle.

But gaining muscle is just one of the benefits of using protein powders, and it's not the best one either. Before I continue, let me say that I often write about the negative influences that professional bodybuilders have on bodybuilders who don't use performance enhancers.

This time however, because of the way in which professional bodybuilders use protein powders (not the way they market them) I will say that their influence is positive. I say that because professional bodybuilders mainly use protein powders to help spare muscle while they are getting cut.

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So the best way for you to use protein powders is when you are getting lean. The ideal way for you to get your protein on a daily basis is by way of the foods that you eat, period. When you are restricting calories, the use of protein powder is a great way to help spare muscle.

If you are not convinced of this, read the label on your protein powder, it will read something like this "use this product as a food supplement only. Do not use for weight reduction." A "food" supplement, meaning you are supposed to get your protein from "food." That doesn't mean you can't use protein powder while bulking.

But, if you do use them while bulking, only do so before going to bed on workout days. This is the best way to get the most out of your protein powder. Another way that you can use protein powder is for a high protein snack, but to use them on a daily basis is simply unnecessary.

Bodybuilders: TRX Workouts Can Help Increase Your Lifts

TRX Suspension Training was created by The Navy SEALs and consists of exercises that use your body weight against gravity to provide resistance. This method of training is popular among professional baseball players, UFC fighters, Olympic-level cyclists, runners, and swimmers.

Now it's time for more bodybuilders to get onboard and take advantage of the many benefits that Suspension Training provides: and they are a more developed core, increased muscle endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance.

But the benefits of TRX Training doesn't stop there, not for bodybuilders, TRX training is a great way to strengthen your stabilizer muscles, and strong stabilizer muscles are essential to bodybuilding.

Bodybuilders who possess strong stabilizer muscles are better at keeping their bodies steady during free-weight lifts. Have you ever had to stop a lift simply because you couldn't keep the weight steady? If so, it was probably your stabilizer muscles that were failing you.

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Working out with a TRX Suspension Trainer is one of the quickest ways for bodybuilders to develop stronger stabilizer muscles. With stronger stabilizer muscles, you will be able to do a larger variety of exercises that will result in muscle gains.

And don't worry about becoming bored with suspension training because you can perform hundreds of exercises in order to target each of your muscle groups. In fact, depending upon the position of your body, suspension training can provide enough resistance to build muscle.

You can even get a fat burning HIIT training workout with the use of a TRX Suspension Trainer. As you can see, there are a lot of benefits that bodybuilders should take advantage of by doing TRX Workouts that are sure to give them the edge that they want in the weight room. More information on TRX Workouts here.