Q: Looking through bodybuilding magazines or visiting my local nutrition center doesn’t answer any of my questions. It just creates more. There are too many choices, so I just stopped taking supplements altogether. But I’m desperate to get ripped. What can I do?

A: Your frustrated confusion is understandable. Sure there was a time when life was simple and ice cream came in 2 flavors, vanilla and chocolate. Maybe your favorite was among those 2. Maybe it wasn’t, but at least there was no agonizing over the decision-making process. Life was simple, but also very confining. While you might debate this, the fact that unlimited flavors now exist is a good thing.

Sure there might be a little more time and energy spent making choices, but you’re also afforded the opportunity (and luxury) of finally getting exactly what you want. You don’t have to “settle” any more.

This is precisely the situation with the supplement industry. Yes, the market is flooded with countless companies and products, and with that comes an obligatory amount of confusion/indecision over which way to go. That’s the downside. How do you know which products to choose, which are best for your purposes, which are essential? Making the proper decision can seem daunting. I’m certainly not downplaying your predicament.

However, once you get past the initial overwhelming feeling, I think you would agree that the incredible influx of new companies and products has also resulted in great improvements in quality and effectiveness as well as cutting edge, new, innovative products entering the marketplace. The competition brought about has raised the level of all supplements, across the board. In this case, it seems more than reasonable to accept a little bad, with an abundance of good. Now, when you “settle”, it’s for nothing less than the best.

But back to your main question…you wanna get ripped right? Well, really, who doesn’t? Whether you’ve got a “beer gut” or a “6-pack”, chances are you’re in a constant struggle to burn more fat. See, even people who are in shape are never satisfied. Fortunately for everyone concerned, there are several products currently leading the battle to incinerate body fat.

These are certainly not the only effective fat burners on the market, but all of them can be used successfully regardless of current condition. From bodybuilders attempting to take “ripped” to “beyond shredded” condition, bodybuilders who are smooth or even fat (for a bodybuilder) needing to get lean to average people trying to lose their gut and trade “soft and mushy” for “tight and chiseled”…the first step can be found in incorporating any of these potent fat burners (listed alphabetically by company, for arbitrary convenience).

Though every “fat burner” in this elite group has properties, compounds and distinct formulations that distinguish it as unique, they all share a common thread…namely, accomplishing several critical goals.

So while all 5 of these “fat burners”…well calling them “fat burners” is actually a gross understatement because they do so much more. But for purposes of brevity, that catch-all term will suffice. Ok, there are definite differences delineating each of the 5 products, but there are also some consistent similarities.

In football, it’s not important how you win…run, pass, offense, defense, special teams…just that you win. There are several different paths to a successful outcome. One isn’t necessarily better than any other. Believing there is only 1 way to succeed is not just shortsighted, but completely inaccurate. The key factor is not “what path” you take, but that “your path” gets you where you’re going. With fat burners, there are several different paths and they all lead where you’re dying to go…destination: fat annihilation.

To detail the inner workings of each formulation and the individual ingredients would take far too long…and probably further complicate, rather than clarify this issue. But there are a few useful comparison points to be made.

All 5, Atro-Phex, Cytolean, Hydroxycut Hardcore, Meltdown and Tight Extreme have caffeine in common, which isn’t surprising, since it’s an “old reliable” component. But, from those very humble beginnings, each product evolves into its own carefully constructed masterpiece of fat destruction.

Atro-Phex, Cytolean and Hydroxycut Hardcore all include various potent herbal extracts for both thermogenic and nootropic (brain enhancing) purposes. Meltdown and Tight Xtreme incorporate both Phenethylamine (PEA) and Hordenine to stimulate dopamine for the feeling of euphoria and Synephrine for thermogenesis. It’s important to note that Meltdown and Tight Xtreme use the technologically advanced version, R-Beta-Methyl-Phenethylamine (Methyl-PEA). This is not to be confused with the standard version of PEA, which is primitive by comparison (in action and function).

There is some overlap of ingredients among all 5 “torchers”. Yohimbine (in some form), which imparts energy enhancing, fat burning and anti-catabolic effects is found in Hydroxycut Hardcore, Meltdown, and Tight Xtreme. A potent analogue of yohimbine (Alpha-Yohimbine) is used in Meltdown and Tight Xtreme. While Atro-Phex and Cytolean both contain Tyrosine, a precursor to neurotransmitters that significantly improves brain function.

