Review of PES Erase Pro

Two bottles of Erase Pro used (6 February to 30 May 2012)...

What is it?



* [Test-Estro-Cort]
* High Affinity AI
* Hard | Dry | Lean

For more information on the product, please review PES :: ERASE PRO

Estrogen Levels: N/A. Although I would have liked to see the changes in my Estrogen levels from pre to post-Erase Pro, I did not have bloods done. I would like to note that during the time I have used Erase Pro, I have had regular monthly menstruation - and yes, it IS UNusual for a female to do so when leaner, but just another example of how different my body is, given that I do not generally bleed if I am above 12% bodyfat (which I have not been for a long time now).

Testosterone Levels: N/A. Although I would have liked to see the changes in my Testosterone levels from pre to post-Erase Pro, I did not have bloods done.

Cortisol Levels: N/A. Although I would have liked to see the changes in my Cortisol levels from pre to post-Erase Pro, I did not have bloods done. That said, stress is an accepted "fact" in my life (in everyone's life) and mine are pretty much perpetually HIGHER than high. Add to that, the time over which I used Erase Pro has been the most stressful and disruptive months of my life [to date] and you have a recipe for complete disaster - however, despite everything, and yes, there WERE times when I noticed changes in my midsection, I DID maintain under 9.2% bodyfat the entire time, which says something (especially given some of the months re nutrition and training).

Muscle Hardness: Actually, my muscle hardness was pretty good. Definitely becoming more and more noticeable during training, with definition a lot stronger the last few months than it ever has been.

Water Retention/Dryness: This has been up and down, with a high dependence upon my nutrition - which has not always been the best over the last few months (for the first time since I started using the Lean Gains' 16-hour fast/8-hour feeding window in May 2011, I diverted from it and went back to eating ALL the time for several weeks in March/April, before getting back on track), and water intake - there have been surprisingly a lot of days when I have struggled to get my [UK] galleon of water in (not drinking enough definitely affects how I feel, especially when I have extra-high carbohydrates).

Body Composition: Fluctuating between 7.8-9.2% bodyfat over the course of my usage of Erase Pro, currently at 8% bodyfat. Recomping, with periods when aiming at leaning down more than simply "maintaining" or letting my body "be". Starting Erase Pro, I was a month back into training after extended time out from multiple injuries at the end of 2011, during which I had lose the muscle mass that I had worked so hard to rebuild in my delts and arms - said muscle mass which I have managed to build back up (for the THIRD time), to BETTER than what it was pre-time-out, which I am pleased with. That said, I have been using my "staples" for the better part of my time with Erase Pro, as well as tried a couple of "new" products in there as well, all of which have had a contributing factor in my body composition changes (along with nutrition, training, and recovery - since those have also differed from my "norm" over the last few months).

Overall: I enjoyed my usage of Erase Pro, and although it helped contribute to rebuilding my [upper] body back up, I actually prefer the ORIGINAL Erase than Erase Pro. Erase Pro is a good product, but I experienced more "drying" and less water retention when using JUST the original (hence why I stopped using Erase Pro the week prior to my photoshoots in April and the two weeks prior to my photoshoot in May).

Would I use again? Likely.

Would I recommend? Yes, although depending on the individual's goal, I might recommend the original over Erase Pro, or possibly stacking them.

Review of Finaflex-Redefine Nutrition's G8 (Lemon Freeze flavour)

Because of my screwed up sleeping patterns, Doug suggested that I try G8, and Al was kind enough to send me a tub to use, to see if it made a difference. It DID - although not the way you might expect (explained below) - and this is what happened...

What is it?


For more information on G8, review Finaflex-Redefine Nutrition :: G8.


Formula: The formula was actually what intrigued me about G8 and the only reason I said "yes" to trying it [since every other natural Growth Hormone booster - aside from IGF-2 - has NOT worked with my body and screwed me up for quite some time on cessation of use (explained below)].

Smell: Like lemon scented dishwashing liquid.

Taste: I am not a fan of Lemon flavour in general, but the Lemon Freeze G8 flavour was downright nasty and almost like drinking chalk (if you ground it up) - one of the worst tasting supplements I have ever used.

Mixability: G8 mixed well with water. No clumps, although a little bit of bubbles on settling.

Texture: Like fruit juice once the "bubbles" settled.

ELEVATE

Growth Hormone Levels: Although I would have liked to see the changes in my Growth Hormone levels from pre to post-G8, I did not have bloods done. That said, Growth Hormone contributes to muscle growth and leanness in females, and I definitely noticed an INcrease in muscle mass - particularly in my delts and arms (even though bodyfat INcreased, definition also became stronger) - over the period of my use of G8 [although my training was slightly above my Maintenance training levels and my caloric consumption was almost ~3,000 in excess of my Maintenance calories, any muscle gains cannot be solely attributed to G8].

Mood and Overall Sense of Feeling: During my use of G8 my mood was all over the place due to external circumstances.

Sex Drive and Libido: Libido was up and down when using G8 - rather high during the first week, subsiding a little into the next. Regardless, circumstances meant I didn't do anything about it.

RESTORE

Insulin-Like Growth Factor Levels: Although it would have been interesting to see the changes in my Insulin-Like Growth Factor levels from pre to post-G8, I did not have bloods done. As mentioned above under "Growth Hormone Levels", "I definitely noticed an INcrease in muscle mass - particularly in my delts and arms (even though bodyfat INcreased, definition also became stronger) - over the period of my use of G8 [although my training was slightly above my Maintenance training levels and my caloric consumption was almost ~3,000 in excess of my Maintenance calories, any muscle gains cannot be solely attributed to G8]."

Dopamine and Serotonin Levels: Although I would have liked to see the changes in both my Dopamine and Serotonin levels from pre to post-G8, I did not have bloods done. That said, I have a Dopamine IMbalance - one of the reasons why most natural Growth Hormone boosters have the OPPOSITE than INTENDED effect on me (yes, I know, my body is screwed up) - with mine being TOO LOW. Not only that, but my Adenosine levels are too HIGH, which comes into play as well.

Self-Confidence: Supplements don't have an effect on my self-confidence.

RECOVER

Recovery: My recovery was good. I was training pretty hard, upping the intensity each time as I could. My second week using G8, I upped the intensity in resistance sessions by a reasonable amount (which has contributed to my joint conditioning worsening), albeit going a little "easier" re pm cardio, using the Recline Bike instead of a 7-mile Run, due to the increasing pain in my knees.

Sleep: Sleep was all over the place (see "Sleeping Patterns" under "Other Notes" below), with the first week I was using G8, UNable to sleep for ~1.5 days, and then - very likely because of the heavy training and lack of sleep for ~1,5 days - slept for almost HALF a day. Sleep, when got, was VERY deep and Uninterrupted, although I most often woke very groggy, not wanting to get up and it taking some time to, feeling like someone was trying to drill a hole in my head.

OTHER NOTES

Other Effects: Despite being HIGHLY stressed (one of the only two instances when my skin can be affected negatively) and during the only time I might see a blemish or two, it was surprisingly NOT affected by the circumstance, as clear and smooth as ever, which was nice...Appetite was also drastically elevated during my use of G8, moreso than my "usual", and for the two weeks of using G8, I was eating ~10,000 calories on the "days" when I was AWAKE, bringing me out at an average close to ~7,000 calories per day (since on a couple of days I did not eat at all, due to rising and training hours) - no wonder my body composition (see "Body Statistics" under "Other Notes" below) concurrently changed so drastically (my Maintenance calories are ~4,300 a day)....

