Workout Gear... Best of the Best!

Who doesn't like sporting comfortable and fresh looking bodybuilding/fitness gear to the gym?  It seems as if there are a multitude of clothing companies producing bodybuilding/fitness style clothing today.  Some of the more well known companies include: GASP, Better Bodies, Monsta Clothing, Dana Linn Bailey's Flag Nor Fail, Ironville Clothing Co., Gorilla Wear USA, Gym Savage, hotbodz, Muscleclubapparel, and of course Jerry Beck's Iron Asylum Clothing (Illustratus Maximus).  Supplement companies and individual athletes have also come out with their own clothing line.  For the sake of brevity, I will include the most popular lines in today's discussion.  Some of the more popular supplement clothing lines include: Universal/Animal Nutrition, MHP, Muscle Pharm, and of course Dave Palumbo's Species Nutrition.  In regards to specific athletes, the most popular lines would probably include: Jay Cutler's Cutler Athletics, Phil Heath's Steel Clothing/Gifted Athletics, Guy Cisternino's Quadro Gear, and Juan Diesel Morel's personal clothing line @ dieseldolls.com, and Antoine Vaillant's own personal clothing line.  Obviously gyms throughout the world produce their own gym gear, so I feel the need to give a shout out to Bev Francis Powerhouse Gym in Syosett, New York and The  Montanari Brothers Powerhouse Gym in New Haven, CT.

I thought it would be most appropriate to organize the clothing lines into four different categories:

1.) Most well known clothing companies in our industry.

2.) Supplement Companies

3.) Individual Athletes

4.) Gyms

Obviously everyone will have their own preference of clothing style, but I wanted to share my own personal favorites in each category.

I.) Most well known clothing companies in our industry.

I would have to give the upper hand to Jerry Beck's Iron Asylum Clothing Line (Illustratus Maximus).  I was first introduced to Jerry Beck's art in 2009 when I stumbled across RXMuscle.com's Iron Asylum Training videos.  Jerry Beck designed the symbol for Dave Palumbo's RxMuscle.com

Shortly after that, an IA training video featuring Jerry Beck was published on to the site.  Through the interview conducted by Dave P., we are able to learn a little more about Jerry Beck's artistic background, Iron Asylum Training Clothing, and the IA Gym in Cleveland, Ohio.  Needless to say the designs are motivational, unique, and aesthetically pleasing.  The quality of material is also top notch and very comfortable. 

Iron Asylum Training Clothing which is now known as Illustratus Maximus can be purchased @ http://www.illustratusmaximus.com/

For some reason the website doesn't include a wide array of options, but I am sure it will get updated over time.  Definitely spread the word and try to bring even more attention to this great artist and clothing line.

The UK Site actually has more options, so I would check that out if it's in your budget.
@ http://www.ironasylumuk.com/ia-mens-t-shirts/cat_1.html

Mr. Beck will also have a booth at the 2014 Arnold Classic, so stop by the booth to meet the man himself and pick up some amazing gym gear.  Also check them out on FB for any and all updates @ https://www.facebook.com/illmaxnation?ref=profile

II.) Supplement Companies.

Animal/Universal Nutrition dominates the clothing line aspect of the supplement business.  I have seen people rocking an Animal T-Shirt in an array of different environments from: the gym, classroom, weekend parties (haha), the supermarket, cafeteria, etc.  I honestly can not think of any other brand that is given this much love by its consumer base.  The classic A and Animal logo is known by athletes world wide!  Although simple, it doesn't get any better than the Animal values of hard work and passion for pumping iron.

Universal T-Shirts are also aesthetically pleasing and made of quality material.  If you don't already have one, be sure to stop by the Animal/Universal Site to check out their diverse collection of gear.  My personal favorite would have to be "Universal is Numero Uno" (shout out to Arnold) or the Universal Logo T-Shirt (Blue).

 

http://www.animalpak.com/store/html/category.cfm?id=20
http://www.universalusa.com/Universal/Products/Gear 

      

I also wanted to give special recognition to Species Nutrition and Revolutionary Technology Nutrition for providing some quality and inspirational gym gear.  My first article of bb gear was the iconic Survival of the Freakiest Species Zip Hoodie.  My mentor and training partner passed this hoodie down to me a few months after I met him (he out grew it!).  I wore this hoodie religiously for the first two years of my lifting career haha.  This hoodie holds a special place in my heart :) and will go down in history as my favorite piece of BB gear.   

