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Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder Review
This fast-digesting whey protein is perfect for your muscle building and recovery goals.
Product Overview
Protein is the building block of all muscle, right? Then you shouldn’t settle for a dud of a supplement. If that statement is true, and plenty of scientific journals and experts can back it up, then you need a great protein powder worthy of you taking it. For too long you’ve mindlessly scrolled through product pages online, or even worse, stood dazed in the supplement isle trying to find where to start. Not anymore. Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder has everything you need to succeed and see those gains you absolutely want most.
What a good protein powder will do is work to pump you with vital protein for increased muscle growth while also aiding in recovery and muscle repair. The right supplement will be clean and effective with tons of protein, and ideally as little carbs and fat as possible, unless of course you’re bulking. Honest labels and proven ingredients are what you deserve so don’t settle for anything less. Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder does this and much more and is an optimal source of protein setting a new standard for protein supplements.
Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder is an optimal source of protein for those looking to maintain lean muscle, replenish lost nutrients, and have a great tasting protein powder.
Cellucor is a leading sports nutrition brand creating award winning products that are quality you can trust in. With a focus on creating the best supplements for athletes everywhere matched by prompt customer service, Cellucor is on a mission to better the lives of their consumers with top tier supplements, amazing benefits and results, and quality care.
COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder Highlights
Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder is an optimal source of protein for those looking to maintain and grow lean muscle, replenish and restore those lost nutrients from working out, and offering a great tasting, guilt-free option. Packed with protein and loaded with digestive enzymes, this is a great low carb-low fat supplement while also being low in calories and sugar. A great protein matrix combines whey isolate and whey concentrate to give you the best protein blend around to maximize gains and your overall health.
Ingredients
COR-Performance Whey Protein Matrix
Whey Isolate: A more filtered form of whey, this is great for those looking for a leaner source of protein as it filters out the excess carbs and fat. For those looking to increase strength and size and enhance recovery while also aiding in weight loss and management, whey isolate is a great option (1,2).
Whey Concentrate: A great protein source for those looking to bulk as this will be high in protein but also contain come carbs and fat. For those looking to maximize weight management and even weight gain, while seeing great recovery and repair, whey concentrate is a good option (3).
Other Ingredients
Natural & Artificial Flavors, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Protease, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Protease A-S, Lactase
Calories
120
Protein
24g
Carbs
3g
Fat
1.5g
Sugar
2g
Flavors
Molten Chocolate, Whipped Vanilla
Number Of Servings
70
Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder is a great protein supplement setting the new standard in protein to build and maintain muscle, while enhancing recovery. With 70 servings per container, 2 level scoops of this powder will pump you full of those vital nutrients. Two great flavors in Molten Chocolate and Whipped Vanilla ensure you never grow bored with the taste.
Pros
Optimal source of protein to maintain lean muscle and replenish lost nutrients
Packed with 24g protein and only 120 calories
Fast acting whey and digesting enzymes for better absorption and less discomfort
From a reputable company in Cellucor
Cons
Does contain artificial sweeteners for those looking for an all-natural route
A few more flavor options would be nice
Price: $59.99
Featured Cellucor Athlete
Sadik Hadzovic
Sadik Hadzovic is a bodybuilder and Cellucor athlete using their products to round out his supplementation routine with effective and awesome products. Sadik knows what is required to look and feel his best and using only top tier supplements ensures his gains stay intact. Having competed on big stages, like the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia, Sadik seeks to continue to perform at a high level with Cellucor and their amazing line of supplements backing him.
Check out our list of the Best Protein Powders for great muscle building and recovery products!
Wrap Up
Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder is that high protein, low carb/fat protein supplement that is setting the new standard in protein. As an optimal source of protein, this protein powder can help maintain lean muscle, replenish those lost nutrients, and indulge your sweet tooth while being guilt-free. Loaded with protein and great benefits, this is the supplement for you. What you are really getting is a high-quality protein powder from a reputable company with great ingredients, benefits, and results. Try Cellucor Whey Protein Powder today and really work to boost training, performance, and your health.
Try Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder Today
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*Images courtesy of Cellucor
References
Cooke, M.; et al. (2010). “Whey protein isolate attenuates strength decline after eccentrically-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals”. (source)
Pal, S.; et al. (2010). “Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese individuals”. (source)
Devries, M.; et al. (2015). “Supplemental protein in support of muscle mass and health: advantage whey”. (source)
2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro Preview
Here is a look at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro doing up this weekend!
The next big show in bodybuilding will be the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro set to take place on Sunday. Some of the top competitors in the world will gather to Reno, NV vying for qualification to next year’s Olympia.
There will be plenty of action this weekend in Reno. The competition will feature a total of six divisions and it will be headlined by Men’s Open. Joining the big boys on stage will be Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Physique, Bikini, and Fitness. Results will be announced Sunday night with winners getting a head start on preparation for the biggest competition of the year.
Below, you can find a full list of competitors along with some of the top names to watch when they hit the stage over the weekend.
2021 Legion Sports Pro Fest Competitors’ List
Nerio Angulo
Tonio Burton
Maxx Charles
Shaun Clarida
Rafael Del Real
Jesus Escobedo
Martin Fitzwater
Regan Grimes
Brandon Hatton
Kenneth Jackson
Scott Lightfoot
Stan de Longeaux
Cedric McMillan
Patrick Moore
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Christian Salcedo
Joe Seeman
Ron Stevens
2021 Legion Sports Pro Fest Competitors To Watch
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Sergio Oliva Jr. finished sixth at the Arnold Classic but earned his second-straight posing award. He has turned into one of the best posers in bodybuilding and this is part of the battle. During the Arnold Classic, Oliva was not as dry and tight as he needed to be. This is something that could be changed heading into the weekend. Oliva certainly has the size to finish near the top of the show and it will come down to the shape he shows up in.
Regan Grimes
Regan Grimes recently hired a new coach and the progress is already visible. This came quickly after a 15th place finish at the 2021 Olympia a few weeks ago. Grimes has not been in the win column since the 2020 Romania Pro and is looking to change his fortune. Grimes will enter the competition as one of the top competitors and his recent physique updates have shown. Grimes displays massive legs and shoulders along with a small waist. This shows well on stage and if he enters in top condition, Grimes has a chance to compete.
Cedric McMillan
Cedric McMillan has missed some time with injuries and he is looking to get back into serious competition. McMillan was on the broadcast for the 2021 Arnold Classic but was unable to compete. Now that he is cleared, there is a new force to be reckoned with. McMillan will enter the competition as one of the biggest competitors, both in size and height. He has a physique that is well-proportioned and is a strong poser. McMillan will have a chance to have a put on a show in his return.
Patrick Moore
Patrick Moore is another competitor who finished near the bottom of the Olympia. After a 14th place finish, Moore is looking to improve his physique and attempt to qualify for next year’s competition. The reigning California Pro champion is not the biggest competitor but he makes up for it in conditioning and presentation. If Moore enters the weekend in his best shape, he will be a force on stage.