Cliffnotes on observations during use and week-post cessation of use of G8:

Training Schedule
Week 1 - four resistance sessions, three days of double cardio (two done on cardio only days, the other on Full-Body day, two done re 7-mile run); training all done from ~2200 (instead of usual start from ~0430)
Week 2 - four resistance sessions, three days of double cardio (two done on resistance training days, only one done re 7-mile run); day off this week on Tuesday instead of Sunday; training all done from ~0530 (instead of usual start from ~0430)
Week post-cessation of G8 - "easy/deload" week with only three days of resistance training and four days of cardio, only one session of running (normally would do 5-7 runs a week)

Sleeping Patterns
Week 1 - no sleep for 1.5 days and then sleep for almost half a day
Week 2 - slept for 4-5 hours daily, albeit all over the place, falling sleep time INconsistent
Week post-cessation of G8 - with the exception of Monday (where no sleep at all) and Sunday (where slept for ~10 hours), rest of the week sleeping for ~1 hour early in the day and then 3-5 hours later in the day most days, waking with appetite HIGH

Body Statistics
Start pre-use of G8 - 8% bodyfat at 108.4 pounds
End of Week 1 - 8.5% bodyfat at 111 pounds (+0.5% bodyfat; +2.6 pounds body mass: +1.837 pounds lean, +1.763 pounds bodyfat)
End of Week 2 - 9% bodyfat at 113.2 pounds (+0.5% bodyfat; +2.2 pounds body mass: +1.447 pounds lean, +0.753 pounds bodyfat)
End of Week post-cessation of G8 - 8.9% bodyfat at 115.2 pounds (-0.1% bodyfat; +2 pounds body mass: +1.9352 pounds lean, +0.0648 pounds bodyfat)

CONCLUSION

Overall: This is rather difficult for me to do, since G8 DID give me great sleep - when I slept: Deep, UNdisturbed, and restful. BUT, it also severely messed up my sleeping patterns (which, honestly, even though they have had their moments of being on track, have not been the same since I came to the US), which I did not enjoy. And the OTHER effects I experienced, especially re appetite (although this can also be attributed to training heavily and being awake for more than a day many days), I did NOT appreciate (given what my appetite is ALREADY like).

Would I use it again? I actually STOPPED using G8 after two weeks of use because, despite the awesome sleep it gave me, it was (and still is) DRASTICALLY affecting my sleeping patterns, which in turn was having some very UNwanted effects re other factors. So, no, I would not use G8 again myself personally.

Would I recommend? If one is looking for extreme deep and rested sleep, and they have had no issues (like I have) using natural Growth Hormone boosters in the past, then yes, I might recommend G8 (any recommendation/s I made re supplements are based on what will be best for that individual re their goals and needs and other personal factors, etc.).

Review of LG Sciences' Reformulated LipoBURN

What is it?

LipoBURN is a topical that:
* Decreases cellulite
* Reduces fat, especially in hips, buttocks and thighs

Feel: LipoBURN is non-greasy to put on, but once on makes the skin feel a little like I've got sunscreen on.

Spreadability: LipoBURN spreads over the skin and mixes into it very easily. However, the last few days of each bottle, it did NOT rub IN very well, but left a white residue that had to be rubbed vigorously to get it in properly.

Decrease Cellulite: I don't have a lot of cellulite to lose, and what dimples there were remained unaffected during my usage of the reformulated LipoBURN.

Reduce Fat: I started the reformulated LipoBURN 20 June. On the 17 June, I was 107.6 pounds at 8.3% bodyfat, and 24 June, I was 107.2 pounds at 8% bodyfat, so my starting body composition was between 8-8.3% bodyfat. Therefore, over the time that I used the reformulated LipoBURN, my body composition decreased and then increased, ending at 110.6 pounds at 8.3% bodyfat (do note that this measurement was taken four days after finishing LipoBURN - the bottle lasted me 10 days - to ensure all water retention was gone). Body composition and mass aside, the definition in my shoulders, arms, and legs concurrently improved over the course of my usage of the reformulated LipoBURN, with a 0.5 cm decrease in my thigh girth. Also note that, albeit not planned, my training volume was severely decreased from 27 June, ~3 days before finishing the reformulated LipoBURN.

Other Effects: Vascularity increased dramatically on applying LipoBURN after a hot shower. One very noticeable effect that occurred with the reformulated LipoBURN that did NOT with the original was water retention, which lasted from the time I started using the product, taking several days to go away after running out of it.

Overall: See comments below. Please note that I use LipoBURN ALL OVER (a habit from the first time I used it, since I used to use a body moisturizer, and just replaced it with the LipoBURN when I started using it), which means I use ~8 pumps each application, which is twice the recommended dosage daily.

Differences between LipoBURN (original) and LipoBURN (reformulated): There were two main differences between the original and reformulated versions of LipoBURN: 1) The reformulated version has a slight raspberry scent (from the addition of Raspberry Ketones), and 2) The reformulated version caused water retention in my midsection and legs during usage of the product. This second difference is the primary reason why I personally prefer the ORIGINAL LipoBURN, which is very effective for me, so much so that I use it as a staple, especially since my body almost perpetually recomps.

Would I use it again? Honestly, I prefer the ORIGINAL LipoBURN to the refomulated version, and as long as it is available, I will continue to use it.

Would I recommend? Generally I would NOT recommend a topical fat loss product. I would recommend making sure that the key component to fat loss - DIET - was targeted at fat loss, and that training was structured appropriately, before I would even consider recommending a fat loss supplement/product (and unless you're relatively lean to begin with and just want to lose that last 1-2% BF, then I wouldn't recommend at all). But, in saying that, if diet and exercise are right, then just that little something extra can be recommended. Since everyone is different, the reformulated LipoBURN might not have the water retention effect in everyone, so whether the original or reformulated version is used, if the product is considered, would be up to the individual.

Review of AI Sports Nutrition's Red Raspberry RecoverPRO

My 42-serving tub of Red Raspberry RecoverPRO lasted me ~2 weeks. I started out using only a scoop per use, but quickly went to 3 scoops per use, using twice a day. I cannot say enough about the taste, and with BCAAs a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal definitely want (and will) continue using Red Raspberry RecoverPRO!


What is it?



* Faster Recovery and Lean Muscle Gains
* Unique 4:1:1 BCAA Ratio

For more information on the product, please review AI Sports Nutrition :: RecoverPRO.


Smell: 7/10. Smells like raspberries, but with a hint of something else almost artificial, like the smell/taste of a raspberry flavoured ice-cream, if that makes any sense.

Taste: 11/10. My #1 and favourite flavour of any product I have ever used! And the taste only gets better with use! THREE scoops as opposed to only one scoop (which my initial review was based on) is just amazing and you really notice the sweet tartness that real raspberries have come out! LOVE it!

Solubility: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker - although bubbles and froth were left on top of the liquid, rapidly dissolving.

Texture: 10/10. Like fruit juice diluted with water.

Recovery: 9.5/10. My recovery has been pretty great, considering. This does not get a complete 10/10 because sometimes I have been sleeping a lot more than usual - although, in saying that, longer sleep can mean better recovery, just not with me, and anything over ~6 hours of sleep has a detrimental effect on my overall performance and function.

Lean Muscle Mass Gains: N/A. I have actually been working on fat loss, not recomping as usual, or even gaining muscle mass. The first week that I used RecoverPRO, I gained 1% bodyfat, and the second week using RecoverPRO, I lost ~1.2% bodyfat, so there was no real overall change in lean muscle mass, maintaining what I have.

Overall: 10/10. The fact that BCAAs are a STAPLE product for me, and the Red Raspberry is the BEST flavour of ANY product I have ever used say everything

Would I use again? Absolutely! BCAAs are a STAPLE product in my supplement arsenal!