A little known compound, sulbutiamine (a thiamine precursor), has an incredible 1-2 punch, in that it not only reduces physical fatigue to increase training endurance and intensity, it also has powerful nootropic properties. Sulbutiamine is found only in Atro-Phex and Tight Xtreme.

Sulbutiamine is certainly not a household name, though it’s been used in Europe for more than a decade. But, it is a new innovation in the current marketplace. However, there is one compound that’s previous obscurity is only exceeded by its potency. Many fat burners get the job done. Remember, it’s not necessarily the path chosen, but the destination reached that’s of utmost importance. Still, some people like to feel the “surge” during the ride.

What is this secret “compound” for those of you who want to feel a real “mule-kick” from your fat burner? It’s Geranalean (1,3-Dimethylamylamine), an a-adrenergic agonist that mimics adrenaline. Some people have described it as almost “amphetamine-like”. If that weren’t enough, it also stimulates dopamine for a “feel-good” experience. In time, many companies will jump on the Geranalean “bandwagon”, but of the 5 fat burners in this comparison, it’s only available in Tight Xtreme.

I’ve made an extensive study of all 5 of these fat-burning champions. You can’t go wrong with any of them. You’re going to get results. But I highly recommend you check out the websites of each company. There is extensive informative material, with detailed descriptions of all ingredients and how each product works. It would be an excellent investment of time and a real education in the science of fat burning technology. (Atro-Phex: bsnonline.net, Cytolean: gasparinutrition.com, Hydroxycut Hardcore: muscletech.com, Tight Xtreme: sann.net, Meltdown: vpxsports.com).

As far as usage is concerned, across the board, recommended cycle length is a minimum of 4-6 weeks, with a maximum of 8-12 weeks, followed by a mandatory 4 weeks off. That’s a good length of time to be on, because you can really ramp up your training consistency and intensity for 2-3 months to correspond with your fat burning cycle length, then take a month off to rest, recuperate and recharge (physically and mentally) before kicking things into high gear once again.

It’s best to take your dosage 30-60 minutes prior to workouts on training days and early (at least before noon) on non-training days. If you happen to occasionally miss a dose, just resume normal dosage the following day. Don’t try and catch up. This is unnecessary and can also be counter-productive. These products are powerful, so treat their use with respect.

If you can’t decide, you might want to consider using 1 fat burner for 6 weeks, then switching to a different brand for the next 6 weeks. Some people use 3 different ones, for 4 weeks each. There is no definitive program to follow. You might find the “right one” for you and stick with it for years of beneficial use. You might end up becoming your own “trial and error” guinea pig. The beauty is they all work; so time, energy (and especially) money will be well spent.

Q: I’m tired of struggling to gain mass. I work out 3-4 days a week and I train hard. But every time I try taking weight gainers to get big, I end up looking smooth or even fat. What am I doing wrong?

A: In this issue’s questions, it seems like everybody’s pissed off because they’re not able to control their own progress. I think that’s one of the most basic causes of anger and disillusionment. It’s bad enough when things aren’t going your way, but when you try really hard, concentrate, take your time and really apply yourself…and things still don’t work out…well, it can get to the point where you’ll ask your “Mom for a Pepsi”…and she won’t give it to you…(enough of my homage to 80s band, Suicidal Tendencies and their cult classic, “Institutionalized”).

My point is still valid, though. Imagine you show up late for work, do a half-assed job and make a crappy wage. That’d be pretty bad. But imagine if you’re always early, work harder than everyone else and still make a crappy wage. That might kill your motivation, no matter how great your attitude or how strong your will.

Training hard and devoting time and energy into getting the physical results you want is no small task. It’s not easy. But when you make progress, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences in the life. When you feel you’re in complete control of manipulating your body for the better, it’s easy to maintain motivation and exert yourself in every workout.

However, the converse is also true. When you’re working hard and not getting results, it’s easy to buckle, wilt and throw in the towel. The solution is not surrendering or quitting, but overcoming.

So how do you do that? Well, by simply trying, you’re on your way. Sending in your question is the next step. Your inquiring mind indicates you’re not satisfied with what’s occurring and you’re eager to do whatever it takes to find a real solution.