Shaun Clarida
Shaun Clarida is one of the top 212 competitors in the sport. He won the Olympia 212 back in 2020 and finished second to Derek Lunsford this year. Now, Clarida will try his hand in Men’s Open. This is not a permanent switch as Clarida has said that he is not leaving the 212 division. This is a chance to see how Clarida matches up with the big boys in Men’s Open. He is normally an extremely well-conditioned competitor and this might translate well.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
David vs Goliath: Boxing Champ Teofimo Lopez and Hafthor Bjornsson Trade Punches
Teofimo Lopez and Hafthor Bjornsson trade power punches.
Unified lightweight boxing champion Teofimo Lopez had the insane idea of trading power shots with 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson. It was a true David versus Goliath event as Lopez took a shot from a man over 200lbs heavier than him.
When it comes to combat sports weight classes exist for a reason. If weight classes didn’t exist then you’d have heavyweights like Mike Tyson doing battle with welterweights like Floyd Mayweather Jr. In order to combat such mismatches in the game, sanctioning bodies and commissions exist to level the playing field with weight classes.
That said, athletes will often seek to test their might against bigger, stronger training partners. It appears that unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez wanted to test his strength against 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson.
Both men recently crossed paths during their training. While Hafthor Bjornsson has been getting a taste of the boxing life recently, Teofimo Lopez is gearing up to defend his lightweight titles next month. Lopez last fought when he defeated the highly skilled and respected Vasyl Lomachenko. Now Lopez hopes to stave off the Australian challenger George Kambosos Jr.
Ahead of his match with Kambosos however, Teofimo Lopez decided to test his resilience against a much larger man in Hafthor Bjornsson. The two decided to trade power punches in a recent meeting. Hafthor Bjornsson first planted his fist into the Lopez’s abdomen. Backed with 344lbs frame, the shot surely must have felt the impact.
Body shot challenge from “The Mountain” 100% ?
Not one to be outdone, Teofimo Lopez decided to put his might to the test. Hafthor Bjornsson was more than happy to receive the blow from the lightweight champ. After all in boxing you have to be able to dish it as well as take it.
David vs Goliath! Went punch for punch with the World’s Strongest Man!
It’s clear that both men have a mutual respect for each other and had a ton of fun.
What did you think of Teofimo Lopez trading power punches with Hafthor Bjornsson?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Gunter Schlierkamp Full Interview | Beating Ronnie Coleman, Bodybuilding’s Future & More
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Watch the full uncut GI Exclusive interview with Gunter Schlierkamp
Gunter Schlierkamp is a former pro bodybuilder who was known for his mass monster size. In fact, his size was so enormous it challenged Ronnie Coleman… and even beat him in one rare occasion after Ronnie was already Olympia champ. Now retired and dropped down in size – we reconnected with Schlierkamp to get his thoughts on modern bodybuilding and dive into his career.
Gunter Schlierkamp has been rather quiet and less engaged with the bodybuilding world. That’s why we were excited to land a video interview to get his opinion on how things have changed over the years and an first person account of his greatest accomplishments.
Over the past few months we’ve released multiple GI Exclusive segments from our interview with Gunter Schlierkamp. Now we’re releasing the full length interview including topics such as how he beat Ronnie Coleman, his critique on modern bodybuilding physiques, and his thoughts on Phil Heath’s Olympia reign – among other topics.
Listen To Our Gunter Schlierkamp Interview On The Generation Iron Podcast
Our full length interviews are now also in podcast form! Subscribe to the Generation Iron Podcast for candid, full length interviews with the biggest names in bodybuilding, fitness, combat, and strength sports.
Listen to the full Gunter Schlierkamp interview here:
Gunter Schlierkamp Answers: How He Beat Ronnie Coleman In His Mr. Olympia Prime
Gunter Schlierkamp is a bodybuilder who is beloved by many fans in the history of the sport. He may not have earned an Olympia win – but his mass monster physique was impressive and earned him a spot as an icon in bodybuilding. But there is one fact that might be shocking to fans who don’t know Schlierkamp’s career in detail. In 2002, just three weeks after Ronnie Coleman won his fifth Mr. Olympia title, Schlierkamp defeated Ronnie Coleman.
Of course, Ronnie Coleman had been defeated before. It’s well known that Coleman struggled to place high initially before dominating the field. That being said, after he started winning the Mr. Olympia year after year – Gunter Schlierkamp is the only bodybuilder to have defeated him during his reign. How did he do it?
We asked this very question to Gunter Schlierkamp during our latest video interview. His answer has little to do with some sort of mysterious trick – and more to do with continued hard work mixed with a boost of extreme confidence.
Gunter Schlierkamp faced off against Ronnie Coleman at a pro show in New Orleans three weeks after the Mr. Olympia. During the Olympia show – Schlierkamp placed fifth. This his first time making it into the top five at Mr. Olympia. Afterwards, famous bodybuilding journalist Peter McGough came up to him backstage. With extreme excitement, McGough stated that Schlierkamp should have placed in the top five the previous year. His placing in 2002 was vindication of the mistake that the judges made sleeping on him last year.
This news from such a trusted voice in bodybuilding made Gunter Schlierkamp ecstatic. So when he went into the New Orleans show just three weeks later – he had extreme confidence in his own ability going into the show. Not only that but he felt the energy of the fans. Any self doubt was thrown out the window. Mix that with continued hard work – and Schlierkamp found himself with the best conditioned physique he ever had.
Contest timing is always important as well. We asked Schlierkamp if he felt that Ronnie might have peaked at the Olympia only to be off three weeks later. Gunter Schlierkamp dismissed this idea. In his opinion, Ronnie Coleman looked better at the New Orleans show compared to the Mr. Olympia. By that notion, Schlierkamp believes to not have won by luck – but by pure hard work and will power. He didn’t defeat Ronnie on an off day. He defeated Ronnie at the top of his game.
Gunter Schlierkamp: It’s Dangerous For Young Bodybuilders To Get Too Big, Too Fast
We asked Gunter Schlierkamp about his thoughts on Big Ramy’s win and if it will push forward the trend of increasing the average size of pro bodybuilders. Gunter is unsure at the moment whether or not Big Ramy will reign as Mr. Olympia long-term. But he is a bit worried about the growing trend he’s seeing in modern bodybuilding. Less so about mass monster physiques in general and more about how its influencing younger athletes.
Gunter Schlierkamp understands that pushing the limits of size is part of bodybuilding – but he thinks that younger athletes are now rushing too fast to get there. Reaching a weight of near 300 pounds should be a slow process over many years. It shouldn’t be achieved short term. It seems, at least to Schlierkamp, that in today’s society of instant gratification – some young athletes want to reach the pinnacle faster than ever before.