Would I recommend? Without hesitation. Red Raspberry RecoverPRO had become my #1 BCAAs product.

[Mini] Review of AI Sport Nutrition's Maniac (Pink Lemonade flavour)

Along with my tub of Red Raspberry RecoverPRO were a couple of samples of Maniac (one for each Sean and I), and since this has been a month of trying new products, I figured why not just use it and see what it was like. This is what happened . . .


What is it?



* Increased Pumps
* Extra aggression in the gym
* No Crash
* Increased Muscle Mass
* Increased Vascularity
* Insane Endurance
* Extreme Focus

For more information on the product, please review AI Sports Nutrition :: Maniac.


Smell: In the packet, Maniac smelled strongly like lemonade.

Taste: Definitely lemonade - it could have been a Sprite, it has that taste. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of lemonade or lemon flavoured products (even though I like lemons), so I was not doing cartwheels over the taste. Taste was true to the said flavour though.

Solubility: On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker; no bubbles left on top of the water either.

Texture: Like fruit juice diluted with water.

Aggression: I wasn't actually aggressive when training today. Sometimes my aggression gets so high that I just want to beat something to a bloody pulp, but there was none of that, not even a hint. Just determination to keep goin.

Focus: Had extreme focus for my training. In fact, I was so focused on my sprints during HIIT that most of them were MORE than 20 seconds!

Endurance: Today was this week's longest resistance session and I was fine. No faltering or dying, and not feeling exhausted.

Pumps: I had excellent pumps, which is normal anyways, since I did a Full-Body session.

Vascularity: Vascularity was AWESOME! I did some posing practice in my recovery periods towards the end of my resistance session, and vascularity was like, "wow - I want that for competition and ALL the time!"

Muscle Mass: I'm not currently aiming for muscle accretion, since I am in a fat loss phase re competition preparation. However, one sample and one session is not enough to comment on body composition effects that a product may contribute towards, whether gaining muscle or maintaining current muscle mass.

Other Effects: Energy was great - very pleasantly surprised. No crash of energy either, which is good.

Overall: I only used a single scoop of Maniac once, which is not enough to give an overall score, and I would need to have used it for a prolonged period of time to give a real evaluation on it.

Would I use again? Actually, yes - albeit in a different flavour - to see what long-term effects of a full tub brought.

Would I recommend? I really would have to use a complete tub of Maniac to see what its long-term effects are re progress and results, etc., before I could say whether or not I would recommend it. Based on my one sample for my one day of training, though, I definitely recommend trying a sample.

[Mini] Review of APS Nutrition's Mesomorph (Tropical Punch flavour)

Mesomorph has been getting a lot of attention, mostly because of the Creatine Nitrate in its ingredient profile. It is definitely a product that Sean has been interested in trying for a long time, and eventually I just got him a tub. A tub that sat in the cupboard (he was using it) until Monday before I used a scoop. Yes, I was not tempted to use it, despite the great feedback I've seen on it and Sean's raving on about how much he loves it. Honestly, since I started using Assault at the start of the year, I have had NO interest in trying any other preworkout product, because Assault meets my needs, especially since I do NOT have to stack myriad stimulants alongside it for daily function (which I have had to do in the past). However, I finally agreed to use a SINGLE SCOOP of Mesomorph as a favour to someone, so that I can say I have used it and comment on my experience with it.


What is it?



* No upset stomach or bloating!
* Alpha-Male aggression.
* Endless endurance.
* Most comprehensive Thermo-energy matrix ever put in a pre-workout powder.
* Skin-splitting vascularity and insane pumps!
* Maximize Strength, Stamina, & Recovery!
* Eliminate Lactic Acid & Toxins!
* Boost Immunity & Eliminate Free Radicals with Optimal Antioxidant Delivery!

For more information on the product, please review APS :: Mesomorph.


Smell: Tropical Punch flavoured Mesomorph smells fruity, but with a hint of something else.

Taste: I did NOT like the taste at all. Unpleasant, but not the worst tasting supplement I have used. Nothing like Tropical Punch - the taste was actually a shock to me, and I drank it FAST.

Solubility: On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker.

Texture: Like fruit juice diluted with water.

Aggression: Actually, my aggression was not as high as the week before, where I was easily aggravated and training only served to bring it out more instead of calm me. During training I was relatively relaxed, if tired. I went through a full spectrum of emotion on the day I used Mesomorph, though, pre AND post-training.

Endurance and Stamina: After the weekend and the way my body was feeling, I was dreading training on Monday. However, once I started training, my body responded and got me through. My HIIT was explosive, after the lacklustre HIIT of the week prior. Endurance throughout training was back to being great.

Thermogenesis: This was no different than usual.

Vascularity: This was excellent, and definitely more noticeable now that I have a tan.

Pumps: I had excellent pumps, which is normal anyways, since I did a Full-Body session.

Strength: The resistance session I did after using Mesomorph was NOT about strength.

Recovery: I was still sore from Saturday when I started my resistance training. Legs were suffering a little, but by the end of my session I was ok and the pain was not as noticeable. Energy lasted throughout the day, which was interesting, considering I have been faltering after my training over the last week.

Immune System: I can't really comment here.

Other Effects: ~10 minutes after dosing Mesomorph I started shaking, like shivering when I am extremely cold, which was odd, a reaction likely caused by the stimulants in it, given that I have not used anything more than the 150-300mg of caffeine a day (from Assault usage) since the start of the year. The shakes lasted for ~20-30 minutes. The only other effect I experienced was strong Beta-Alanine tingles. No bloating or upset stomach either (the stomach issues I have been experiencing over the last two days I have been dealing with on and off for the last few months and has nothing to do with Mesomorph).

Overall: I only used a single scoop of Mesomorph once, which is not enough to give an overall score, and I would need to have used it for a prolonged period of time to give a real evaluation on it. However, I WILL note something interesting - the day that I used Mesomorph I was great re energy, but on Tuesday I had barely any energy, and this went into Wednesday. On Tuesday I actually cut my training short because of the way I was feeling, something very rare for me to do, and as I mentioned on Tuesday, "I feel like I used to feel if I hadn't been using stimulants for a day or so back when I was heavily dependent on them to function, almost like I have CRASHED BIG time, and I don't understand it!" and I wonder if this was an effect from having used Mesomorph, the Geranium in it, if it did not possibly affect me until later. Like I said, interesting - and something that would need prolonged use to determine if because of Mesomorph or not.

Would I use again? No - however, that is not because of the formula or that the product is ineffective, but for personal reasons. Using the one scoop that I did was only as a favour for those who have been wanting me to use Mesomorph, and I actually dragged my feet to do this, since using Assault and having that work for me, I have been reluctant to use anything that has strong stimulants in it, because I have an addictive personality, and with my stimulant abuse history, know how easy it would be for me to go back to that, and I don't want to.

Would I recommend? Mesomorph's formula is solid. It's either a product you will love or hate, use or not use, depending on your goals and needs and other individual factors (like with me).

Initial Impressions of AI Sports Nutrition's RecoverPRO (Red Raspberry flavour)

What is it?



* Faster Recovery and Lean Muscle Gains
* Unique 4:1:1 BCAA Ratio

For more information on the product, please review AI Sports Nutrition :: RecoverPRO.


Smell: 7/10. Smells like raspberries, but with a hint of something else almost artificial, like the smell/taste of a raspberry flavoured ice-cream, if that makes any sense.

Taste: 10/10. Definitely tastes a lot better than it smells! Like red raspberries. There was also a hint of sweet tartness in there, like I get when eating real raspberries. Until now, Organic VitaBerry > GreenMAG > Green Apple Assault were my favourite flavours re products, but now I have a new #1 flavour of any product!