Since you didn’t say what weight gainers you tried in the past…well it doesn’t matter what you did in the past. We’re concerned about the future. “Weight gainer” is really not the most accurate term. You should really be looking for a “Muscle Weight” gainer. Unless you’re grossly malnourished and excessively underweight (which is highly uncommon, especially in the US), the goal is not simply to add pounds. The aim of a weight gainer is to add quality muscle mass and increase strength.

For years, there was not much energy put into developing cutting edge weight gainers. Years ago, it was often joked that weight gainers packaged like a beach pail could be replaced with equal parts sand and sugar and give the same results on body composition, not to mention the digestive tract. Luckily for all of us, those days are gone and currently several companies have put the much needed R&D (research & development) into creating a new category of “muscle weight” gainers.

Here are some of the top contenders leading the way in this revolutionary approach to pure “muscle weight” gains.

But simply calling something a “muscle weight” gainer, doesn’t make it so. What are the key components necessary to create a true “muscle weight” gainer? Protein is the most critical element. Of the 3 macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) only protein can be converted into muscle by the body. Carbs and fats also play important roles for providing energy and filling up the muscles. But without high quality protein, maintaining lean mass is impossible…forget about adding muscle.

A triple-threat protein blend, which includes whey, casein and egg, became all the rage about 10 years ago. And with good reason. This trio of proteins accomplishes fast acting and long lasting protein release. Whey is quickly assimilated and easily absorbed, while casein is much slower and more sustained. Egg is literally the “middle man” passing the baton from the sprinter (whey) to the distance runner (casein).

The protein triplets (whey, egg, casein) are extremely effective, but not the only solution. Recently some newer products are relying on whey protein (fortified with amino acids and herbal extracts), along with new delivery systems to enhance the activity, longevity and absorption of this fast acting protein.

IntraPro by Gaspari Nutrition and Nitro-Tech Hardcore by MuscleTech represent a deviation from the “whey, casein, egg” trend. These newer “muscle weight” gainers/meal replacements instead utilize a complex blend of whey proteins and amino acids, along with advanced dispersion and delivery technology to maximize absorption.

IntraPro uses the micronutrients turkesterone and 20-beta-hydroxyecdysone to enhance protein synthesis.  Nitro-Tech Hardcore accelerates nitric oxide production to increase blood flow and nano-dispersion technology to deliver nutrients to ensure they’re absorbed and utilized. Both IntraPro and Nitro-Tech Hardcore are very low in fat and carbs. As such, they won’t typically deliver a sustained release of more than 2-3 hours. But, since most bodybuilders eat every 3 hours, that isn’t a major concern…simply a consideration.

The most dramatic advancement in protein technology, however, has to do with casein. Known as a longer-acting protein, basic casein (calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate) is derived from milk. That’s why casein was combined with whey and egg. Whey was fast acting, but not lasting. Casein was slow acting, but lasting. This simple scientific approach was fine for the 20th century, but the new millennium brought with it the advent of a “new casein”.

“Micellar Casein” is the purest casein in the world, with no fat and zero lactose, and the highest amino acid content. Like regular casein, micellar casein is derived from milk. But micellar casein comes from milk protein isolate, which is 80% micellar casein and 20% whey isolate. Many claims are made regarding protein, but micellar casein legitimately delivers a sustained release of protein for 6-8 hours after taking it. That type of duration was previously considered impossible. But micellar casein doles out a consistent dose of protein, almost “IV”-like in its slow and steady flow, which results in incredible nitrogen retention and anabolic activation.

Infusion by SAN, Syntha-6 by BSN and Zero Impact (formerly known as Micellean) by VPX all utilize micellar casein in their formulations for sustained protein release, that combined with whey not only encourages muscle growth, but prevents muscle breakdown. This is important during busy workdays when there’s no time to stop for meals and especially during sleep, when no protein is consumed for 6-8 hours.

Infusion and Zero Impact take a similar approach to their formulations combining proteins, but it’s far beyond the original “protein triplets” (whey, casein, egg). Zero Impact implements whey, micellar casein and egg proteins. Infusion includes lactalbumin in place of egg albumen. They both also utilize whole grain carbs and higher amounts of fats, like CLA, Flax and EFAs. (These fats are known as the “fat burning” fats because ingesting them stimulates thermogenesis). Both Zero Impact and Infusion deliver a long lasting, sustained release, wallop of protein to maximize anabolic activity.