Schlierkamp fears that this will lead to serious health issues. Again, he understands that mass monster physiques are a part of bodybuilding in the big picture. He knows all athletes take some risk to achieve it. But he’s convinced that rushing too fast at too young of an age almost guarantees serious health issues that could be avoided.
Gunter Schlierkamp reflects on Dallas McCarver, who passed away too soon at the age of 26. While it’s impossible to directly connect his cause of death to his mass monster size – Schlierkamp worries that this was the underlying cause.
He recounts a moment just before McCarver died – where he was asked on his opinion of the athlete. He admitted that his physique and size was astounding and impressive. But he also worried that he achieved it at such a young age that something bad would happen. Shortly afterwards, he heard the news of Dallas McCarver’s death. He was deeply saddened by not only the untimely death but the timing of his statement. Was he right? He worries so – and hopes that incoming bodybuilders take their time to build mass monster muscle rather than rush it.
Wrap Up
Gunter Schleirkamp discusses many more topics than what we can cover in this single article. He shares his thoughts on Women’s Bodybuilding and it’s return, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sylvester Stallon – among many other topics. That’s why you should check out the full GI Exclusive interview above! He shares his personal experience and tips for training, nutrition, and more.
Big Ramy Never Before Seen Pics From Trainer Chad Nicholls
Trainer Chad Nicholls has released never-before-seen pictures of Big Ramy prior to 2021 Olympia.
Big Ramy is coming off his second-straight victory at the Olympia just a few weeks ago. Entering the 2021 competition, the Egyptian bodybuilder was viewed as the favorite and a competitor who might be unbeatable. It was a close battle on stage but Big Ramy ended up winning once again. Leading up to the competition, his training regimen might not have been strict.
Big Ramy has been working with trainer Chad Nicholls. We did not see many physique updates leading up to the competition and that is because preparation did not begin until three months before Big Ramy was set to step on stage. He remained in great shape but Nichols revealed that he was 327 pounds at the time the pictures were taken.
During the Olympia press conference, Big Ramy weighed in at 305 pounds. He looked rock-solid on stage and it looked like a physique that was training all year. That was not the case.
“Here are 3 never before seen pics of 2x Mr. Olympia @big_ramy – these were check-in pics taken August 1, 2021 – after only one month of training – his weight is approximately 327 – we started this year‘s Olympia prep July 1 – up until this point he had not trained since the Olympia on December 19, 2020 – let that sink in for a minute – in my opinion it was one of the most amazing preps I’ve ever seen for what he was able to accomplish in a short period of time – next year will be interesting because the game plan has already been put in motion and he will train for the next 14 months to defend the title and to show some thing extraordinary.”
Nicholls shares that Big Ramy did not train from December 2020 when he won his first Olympia until July 2021. This is shocking and when looking at the shape that he was in, quite surprising. This might be why Big Ramy’s victory was a bit controversial this year.
In 2020, there was no doubt who the champion was. This time around, many believed that there were competitors in better shape. Brandon Curry finished second this year while Hadi Choopan was third. There were talks that Choopan was in the best shape and had the best conditioning this year. In the end, it was Big Ramy who celebrated for a second-straight year.
Nicholls continued by saying that Big Ramy will be training for 14 months leading up to next year’s competition. This should make fans excited about what they could see in 2022.
“At the end of the day I love my job but I’m also a Bodybuilding fan I love the contest part of it but the photos leading into the show these never before seen pics are the ones that I love to see and hopefully you will enjoy them as well – I will try and post pics from every couple of weeks leading into the show.”
Big Ramy has said that he will defend his title for years to come. If he trains around the calendar, he will be even more difficult to take down.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
8 Functional Exercises for Building the Glutes
The Importance of Building Stronger Glutes
Many individuals train the glutes with the sole purpose of increasing the size of the muscles to enhance aesthetics.
While this type of functional training is very popular at the moment there is an even better reason to regularly train the glutes out with aesthetics.
Having powerful and functional glute muscles will not only allow you to train and perform at a high capacity, it can also have a significant impact on your overall health (1).When it comes to glute building, there are two exercises which are commonly used in training programs – the squat and the deadlift.
While there is no denying that these two exercises are excellent glute developers, they are not the be-all and end-all.
The 8 Glute Building Exercises
The glutes respond well to a variety of rep ranges and movements. As a result, the following exercises utilize a range of equipment and manipulates volume to really challenge the glutes.
Here are 8 of the best glute building exercises…
1) Barbell Glute Bridge with Band Abduction
Adding in resistance bands to glute dominant movements is a great way to ensure that the muscles are maximally activated throughout the exercise and promote muscle growth (2).Looping a band around the knees will force you to push the knees out and keep them out as you move and place a great load on the gluteus medius, a muscle which is often neglected.
The addition of the band in combination with the glute bridge movement, will contribute to a serious glute burn!
Coaching Points:
1) Assume the glute bridge position, place a resistance band just above the knees and align the barbell with the crease of the hips.
2) Ensure that the shins are as vertical as possible and that the hip is externally rotated to place maximal tension on the glutes rather than the hamstrings (3).
3) Engage the core muscles before driving powerfully through the heels and extending at the hips. At the top of the movement, squeeze the glutes tightly while preventing overextension of the spine.
4) Keep the body in as straight a line as possible and hold this position. From there, look to complete 2-3 hip abductions (driving the knees out to the side of the body) and then return to the floor.
5) Complete 3-5 sets of 5-10 repetitions.
2) Single Leg Barbell Lift With Foot On Wall
The conventional barbell leg lift involves pressing the heel into the floor, however, this unique exercise will look to develop the hamstring as well as the glutes by placing the foot on a wall.
Changing the foot position will mean that you have to drive horizontally rather than vertically which completely changes the dynamic of the exercise and increases the challenge.
As with so many glute based exercises, it is imperative that the movement is driven through the contracting of the glutes and hamstrings rather than through spinal hyperextension.
Coaching Points:
1) Lie flat on your back and align the barbell with the crease of the hips. While maintaining a neutral spine, place one foot flat on the wall.
2) Push horizontally into the wall as you drive the barbell upward through a powerful glute contraction. Pause and squeeze the muscles tightly at the top of the rep.
3) Keep the descent smooth and controlled to maximize tension of the glutes and hamstring. Squeeze the core and non-working glute throughout to ensure that the bar stays level on the hips.
4) Look to perform 3-4 sets of 8-15 reps per leg.
3) Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat (Negative 1 and a Half Rep)
The split squat is a superb exercise that specifically targets the glutes. Conventional split squats are challenging enough, however utilizing 1 and a half reps will really hit the glutes hard.
To maximize muscle activation, it’s important to drop in as deeply as possible and focus on contracting the muscles of the leading leg (not the rear leg). It is equally important to keep as vertical as possible throughout and brace the core to ensure that the exercise is performed efficiently and safely.
