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Your Daughter On Steroids?
For people who work to get in shape through natural exercises devoid of steroids, grasping the reasons as to why athletes, for instance cyclists or even bodybuilders, can compromise their careers and risk their healthy lifestyle by using performance enhancers is quite hard to comprehend. Anabolic steroids are some of the most lethal drugs under … Read More →
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hCG Intramuscular As An Alternative To Subcutaneous
Q: Why would someone recommend HCG intramuscular, instead of sub-q? A lot of dudes seem to use it this way. I just always thought HCG and insulin were sub-q. A: Believe it or not, the manufacturer recommends HCG injections intramuscular. Odd, huh? Who knew? It is a little known fact that has been bypassed by … Read More →
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KalpaPharm.com Reviews
Nowadays people have realized the harmful effects of steroids, but the habit of juicing is a very tough one to give up. KalpaPharm is one of the pioneers in providing anabolic and androgenic steroids. This is not a very old company, but they are already quite well known. Products There are a lot of drug … Read More →
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Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Vitality Review
This testosterone booster can work to control estrogen and cortisol production.
Product Overview
When it comes to those of us who train hard and look for the best to optimize our health, looking to supplements with proven results is the best way to go. For those of us active individuals who may be suffering from low testosterone, we are only hurting ourselves by not getting the proper help needed out of our routine. Testosterone and vitality boosters are ways to boost testosterone levels while also controlling estrogen and cortisol production to ensure your health is fully optimized and performance is fully maximized. Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Vitality is that testosterone and vitality boosting supplement you need most today.
Testosterone is a vital sex hormone used in a number of bodily functions from things like muscle growth and development, bone density, cognitive functions, weight management, and sex drive. Low testosterone levels are what you just don’t need and can greatly affect how you perform day in and day out. For boosting vitality, we need to consider why that’s important and the answer is simple; to live stronger and more active lives.
Shop at Transparent Labs
Transparent Labs is a solid company who prides themselves on transparency and honesty when it comes to their labels and ingredients. With no added artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives, Transparent Labs works to bring you the top of the line ingredients at clinically effective doses with no hidden formulas. Transparent Labs products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Utah that is certified current good manufacturing processes (CGMP) and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each product is third party tested to keep the quality as high as possible and the buying experience as easy as possible.
Transparent Labs Vitality Highlights
Transparent Labs Vitality is an innovative 3-in-1 natural hormone optimizing supplement that can work wonders for your overall health and performance goals. This supplement works to boost testosterone levels while controlling estrogen and cortisol production so those suffering from low testosterone never have to worry. With a powerful formula packed with amazing ingredients, this supplement sets the foundation for lean muscle gains, fat burning, strength, libido, confidence, and overall vitality to ensure your workouts, activities, and lifestyle are all enhanced. With no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives, you know Vitality is clean with proven and effective ingredients.
Ingredients
Zinc: Supports fertility and testosterone production in adult males (1). Can increase sperm and overall testosterone levels.
Organic Ashwagandha Extract: A versatile adaptogenic herb, it promotes healthy levels and mitigates stress-induced cortisol secretion (2).
Shilajit Extract: Can improve vitality and can increase total testosterone and free testosterone levels.
Quercetin Dihydrate: A vital micronutrient, this can serve as an antioxidant to important body systems. Protects the Leydig cells by preserving testosterone levels and fertility (3).
DIM (Diindolylmethane): Regulates estrogen metabolism and plays an important role in gene expression in men and women. Can also affect muscle growth, recovery, libido, and mood.
LJ100 (Standardized Eurycoma longifolia extract): Can increase the ratio of testosterone to cortisol and show improvements to lean body mass, strength, and muscle size (4).
Bioperine (Black Pepper Extract): Enhances bioavailability so nutrients are absorbed more efficiently in the body.
Boron: Can boost free testosterone and reduce estrogen and plays an important role throughout the body in numerous ways.
Servings Per Container
30
Serving Size
2 Capsules
Best Way To Take
Take two capsules daily with water.
Price & Effectiveness
Transparent Labs Vitality is an innovative 3-in-1 supplement that works to optimize your hormones and boost testosterone to give you the most out of training and your overall health. With 30 servings per container, 2 capsules will give you a great serving size so all these great ingredients hit you harder.
