PRO-ANTIUM by Ronnie Coleman Signature Series

This time I'm reviewing Pro-Antium by Ronnie Coleman Signature Series. I’ll start off by saying overall I am really pleased with the quality of this product and highly recommend. Here is why:

 Basically, we have a pretty solid blend of 7 fast, medium and slow proteins, carbs and fats with some goodies like creatine, aminos, and betaine thrown into the mix – I especially like the addition of betaine, which I’ve supplemented with in the past. All in all a great formula for growth and recovery.
Coleman Protein Matrix (Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Hydrolisate, Micellar Casein, Egg Albumin, Calcium Caseinate), Coleman Amino Matrix (L-Glycine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine),
Coleman Lipid Matrix (Sunflower Oil Powder and/or Soy Oil Powder, MCT Oil Powder [from Coconut])),
   Ibiza Cookie Crumbs (Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Soy Bean and/or Palm Oils, Corn Syrup, Salt, Vanilla),
Coleman Suspension Matrix (Glucose Polymers, Inulin, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan), Creatine Monohydrate, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, Sea Salt, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose.
Overall this is a well rounded protein supplement with almost no fillers that’s developed by a guy who, as he says, “knows a thing or two about protein”. And I will freely admit that the reputation of Ronnie Coleman was a factor in how I approached this. RCSS is his company; he’s not just another front man whose picture is on the label, and that holds weight in my mind.
It’s also worth noting that in the past I've been critical of blends that have too many different proteins in too small amounts – and my previous experience with such blends has been unremarkable. So I was probably biased against this aspect of Pro Antium to start. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
In any case this has a solid macro and amino profile. The aminos are a bit less than say, Muscle Feast Premium (understandable due to the differences in formula but still surprisingly close in many aminos) but superior to a lot of the typical blends out there – which leads me to the fact that I appreciate that RCSS has enough confidence to still put the amino profile out there – you can’t find an amino profile of some of his competitors brands to save your life.
So all in all – a solid blended profile.

Taste (10/10): This has to be the best tasting protein ever. It was incredibly good and I never got tired of it. Wake up and drink this with Almond milk as well as post-training which really helped with recovery and went down very easy even after squats and deads when I'm usually too nauseated to drink anything for a while after training.

Mixability (9/10):  Mixes easily with water, no need for a blender, which make it great when you are on the go: shaker, add water, and you are good to go! No Clumps at the bottom of the cup when mixed with water or almond milk.

Recovery (9/10): The older I get, the more this category stands out for me, so I paid close attention to this one. DOMS was decreased, from SUPER sore to less then slightly uncomfortable. Also, while taking the Pro-Antium - my nagging old injuries didn't get any worse even with the heavier and more intense sessions, including the aforementioned squat and dead sessions. 

 Overall (9/10):  I was pleasantly surprised by this product. The quality and quantity of ingredients per serving is an excellent value and far exceeds some of the "top shelf" quality products available.  It tastes, mixes great and its simply top quality. 

To purchase this product and other high quality supplements at incredible prices, contact:

Anthony Crawford at Tone Zone Gym.

Always remember: "WORK WORKS, DO IT!"

Product Review - Infinite Labs Carno Cre

From the Infinite Labs Website:
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine Monohydrate is one of the original forms of creatine that was introduced in the form of a supplement. It is a compound made up of three amino acids: Arginine, Methionine, and Glycine, and is produced primarily in the liver. It can also be found in various meats and fish. Creatine provides additional energy to the muscles, acts as a lactic acid buffer, serves as a hydration mechanism for the cells, and enhances protein synthesis.*
Creatine MagnaPower® The full potential of creatine as a supplement is limited by the lactamation reaction, which alters a major part of the creatine consumed into inert creatinine; this reaction binds the amino group of creatine with its acid group. This reaction will essentially lock up the creatine molecule, transforming it into creatinine and making it anabolically inert. Creatine MagnaPower® eliminates this disadvantage by mixing the creatine with magnesium. Magnesium has strong alkali properties that decrease the environmental acidity of creatine and preserve it in its ready-to-use solution.*
Creatine Pyruvate Pyruvate is a by-product produced in the body during the normal metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates. When glucose is broken down, it produces two molecules of pyruvate; when oxygen levels in the body are high, the pyruvate breaks down into carbon dioxide via a series of reactions in the Krebs cycle. When oxygen levels in the body are insufficient, pyruvate is broken down, anaerobically, to form lactic acid. Increased levels of lactic acid elicit decreased performance levels. Creatine pyruvate introduces lactic acid buffering properties and extends this process so an athlete can train for longer durations of time. Pyruvate also promotes glucose extraction from the bloodstream and into the muscle tissues.*