To add challenge, loop a resistance band around the shoulders and stand on the other end. This will place an even greater demand on the glutes, specifically during the eccentric phase.
Coaching Points:
1) Assume a split squat position – rear foot should be elevated on a bench which is placed behind the body. Chest should be lifted and core braced.
2) In a controlled manner, count for 3 seconds as you drop down deeply. Rise up to halfway before dropping back down to the bottom again. Complete the rep by fully rising up to standing.
3) Complete 3-4 sets of 5-10 reps per leg.
4) Band Resisted Landmine Deadlift
There are a multitude of deadlift variations that can be utilized to accelerate glute strength improvements.
The landmine deadlift is a straightforward variation which not only allows the glutes to be trained but may also facilitate improvements in deadlift technique.
Coaching Points:
1) Place a resistance band on the floor and step on with feet roughly shoulder width apart. Loop the other end around the bar and hold it tight to the body throughout the duration of the exercise.
2) While keeping the chest lifted, shoulder blades retracted and core tight, gradually push the hips backwards. Avoid any spinal extension or flexion as you hinge forward.
3) As the hips move backwards, you will feel the hamstrings stretch. When you feel this, squeeze the glutes and powerfully drive the hips forward to return to standing.
4) Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.
5) Banded Side Plank Hip Abduction with Bottoms Up Kettlebell Hold
Probably the most technically challenging exercise in the list. The benefit of this exercise extends further than just glute development as the core and shoulder complex are also placed under a great load.
The benefit of holding the side plank is that the core musculature and glutes must all maximally contract to hold the body in position and prevent any unwanted flexion, extension or rotation.
In addition to this, the banded hip abduction places a large demand on the glutes (3) and also adds to the complexity of the exercise.
Coaching Points:
1) Place a resistance band just above the knees and assume a side plank position. 2) With the free hand, grab a kettlebell and hold it directly over the shoulder in the bottoms-up position.
3) Lift the hips off the floor and squeeze all core muscles and glutes to keep the body in a straight line. From this position, abduct at the hip by raising the leg up as far as possible.4) Look to complete 3-4 sets of 6-15 abductions.
6) Double Band Squat Stance Cable Walks
As with many of these exercises, the cable walks work a multitude of muscle groups including the glutes, quads, hamstrings, core, calves and even muscles in the feet.
For this exercise, the pressure will be mostly on the forefoot which is fairly uncommon with many leg / glute based exercises. Therefore, look to dig the toes into the floor throughout.
Coaching Points:
1) Start by looping two resistance bands around the legs – one above and one below the knees. Squat down so that the thighs are approximately parallel with the floor. 2) Grab the cable, row it into the chest and hold it close to the body while also ensuring that the knees are being pushed out against the resistance band.3) Holding the body in the squat position and keeping the core tight, take 8-10 steps backward before walking back to the starting position all while preventing the cable from pulling you out of position.4) Perform 3-4 sets of 4-8 reps. One full repetition is the full 8-10 steps back and forth.
7) Skater Squats
The skater squat is a unilateral (or single limb) exercise which requires strength, mobility, coordination and stability. It will predominantly place stress on the glutes and quads.Start with just bodyweight and gradually advance to a resisted version of the skater squat.
Coaching Points:
1) Starting on one leg, engage the core, begin to squat down and push the non-working leg out behind the body.
2) If possible, drop down until the knee of the back leg touches the floor before driving back up to standing.
3) Complete 3-4 sets of 5-10 reps.
8) Double Banded Seated Glute Abductions
While this is certainly one of the more simple exercises on the list, it is still a highly functional exercise that can effectively serve as a glute activation exercise or as part of a finisher.
Coaching Points:
1) Place two resistance bands around the legs – one above and the other under the knees.
2) From a seated position, squeeze the core and begin to drive the knees out against the band and control them as they return back to the starting position. Aim to keep tension on both bands throughout the movement.3) Look to perform 3 sets of 15-25 reps.
Final Word
Regularly performing a number of above glute orientated strengthening exercises will certainly improve the strength and size of the glute muscles. Even more importantly, it will help to facilitate movement, performance and improve overall well being.
References:
1- Jeong, Ui-Cheol; Sim, Jae-Heon; Kim, Cheol-Yong; Hwang-Bo, Gak; Nam, Chan-Woo (2015-12). “The effects of gluteus muscle strengthening exercise and lumbar stabilization exercise on lumbar muscle strength and balance in chronic low back pain patients”. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 27 (12): 3813–3816. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3813. ISSN 0915-5287. PMC 4713798. PMID 26834359.
2- Lopes, Jaqueline Santos Silva; Machado, Aryane Flauzino; Micheletti, Jéssica Kirsch; de Almeida, Aline Castilho; Cavina, Allysiê Priscila; Pastre, Carlos Marcelo (February 19, 2019). “Effects of training with elastic resistance versus conventional resistance on muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis”. SAGE Open Medicine. 7. doi:10.1177/2050312119831116. ISSN 2050-3121. PMC 6383082. PMID 30815258.
3- Collazo García, César L.; Rueda, Javier; Suárez Luginick, Bruno; Navarro, Enrique (October 17, 2018). “Differences in the Electromyographic Activity of Lower-Body Muscles in Hip Thrust Variations”. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002859. ISSN 1533-4287. PMID 30335717.
4- Boren, Kristen; Conrey, Cara; Le Coguic, Jennifer; Paprocki, Lindsey; Voight, Michael; Robinson, T. Kevin (2011-9). “ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF GLUTEUS MEDIUS AND GLUTEUS MAXIMUS DURING REHABILITATION EXERCISES”. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 6 (3): 206–223. ISSN 2159-2896. PMC 3201064. PMID 22034614.
Top Exercises To Increase Hip Mobility To Improve Performance
Don’t let tight and stiff hips keep you from performing at your maximum level.
Our hips are incredibly important for our overall movement and way of stabilizing and supporting our bodies. Strengthening and stretching the hip muscles can only build more stability and decrease our risk of injury. There are many reasons why we have tight hips, mainly due to sitting at a desk all day or overuse for people who compete in sport or exercise regularly. Even those without hip concerns can benefit from good hip mobility exercises to keep the hips in peak condition.
Mobility is the usable range of motion for that part of the body and is the foundation of support and athleticism. Without full control of our joints and how they move, we will not fully optimize what it takes to succeed at a high level. To push past boundaries, set personal records, and see big gains, we need to have all parts of our bodies mobile and ready to take on any challenge. As a main point of connection between upper and lower body movements, tight hips will prove to be an incredible disservice to any kind of performance.
When it comes to hip strengthening, in efforts to improve mobility, you should focus on the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius. The gluteus maximus is the main extensor muscle of the hip and aids in stability (1), while the gluteus medius connects the thigh bone and pelvis to assist in movement. Be careful not to over work the IT band which is located in front of the hip joint and focus on strengthening the back and sides of the hips. Starting slow is key, especially if you already have tight hips, and eventually you feel great about the progress made with this.