RTN is a small supplement company stationed out of Edison New Jersey.  It has been around for a little over 10 years and is known for its line of all natural and organic products.  I was introduced to RTN products over a year ago while shopping at Fakhri Mubarak's Nxt Level Supplement Store in Queens, New York.  Fadi, one of the workers at the shop, noticed me studying every single container of whey protein and took it upon himself to help me find the most natural and clean product in the store.  He introduced me to RTN's whey protein concentrate/wpi and I have been hooked ever since.  I eventually reached out to Rich Tuma, owner of RTN, with a few questions regarding his product line.  Over time I became good friends with Rich and have had the privilege of using several of his products in my nutrition/supplement regime.  In addition to great products, Rich has also began work on developing a clothing line for RTN.  The light weight, short sleeve hoodie is my personal favorite!

You can learn more about RTN products and available gear
@http://www.revolutionarynutrition.com/index.cfm
@http://www.revolutionarynutrition.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=4

III.) Individual Athletes

Both Phil Heath and Jay Cutler have awesome and relatively well known clothing lines.  However, I would like to focus on two tri-state area athletes, Guy Cisternino and Juan Diesel Morel.  Both athletes utilize designs created by Jerry Beck, so you know the clothes are inspirational and made of great material.  Both athletes are extremely active on facebook/instagram and constantly post pictures of available gear.

Check it out:
@http://www.guycisternino.com/shop.html
@http://www.dieseldolls.com/#!juan-diesel

I also want to recognize Joshua Halladay's relatively new clothing line, Wor(C)k.  The hoodies and T-shirts are great quality and the designs are creative/motivational.  I've seen guys like Marc Antoine Andrade (Evan Centopani's training partner) and other local guys sporting this gear in the gym.  It is definitely an up & coming brand!

@http://www.theworck.com/

Be sure to support these fan favorite bodybuilders/athletes!

IV.) Gyms

Both Bev Francis Powerhouse gym in Syosett, NY and Montanari Brothers Powerhouse gym in Newhaven, CT produce a diverse lineup of quality BB gear.  For some reason both gyms have a relatively small part of their collection available for sale on their respected websites.  You will have to pay a visit to both these MECCAS if you wish to see all they have to offer!
@http://bevfrancis.flyingcart.com/

@http://instagram.com/bevsgym#

@https://www.facebook.com/MontanariBrothersPowerhouseNewHaven

@http://instagram.com/thesupergym

 

Till Next Time, 

 

Anthony P.

:)

High School and Collegiate Bodybuilders/Athletes Beware Of Mass/Weight Gainer Propaganda! Eat Real Food!!

Today's Thought: Why Weight/Mass Gainer Powders suck.

Anyone who follows me on facebook (probably not you as my fb is a ghost town majority of the time) knows that my page is all about bodybuilding.  I like and follow a variety of IFBB Pros, NPC Competitors, Powerlifters, Strongmen, and supplement companies/shops.  One supplement company that is very active in the realm of social media is Official MHP (I am an avid follower).  I am a big fan of MHP's star athlete Victor Martinez.  If you check my fb page you will see that I have had the privilege of meeting Victor Martinez on a few occasions.  Although I am a fan of MHP's athletes, I can't express the same excitement for their products.  This morning Official MHP posted a video with the caption:

Want to know how @ifbbjondelarosa packed on all that size this offseason?
MHP's #UpYourMASS
UP YOUR MASS is formulated with the powerful 45/35/20 Macrobolic Nutrition ratio to create the proper metabolic and hormonal environment for significant gains in mass, strength, endurance and recovery. #MHPSTRONG

The video shows Jon Delarosa giving credit to Up Your Mass for helping him achieve some very noticeable gains during his most recent off season.  A few minutes after this video was posted someone commented, "He only says he uses that product for the money... no way he uses that shit."  I had to call my memory into action in order to quote the above poster as OFFICIAL MHP immediately deleted his comment.  I couldn't help but laugh at the poster's enthusiasm as well as OFFICIAL MHP's attempts to hide the negative post.  MHP may have deleted the comment but one thing they can't delete is the nutrition facts and ingredients label on the Up Your Mass Container.

MHP INGREDIENTS LIST: MASS Load™ Carbohydrate Blend (Barley, Oats, Oat Fiber), PROBOLIC® Amino Acid Enhanced Sustained Release Protein Matrix [Supro® Soy Protein Isolate (With Calcium Phosphate, And Lecithin), Calcium Caseinate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine], Safflower Oil Creamer [Safflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Di-Potassium Phosphate, Mono-Glycerides, Di-Glycerides, Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative), Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Less Than 2% Silicon Dioxide (Anti-Caking Agent), And Tocopherols (To Help Protect Flavor)], Cocoa, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Lipid Complex: Medium Chain Triglycerides, Essential Fatty Acid Blend [Borage Seed Oil Powder (10% GLA), Conjugated Linoleic Acid Complex (78% CLA), Evening Primrose Seed Oil (4.8% GLA), Flaxseed Powder (8% ALA), And Omega-3 Complex (7.5% EPA & DHA)], Gum Blend (Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan), Silica, Acesulfame Potassium, Vitamin Pre-Mix (Ascorbic Acid, DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Cholecalciferol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Cyanocobalamin, Folic Acid, And Biotin), Sucralose, Banaba Leaf Extract (Lagerstroemia Speciosa) (Taken from BB.com)

