Articles & Guides
Learn how to build muscle, burn fat and stay motivated.
L-Carnitine: A Fat-Loss Myth or Supplement Staple?
Sometimes there is a chemical so central to a process in human physiology that it would defy logic that supplementing the amount or function of the molecule should do anything other than make our health better. Certainly, the example of creatine monohydrate and the benefits of creatine supplementati...
Capsaicin: A Potent Fat Loss Supplement
The phytochemical capsaicin is the substance found in chili peppers that contributes to the hot and spicy flavor of the chili pepper. This miraculous compound has the unique capacity to promote a wide range of positive effects on human health, including reduced body fat, powerful antioxidant and ant...
Can Creatine Be Used for Fat Loss Goals?
You might think you know everything you need to about creatine. After all, there have been 1000s of papers and articles on this popular supplement. Today, I’m going to make a case for creatine that has nothing to do with gaining weight and building muscle. Rather, we’re going to discuss something yo...
Is Caffeine Good Or Bad? The Risks And Benefits Of Using Caffeine
This article is part of the Performance Pharmacy Series. In today’s Starbucks-laden world, it comes as no surprise that caffeine is the most (ab)used over-the-counter stimulant drug. Walk into a gas station and there will likely be an entire aisle dedicated strictly to “energy” drinks: Rockstar, Red...
A Brief & Thorough Guide to Amino Acid Supplementation
Among regular lifters, protein is the most valued macronutrient for its role in muscle recovery and growth. However, protein is a more complex nutrient than it seems at face value. Protein is made up of a variety of amino acids, which are commonly referred to as the building blocks of proteins. When...
Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) Supplements: Myth Versus Reality
Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements have received a lot of attention in recent years due to the mounting evidence both for and against their purported benefits. That being said, it’s hard to argue with the fact that there is some merit to supplementing with BCAAs due to their inherent abili...
Essential Supplementation - Beta-Alanine: Help or Hype?
You unscrew the lid of your pre-workout and the sweet smell of blue raspberry wafts through the air. Two scoops go in your shaker cup. You shake it like the champ you are, pop the top, and chug that “go-juice." Minutes later you feel a tingling sensation and itchy face sets in. You are now loaded wi...
Black Ginger: A Traditional Thai Performance Booster
Many Muay Thai boxers swear by black ginger, aka Krachai Dum for an extra source of energy and as a key ingredient to their victory. Also, traditional Thai medicine claims that black ginger can greatly boost your overall performance, health and longevity. But what does the research say? In this arti...
Muscle Building 101: Bio-Active Peptides And Protein Synthesis
What is Bio-Gro (Bio-Active Peptides) by iSatori? Work hard, do some heavy-duty strength training, and your muscles will grow. At least that was what we were told, right? The process is simple—muscle fibers break down after weight training and build back up thicker, faster, and stronger. Should be p...
The Science Behind Betancourt Nutrition’s PUMP’D
Pre-workout supplements are a dime a dozen these days so Betancourt Nutrition is proud to be releasing a product that sets itself apart from the competition with research-backed ingredients in nominal doses. PUMP’D will be the third pre-workout supplement in the Betancourt Nutrition lineup and will...
A Beginner's Guide to Protein Scientific Research
Protein is without a doubt the most talked about macronutrient. The other ones just don’t get enough attention. Carbs are good for energy. Fat is cool for hormonal health. Alcohol is cute and tasty, but protein literally builds you slabs of muscles that makes you look aesthetic to the opposite sex....
Should I Add BCAAs to My Supplement Stack?
Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids (meaning our body does not create them) that contain an aliphatic (branched) side-chain. There are three BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids are key players in the regulation of muscle mass and must be consumed throug...
Antioxidants Supplements And Antioxidant Foods
Antioxidants help protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals can be visualized by cutting an apple open and sitting it on the table. After a couple minutes, the apple starts to turn brown—this is due to free radical damage. Now in order to protect that apple from turning brown, it i...
Video: Animal Instincts - Kurt Weidner Supplements Part 1 Workout Nutrition & Recovery
Kurt "The Animal" Weidner talks about the magic pills that gave him huge muscles! What? No magic pills?! Who should take supplements, and why should they take them? Kurt answers these questions as he discusses the supplements he uses before, during and after his workouts. Have any questions for Kurt...
Video: Animal Instincts - Kurt Weidner Supplements Part 2 General Health & Joints
Kurt "The Animal" Weidner talks about the magic pills that gave him huge muscles! What? No magic pills?! Who should take supplements, and why should they take them? Kurt answers these questions as he discusses the supplements he uses for his general health. Have any questions for Kurt Weidner? Post...
Video: Animal Instincts - Kurt Weidner's 7 Meal Plan: Meal 3 - Scivation Whey, Almonds And Grapefruit
Kurt Weidner brings you his 7 Meal Plan. This is Meal #3: Consisting of Scivation Whey, Almonds and Grapefruit. This is an extremely easy to prepare, convenient meal to have on the go. There are no excuses! Have any questions for Kurt Weidner? Post them below!
Adaptogens: Supplements to Help Rid You of Adrenal Fatigue
Debates about training or nutrition topics aren’t new in the online fitness world. Low carb or paleo, what burns more fat? Should you use high reps or heavy weight for the best possible muscle growth? As online debates go, they can get lengthy. Once such topic is the existence of adrenal fatigue. We...
The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Bodybuilding Supplements
If you’re new to bodybuilding or just want to gain an edge during your workouts, then supplementation is a no-brainer. With so many to choose from, it’s easy to become paralyzed by all the types, doses, companies, and, not to mention, promises. What’s a newbie to do? It’s time to learn the basics. H...
7 Benefits of Krill Oil and Why You Should Be Taking It
It’s no secret that Omega-3’s are remarkable for your health and without a doubt one of the most transcendent supplements available today. Omega-3s have been linked to numerous health benefits boasting anti-inflammatory properties, aiding heart function, improving joint pain, and even optimizing you...
6 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV for short) is a superfood health elixir that has been around for centuries. Apple cider vinegar is typically used as a natural remedy to boost immune health, fight off infections, and improve digestion. The acidic liquid is touted as a powerful remedy, but what does the scie...
5 Vitamins To Boost Your Immune System
Protecting yourself against invading pathogens is crucial to maintain your productivity, mood, and athletic performance. The last thing you want to do when you’re feeling indisposed is go to the gym and workout. Studies have shown that you are most susceptible to getting sick after intense physical...
5 Things to Look for in Your Whey Isolate
As an avid lifter, I’m sure you’ve consumed plenty of protein shakes in your day, and as such, have needed to restock your supply. With so many options on the market, do you know what you should be looking for in your whey protein isolate product? In this article, I want to provide you with the educ...
Top 5 Muscle Building Supplements You Need to Be Taking
A long time ago, in a gym far, far away, someone made the statement, “Man, you don’t need supplements, just eat a good diet and you get everything you need to be jacked”. Saying you don’t “need” supplements to get jacked is kind of like saying you don’t “need” to deadlift to get strong. Sure, you mi...
5 Supplements that Actually Help with Fat Loss
This should blow your mind. 2.1 billion dollars are spent every year in America on fat loss supplements1. 15% of all American adults are trying to use supplements to get an edge in the fat loss game.2 Here is the kicker, some of them don’t work. That means that about 4 Falcon Heavy Rockets or about...