Why Hip Mobility Matters?
Hip mobility matters because it aids in the proper function of the hip joint. Around 15 muscles and 3 major ligaments are involved with the hip joint and that is a lot of working parts to mesh together as one unit. All work together to move and stabilize the hips and while the hip joint is meant to be very stable and slightly less mobile than other joints, it is still important for your hips to work for your benefit without being tight and stiff while also ensuring stability and injury prevention (2).
For performance, hip mobility is huge for extension which helps us run and provides us with great power. Hip flexion allows us to execute big lifts properly and effectively and hip abduction and adduction allow for quick movements to outperform competitors. All of these are stunted with poor mobility and that can be enhanced with hip strengthening (3).
Stretching is great for temporary relief of tight hips but to really improve overall mobility, it requires specific strengthening exercises combined with stretching. Foam rolling and massage therapy can be great for accessing some level of better range of motion (4) and combine that with certain exercises, you will be well on your way to have those mobile yet stable hips.
Bodyweight Warm-Up Exercises
Frankenstein Walks
These will really target your hips, quads, and hamstrings while working on that range of motion. Keeping good posture is key with these to avoid adding extra pain.
How to: With your arms extended in front of you, kick one leg up and extend it out as you swing the leg up to your hands. Lower to the floor and repeat with the other leg. Feel free to change pace and direction as you get comfortable with this exercise.
Hip Circles
Hip circles will work your balance and help improve flexibility and stability as they force you to stay still while providing extra movement. It is great for both legs and improving balance while having to rely on each leg individually to support your full body.
How to: With one leg lifted, move it in circles, both frontwards and backwards, for your desired number of reps. Change legs and repeat the process with that side.
Walking Lunge With Twist
This works to really isolate your quads and hamstrings with the lunge, while working your balance and stability with the twist as you also engage your core.
How to: Execute a lunge motion and once in the lowered position, twist your upper body to the side of the knee that is bent. Slowly bring your body back around and repeat the same process with the other leg.
Weighted Workout Exercises
Wide Stance Squat Below Parallel
By going below parallel, you really work to better target the abductor group to enhance mobility. It is helpful with this to angle your toes slightly outward in the squat position.
How to: With your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart and your toes angled slightly outward, get down into a squat position by pressing your hips back and lower the glutes to the ground. Drop past 90-degrees to get below parallel and pause for a moment. Slowly return to the starting position.
Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts
A challenging exercise, these are great for core strength, as well as balance and hip mobility. It will also provide for a great lower body workout.
How to: Standing on one foot, hold a dumbbell in the opposite hand. With a flat back and engaged core, hinge at the waist and lift your other leg off the ground as you lower the weight to the ground. Return to the starting position and continue for your desired number of reps.
Lateral Step-Up
Another great lower body exercise, it will target all areas of your legs, hit your core, and require good balance to aid in stabilization. You can increase intensity by also increasing the weight.
How to: Hold a weight in front of your chest and stand to one side of the box. Step up onto the box keeping a neutral spine and engaged core and gently step down. Repeat for both sides and for your desired number of reps.
Wrap Up
Hip mobility matters not only for athletic performance but for your overall quality life. Don’t let unwanted pain stop you from doing things you love. While the hips joints can be stable and are meant to keep you balanced and supported, having a great range of motion is what matters and can really help improve all aspects of your life. Try these warm-up and weighted exercises to really strengthen your hips and get that mobility to where it needs to be to perform and feel great about doing so.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Williams, Michael J.; Gibson, Neil V.; Sorbie, Graeme G.; Ugbolue, Ukadike C.; Brouner, James; Easton, Chris (2018). “Activation of the Gluteus Maximus During Performance of the Back Squat, Split Squat, and Barbell Hip Thrust and the Relationship With Maximal Sprinting”. (source)
Holcomb, William R.; Miller, Michael G.; Rubley, Mack D. (2012). “Importance of Comprehensive Hip Strengthening”. (source)
Kendall, Karen D.; Emery, Carolyn A.; Wiley, J. P.; Ferber, Reed (2015). “The effect of the addition of hip strengthening exercises to a lumbopelvic exercise programme for the treatment of non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled trial”. (source)
Cole, Gibwa (2018). “The Evidence Behind Foam Rolling: A Review”. (source)
How Flex Lewis Works Out For Huge Gains & Recovers With CBD
This Flex Lewis workout will give you a great pump for serious growth with CBD as your ultimate recovery tool.
Flex Lewis is a Welsh bodybuilder with a number of titles to his name. He is a 7-time winner of Olympia 212 and has a first place finish at the 2014 Arnold Classic 212 as well. Knowing what is needed to perform at a high level, Flex uses CBD supplements in tandem with his workouts to see the best growth possible.
When it comes to getting a great workout, it can be tough to find the right exercises to do. We all know what we want, but getting there can be the biggest struggle. While many fitness influencers and other social media personalities claim to have the missing link to your bodybuilding success, there’s no better place to look than to the pros for your workout. Not only are these top athletes in the best of shape, but they are living proof of what these gains can do for your overall physique. They are also good role models for us to follow as clear examples of hard work and dedication with a good workout plan.
Flex Lewis is certainly a great influence to take notes from as he’s been there and done it all before.
Full Name: James “Flex” Lewis
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
225-235 lbs.
5’5’’
11/15/1983
Division
Era
Nationality
Men’s 212
2000, 2010
Welsh
With grueling workouts comes the need to take your recovery as seriously as possible. Flex Lewis works out for sheer strength and size, but also knows how beneficial CBD can be to boost all his gains.
About Flex Lewis
James “Flex” Lewis is a Welsh IFBB pro bodybuilder who has won seven Mr. Olympia titles in the Men’s 212 Division consecutively. As a real force in the pro bodybuilding circuit, Lewis spent years perfecting his strength and power which ultimately led him to being one of the best in the world. With over 28 professional contest wins, he has become one of the greatest bodybuilders to leave the UK. While his early career saw its fair share of struggles, he made a name for himself in the UK and has since made his claim as a top bodybuilder in the world, staking his claim as a real Mr. Olympia 212 champion to date and one of the best 212 competitors to ever take the stage.
Flex Training Workout Routine
This workout from Flex Lewis will certainly help see great gains. With a variety of exercises and plenty of opportunity to challenge yourself, you will get a massive pump and boost any and all of your muscle building needs.
