JoJo Energy Drinks Team Up With Rxmuscle!
Big Dave Palumbo has been touting JoJo Energy Drinks on Heavy Muscle Radio for weeks, and now they've officially signed on as sponsor of the to-be-built television studio in Dave's new warehouse. I was quite intrigued that Dave would associate with any energy product, as he usually assumes an anti-stimulant stance for bodybuilders. JoJo was kind enough to ship me a handful of bottles for testing, and let me assure you I'm an instant fan.
JoJo Energy drinks are big, 16.9 fluid ounces, in a lightweight plastic bottle. Colorful graphics and a distinctive logo make them easy to find in a store, I'm certain. My initial bottle was the Mojito flavor, and even though there are directions on the bottle for using it, I scoffed and thought to myself, "Why do I need directions to drink this?" So I ignored them and took a big gulp. It had no taste! I was stunned, wondering what was going on. I thought, "Dave likes this drink, but I wonder why?" I consumed the remainder of the bottle, but was a bit dismayed.
Guess what? I'm stupid. The directions clearly state, "Ingredients are only activated when twisted cap infuses them down into spring water." My ignoring them means I drank a refreshing, expensive spring water! Of course it had no flavor, dummy.
On my desk at this moment is a partially consumed Black Cherry JoJo, prepared properly, and it's delicious. This is a fine drink. You're not hearing this from me because they're sponsoring a portion of Heavy Muscle Radio. I can't wait for JoJo Energy drinks to be available in Wisconsin.
Check out the ingredients in this almost-sugar-free (2 grams), very low carbohydrate (2 grams) drink: lots of assorted vitamins, a blend of Rhodiola Rosea, Green Tea Extract, Huperzine A; a blend of amino acids, and Cognizin. There are only four calories in this entire drink, there's no aftertaste, and the flavors are excellent. JoJo doesn't depend upon caffeine for a palpable kick like many drink products; there are only 110 mg in this bottle.
Among the benefits touted by JoJo are the obvious energy boost, a mental focus kick, stabilization of blood sugar, an improvement in endurance, and a reduction of central nervous system fatigue.
JoJo Energy drinks are currently available in the New York Metro area, with rapid east coast and then Midwest expansion plans.
Quadracarn - Best Supplement Ever?
Beverly International reports their new carnitine analog formula, Quadracarn, is selling out as quickly as they produce it. Since a May 2nd roll-out they've sold out twice, they claim (I don't have any idea of numbers or quantities). Business is good.
But when I read the advertising literature for Quadracarn, it sounds very un-Beverly-like. I'm not used to so much hype surrounding a product of theirs. Listen to these claims: "...4 unique carnitine analogs in Quadracarn which are responsible for at least 21 interconnected pharmacological actions..." The press release goes on to tout improved androgen receptor levels, androgen effectiveness, insulin effectiveness, increased muscle mass, decreased body fat, muscle fatigue, muscle soreness, increased nitric oxide, improved blood flow, oxygen delivery, decreased free radicals, increased resynthesis of ATP, increased hair growth (!), improved exercise performance and recovery, and (here it comes!), improved erectile performance.
Is it just me or does Quadracarn promise to do damn near everything other than cure cancer and feed starving children? This "everything-in-one-product" reminds me of the ‘80s and ‘90s in the supplement biz. I don't know whether to be excited or disappointed, but I'm cautious and would like to be convinced.
(www.beverlyinternational.com)
New Builder's Bar Flavor
From Clif comes a new Lemon-flavored Builder's Bar. I've been a casual fan of Clif products for years, notably during my competitive cyclist phase when I used more carbohydrates than today. Clif is one of the few "bars" I'll buy when in a pinch. Their labels accurately reflect the ingredients, so when I see "organic" or "no hydrogenated oils or trans fats" on a Clif product, I believe it.
Builder's Bars contain 20 grams of protein, and though it's soy isolate and nuts providing this, I'm ok with it as these are occasional long drive or flight options, not part of my daily diet. They taste great, are easy on the stomach, and available in grocery stores. I'll trade that for the 31 grams of carbs and 23 of sugar when in a pinch. Clif bars are amazingly good on camping trips, and long bike rides or hikes. The lemon flavor is so new Clif doesn't even have a photo of it on their website yet.
Weight Belt for Heavy Work from Grizzly
Debates about whether weight belts are necessary in the gym abound. Some bodybuilders seemingly live in them (and do cardio with them strapped on tightly), most powerlifters and strongmen utilize them, while other very strong individuals scoff at their use.
I feel they have clear benefit for different people with varying goals and physical situations. Many strap on a belt when they are "going for it" in the squat or deadlift, no matter what type of strength athlete they are. People with real physical issues in their lower back, such as degenerative discs, often find they can perform much more work safely with a belt than without. It's not always a matter of core strength and fitness.
Grizzly produces a big belt for some of these situations. Their 6" padded Pacesetter training belt isn't for competitive powerlifters, but rather seems aimed at the relatively hardcore strength athlete with real lower back problems. Anne's use of this belt in the squat rack, and while deadlifting, takes place only on days when her slowly-fusing discs are giving her unusual grief. The 6" black leather belt provides huge support in the back, while the soft suede leather lining keeps her more comfortable than some other belts. A tough double-prong roller buckle is sturdy and doesn't move. Saddle stitching means this belt is going to hold together for many years, a fine investment for only $27.99.
Flying High with House of Pain
Rick at HOP says if you slip on this dramatic t-shirt you can "fly high with your craziest dreams!" That's a tall order, but there's no doubt anyone sporting this shirt will stand out in the gym. Large feathered wings on the front and back make certain, and the colorful House of Pain on the lower portion of the shirt answers any questions. Yes, you're cool. $20.00
The Cure For My Late-Night Peanut Butter Cravings?
Dave Palumbo and his Species Nutrition have just released Vanilla Peanut Butter Isolyze! This should help take two or three pounds of bodyfat off me. How, you ask? I have a "problem" with eating natural peanut butter late at night, from a spoon, like ice cream. My issues are so problematical that I'm just not eating any peanut butter any longer. I'm not moderate or disciplined enough to keep it to a single tablespoon, so I've gone cold turkey (3 weeks and counting).
Along comes Species to the rescue with this great flavor of whey isolate. Now I'm satisfying my evening peanut butter cravings by dumping two scoops of Vanilla Peanut Butter along with a tablespoon of mac oil into my shaker and downing that before bed. My ketogenic diet is happy, my weird taste buds are tricked, and I'm far better off in the morning without all the guilt and food hangover backlash.
Happily, Vanilla Peanut Butter has a wonderful taste. The flavor is subtle, but it's there and tastes like peanut butter. No aftertaste, no strong artificial-tasting sensation that becomes tiring after a few shakes. I'm nearly done with my first jug and can't wait to open the next one.
If anyone reading this doesn't yet know, Species Isolyze is 100% pure, cold-filtered, whey protein isolate. Featuring zero carbs, no lactose, and no fat, there's a massive 27 grams of protein per scoop. The sophisticated cold filtration system Dave employs separates the whey protein without any damage. Three valuable components of whey - immunoglobins, lactoferrins, and glycomacropeptides - are preserved, helping your immune system to function at the highest level and protein synthesis to take place efficiently. In other words, your body can fully utilize what's in each scoop of Isolyze protein.
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