Pros
Innovative 3-in-1 natural hormone optimizing supplement
Great for boosting testosterone and controlling estrogen
Transparent and honest label
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
Premium priced option
Only available on their website
Price: $49.00
Featured Athlete
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, better known as “The Mountain”, is a sponsored Transparent Labs athlete. Rising quickly in the world of strongmen, his most recent win came at the 2020 Arnold Strongman Classic making him the first athlete to place first and take home the title of World’s Strongest Man, World’s Ultimate Strongman, and champion of The Arnold Strongman Classic. He uses Transparent Labs’ supplements as a way to stay at the top of his game, seeking to be the world’s strongest man whether he’s competing or not. With a company like Transparent Labs that Bjornsson can trust, everything he does is back by a great supplements company with his best interests in mind.
Check out our list of the Best Testosterone Boosters for more vitality and T boosting supplements!
Overall Value
Transparent Labs Vitality is that 3-in-1 supplement you’ve been waiting for as it works to boost testosterone and control estrogen and cortisol production. As athletes, we know how important testosterone is and having low levels can seriously affect not only training and performance, but also our health and wellness. With Transparent Labs driving these great supplements to the market, you can be comfortable knowing what you’re getting is a top tier testosterone and vitality booster. What you are really getting is a high quality testosterone booster with clean and effective ingredients from a transparent and honest company. Check out Transparent Labs Vitality today and take care of all your testosterone boosting needs.
Try Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Vitality 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 Transparent Labs, Hafthor Bjornsson Instagram & Envato
Tikkiwal, M.; Ajmera, R. L.; Mathur, N. K. (1987). “Effect of zinc administration on seminal zinc and fertility of oligospermic males”. (source)
Singh, Narendra; Bhalla, Mohit; de Jager, Prashanti; Gilca, Marilena (2011). “An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda”. (source)
Khorsandi, Layasadat; Orazizadeh, Mahmoud; Moradi-Gharibvand, Nahid; Hemadi, Masoud; Mansouri, Esrafil (2017). “Beneficial effects of quercetin on titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced spermatogenesis defects in mice”. (source)
Khanijo, Thasanee; Jiraungkoorskul, Wannee (2016). “Review Ergogenic Effect of Long Jack, Eurycoma Longifolia”. (source)
Top Six Ways To Test Your Body’s Limits
Best Ways To Test Your Strength and Body’s Limits
If you’ve been around the fitness scene for some time, you probably have been asked “how much can you bench?” or “how many muscle-ups can you do?” Even if you know the maximum weights you can lift, you still have a feeling that you can do better.
In this article, we’ll give you solid ways of testing your body’s limit so that the next time you face a life-or-death situation or a simple question as above, you know what you’re capable of doing.
Squat, Curl, and Push Press
Fit: 20 reps in one minute
Above-average: 18 reps
Ordinary: 16 reps
The squat, curl, and push press will test your anaerobic conditioning. Anaerobic endurance refers to your ability to work at the near-maximal intensity in bursts of 20 to 60 seconds. In this type of exercise, your body uses fat as a source of fuel.
Test – Pick up dumbbells that are roughly 30 percent of your body weight and hold them by your sides while placing your feet shoulder-width apart. Perform a squat, curl the dumbbells to your shoulders as you stand up, and then press them straight overhead using your legs. Return to the starting position and repeat for one minute.
One Controlled Wall Squat
Fit: Full squat in control
Above Average: Halfway down
Ordinary: Less than halfway
The controlled wall squats test your mobility which is one of the most undervalued aspects of fitness. The more mobile you are, the better you can move your joints through their full range of motion and the less likely you are to be injured.
Test: Stand facing a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes 2 inches from the baseboard and turned slightly out. Keeping your feet flat, chest up, and back naturally arched, see how far you can lower your body without touching the wall or falling backward.
Long Jump
Fit: 8 feet or more
Above Average: 6 to 8 feet
Ordinary: Less than 6 feet
Explosive strength is an integral part of overall fitness. There is a reason why everyone from college strength coaches to drill sergeants uses the standing broad jump to gauge raw power.
Test: Stand with your feet placed shoulder-width apart and your toes on a line. Dip your knees, swing your arms, and jump as far as you can. Measure the distance from the starting line to the back of your heels.
Clapping Push-ups
Fit: 10 clapping push-ups
Above Average: 5 clapping push-ups
Ordinary: No clap
A strong upper body makes all the difference inside and outside the gym. It gives you an edge in most sports, whether you’re trying to tackle an opponent in football or trying or spring off the mat in a UFC Octagon.
Test: Place your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet should be closer than shoulder-width. Use the 3:1 ratio as a guide – lower yourself 3 times slower than you push. Push yourself back up explosively so your hands leave the floor. Maintain a straight body as you clap in midair and land back in the starting position.
Plank
Fit: More than three minutes
Above-average: 2 to 3 minutes
Ordinary: one minute or less
Planks are one of the most brutal exercises. They are one of the exercises which look easy from far away but can kill you once you start performing them. Planks entered the mainstream as CrossFit caught fire.