#1. Back Day For Those Wide Lats
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Pull-Ups
3
10
Hammer Strength Low Row
3
10
High Rows
3
10
Bent Over DB Rows
3
12
Low Pulley Cable Row
3
12
Back Extensions
3
8
#2. Chest Day For Massive Pecs
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Cable Flys
3
8-12
DB Floor Press
3
10
Seated Hammer Wide Press
3
10
Pec Deck
3
10
Dips
3
15
#3. Leg Day
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Leg Extension
4
10-12
Leg Press
4
10
Hack Squat
4
10-12
Reverse Lunges with Barbell
4
12
Hip Extensions
4
12
DB Lunges
4
12
Standing Machine Calf Raises
4
12-15
Leg Press Calf Raises
4
12-15
#4. Boulder Shoulder Day
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Cross Cable Lateral Raises
3
12
Barbell Front Raises
3
10
Overhead Shoulder Press
3
10
DB Side Lateral Raise
3
10
Plate Extensions
4
10
#5. Biceps & Triceps
Exercises
Sets
Reps
DB Biceps Curl
4
10-12
Barbell Curl
4
10-12
Triceps Pushdowns
3
10
Overhead Triceps Extensions
3
10
Preacher Curls
3
10-12
Cable Curls
3
10-12
Smith Machine Body Weight Push Press
3
10
Seated Close Grip Triceps Press
3
10
Flex Lewis & cbdMD Supplementation For Optimal Recovery
Flex Lewis uses CBD products from a great company in cbdMD, whose mission is to enhance the overall quality life of athletes and everyday people while bringing CBD education, awareness, and accessibility to all. CBD has great potential to aid in a number of ways including relieving muscle pain, reducing anxiety and depression, promoting better sleep, supporting your immune system, and much more (2,3,4).
As an accomplished bodybuilder, Flex knows exactly what he needs to not only grow muscle, but also repair it. Bodybuilding can be a real strain on your body especially those vital joints. How you train impacts what kind of muscle you could build, but how you recover influences how much muscle you actually do build. With cbdMD, Flex has all these needs covered to maximize his own recovery.
Let’s take a look at a favorite cbdMD supplement for Flex. A great topical, this will help relieve any muscle aches and pains in a calming and soothing way for the best effects.
cbdMD Recover Tub
cbdMD Recover Tub offers soothing CBD cream with pain killing and herbal ingredients for a warming sensation while providing temporary relief from minor aches and pains.
Recover is a CBD cream made from soothing herbal ingredients and pain killing medicine to help relieve any muscle soreness and pain. Superior Broad Spectrum hemp extract works with histamine dihydrochloride, to provide temporary relief and increase blood flow, while other ingredients like arnica, aloe vera, and MSM, provide a creamy, moisturizing base. Perfect for sore muscles and joint pain, Recover is a great supplement for you.
Check out our list of the Best CBD Supplements for more great pain relieving products!
Wrap Up
Flex Lewis is an accomplished and world class bodybuilder who knows exactly what it takes to see huge gains. On top of it all, working out doesn’t come without its fair share of pains and strains and knowing what to use to optimize recovery as best you can will greatly affect the amount of muscle grown. CBD supplements are incredible in that they work to alleviate muscle pain and soreness in a safe and natural way. Flex uses cbdMD for all his CBD needs as they are reliable and only produce the highest quality products as he seeks to continue his dominant reign atop the bodybuilding world.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Flex Lewis Instagram
References
Boyaji, Shafik; Merkow, Justin; Elman, R. N.; Kaye, Alan D.; et al. (2020). “The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Chronic Pain Management: An Assessment of Current Evidence”. (source)
Shannon, Scott; Lewis, Nicole; Lee, Heather; Hughes, Shannon (2019). “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series”. (source)
Nichols, James M.; Kaplan, Barbara L. F. (2020). “Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol”. (source)
Best Caffeine Pills For Runners & Clean Energy 2021
Are these caffeine pills good for runners?
As far as natural stimulants are concerned, caffeine is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most effective there is. But considering that it can enhance your life in more ways than one, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Here are just some benefits you’re likely to enjoy when you use caffeine sparingly:
Improved cognitive performance
Increased energy and alertness
Boosted athletic performance
We’re sure you’ll agree that all the above sounds great, but what happens if you use caffeine incorrectly?
Well, a notable side effect of caffeine is that you may experience jitters if you consume caffeine in high dosages. Energy crashes are another issue associated with an excess amount of caffeine, which we’re certain you’ll want to avoid as a runner. Thankfully, it’s easy to keep things in check by paying close attention to your overall caffeine intake. And yes, that means you’ll probably need to cut down on the amount of energy drinks, coffee, and tea you’re drinking!
So, if you’re a runner looking for the ideal caffeine supplement, you’ve come to the right place. In the following guide, we’ll look closer at the benefits of caffeine for runners, how much is safe to consume per day, and much more.
So, without any further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the…
Best Caffeine Pills for Running: Performance Lab Stim
Performance Lab Stim is ultramodern stimulation for precision and performance to help restore caffeine-depleted brain chemicals for clean energy.
Is Caffeine Good For Runners?
Everyone experiences those days where you just don’t feel like exercising, or perhaps you need a bit of a morning pick me up when you wake up feeling tired. Either way, caffeine can provide you with the boost of energy you need to perform at your best. So long as you don’t consume too much per serving, that is.
So, before you consume every source of caffeine under the sun, you need to realize that consuming too much could adversely affect your health and your athletic performance. As a rule of thumb, we’d recommend an absolute maximum of 200 mg caffeine per serving – the equivalent to around two average cups of coffee. If you limit your caffeine intake, you can avoid the common side effects that it can cause when consumed excessively and can also prevent yourself from building up a tolerance to caffeine.
Read on for some frequently asked questions about caffeine pills.
Do Caffeine Pills Actually Work?
Regarding this question, the short answer would be yes, absolutely. When you use them in the right way, caffeine pills can help considerably regarding energy and alertness. And thanks to their affordability and accessibility, caffeine pills have long been a popular choice for those looking for a quick, convenient boost without having to consume a caffeinated beverage.
However, one thing to remember is that you should proceed with caution when using caffeine pills. This is because some products on the market contain mega doses which might do more harm than good. Thankfully, limiting your intake to a maximum of 400 mg per day and opting for caffeine pills with a lower dosage per serving can deliver excellent results for runners and non-runners alike.
Do Caffeine Pills Help You Lose Weight?
Caffeine is an ingredient commonly found in fat burners, pre workout supplements, and, of course, caffeine pills. But if you’re looking to shed a few lbs. by running, you might just be wondering if caffeine pills can help you with your weight loss efforts. If so, research has shown that high caffeine consumers reduced weight, fat mass and waist circumference more than those with a low caffeine intake [1]. Thanks to these benefits of caffeine, you’ll likely eat less and probably won’t feel tempted to snack excessively throughout the day.
Are Caffeine Pills Safe For Runners To Take?
In general, caffeine pills are fine for runners to take as they can have a positive effect on your athletic and nootropic performance more often than not. Many runners across the globe use caffeine pills regularly since they’re a convenient way to give yourself a boost while also being perfect for those who don’t like to drink coffee or tea. However, if the caffeine pills you’re interested in buying contain a large dosage of over 200 mg per serving, it’s probably worth steering clear as it’s likely that you’ll experience jitters or energy crashes at some point. Especially if you have a low tolerance, the amount of caffeine per serving is something that you should pay close attention to.