Solubility: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker - although bubbles and froth were left on top of the liquid, rapidly dissolving.

Texture: 10/10. Like fruit juice diluted with water.

BCAAs are a STAPLE product in my supplement arsenal, so going to enjoy the time I have on this tub of RecoverPRO

Impressions of MusclePharm's Green Apple Assault

Assault (Green Apple flavour)

Smell: N/A. In the tub the Green Apple Assault has no smell - I got my nose as close to the powder as I could, and even with it in the scoop, you can barely catch the faintest of the most faintest hint of apple. When mixed with water there is a scent, reminding me of the chewy, Green Apple flavoured New Zealand lolly I had when I was younger (I don't like lollies and even as a child, when I ate them it was rare - when I did, I would only have Minties, sour (green and yellow) gummy bears, or the mentioned chewy green apple lolly).

Taste: 9.5/10. Green Apple is definitely my favourite of all the Assault flavours I have tried (Blue Arctic Raspberry, Raspberry Lemonade, Green Apple). Distinct taste of apple. Not the sour, tart taste of a Granny Smith apple (my definition of "green apple"), but more like a Braeburn apple (who actually has the Granny Smith as a "parent" apple). It is not sweet either, which I like (not a fan of sickly "sweet" products). I personally would have preferred a little tartness, like Green MAGnitude's Sour Apple flavour (which has the best taste of any supplement product I have ever tried), but no biggie, and MusclePharm have again shown how good their flavouring is.

Other Notes: Green Apple Assault is a pretty green colour - fittingly matching the MusclePharm green My opinion of Assault has not changed since I first used it, and the addition of the Green Apple flavour only serves to further establish it as my top [equal] favourite product ever and one of the best available, IMO. To see my comprehensive thoughts and experience with Assault, taste and smell aside, please see my Review on MusclePharm's Assault.

Review of Genomyx's H.E.A.T. Stack

My first bottle of H.E.A.T. Stack finished . . . I started out using it standalone, to see how it affected me, before stacking it with other products that I have previously used. I ended up using H.E.A.T. Stack for ~3 weeks (instead of the planned one week only) standalone before finishing my last week on it with DCP . . .


What is it?



* Increases lipolysis and enhances fat loss
* Improves mood
* Appetite suppression
* Aids in nutrient repartitioning
* Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain reducing benefits
* Blood pressure regulating effects

For more information on H.E.A.T. Stack, review Genomyx - H.E.A.T. Stack.


Fat Loss: I actually did NOT have any fat loss when using the H.E.A.T. Stack. In saying all that, the goal during the period I was using H.E.A.T. Stack was NOT fat loss, but a RECOMP, and so therefore, for what I was trying to achieve, I WAS SUCCESSFUL . . . Going over the individual weeks of usage of H.E.A.T. Stack, the changes were: Pre-H.E.A.T. Stack I was 115.2 pounds at 9.8% bodyfat; one week into H.E.A.T. Stack I was 126 pounds at 11.6% bodyfat (+10.8 pounds and +1.8% bodyfat); two weeks in I was 120.2 pounds at 11.2% bodyfat (-5.8 pounds and -0.4% bodyfat); three weeks in I was 119.4 pounds at 11.2% bodyfat (-0.8 pounds and no change in body composition; after four weeks - I started using DCP at the end of week three - I was 123.2 pounds at 11.2% bodyfat (+3.8 pounds and no change in body composition) . . . Overall, with H.E.A.T. Stack standalone, I gained 4.2 pounds and 1.4% bodyfat, at a ratio of 1:1.3 bodyfat to lean body mass . . . Adding in DCP made a huge difference, and I maintained my body composition whilst losing body mass, ending up from start to finish of H.E.A.T. Stack gaining 8 pounds - that mass gained at a ratio of 1:2 re bodyfat to lean body mass with + 2.5 pounds of bodyfat and +5.5 pounds of lean body mass (both to 1 d.p.) . . .

Mood: My mood had its high moments interspersed with periods of extreme aggression, which was all more to do with what was going on at the time than H.E.A.T. Stack (or any supplement that I was using).

Appetite: Appetite was not quelled at all when using H.E.A.T. Stack. However, I was not trying to restrict my caloric intake either, given that I was RECOMPING.

Nutrient Repartitioning: N/A.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pain Reduction: My wrists and back gave me a lot of issues over the time that I used H.E.A.T. Stack, but this is not because of the product - I was also not using Erase when I started H.E.A.T. Stack, starting it about the same time I started DCP, and so it is only to be expected that my joints were in pain.

Blood Pressure: N/A.

Overall: Since H.E.A.T. Stack is a non-stimulant fat burner, designed more for fat loss than the [successful] recomp that I used it for, I do not feel that I gave it a fair trial as far as the purpose it was designed for, and therefore cannot assign it an "overall" score.

Would I use again? Yes, because I feel and know that I did not really give H.E.A.T. Stack a decent chance at showing me what it was capable of doing, and I want to do this, because H.E.A.T. Stack has an excellent formulator, an ingredient profile backed by science, and multitudes of positive feedback.

Would I recommend? I would recommend stacking H.E.A.T. Stack with DCP - a great option, as seen from my results. Otherwise, I would need to give it a fair trial before I could recommend it for fat loss from a personal perspective . . . I WOULD recommend it as an addition to any recomp stack, though . . .

[Mini] Review of Primordial Performance's Maximum Absorbed Protein (Cranberry Splash flavour)

There are tubs of Maximum Absorbed Protein in our cupboards, and all the flavours have been, are, or gone (and yes, I've opened and smelt every one of them) I've held back from using Maximum Absorbed Protein because the reason I STOPPED using protein powder was that my stomach did not reacted well to ANY that I used, even if it is only a one-off, random scoop since early 2010 (and I have actually NOT used protein powder consistently in quite some time, using MuscleGel Shots as my exclusive source of supplemented protein for the last few months). Anyways, the feedback on Maximum Absorbed Protein has been so positive and good that I figured why not try just a scoop and see how it goes (I can put up with being uncomfortable for a day if it upsets my stomach). So I used a scoop . . .


What is it?



* Improves strength and recovery better than standard protein
* 2-3 times more effective than whey or casein protein
* No artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors
* No lactose. No bloating. No cramping.

For more information, review Primordial Performance - Maximum Absorbed Protein.


Formula: 10/10. Maximum Absorbed Protein is a perfect formula for someone like me, as it contains NO lactose, and little carbohydrates/sugars (I don't like to have carbohydrates in my protein, and if it has them, I prefer them to be complex). Maximum Absorbed Protein also contains an amino acid complex, which allows it to "double" as both a protein and BCAAs product. The fact that it contains actual FRUIT and not artificial flavours, sweeteners, and flavours is also a huge PLUS

Smell: 9/10. Smells like cranberries (I like cranberries)

Taste: 9/10. Cranberry Splash flavoured Maximum Absorbed Protein has a sharp, tart taste - true to eating fresh cranberries, and this tartness lingers at least a good 90 minutes post-use. I personally like cranberries and their tart taste - which was the primary reason I decided to try the Maximum Absorbed Protein in the first place.

Mixability: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker.

Texture: 10/10. Maximum Absorbed Protein has a very light texture, not like the heaviness of protein powder - in fact, it was just like shaking up and having BC+EAA, and I didn't feel like I was having protein powder at all, but rather something akin to a preworkout product or BCAAs formula (which it technically is, though).