Test: Get into a planking position by placing your forearms on the floor. Your elbows should be directly under your shoulders and your entire body should be in a straight line throughout the exercise. Brace your core by contracting your abs as if you were about to be punched, and hold the position for as long as you can.
Deadlift 1.75 Times Your Bodyweight
Fit: 1.75 x bodyweight
Above Average: 1.5 x bodyweight
Ordinary: Bodyweight
Deadlifts have been a symbol of machoism for a long time. There are only a few other exercises that can test your strength like the deadlifts. Deadlifts are a must for people who want to build strength and muscle mass.
Test: Since you’ll be performing a one-rep max, load a barbell with the maximum amount of weight you can lift once, and bring the bar close to your shins. You need to make sure you’re following the correct form or otherwise you risk getting injured.
How much can you bench? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
3 Fool-Proof Strategies For Bigger Stronger Calves
Turn those calves into cows.
When most people think of bodybuilders they imagine shredded abs, a broad chest, and ripped arms. Just an overall massive upper body akin to a superhero. But that would only be half the story. Many people who first begin bodybuilding are so obsessed with building their upper bodies that they forget about developing their legs as well. Unless you want to be massive with chicken legs, then you’re going to have to work your lower half.
But even when people do move on to training their legs they focus a great deal on building up their quads and their hamstrings rather than every bit of the leg. The problem is that in order to build a strong foundation you’ve got to have a bottom up approach. That means if you want to own some strong legs in shredded shape then you’re going to have to build up the lowest placed muscle on your body.
The calves are just as important to building symmetry as building up well defined forearms. No one wants 20 inch biceps with some puny forearms. Your arm would look more like a chicken leg than a vascular piece of muscle. The same goes for the legs. Having calves that are both big and strong will ensure that your body’s proportion will stay in order.
Not even Arnold Schwarzenegger could rest on his laurels when it comes to calf definition. It was a body part that he neglected and because of that he wasn’t placing as high as he wanted despite an impressive upper body. Of course, he changed that quickly – and you should too. If you want to be a pro or if you simply want to have a symmetrical form then you’re going to need impressive calves.
If you’re interested in building up some bigger stronger calves then take these valuable strategies under consideration.
High Reps (Muscle Endurance and Strength)
The calves are a multifunctional muscle group that can be built up not only for endurance, but for strength as well. Calf raises isn’t the only exercise that can be performed for gains in the muscle group, but it’s perhaps the most focused exercise for the particular area. The high rep strategy requires you to perform upwards of 30 reps within 2 sets and can prove to be the recipe to giving your calves some great muscle endurance and aid in bolstering your heavy lifts on leg day.
One Legged Calf Routine
The benefits of one legged calf raises are pretty apparent. By performing the exercise one leg at a time you’ll ensure that you’re not only making some major calf gains, but also increasing your balance and overall leg development. That same balance under stress can translate to other lifts that require sturdy legs like the squat.
Inner and Outer Calf Raises
It’s possible to work the calves without this method, but by focusing on specifically building the inner and outer parts of your calves you’ll be able to sure up any lagging points found in the muscle group. By performing calf raises in the pigeon toes style for the inner calves (toes point towards each other, heels out) or duck feet style for the outer calves(toes pointing outward, heels inward), the entire muscle group will be worked at every angle.
What’s your favorite exercise to build your calves? Let s know in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
How To Deadlift Without Passing Out
Don’t fall face first into the weights.
We’ve all seen it before. Guys passing out from doing heavy deadlifts. It’s a phenomenon that has left many viewers holding their ribs in mind numbing laughter while leaving others scratching their heads. What the hell causes that to happen in the first place? Is it the mental stress of performing the lift or is there some other cause behind this strange occurrence?
When you’ve been lifting for a long time you’ll notice that guys in the gym usually tend to train the deadlift considerably less than they do the bench and the squat. At least they do when they start going heavy. The amount of stress benching and squatting puts on the body pales in comparison to how much deadlifts can take out of you. So what makes deads so different than the others?
Well for one, because of the nature of the lift, the fact that it’s a pulling exercise, the lifter is able to haul more weight than what you’d expect out of the bench and the squat. If you took a look at your own numbers you’d probably realize that your deadlift is in some cases double the amount of what you bench. It’s the reason deadlifts are trained 3 to 4 times a month as opposed to being apart of a lifters typical back routine 3 to 4 times a week.
Despite the fact that deadlifts are awesome for back gains they’ve proven to be dangerous. Here are some tips that every lifter should consider when performing this powerful exercise.