Di-Creatine Malate Di-Creatine Malate is a highly soluble creatine salt that enhances the creatine bioavailability over regular creatine monohydrate. This particular compound of creatine is combined with malic acid, which plays a natural role in our energy cycle. Malic acid and creatine combined offers a much greater rate of ATP production and may help enhance athletic performance and endurance.*
Beta-Alanine Beta-Alanine is a non-essential amino acid and is the only naturally occurring beta-amino acid. When engaging in intense training, the body will accumulate large amounts of hydrogen ions (H+), which cause the muscles’ pH to decrease and become more acidic. When pH decreases, strength will also begin to subside and fatigue will set in. These limitations hinder you from adequately overloading your muscles and inhibit muscle gains. By supplementing with beta-alanine, the body’s carnosine levels will increase. Carnosine acts as an intracellular buffer, which aids in stabilizing muscular pH by soaking up hydrogen ions that are released during exercise.*
Malic Acid Malic acid is a dicarboxylic acid made by all living organisms. It is formed in metabolic cycles in the cells and is produced and broken down in the human body every day. Malic acid is involved in cell metabolism and is the source of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which assumes a central role in the energy production rates of all cells in the human body. For instance, in both the glyoxalate and Kreb cycles, it provides the cells with carbon skeletons and energy for the formation of amino acids.*
L-Tyrosine L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid with a polar side group found in foods such as fish, dairy and meat. L-tyrosine is a precursor to several neurotransmitters including epinephrine. These chemicals are in charge of various functions such as energy, mood and appetite. Tyrosine has been shown to enhance the metabolic rate of the body.*
L-Histidine L-Histidine is a derivative from the amino acid, Histamine. Histamine is a hormone/chemical transmitter involved in the regulation of stomach acid production and serves as a mediator of immediate hypersensitivity in allergic reactions. When released from cells, histamine causes vasodilation and plays a key role in the production of red and white blood cells. Supplementation with histidine has been shown to increase muscle carnosine concentrations. When combined with beta-alanine, the effects are enhanced.*

A few weeks ago I was approached by my good friend, Anthony Crawford owner of Tone Zone Gym and asked if I'd be interested in periodically review various nutritional supplements. Of course, my answer was "Why Not, I'll be a guinea pig!"

Long story short: the first product I will be reviewing is CarnoCre from Infinite Labs. 

I've used Infinite Labs products in the past and always have been pleased overall with the results. I'm not a big believer in stacking multiple products at the same time as it keeps the toxicity levels to a minimum and also allows me to pinpoint what benefits / negative effects a certain product may cause for me. The only other supplementation I used while on the CarnoCre was Whey Protein and an aspirin a day along with a prenatal multi each morning.

I train in the early am on an empty stomach and mixed one scoop into 16 oz distilled water and took it without food about 15 minutes prior to training. The first thing I noticed was that the powder tends to clump up into larger clumps which have to be broken up before funneling into a water bottle. I had some desiccant packs stuck in a drawer and threw them into the jar just to see if that would help with the clumping. it did a bit which makes me think that the powder is somewhat hydroscopic and therefore very sensitive to any moisture in the air. Not really a problem if you ask me, but I work in a lab and am used to dealing with similar compounds - but it might be a bit of a headache it you're in a hurry to accurately measure and funnel your powder into a bottle.

I let the powder settle into the water for about 30 seconds to allow it to begin to dissolve and then began to shake and surprisingly it went into solution within 30 seconds or so of shaking. I ordered the Grape flavor and although a bit too sweet for my tastes, it was surprisingly tasty. The only modification I did to the serving is add a bit of water to tone down the sweetness a bit.

Within 5 minutes or so - The Beta Alanine caused a tingling "flushing" sensation in my face and shoulders. This is due to capillary function and increased blood flow to the tissues. There was no jitters or nervous energy as is seen in energy drinks, so no increased heart rate or blood pressure for me personally, although I did become more alert and experienced an increased presence of mind and mental focus as well as a sense of well being.

By the time I arrived at the gym (about 15 minutes after drinking the mixture) I felt "pumped" and ready to go! This is where the CarnoCre shines! I was able to perform more sets, more reps per set, with more exercises and all with heavier weights and shorter rest periods that I have experienced in years.

I felt no ill effects like stimulant crash, headache, nausea or other commonly seen issues during or after my sessions. 