Strength: N/A. After only one serving, this is not applicable. Not only that, but it was on a day where I did not perform resistance training. For noticeable effects in strength, a longer period of time would be needed to assess this, and even then, training goals and routines, as well as nutrition and other supplements used would affect this, so I would not be able to say whether it made a difference to my strength.

Recovery: N/A. I used the Maximum Absorbed Protein after a training session and was fine. I will not know until later in the day - or even tomorrow or a few days - how my recovery really was. Add to that the fact that I am already using products that help enhance my recovery, any recovery benefits will be a combination of everything.

Other Effects: 10/10. Surprisingly, I did not experience any tummy upsets, bloating, air, or cramping afterwards - as I did with every other protein powder before I stopped using them altogether. The only "other effect" it has was causing me to feel slightly cold inside for a bit and a warming in my face - which is an effect I get when I consume tart things, fruit especially (and actually has similar effects on me as eating cranberries does, which is not surprising since it contains freeze-dried cranberries).

Overall: 9.7/10. Based on my experience with Maximum Absorbed Protein, and the fact that it doubles as a BCAAs product, and uses real fruit for sweetness and taste makes it very favourable in my opinion. In fact, as far as formula (re fitting my personal goals and needs), effects (no bloating, etc.), and flavour (especially flavour), Maximum Absorbed Protein is my #1 protein powder (and yes, this IS a call one can make after ONE serving of a protein powder), and I may even consider adding it in with MuscleGel Shots re supplemented protein.

Would I use again? If I used protein powder, then yes, I would. If I did not have any more MuscleGel Shots and was concurrently out of BC+EAA, I would use Maximum Absorbed Protein then - this says a lot, because I will not use any OTHER protein powder, period, even the ones that used to be my top and favourite protein powders. I may even consider adding it in with MuscleGel Shots re supplemented protein and replace my BC+EAA with this - get both benefits in one.

Would I recommend? Yes. Maximum Absorbed Protein has a solid ingredient profile. Feedback on the product is solid. Flavour tastes great. It can be used pre, intra, and post-training (intra and post re recovery effects), so an all-round product.

Review of Muscle Pharm's MuscleGel Shots (Key Lime flavour)

I've been using MuscleGel Shots for some time now. The innovation behind them is great, and since the first one, I decided to use them as a staple, and not long after that, as my EXCLUSIVE source of supplemented protein . . . I've used all the flavours - not a fan of the Banana Cream and Cinnamon Roll flavours, but Tropical Mango and Key Lime are the best, the latter my favourite flavour! . . . When I made my first review, I did it after my first box of Tropical Mango - the rating I gave it was not even close! So here goes again . . .


What is it?

This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 630x418.

* Fast
* Convenient
* Complete

For more information, review Muscle Pharm :: MuscleGel Shots.


Formula: 10/10. 22g of protein, no sugar, and no fat makes MuscleGel Shots perfect for my wants and needs. As with all of their products, Muscle Pharm has delivered another awesome formula and a definite staple in my supplement arsenal!

Smell: 10/10. On opening the MuscleGel Shot, you can't actually smell it unless you put your nose right up to it. Faint smell of fresh limes for the Key Lime flavour.

Taste: 10/10. The Key Lime flavour is my favourite of all the MuscleGel Shot flavours - it tastes like one is consuming the juice from fresh limes, a very refreshing and tropical flavour.

Texture: 10/10. Smooth and silky and slides down your throat. Looking at the gel actually reminds me of a roll-up.

Convenience: 11/10. You don't have to mix MuscleGel Shots with water. You don't have to inconveniently lug around tubs and shakers, or bags with powder in, to make sure you get your protein when you want it. MuscleGel Shots fit anywhere and can be taken whenever and wherever you want, gone as quickly (literally seconds!) or as slowly as you desire (although you want to get it down as fats as you can because they are that good).

Body Composition: N/A. Although MuscleGel Shots would not be directly responsible for any changes in body composition, they definitely make fat loss or muscle gains more convenient and ensure that nutritional requirements for both are met. MuscleGel Shots (along with Shred Matrix and Assault) are going to play a hugely important role in my cutting cycle (the second one ever)!

Recovery: N/A. MuscleGel Shots are definitely a fast and convenient product for use immediately following training, allowing for a kickstart on recovery.

Overall: 11/10. I cannot say enough about MuscleGels Shots - although they are slightly pricier than protein powder, for the ease and convenience of the product and the fact that protein powder now upsets my stomach, alongside BCAAs, they are my exclusive chosen source for protein. When I have no appetite - which until recently was a very rare occurrence - MuscleGel Shots are lifesavers and I literally LIVE on them.

Would I use again? Yes. I have tried ALL the flavours now and have my favourites with Tropical Mango and Key Lime. MuscleGel Shots are a STAPLE for me, and my EXCLUSIVE source of supplemented protein.

Would I recommend? No hesitation - I would recommend these over protein powder, period!

Review of Muscle Pharm's Assault (Blue Arctic Raspberry flavour)

I wanted to try the Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault flavour, and Drew was great enough to give me some to last a while. I have used Assault on and off (Sean's stash) when I have not had another preworkout available, but never consistently or cumulatively, and this was my first real opportunity to see how it affected me. The conditions under which I used Assault were not typical of me re other supplements and products used with (i.e. no stimulants, not full dosages of the supplements I was using, and using the bare minimum and not even all of my staples), I was VERY pleasantly surprised with my experience, and already have a tub of the Raspberry Lemonade flavour on the way for continued use. The latest addition to my list of STAPLES, Assault is a product I do not want to be without! See why . . .


What is it?



* Allows you to train harder and longer
* Lift more
* Recover faster
* Increase the anabolic environment and response to training
* Increase nutrient delivery to and waste products from working muscles
* Increase oxygen saturation
* Increased blood flow
* Increase energy output
* Improved mental focus without overstimulation or crash

For more information on Assault, review Muscle Pharm :: Hardcore Series :: Assault.


Formula: 11/10. The addition of the Suma Root is what sets Assault apart from other preworkout formulas, and is the reason why Assault works so well for me.

Smell: 9/10. In the tub the Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault smells like bubblegum. When mixed with water, it has a slightly sweeter scent, but still like bubblegum.

Taste: 8/10. The Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault tasted like a Bubble-O-Bill ice-cream (something we have in New Zealand - bubblegum flavoured ice-cream with a bubblegum nose). The taste could also be likened to the flavour of the Mixed Berry Powerade ZERO.

Solubility: 10/10. The The Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault mixed well on shaking, even for only a few seconds, with no residue.

Texture: 10/10. Like flavoured water/Mixed Berry Powerade ZERO.

Energy: 11/10. I am a stimulant junkie and have ti have COPIOUS amounts of caffeine STACKED with several other stimulants/stimulant products to even be functional. However, when I was using Assault, I had actually been without stimulants for a little while and was not using any with it - a very RARE occasion for me. Assault contains little caffeine or stimulants, and if it had been any other preworkout product I would have had to stack it WITH my regular stimulants and INcrease the recommended dosage of that product in order to even see effects re energy, but with Assault ONE SCOOP was enough to give me NOTICEABLE effects re energy - during a time when at any other time, I would be going into serious stimulant withdrawal and be barely alive. The energy from Assault is smooth and focused, and lasted ~12 hours each time - one of the definite highlights of the product.

Mental Focus: 10/10. My focus didn't waver, either in the gym or out of it, and working was definitely easy. As with energy, without stimulants I am non-functional, but I was alert and very productive, with great concentration.

Pumps: 8/10. I got some decent pumps using Assault, even though the bulk of my training re sets/reps was not really optimal for or focused on getting pumps.

Vascularity: 8/10. I actually started seeing veins in my deltoids that I have never seen before when using Assault, which was interesting. Vascularity during training was pretty good, especially through deltoids and arms.