If you want to get even more in-depth, make sure to check out Generation Iron Plus for online bodybuilding courses, training guides, nutrition plans, and more. It’s the ultimate tool to become the best bodybuilder version of yourself.
1. The effect on the central nervous system
The stress that deadlifts put on the central nervous system is substantial. Performing the lift successfully can be a daunting task and be taxing both physically and mentally. You’re lifting the bar from a static position which requires the lifter to generate a substantial amount of strength. Be mindful of the amount of stress you’re putting your body under.
2. Rest Periods
Recovery is also paramount to performing this exercise consistently and frequently. Rest intervals are important to build up enough strength to perform the action again and if you rush things you can find yourself passing out from the sheer fatigue and pressure.
3. Be mentally prepared
It may seem a bit self explanatory, getting your head in the game to perform a heavy lift, but it’s essential that when you’re performing the deadlift that your mind is completely focused on the task. Where performing a back squat virtually depends on you completing the action or being crushed under the barbell’s weight, the deadlift requires you to do the lift from a static position. You’re mind forces you to complete the squat or face serious injury giving you a mental edge. When you perform the deadlift you have to approach the bar with a positive attitude and the mental fortitude to not just try and lift the bar, but know that you’ll lift it without a doubt in your mind.
The deadlift can be mentally and physically taxing, but if you have an iron will and play things smart then you’ll be performing the deadlift with ease in no time. While there is no sure fire miracle tip that will 100% prevent you from passing out – keep these three key elements in mind every time you go into the deadlift.
What are your thoughts on the deadlift? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
The Chest Workout Even The Pros Fear
The Best Chest Workout You’ll Ever Do
A wide and broad chest is the symbol of masculinity, courage, and strength. There is a reason why all the superheroes have shirt-ripping pecs. Developing a chiseled chest is usually at the top of people’s list when they start training.
Even though chest training gets its fair share of attention, only a few individuals end up building pecs worthy of attention. An ineffective training program is arguably the biggest reason why people can never build the pecs of their dreams.
Most people are done with their chest workouts before they even break a sweat. If you’re one of these people, it’s time that you give up your vanilla chest workout. You need to step-up your game, and we’re here to help you do it.
Cable Crossovers – 5 Sets 20 Reps
Most people perform the cable crossovers at the end of their workouts. In this workout, you’ll be shocking your muscles by starting with the cable crossovers. Crossovers are different from the cable flyes as you have to crossover your wrists at the point of contraction.
Starting with an isolation exercise will help pre-exhaust your pecs. It’s great for your muscle development as you’ll be able to hit all your muscle fibers optimally without having to lift heavyweights.
Superset
Incline Bench Smith Machine Press – 4 Sets 15 Reps
Incline Bench Dumbbell Flyes – 4 Sets 15 Reps
The upper chest is a weak muscle group for most people and can be very stubborn. The smith machine incline bench press targets the upper pecs effectively as it combines the benefits of compound and isolation lifts.
You need to make sure you’re not just going through the motions while performing the exercises. You have to contract and squeeze your pecs with every rep. Fly exercises help develop the separation between your pecs.
Superset
Decline Bench Press – 4 Sets 12 Reps
Dumbbell Pullovers – 4 Sets 12 Reps
If you want the overall development of your pectoral muscles, you need to train it from every angle possible. The decline bench press helps in creating a separation between your chest and abs.
The dumbbell pullovers are one of the most underutilized chest exercises. Not only does it improve the lower chest, but it also helps in creating a V-taper which can help accentuate the shape of your pecs.
Superset
Pec Deck Flyes – 4 Sets 20-15-12-10 Reps
Weighted Dips – 4 Sets 20-15-12-10 Reps
While the isolation (single-joint) exercises help in improving the conditioning of the muscles, compound exercises build muscle mass and strength. You need to maintain a balance between the exercises for optimal pectoral development.
The peck deck flyes are an isolation exercise. Your pecs will be flushed with blood and lactic acid after this movement. On the other hand, the weighted drips are a compound lift that will help you put on size.
Barbell Bench Press – 3 Sets 15-12-10 Reps
Most people start their workouts with the bench press but we have saved it for the last. If you perform the bench press at the beginning of the workout, you have to lift heavy weights to target your muscles optimally.
Lifting heavy can increase your odds of an injury. If you perform the bench press at the end of the workout, you’ll be able to target your pectoral muscles effectively as your mind-muscle connection would already be established.
How many exercises do you perform in your typical chest workout? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
2021 City Limits Pro Scorecards
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2021 New York Pro Scorecards
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.