Why in God's name would you put this gmo, artificial, and cheap powder into your body?  Skip the gmo soy protein isolate, corn syrup solids, artificial flavors, gmo safflower oil, and processed/trans fat containing mono-glycerids/di-glycerides.   I know we all have the goal of putting on size and products like "Up your Mass", "Real Gains", "Serious Mass", "Pro-Complex Gainer", "True-Mass", and the other countless weight gainers out their sound great.  Lets be real they are convenient and a great way of throwing down some serious delicious tasting calories.  But those easy calories come with a consequence.  Those tasty calories aren't going to turn you into IFFB Pro Jon Delarosa (logical assertion).  Instead they are going to fill your body with artificial chemicals, sugars, trans fats, and empty calories.  Skip the powdered garbage and opt for whole food or home made mass gain shakes.  Remember if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. 

In order to be fair to OFFICIAL MHP I'd like to point out that several supplement companies are guilty of producing worthless mass gainer products.  Guilty Culprits:

Universal Nutrition Real Gains:  
Maltodextrin, Real Gains Protein Complex (ultra filtered whey protein concentrate (milk), micellar casein, whey protein isolate), inulin, lecithin (soy), flaxseed, MCT, calcium caseinate, natural & artificial flavors, sodium chloride, sucralose, acesulfame potassium. Made in a GMP facility that uses Milk, Soy, Egg, Peanuts. NOTE: Do not use as your sole source of calories. (Retrieved from vitaminshoppe.com)
Quote From their site:
Real Gains from Universal Nutrition is that “x factor” in helping provide your hungry muscles with the quality calories they need, in abundance, to grow like never before. Real Gains was designed with the ideal macro-nutrient profile to provide quality calories in an easily accessible powder form. Real Gains is a clean, nutrient-dense weight gainer that provides plenty of fast and slow proteins in the form of whey (isolates and concentrates) and premium micellar casein. Real Gains also utilizes complex carbohydrates (with low sugar), healthy fats (EFA and MCT) and special inulin for fiber.
**So the ingredients list for this product is much shorter and I would argue much better than Official MHP's Up your Mass product.  However it is still spiked with cheap maltodextrin and artifical sweeteners (sucralose/acesulfame potassium).   Maltodextrin is in fact a complex carbohydrate, however, it is still a HI GI carb and is micro nutrient lacking. Be weary of such misleading claims.  (Retrieved from Universalusa.com)



Optimum Nutrition's Serious Mass :  

Maltodextrin, Protein Blend (Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Egg Albumin, Sweet Dairy Whey), Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Natural And Artificial Flavor, Vitamin And Mineral Blend (DiPotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Aspartate, DiCalcium Phosphate, Calcium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, Zinc Citrate, Beta Carotene, D-Calcium Pantothenate, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Succinate, Selenomethionine, Copper Gluconate, Ferrous Fumarate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chromium Polynicotinate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Molybdenum Amino Acid Chelate, Cholecalciferol, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin), Acesulfame Potassium, Lecithin, Medium Chain Triglycerides.
Allergen Information: Contains Milk, Egg, Wheat (Glutamine Peptides) And Soy (Lecithin) Ingredients.

***Similar criticisms to that of the above products:  Spiked with cheap, HI GI, and micro nutrient lacking carbohydrate (provides empty calories). Again simply labeling a carb complex does not necessarily mean it will be digested slowly.  Due to its structure, maltodextrin is quickly broken down and easily digested leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and insulin.  The product also contains artificial flavoring and artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium), gmo lechitin, and a suspicious protein blend lacking any inclusion of whey protein isolate.  Instead the protein blend is stacked with calcium caseinate/egg albumin/sweet dairy whey).  

BSN's TRUE MASS:

Protein Matrix Consisting Of (Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Micellar Casein, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, Egg Whites, Glutamine Peptides), Maltodextrin, Sunflower Powder (Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Mono- And Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, And Tocopherols), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Polydextrose, MCT Powder (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Non-Fat Dry Milk, Disodium Phosphate, And Silicon Dioxide), Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Acacia (Gum Arabic), Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose.
ALLERGEN INFORMATION:
Contains Milk, Egg, Wheat And Soy (Lecithin) Ingredients.