Another great side effect of CarnoCre is the fact that I was able to train sled sprints on the same days that I trained squats which Ive never been able to do.

All-in-all, I highly recommend CarnoCre because in spite of having to break it up into smaller clumps it works, works well and works without any deleterious effects.

Until Next Time

workworksDOIT 

Core

You wake up to another day surrounded by the voices and influences of negativity and status quo.

They speak loudly, sometimes screaming that you will NEVER reach the goals you've set for yourself. Telling you how much easier it will be to melt into the mold that others who'd control you and your destiny have waiting for you. Seducing you with visions of ease and comfort. Promising that it's "OK" to be less than what your potential DEMANDS. Giving you a million different reasons that it's fine to accept mediocrity of effort and to wear the chains of unrealized potential.

Will you listen? 

Will you accept less out of yourself than you're capable of?

Will you continue to say, "I'm so sick of (insert whatever) about myself." Or will you GET UP and DO something to become the person you were created to be?

This is NOT about anyone else.  Their opinion doesn't matter.  What they choose to be does not matter. If they will not allow you the freedom to pursue excellence once you've decided to do so - REMOVE THEM FROM YOUR WORLD.

This is about YOU! 

Get UP and stay UP! 

Find something that makes you better in EVERY WAY and DO IT in a way others won't understand.

workworksDOIT

Destination Location

Saturday 12/31/11

The last day of the week.

The last day of the year.

Another year gone from your life.

Ask yourself this question: Where will I be in 6 months?

At what cost do you continue to live in the status quo?

Is your current investment in the future - your personal future - costing you you something? 

Do you choose to continue making payments on a life that never returns the profit you so deserve?

Or will you decide TODAY to begin investing in a life that pays dividends of happiness and joy - To suffer the cost of temporary discomfort for the return of daily EXCELLENCE and GREATNESS for the rest of your life!?!?

Are you living in FEAR? Afraid of failure? 

The ONLY true failure is to do NOTHING!

Get Up on your FEET and Take charge of your LIFE! Develop a plan to arrive at your DESTINY regardless of the COST involved and then IMPLEMENT it!

Do something TODAY that takes you closer to your DREAMS!

It is YOUR life, OWN IT.

workworksDOIT.

Puppeteers

There are those who will try to control you.

They will try to convince you that you need their advice and opinions.

They will use you until you until you are either USED UP or WISE UP!

You don't need them or their empty "life experiences". 

When you practice this, they will panic.

They will "reach out" through mock concern (as transparent as glass), they will make a public spectacle of themselves through statements and acts of self-importance.

They will play the victim or pretend to dismiss you and all the while your STRENGTH invades and occupies their mind EVERY DAY.

THEY DON'T MATTER.

You are an independent person, uninfluenced by others and quietly DESTROYING the resistance you face each day.

Keep quietly doing the WORK that makes YOU better EVERY DAY - IN EVERY WAY.

Keep quietly DESTROYING your own weaknesses.

You are NOT defined by others or their opinions.

EVOLVE.

workworksDOIT.

It's Time.

Think of any one of your friends, co-workers, family members and acquaintances.

WHO would they say you are?

WHAT would they say you are?

Weigh the validity of their analysis in your mind.

Now, ask yourself the question: "WHO and WHAT am I?"

You are NOT a caricature of yourself.

You are NOT defined by the opinions of others.

You are NOT limited to the sum of your abilities, talents and interests.

You have vast untapped reserves of potential - START USING IT.

Quit making excuses of why you can't and begin doing your WORK.

Life is finite. Yours is trickling away whether you like it or not. Do something with it.

Create something with your hands or your mind that did not exist before.

Decide RIGHT NOW to take action and then do at least one thing that makes you better in EVERY WAY.  

Work works - DO IT

Mind Your Mind.

"Where the head goes, the body will follow." 

My Aikido/Kickboxing instructor used to tell me this almost every day. He knew it's truth and tried to get it to sink in. It eventually did and has never failed to be true.

This concept applies to everything in life. EVERYTHING.

Get your mind right.

Learn what works to make you better in EVERY way and DO IT.

Life will try to distract you - Get your mind right.

Failures will try to steal your confidence - Get your mind right.

Success will make you lazy - Get your mind right.

The things that make you better in every way didn't stop working - YOU DID.

Make the return EVERY DAY to the place where growth occurs, this is where pain exists - EMBRACE IT.

No matter how good or bad life may seem, you NEED the stability that returning to your WORK brings.

Time to get up out of your funk and go back to WORK.

workworksDOIT