Endurance: 10/10. Definitely had this - my speed endurance just got better and better! The endurance and speed endurance I had using Assault was what I experience when I use Drive, and that's saying something (I will never have to use Drive again)!

Strength: 9/10. I actually adjusted my training programme a week before starting Assault, and was lifting heavier deliberately for most exercises, with strength a focus. I was definitely surprised on a couple of exercises that I was actually able to move a weight I have not used in quite some time, and for pretty much all exercises - except Close-Grip Pull-Ups, which suffered terribly (although there was only a minute rest between sets, and usually I use ~3 minutes for this exercise) - I was able to use weights that I had left off at the end of my last strength-focused training period.

Training Intensity: 10/10. I always train with intensity (aside from the 'off' days, which we all have every now and then, when my body just will not do what I want it to do), and this was no different. However, I was able to even able to keep my intensity high during my post-weights cardio, not something I am often able to do after EVERY resistance session (and usually I will just do this at moderate to high intensity).

Recovery: 9/10. My body only started suffering from training sessions the last few days. Before that, I experienced no DOMS from training, even though I was lifting heavier and doing different things from what I had been doing for the few months prior. And after resistance training, my body most often still felt FRESH, and I was able to make post-weights cardio INTENSE. Sleep was definitely deep and restful. I also want to note that pre, during and now, I have only been using HALF the recommended dosage of IGF-2, dosing only first thing (no pre-bed!) - the only product that has ever really helped me re recovery - and my recovery is as good, if not better than using IGF-2 (recovery being one of the primary reasons why I love IGF-2)!

Nutrient Repartitioner: N/A. I didn't really use Assault for this purpose - in fact, most of the time I was using it, when I ate, I was FORCING the food down because I had NO appetite (which is also rare for me).

Other Effects: 10/10. No Beta-Alanine tingles experienced . . . A lot of sweating during pre-weights cardio (which I don't mind, and could have also been attributed to the fever I was running throughout the first few days of starting Assault) . . . No crash experienced, either physical or mental . . . Assault seems to have a cumulative effect, becoming more noticeable as you use it . . .

Other Comments: I had not used creatine for ~3 weeks before using Assault (another rarity) and my muscle creatine threshold levels had returned to baseline. When using creatine, I dose pre AND post-training, but with Assault it was only pre. Although it takes ~3 weeks at five grams a day for the body's muscle creatine levels to return to reach threshold (meaning I was nowhere close to it), using creatine definitely makes a difference and could have contributed to some of the training effects I experienced.

Overall: 11/10. Assault is the FIRST preworkout product that I have ever used that I used the RECOMMENDED dosage and saw results. It is also the ONLY preworkout product that I have ever used STANDALONE and NOT stacked with multiple stimulant products. The fact that I was FUNCTIONAL on ALL levels withOUT having ANY additional stimulants aside from the minimal caffeine in Assault is the primary reason why Assault fast became my #1 preworkout product of choice and the only one I will use, and my FIRST EQUAL FAVOURITE PRODUCT EVER! For the first time I am NOT using stimulants and I am NOT going into withdrawal, training intensity is awesome and I can breathe well without 'help', my fitness re endurance and speed endurance and strength are on the rise, and my recovery has been awesome using only HALF my regular dosage of IGF-2 - the results speak for themselves! Definitely the inclusion of Suma Root in Assault makes the difference, working synergistically with the Rhodiola Rosea in IGF-2 (I dose these products 60-90 minutes apart), and cumulative effects make for constant progress and improvement on all fronts.

Would I use again? Yes! After using Assault, even for a week, there is nothing else I would choose or want to use pre-training any more - it gives me what I want and need. I can FINALLY stop abusing stimulants and give my body an INdefinite break from them without it being detrimental to my functionality!

Would I recommend? Definitely - I already am! I cannot say enough about Assault!

Review of LG Sciences' 7-keto DHEA Topical

With their Grape flavoured BC+EAA ALREADY a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal, and having used a myriad of LG Sciences' products, I had no hesitation in asking to test the beta topical 7-keto DHEA for Eric, and thank you to Chris, who was kind enough to give me the opportunity to.


What is it? For more information, review Topical 7-Keto.

Dosage: The recommended dosage is 12 sprays once (or twice) daily, ideally post-shower - ~6 sprays is 25mg of 7-keto DHEA, so the recommended daily dosage is 50-100mg per day. I was using a lot MORE than 12 sprays, right from the start - DOUBLING the "per dose" initially, and then a little more, until I was using 100-150mg 1-2 times daily. From 15 December (i.e. the first two weeks), I used 24 (i.e. 100mg) pumps of the 7-keto DHEA topical applied post-post-training/morning shower. From 25 December (i.e. the last two weeks), I used 24-36 pumps (i.e. 100-150mg) of the 7-keto DHEA topical applied post-post-training/morning shower and 24-36 pumps (i.e. 100-150mg) pre-bed.

Smell: 10/10. The 7-keto DHEA topical smelt like alcohol - it was not strong, and the scent faded and disappeared within minutes of spraying, so no lingering smell after application or during the day, or when sweated, etc.

Feel: 10/10. A quick cool touch, like that you get when you get water sprayed on you. The 7-keto DHEA topical is not greasy or sticky after application.

Spreadability/Application: 10/10. The 7-keto DHEA topical is not a lotion, but a spray. When I was only using 100mg of the 7-keto DHEA, if I tried and spread it immediately after application to anywhere but the place where the spray hit my skin, it would NOT spread there, but with more sprays it would if I wanted to, but I had to do it fast, because the 7-keto DHEA topical was dry in mere seconds after spraying it on my skin.

Body Composition: 9/10. Pre-7-keto DHEA topical I was 118 pounds at 10% bodyfat. Currently I am 115.2 pounds at 9.8% bodyfat. Overall, I lost three pounds (although, weight is irrelevant because it fluctuates so much, and only last week I was 111 pounds) and 0.2% bodyfat. However, I am NOT going to look at the overall (which doesn't look that impressive), and instead are going to look at the first two weeks of use and last two weeks of use (and you can see the difference in the dosage used). After two weeks of use at using 100-150mg daily (one application), I had actually gone up to 123 pounds at 11% bodyfat. The last two weeks, using 200-300mg a day (two applications), I dropped back to 9.8% bodyfat (this is the BIGGEST decrease in bodyfat that I have EVER had in a single week!) - actually did this in the third week - and maintained it (weight fluctuating between 111-115 pounds). Also to note that the last two weeks I have not had much of an appetite (which caused the dramatic weight loss down to 111 pounds), but have been forcing down meals this last week. The higher dosage definitely makes a NOTICEABLE difference!

Cortisol Levels: N/A. Although I would have liked to see what my cortisol levels were like pre and post the 7-keto DHEA topical, unfortunately I did not have any bloods done. I can say however, that the last two weeks of using the higher dosage (200-300mg o a day)of the 7-keto DHEA topical have been the LEAST stressed I have felt in YEARS (even though circumstances would say that my stress should be off the charts!), which is quite something!

Sides: 9/10. The only "effect" that could possibly have occurred was that my joints started playing up. In fairness, I don't think this can be attributed to the 7-keto DHEA topical, even though it decreases cortisol, because I was also lifting heavier AND was NOT using Erase during my use of the topical (and Erase is usually what saves my joints).

Other Effects: 10/10. No water retention - in fact, the first week I started using 200-300mg of 7-keto DHEA a day, I started DRYING out, and it was especially noticeable in my upper body and midsection.