Another important consideration is which ingredients are in the caffeine pills you’re looking at buying. If you’re not sure where to start, continue reading as that’s exactly what we’ll look into in the next section.
Best Caffeine Pills Ingredients
Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of caffeine pills for runners, another important consideration is the accompanying ingredients you should look out for.
As it happens, that’s exactly what this section is all about.
L-Theanine
An amino acid that’s naturally found in green tea, L-Theanine is an ingredient capable of heightening the performance-enhancing effects of caffeine. So, if you feel that your energy could do with a boost, this is most definitely an ingredient you should look out for.
Best of all, research shows that the combination of Caffeine and L-Theanine leads to enhanced cognitive performance, improved alertness, as well as the ability to focus better. [2].
B-Complex Vitamins
When consuming caffeine, a depletion of B-vitamins is likely to occur, most notably Folate, B6, Riboflavin, and B12. [3] It’s especially important to keep your levels topped-up with B-Vitamins as the most important vitamins for energy metabolism. Because of this, it’s important for your chosen caffeine pills to include B-complex vitamins so they can be restored once caffeine has taken them away.
The best caffeine supplements on the market will include the above vitamins among its ingredients, which leads to a healthier stimulation experience on the whole.
L-Tyrosine
A common side effect among caffeine consumers is the inevitable crash that comes when you take in too much in one serving. Luckily, this precursor amino acid can help significantly to achieve sustained attention and mood once the effects of caffeine have worn off. Research also shows that in supplement form, L-Tyrosine can support stress-depleted neurotransmitters. [4]
Therefore, it’s clear that L-Tyrosine is a useful caffeine supplement ingredient, particularly for those adversely affected by an excess caffeine intake.
How To Choose Good Caffeine Pills
If you’re searching for natural caffeine pills that will provide you with a boost of energy when you need it the most, you’ve got plenty to choose from on the market. The problem is that caffeine capsules aren’t created equal – something you should always remember before hitting that buy button. Luckily, you can narrow down your choice of which caffeine tablets to buy by taking certain factors into account.
Read on as we take a closer look at how to choose the best caffeine pills to leave you feeling energized and ready to take on your next run.
Caffeine Content
Considering that an average cup of coffee contains around 80-100 mg of caffeine, the caffeine pills you choose shouldn’t have much more than this per serving if you’re looking to avoid common side effects. Research suggests that healthy adults (aged 19 or above), can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day [5]. If you’re able to stay within this limit, then it can most definitely have a positive effect on your running performance over time.
Other Ingredients In The Supplement
Caffeine itself is an excellent ingredient for boosting your performance while running. But when it’s combined with certain other ingredients, you can take things to a whole new level. L-Theanine is a great example, with this amino acid known to boost the performance enhancing benefits of caffeine, as covered in the previous section. Many people also don’t know that caffeine depletes B-Vitamins; and caffeine consumption leads to a loss of minerals and vitamins through frequent urination. However, some caffeine pills contain synthetic ingredients or additives that could put your health at risk.
Because of this, it’s always worth scrutinizing the ingredients label and only opting for caffeine supplements containing science-backed ingredients, such as the ones we looked at earlier in the article.
Effectiveness & Taste
When buying caffeine pills, it’s important that you take the product’s effectiveness into account. That way, you can ensure that the product you choose delivers on its promises. A lot of this comes down to how much caffeine there is in each serving, as well as which ingredients it uses. We’re certain the last thing you’ll want to do is waste your hard-earned cash, so be sure to do your research before buying.
Regarding taste, this usually isn’t much of a deciding factor when purchasing caffeine pills. But if you’re not a fan of caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks or coffee, caffeine pills are a fantastic option.
How You’ll Use Them
One of the best things about caffeine pills is that they’re incredibly convenient. No longer will you need to get in line at your local coffee house to get your fix before you head out for a run!
However, you should always use caffeine pills carefully, as an overreliance on caffeine could lead to potential health issues further down the line including insomnia, elevated blood pressure, and nervousness. Besides that, there’s also the fact that you could end up building a tolerance to caffeine if you consume it excessively. Thankfully, you’re able to avoid unwanted side effects by limiting the amount of caffeine you consume. By taking such an approach, you’ll be able to fuel your runs effectively and can focus on other tasks you need to complete throughout the day.
Your Tolerance Of Caffeine
Since everyone responds differently to caffeine, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when using this natural stimulant. To do just that, you should stick to caffeine pills with a lower amount of caffeine per serving. Then if you feel you need an extra boost, you can always take another pill or combine it with another suitable supplement.
Best Caffeine Pills of 2021
So, we’ve covered the benefits of caffeine for runners and how to choose the best caffeine pills. Now, you’re probably looking for a recommendation for the best option on the market, right? If that’s the case, then you needn’t look any further, as that’s exactly what we’re about to cover.
Performance Lab Stim
A smart, clean alternative to excessively dosed, poor-quality energy drinks and pills on the market, Performance Lab® Stim takes all the best caffeine pill ingredients and combines them into one quality formula comprising the following ingredients:
Natural Caffeine, 50 mg
Suntheanine® L-Theanine, 100 mg
Ajipure® L-Tyrosine, 250 mg
NutriGenesis® Caffeine Balance B-complex
Allowing for enhanced nootropic and athletic performance, Stim ensures that you’ll be able to perform at your best during your runs with fewer side effects than alternatives on the market. 50 mg of caffeine in each serving of Stim ensures that you’ll get better stimulatory benefits as opposed to other caffeine pills which provide crazy doses of up to 300 mg per serving. Best of all, Stim offers the cleanest caffeine delivery in the world, with all ingredients contained within the 100% natural, prebiotic-infused, and vegan-friendly NutriCaps®.
Caffeine & L-Theanine – The Perfect Combo
In terms of caffeine supplement ingredients, it’s clear that L-Theanine is right up there with the most important in 2020 and beyond. This is because when it’s combined with caffeine, these two ingredients promote a super stimulation state vital for optimal performance while running. What makes Stim even better is that it uses the most researched-backed form of L-Theanine – Suntheanine®. And thanks to the included 100 mg dosage, you’re able to enjoy as much L-Theanine as what you’ll find in over 10 cups of brewed green tea.
Does Stim Stack Well With Any Other Supplements?
Regarding natural performance enhancing supplements for running, Stim can undoubtedly make an enormous difference. But if you’re looking to go a step further, it’s possible to stack this supplement with others without experiencing the negative side effects caused by an excessive dose of caffeine.
Performance Lab Energy
Performance Lab Energy is what you need to supercharge daily performance with stim-free vitality to boost exercise intensity with no jitters or crashes.
Free from stimulants, Energy goes a long way in boosting your mental vitality and exercise intensity. Even better, it does just that without a megadose of caffeine known to cause jitters, energy crashes, and more.
