Response to my first product review column has been tremendous. Thanks to those who are writing in with comments, suggestions for future write-ups, and sending products.
HEAD BLADE
Shaved heads are the norm in our world. Fashion plays a role, and so does age, but the common denominator is the need to shave. Constantly; perhaps daily. For years I've been a user and advocate of the HeadBlade, easily one of the coolest devices in my daily life. If you shave your dome, you must vividly remember your first time. I do; it was a bloody mess, but the HeadBlade, simple and ingenious, has since saved me frustration and the sight of bits of tissue paper stuck to my head. Keeping the little wheel on your scalp is the entire trick; you'll shave closely and will not cut yourself. It's satisfying how quickly you'll shave your head, making the task much smoother and easier. I recommend the HeadBlade or their HeadSlick Shaving Cream with the highest scores possible. (www.headblade.com or purchase at Walgreens)
GILLETTE FUSION
Lately, there's a new competitor on the scene! Gillette's Fusion, replete with five blades, looks like a regular shaver, but the job it does is sublime. I know I sound over-the-top with all this, but unless you shave your head every day, on top of whatever other body parts you likely shave, you can't appreciate how wonderful the Fusion is. It's almost impossible to cut yourself with a Fusion. The replacement blades are a bit expensive, but give it a try; you may fall in love. (www.Gillette.com)
CARL LENORE
Shame on you if you're not downloading and listening to Carl Lanore's daily Off Topic Radio Show. His breadth of coverage in the world of physical culture is all-encompassing. Lenore and co-host Aaron Singerman draw conversation out of their guests that they're often clearly unprepared for; however, they pull it off with good taste. To say that Carl opens himself up on the air is an understatement; his life appears to be an open book, and he expects nothing but the same from others. From bodybuilders to supplement scientists, from Palumbo to Roberts, you'll listen to discussions that are riveting and meaningful. John Romano's recent appearance provided some of the most honest discussion I've ever heard on a radio show. Carl and Aaron, I respect what you are doing greatly. Did I mention this freakin' show is a daily broadcast? Available through iTunes, or www.superhumanradio.com
Beverly International
Density Essential Amino Acid Tablets
and Glutamine Select
For years I've been fascinated by the near cult-like status surrounding Beverly International's product line. In a market dominated by hype and extravagant claims, this company has kept a low profile, doesn't advertise or market itself too much, and certainly doesn't discount its products! Until last two years ago I'd never tried any products from Beverly. I have been well aware while attending most of the Expos at the Arnold Classic for the last 20 years, that even though they don't hand out free samples, their booth is always crowded!
Roger Riedinger at Beverly was kind enough to send me a couple of jars of Glutamine Select and Density, along with his suggestions for using them. This was an extremely rare situation for this company since they very rarely do such a thing!
Density contains 500 mg of eight amino acids, plus some vitamin E. Glutamine Select is a mixture of glutamine and branch chain amino acids. Critically, all of the aminos used by Beverly are of pharmaceutical grade. My interest in amino acids has intensified; so much research shows their value in losing body-fat while retaining lean tissue, growing muscle, and even making you healthier. Imagine that!
In order to give myself an opportunity to feel whether they work or not, I stopped taking any pre-workout and intra-training products for two weeks. Roger told me to take 5-8 amino acid tablets before training, and the same number with any meal not containing 30 grams of protein. Since all my meals include at least that much protein, I decided to use Density before and after training, 5 capsules each time. In my water bottle for training sessions I used three scoops of Glutamine Select. No other products went into my system surrounding workouts; no thermogenics and no creatine.
After one month of exclusive use of Density and Glutamine Select (weight training five days weekly, cardio-only one day, one day off), I'm convinced there's a true positive effect. My endurance is up, enabling me to work out at near capacity from start to finish of even the toughest, fastest-moving session. After some experimentation I decided that 30 minutes prior to training was the best time for the five Density tablets; I take the other five immediately after the workout, with my post-session shake.
Glutamine Select mixes ok in water; there's always a bit of sediment in the bottle, so I shake it here and there, but this presents no problem. The slightly bitter amino acid taste of the mix is minor, and considering I've been using supplements since Bob Hoffman's horrible "Protein From the Sea," I actually enjoy the taste.
Take a look at all the research and anecdotal articles about amino acid supplementation and you'll find overwhelming evidence that, for a hard-working weight trainer, they're extremely helpful. Whether you're dieting for a bodybuilding show, building strength for powerlifting or strongman, or doing your best to train for specific sports, I highly recommend Beverly International's Density and Glutamine. Put it this way, at last year's Arnold Expo I spent a lot of my money at their booth.
http://www.beverlyinternational.com
Reach John Koenig at [email protected]
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