Pros: This was the most enjoyable topical I have ever used. No lingering smell. No burning sensation. Dries fast - non-sticky and non-greasy. I don't have to rub it on - just spray, and nothing went wrong with the spray nozzle. No stains left by the topical on or to get on my clothes even if I got wet or sweated. No water retention - like you get with most topicals. The bottle lasted a LONG time - and would have lasted a whole lot longer than it will if the recommended dosage was followed.

Cons: The only issue I had was that I used so much re sprays daily. I got the best results when I was using 200-300mg of 7-keto DHEA daily, which was 8-12 times MORE than was recommended.

Overall: 9.7/10. Once I was using 200-300mg of 7-keto a day, my body composition started to change dramatically, and I made the BIGGEST DEcrease in body composition over a 7-day period, with of a loss of 1.2% bodyfat in my third week of use. The last week (i.e. the fourth week), I cut my training back from 2-3 hours a day to only 60-90 minutes a day, started eating again (even though I had to force the food down), and traveling, and maintained 9.8% bodyfat!

Would I use again? Definitely! This product seems like it was literally "made for me" - a perpetually highly stressed individual, the 7-keto DHEA topical is perfect for me, and I actually want to make this a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal!

Would I recommend? Absolutely! No hesitation

Initial Impressions of Muscle Pharm's Assault (Blue Arctic Raspberry flavour)

ASSAULT (Blue Arctic Raspberry)


Smell: In the tub the Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault smells like bubblegum. When mixed with water, it has a slightly sweeter scent, but still like bubblegum.

Taste: The Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault tasted like a Bubble-O-Bill ice-cream (something we have in New Zealand - bubblegum flavoured ice-cream with a bubblegum nose). The taste could also be likened to the flavour of the Mixed Berry Powerade ZERO.

Solubility: The The Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault mixed well on shaking, even for only a few seconds, with no residue.

Texture: Like flavoured water/Mixed Berry Powerade ZERO.

Energy: The last few days I have not had much energy at all, forcing training as opposed to doing it because I wanted to be doing it. Today, I had a steady flow of energy, which was nice - training session was also not as long as what some of them have been lately, though - although just as intense, if not MORE.

Mental Focus: My mind rarely turns off, so thinking about multiple things at once, albeit still concentrated on training.

Pumps: My set/rep ranges were not so conducive to pumps today, but I had a little.

Vascularity: Vascularity during cardio was great, but it started hiding as I continued with my resistance training, only my forearms and deltoids veins showing through.

Endurance: Definitely had this.

Strength: I was lifting heavier deliberately for most exercises, and was surprised on a couple that I was actually able to move a weight I have not used in quite some time. Close-Grip Pull-Ups suffered, though - although there was only a minute rest between sets, and usually I use ~3 minutes for this exercise (and only this one).

Training Intensity: High - I was even able to keep it high during my post-weights cardio.

Recovery: My body is not sore, and I felt better AFTER training than I did before, which says something, especially considering my legs were not like jello after post-weights cardio.

Nutrient Repartitioner: Since I have no appetite at the moment and only had a liquid meal post-training (bad, I know), I can't comment on this factor..

Other Effects: No Beta-Alanine tingles experienced . . . A lot of sweating during pre-weights cardio (although, as I mentioned in my last post, this could have been a mixture of a fever and Assault . . .

Other Comments: Although I have an almost full tub of CreaPure, I have deliberately not used creatine (experimented a couple of times last year to see how my performance differed with and without creatine, and any other effects it might have on my body) since 14 December 2010, so it's been ~3 weeks without it, and also coincidentally the period of time that it takes one's muscle creatine threshold levels to return to baseline. Therefore, today was my first day back using a product containing creatine (and also one of the rare times when I do not dose creatine pre AND post-training), and, as I stated last year, I definitely notice the different when I am and not using creatine . . . Also note that I am not even using the BARE essentials of BC+EAA, Organic Vitaberry, and Muscle Gels re supplements right now (almost a first for me, but my body does need a small break from everything), so no stimulants or anything . . . I will give a more comprehensive review of the Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault when I have finished what I have . . .

Initial Impressions: 7-keto DHEA Topical

7-keto DHEA Topical


Smell - N/A: The 7-keto DHEA topical smelt like alcohol - it was not strong, and the scent faded and disappeared within minutes of spraying.

Feel - 10/10: A quick cool touch, like that you get when you get water sprayed on you. The 7-keto DHEA topical is not greasy or sticky after application.

Spreadability - N/A: The 7-keto DHEA topical is not a lotion, but a spray. Even if I try and spread it immediately after application to anywhere but the place where the spray hit my skin, it does NOT spread there - see "Drying" comments below.

Drying - 10/10: The 7-keto DHEA topical was dry in mere seconds after spraying it on my skin.

Other Notes: I actually used 24 pumps instead of 12 to make sure that I covered all the areas I wanted to properly - especially since it does not spread. I am going to have to attempt and make 12 sprays cover everything for future usage. Definitely interested in seeing how this 7-keto DHEA topical works.

Review of Performance Enhancing Supplements' ERASE

One bottle of Erase down . . . And many more to come! . . .


What is it?



* Erase Cortisol!
* Increase Testosterone!
* Erase Fat Storage!
* Increase Fat Loss!
* Increase Muscle Mass!
* Increase Sex Drive!
* Increase Recovery!

For more information on the product, please review Performance Enhancing Supplements: ERASE


Body Composition: 8/10. Every week I have been using Erase, my training has been BELOW Maintenance training, whereas my diet has not changed, which tells you how effective Erase was. There was a gradual increase in body composition to 9.9% bodyfat over the first two weeks, but the final week using Erase saw a decrease in body composition back to 9.5% bodyfat at 116 pounds, leaving me with a final gain of one pound at a ratio of 9.6 to 1 increase in lean mass (+ 0.905 pounds) and bodyfat (+ 0.095 pounds) respectively, and technically "no" change in body composition. Considering my training and nutrition, this is interesting AND impressive . . . My arms grew whilst using Erase - even though not a lot, it makes a difference re look, and the stretchmarks just above my elbow crease and biceps insertions, as well as increase in arm girths, are testament to that . . . Note that the final week my Erase dosage was 5 caps daily - with one cap pre-bed, as opposed to the 3-4 caps and no pre-bed dose that it was during the first and second weeks respectively . . .

Cortisol Levels: N/A. Although I would have liked to see the changes in my Cortisol levels from pre to post-Erase, I did not have bloods done. I will note that my stress levels are ALWAYS HIGH, and the last three weeks have been more stressful than most, and yet my body composition has remained "unchanged".

Testosterone Levels: N/A. Although I would have liked to see the changes in my Testosterone levels from pre to post-Erase, I did not have bloods done.

Recovery: 8/10. My recovery has been interesting - bear in mind that, although training was just under Maintenance, it WAS a new training split I was using . . . Adding in the dose pre-bed gave me the best sleep - deeper and more restful than ever . . . Do note that I was also using IGF-2, which plays a huge role in my recovery, so Erase cannot be solely attributed with effects here . . .

Libido: 11/10. Even BETTER than when I was using T-911 - my libido has been INsatiable during the last three weeks, despite the circumstances (which is interesting in itself). My body has been ready and responsive, and it's been the most and best sex ever!

Other Effects: 10/10. The most noticeable effects of Erase - aside from those already mentioned - were on my joints and with water retention prevention . . . Even though I started Erase immediately after finishing Triazole, my joints started getting better (they were not the best - very dry), and also as it got colder and my dose of Erase increased, my joints kept improving considerably re looseness. I noticed the effects on my joints the best at 5 caps (i.e. 125mg of 3,7-keto DHEA) daily, which is interesting, considering that decreasing cortisol generally means negative effects re joints . . . When I started dosing Erase pre-bed, the lack of water retention to the following day got more noticeable, especially since I have the bulk of my carbohydrates and a LOT of carbohydrates in the few hours pre-bed. Do note that I was also using Shred Matrix - although effects were definitely more noticeable when using 5 caps and a pre-bed dose of Erase . . . Strength also increased as I was using Erase - but one of my training focuses was ON gaining strength . . .