Syntha-6 by BSN is a nicely designed balance between the 2 categories (IntraPro and Nitro-Tech Hardcore; Infusion and Zero Impact) of “muscle weight” gainer meal replacements and distinguishes itself based on that combination approach. Syntha-6 is more similar to both Infusion and Zero Impact with respect to its protein profile. But includes an amino acid combination similar to IntraPro and Nitro-Tech Hardcore, though is higher in fats and carbs.

And while each entry into this discussion has numerous merits, SAN’s Infusion includes 2 compounds that further differentiate it from the others. In addition to the new protein trio (whey, casein, lactalbumin), Infusion adds bovine colostrum, which is more anabolic than whey and delivers high amounts of IGF-1, the same potent “Insulin-like Growth Factors” that growth hormone is converted to in the body. Of the 5 meal replacements compared here, only Infusion has bovine colostrum.

Now consuming protein is critical for muscle growth, but even more important is efficient protein uptake. Without proper absorption, even the best protein blend won’t be assimilated into muscle mass. To guarantee optimal uptake of proteins, and all nutrients, Infusion uses probiotics (acidophilus and bifidus), which bring healthy flora into the intestinal tract to maximize protein absorption and stimulate anabolic activity.

Obviously protein is the #1 priority, but fats and carbs are not the “redheaded stepchildren” of “muscle weight” gainers. Fats used should be Flax, CLA, MCTs, which are primarily unsaturated. Carbs are the least important component of “muscle weight” gainers, but still should be low glycemic, preferably from whole grains.

It should be becoming clear, that a “muscle weight” gainer is really a new, cutting edge, meal replacement in disguise. Gaining weight is easy. Gaining quality muscle weight is challenging. Even when using a “muscle weight” gainer, you still have to eat. Also, if you feel you’re not gaining weight quickly enough, you can easily turn these modern meal replacements into more traditional “muscle weight” gainers, by mixing them with milk, instead of water.

Though it’s probably not going to be applicable to many people, if you’re constantly mistaken for a “3 wood” (golf club) when you’re wearing a stocking cap, then you can mix your meal replacements in whole milk. But low fat or skim milk should be adequate for most, even in a concentrated gaining cycle. However, if your abs become nonexistent and your chins begin to multiply, switch back to water.

As is the case with the fat burners, there is no wrong choice when it comes to “muscle weight” gainer meal replacements. Based on the information presented here, you’re armed with a basic, working knowledge of all 5. Now, simply assess goals and proceed with your own customized experimentation.

As for dosage, the most important use of any of the meal replacements is within 30 minutes after training. This is when your body is in desperate need of the anabolic nutrients provided by these meal replacements. Another important time is right before bed. This dose will help maintain anabolism during your extended fasting period, (otherwise known as sleep).

Really they can be used anytime. But don’t fall into the habit of using meal replacements exclusively. I’ve seen it happen to many people. The convenience, the taste, the effectiveness…it’s easy to stray away from eating real food. Resist that temptation. 1-2 servings a day is the minimum necessary, but 3-4 should be an absolute maximum. Every once in a while, it’s ok to exceed 4 servings a day if you’re really in the mood for it and don’t have time to cook or stop and eat, but that should be the exception.

Serving size may vary on the labels, but look at the weight per scoop (in grams) and it’s easy to make comparative calculations. Serving sizes for the products range from 1-4 scoops. Scoop sizes vary. Just look at the protein and calories per serving to determine what you need.

Most people can effectively assimilate 30 grams of protein every 2-4 hours. You can start with that dose, but you may soon find you need up to 40-50 grams. Better to build up to that amount than start at that level.

There’s no way to determine exactly which “muscle weight” gainer meal replacement will work best for you, even based on the ingredients and detailed descriptions. Taste may be a factor; you may feel better with certain products than others. The beauty of meal replacements is you have an array of different brands to choose from. Maybe you like Infusion before bed, but Zero Impact or Syntha-6 after training. Nitro-Tech Hardcore and IntraPro might be your preference for between meals or on your commute to and from work. The paths to anabolic activation are endless…the choice is yours.

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