Conclusion
When it comes to using caffeine pills for running, it’s safe to say that they can benefit you greatly so long as you use them correctly. Not only will they provide you with a much-needed energy boost, they’ll also increase your alertness, and can even help you lose weight in the long run. But always remember to choose your caffeine pills wisely – opting for a product with a reasonable dosage per serving. If you’re able to do just that, you’ll likely avoid side effects such as jitters or energy crashes – issues that you needn’t worry about when using supplements such as Performance Lab Stim.
Try Performance Lab Stim Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Performance Lab
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16076989/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21040626/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27988/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18606630
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5445139/
Generation Iron Supplement Awards 2021
Here are the winners for Best Products of the Year 2021.
Best Protein Powder: NutraBio Whey Protein Isolate
NutraBio 100% Whey Protein Isolate is a fast acting supplement to promote support, repair, and recovery to better muscle protein synthesis and make those gains come to life. A clean product, this is perfect for your protein needs.
NutraBio Whey Protein Isolate is the ultimate protein powder to provide fast acting support, repair, and recovery while working to boost muscle protein synthesis. A 100% transparent label shows honesty and 25g of protein with minimal carbs and fat are perfect for you health and gains.
Best Pre-Workout: Cellucor C4 Ultimate
Cellucor C4 Ultimate is a powerful pre-workout supplement designed to increase energy, provide powerful muscle pumps, and enhance focus for peak performance. Effective ingredients and a fully transparent label ensure you get the best for your pre-workout needs.
Cellucor C4 Ultimate is a great pre-workout designed to deliver serious energy, provide powerful pumps, and enhance muscular endurance. Clinically-studied ingredients and a cutting-edge formula ensure you get the best results.
Best Fat Burner: National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner is a great supplement for weight loss and optimizing muscle building. A clean, high-quality, and science driven fat burner allows for optimal benefits.
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner is a clean, effective, and powerful product designed to target stored fat and deliver high amounts of energy. With 10 great ingredients, this will optimize muscle building and recovery while maintaining lean muscle and igniting fat loss.
Best Vegan Product: Enhanced Labs Protein-Tech
Enhanced Labs Protein-Tech uses grass-fed bovine bone broth and is free of any artificial ingredients. With 20g protein, this supplement will give you a great spike for muscle growth with digestive assistance and bone and joint support.
Enhanced Labs Protein-Tech is whey-free and made from grass-fed bovine bone broth, a full spectrum collagen source. This high-quality protein contains prebiotics for better digestion and optimal nutrient support.
Best Protein Bar: Jacked Factory Authentic Bars
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are made with authentic ingredients with great taste and results. No artificial sweeteners make these bars great for muscle growth and recovery.
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are the best protein bars for ingredients, taste, and results. Made with real ingredients and whey protein isolate, this contains no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, only giving you a clean product.
Best Women’s Product: National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner is a great supplement for weight loss and optimizing muscle building. A clean, high-quality, and science driven fat burner allows for optimal benefits.
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner is a clean, effective, and powerful product designed to target stored fat and deliver high amounts of energy. With 10 great ingredients, this will optimize muscle building and recovery while maintaining lean muscle and igniting fat loss.
Best Post-Workout: NutraBio Alpha EAA
NutraBio Alpha EAA is a novel formula to promote better focus, recovery, and hydration. A non-stimulant source of energy offers the best benefits with quality amino uptake and absorption.
NutraBio Alpha EAA is novel formula to promote focus, recovery, and hydration and delivers a healthy dose of EAAs and BCAAs. This supplement will work to improve brain function, enhance mental acuity, balance cortisol levels, and increase power output. From a reputable company, this is a top tier supplement.
Best Muscle Building Product: Enhanced Labs Anabolic IV
Enhanced Anabolic IV is for those serious about building muscle and boosting recovery. With 23 highly effective ingredients, six blends work to tackle all of your needs.
Enhanced Labs Anabolic IV is for those serious about muscle gains. With 23 highly effective ingredients, this will promote protein synthesis and decrease fatigue with an advanced formula of six blends.
Best Ready To Drink Product: Reign Total Body Fuel
Reign Total Body Fuel is the ultimate fitness focused beverage with caffeine, CoQ10, electrolytes, and BCAAs all working to increase performance.
Reign Total Body Fuel is packed with BCAAs, CoQ10, electrolytes, and caffeine making this the perfect energy drink. With zero sugar, artificial flavors, or colors, this low calorie beverage can increase energy and power while aiding in recovery.
Best New Brand: Unbound
Unbound is a top tier company on a mission to design and create high-quality supplements for those who set the highest standards.
Unbound is a great supplements company seeking those who set the highest standards. Athletes who use Unbound products are unequaled and seek the best out of their products. When it comes to fueling your body, Unbound has you covered.
Best Health & Wellness Product: National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin is great for those bodybuilders looking to optimize performance. With 20 essential vitamins and minerals, this is a safe and natural multivitamin for all of your needs.
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin is a great multivitamin to pump you with those vital nutrients. Advanced ingredients and a great formula allow you to perform better and recover faster while boosting your overall health.
Best Testosterone Booster: Enhanced Labs Black Ox
Enhanced Black Ox is a powerful natural test booster with a 2-in-1 formula made from 11 proven ingredients. This is great for testosterone production and regulating estrogen.
Enhanced Labs Black Ox is an incredibly powerful natural testosterone booster designed from a 2-in-1 formula made from 11 scientifically proven ingredients. This will work to boost testosterone production and regulate estrogen while helping with weight management and optimizing hormone levels.
Best Breakout Product: National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner is a great supplement for weight loss and optimizing muscle building. A clean, high-quality, and science driven fat burner allows for optimal benefits.
National Bodybuilding Co. Strongest Fat Burner is a clean, effective, and powerful product designed to target stored fat and deliver high amounts of energy. With 10 great ingredients, this will optimize muscle building and recovery while maintaining lean muscle and igniting fat loss.
Best Brand: Enhanced Labs
Enhanced Labs is a team of bodybuilders, chemists, and innovators working with cutting-edge advancements in technology and chemistry to make effective hardcore supplements.
Enhanced Labs is a team of bodybuilders, chemists, and innovators creating the most effective hardcore supplements on the market. With cutting-edge technology and chemistry, their products give athletes the best chance at seeing those desired results.
Best Workout Product: Serious Steel Fitness 32” Resistance Training Bands
Serious Steel Fitness 32’’ Resistance Training Bands are perfect for strength training and mobility goals. Ranging from 2-200lbs., these bands are portable, functional, and high quality.
Serious Steel Fitness 32” Resistance Training Bands are a great training tool to offer next level resistance for strength and mobility goals. Ranging from 2 lbs. to 200 lbs., these are portable, functional, and durable to maintain tension and offer the best for range of motion.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.