Overall: 9.5/10. Erase is an excellent recomp product! I actually noticed the best results re body composition and joints with Erase when I was dosing at 5 caps daily and added the extra cap in pre-bed. Interestingly enough, at 5 caps daily, my joints were better than they were when I was using Osteo-Sport, which says a LOT. Erase gets "extra" points for the positive effects re joints and sleep . . . The only downside to the product for me personally is that I have to use 5 caps to make the progress I want, which means a bottle will only last 18 days . . .

Would I use again? Yes. I actually want to Erase as a STAPLE!

Would I recommend? Definitely.


My Thoughts on Performance Enhancing Supplements Performance Enhancing Supplements is a young company with only TWO products. However, those two products are EFFECTIVE and BOTH of them I have used with excellent results. Performance Enhancing Supplements proves that you don't need to have an extensive line-up to make an impression - their products speak for themselves re results, and the company name and recognition will only get bigger and better. Already, Alpha-T2 has become a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal, and Erase is going to be!

Review of Genomyx's Eviscerate Smolder

I was one of those who used the very FIRST Eviscerate Smolder betas, and I had two small tubes of it . . .


What is it?



* Burn Fat, but without the "Burning" Sensation
* Reduce Stubborn Fat Deposits
* Reduce The Appearance of Cellulite
* Enhance Definition
* Shed Excess Water
* Increase Vascularity

For more information on the product, please review Genomyx: Eviscerate Smolder


Smell: 8/10. Smells the same as Eviscerate - strongly like coffee.

Feel: 9/10. This is where Eviscerate Smolder shines over the original Eviscerate. On application, there was an icy wind across my skin where I applied the Eviscerate Smolder, and later a faint icy burn/smolder, and then nothing. When I got warm or hot, I could feel that faint smolder - otherwise I felt nothing, which was GREAT. The second bottle/tube of Eviscerate Smolder had the same icy feeling blow on the application areas as the first one did, but there was NO smolder or burn with it.

Spreadability: 10/10. Eviscerate Smolder spread over my skin quite well. There was no residue after application. I used four pumps - one for the front of my midsection, one for the back of my core, and one for each thigh. My first tube lasted me ~2 weeks, after which I got better at applying the minimal amount to cover the greatest area, and the second tube lasted me TWICE as long (which technically makes it using LESS Eviscerate Smolder during the second tube) - the Eviscerate Smolder in the second bottle was also more runny than it was in the first, which makes a difference in how much each pump spread.

Body Composition: 8/10. To understand how good my body composition effects actually were, you have to see what my training was like over the time using Eviscerate Smolder (since it is my training and not my nutrition that predominantly determines my leanness): 1. The week post-competition I did two resistance sessions and four cardio sessions; 2. The second week post-competition I did Maintenance training; 3. The third week post-competition I did four resistance sessions and six cardio sessions; 4. The fourth week post-competition I did Maintenance training; 5. The fifth week post-competition I did four resistance sessions and six cardio sessions; 6. The sixth week post competition I did Maintenance training. When I started Eviscerate Smolder, I had just been dieting for a week, training for several weeks at levels well over Maintenance training - which is why I used my body statistics at the end of the first week post-competition as my 'baseline' to go from. 'Baseline' was 111.4 pounds at 9% bodyfat. For two weeks my scale weight and body composition increased, coming out at 122.4 pounds and 10.1% bodyfat at the end of my third week post-competition. The next two weeks saw a body composition decrease, coming out at 115 pounds and 9.5% bodyfat. The last two weeks on Eviscerate Smolder saw a gradual increase again in body composition, bringing me out at 9.9% bodyfat at 119 pounds, leaving me with a final gain of pounds at a ratio of 3 to 1 increase in lean mass (+ 5.845 pounds) and bodyfat (+ 1.755 pounds) respectively, making for a reasonable recomp with not much fat gain . . . My girths did not change at all, with my clothes fitting BETTER, which is interesting . . . Please note that for the first four weeks of using Eviscerate Smolder, I was also using Triazole, and the last three weeks, I was using Erase, so not all of my results can be attributed solely to the Eviscerate Smolder . . .

Diuretic Effects: 9/10. Eviscerate Smolder definitely exerts a diuretic effect, and unlike the original Eviscerate, there was minimal to NO water retention while I was using it, despite my very high carbohydrate consumption during the majority of my time using it.

Vascularity: 5/10. As with the original Eviscerate, Eviscerate Smolder did not make a difference to my vascularity, and did not increase it either on application or during exercise - NOT an issue though, since I did not use Eviscerate Smolder for this purpose.

Other Effects: 10/10. I used Eviscerate Smolder with the Flawless/Flawless: IRDT (once my original Flawless had run out). When I started using the Eviscerate Smolder/Flawless combination, I had quite bad burn marks on my stomach from using a scalding hot wheatie almost daily for a couple of months prior (due to my painful and upset stomach during that time). After 11 days, the burn marks had lightened considerably, fading them almost to nothing in two weeks, and after 5-6 weeks of applying this combination once daily, the burn marks were GONE!

Overall: 9/10. The period in which I used Eviscerate Smolder was very UNcharacteristic of me, and I was UNcommonly inconsistent, with my training and nutrition unusual and all over the place - Maintenance one week and barely anything the next re training and eating well one week and terribly the next re nutrition. NOTHING went as planned and everything was readjusted and readjusted again over that period from what my goals, etc. were at the start of my usage of Eviscerate Smolder. Although I do not feel that I gave Eviscerate Smolder a fair trial, those six weeks that I used it have allowed me to see what effects it has in an IMperfect situation, and re body composition - which is the predominant reason for using Eviscerate Smolder - show that the product DOES indeed work, and that, in a PERFECT environment re training and nutritional control, it would give even better results, withOUT the unwanted effects (even though they only lasted whilst using the product and went away within a few days of stopping it) that the original Eviscerate had . . .

Would I use again? Yes. No hesitation. With the original DermaTherm no longer being available, Eviscerate Smolder is the best "fat loss" topical on the market, IMO - not only does it provide the effects of Eviscerate (which I considered the best topical on the market once the original DermaTherm was no longer available), but it does not burn and have the other effects such as water retention that the original Eviscerate did.

Would I recommend? Generally I would NOT recommend a topical fat loss product for those looking at "cutting" (unless one is relatively lean to begin with and just wants to lose that last 1-2% BF, then I wouldn't recommend at all) - I would recommend making sure that their NUTRITION was targeted at fat loss, with their TRAINING structured appropriately, before considering a fat loss supplement/product. In saying that, if diet and exercise were right, then just that little something extra could be recommended . . . As also shown with my results, I would recommend Eviscerate Smolder to anyone looking at RECOMPING or minimizing fat gain during a "bulk" . . .

Comparison to the original Eviscerate. Eviscerate Smolder is a lighter colour than Eviscerate. Goes on just as easily as Eviscerate, albeit a little runnier (i.e. without as much thickness/body). Unlike Eviscerate, it left an ICY wind across the skin where it was applied, with a faint icy burn and that is it - no extreme burning and feeling like I want to roll around naked outside in the snow like there was with the original Eviscerate (from my second tube on - there was NO burn with my FIRST tube and experience of it, which is interesting).