***OK so this "Protein Matrix" does contain whey protein isolate but only BSN knows the actual percentage of WPI used in the product.  I rather take my chances with whole foods over a company's claim or guarantee.  Other issues include GMO lecithin, artificial sweeteners, corn syrup solids,  processed/trans fat containing mono-glycerids/di-glyceride, and GMO soy lechitin. 

I am sure most experienced bodybuilders/athletes are aware that weight gainers suck.  Please forgive the obvious post, but this is directed towards the younger and up & coming trainers out there. While at school I couldn't' help but notice dorm rooms and gym bags filled with mass gainer containers, so I thought why not put out this slightly informative blog post.  Beware of the propaganda bullshit!  Next time your favorite athlete(s) tells you to go out and buy a product, take their suggestion with a grain of salt and realize their hidden intentions/biases.  Read your nutrition labels, ingredients lists, and books/research studies.  Reading is knowledge.  Knowledge is power!

Till Next Time,
 Anthony P. 

Bodybuilding Media Outlets of Today V.S. Yesteryear

It seems as if bodybuilding websites have gone backwards over the past few years.  In my eyes the four major players in online bodybuilding entertainment are: 

1.) Rxmuscle.com

2.) Muscular Development.com

3.) Bodybuilding.com

4.) Flexmagazine.com

Muscular Development

For some reason the quality and frequency of videos have decreased.  I was first introduced to Musculardevelopment.com back in 2009 by one of my gym buddies.  I recall skimming the website for hours on end and taking notes on workout structure, exercise form, and just about anything else the filmed bodybuilder discussed (I was a newbie so give me a break!).  Needless to say Musculardevelopment became a significant part of my life as I was all about the bodybuilding lifestyle.  Quality videos were released on a daily basis.  Some videos that come to mind from MD's glory days include:  

1.) Victor Martinez' In the Trenches with Bill Comstock.  Victor trains back.

       A.) I wanted to provide a direct link to the series but of course the MD link no longer works.  (Video can be found on youtube if you google search the above title)

2.)  Evan Centopani Trains Legs with Chris and PJ Braun Part 1and Part 2.

       A.) Same as above. Unfortunately links do not work. Try google searching the above title in youtube or google.

3.) Kai Greene on the Road: Hungry for the Win Part 1 and 2

     A.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tddkr7Oxf8U

4.) Evan Centopani Road to the Arnold Classic 2012

     A.) Link: http://www.musculardevelopment.com/mdtv/evan-centopani-animal.html

5.) Kai Greene and Oscar Videos. Road to the 2010 Arnold... Leg Day

     A.) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odP0ka1p9rY

These videos are only a few examples of the quality work that people like Dave Palumbo, Bill Compstock, and Robbie Durand published.  I personally believe that MD has lost a lot of this quality in the videos they now produce.  One series that in my eyes  was a total let down was Behind the Lines with Evan Centopani.  Evan has a large fan base on MD and these videos failed where past Evan Centopani videos succeeded.  Take for example the Evan Centopani Day in the Life Series (Link: http://forums.musculardevelopment.com/showthread.php/100767-Evan-Centopani-quot-Day-in-Life-quot-Videos-1-5-ALL-VIDS-FROM-EVAN-WEEK-HERE) and Evan Centopani Off Season Cooking video (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkksoCcO5ew).  These two aforementioned videos included quality training footage as well as educational segments in the kitchen.  In addition to these two qualities, the video also gave us a unique lifestyle back drop.  If MD could go back to the days of yesteryear, the website would take its place as the number one bodybuilding media outlet.  Until then it will continue to fall behind the competition. 

RXMUSCLE

            Rxmuscle was created by Dave Palumbo after he parted ways from MD.  I became aware of Rxmuscle shortly after my discovery of MD.  Although it lacked the resources available to MD, RXMUSCLE.com turned out to be formidable competition for MD.  In its early years, RXMUSCLE became famous for its IRON ASYLUM VIDEO SERIES.  Dave Palumbo who in my eyes is one of the best if not the best interviewer in the bodybuilding and fitness industry is the greatest asset of RXMUSCLE.com.  The guy has a ton of knowledge in all aspects of the bodybuilding lifestyle: training, nutrition, supplementation, anabolics, and the mindset/mental aspect of bodybuilding.  Over the years only a select few people have had the ability to contribute to RXMUSCLE.com.  From my understanding John Romano, Jeff the Producer,  Pete the Intern, and Aaron Singerman played major roles in making RXMUSCLE a success (I apologize to others who work behind the scenes).  There is something about Dave Palumbo’s bank of knowledge and interview skills that make almost all his videos entertaining yet educational.  He is able to ask questions and make comments that teach the viewer more about proper training, workout structure, and nutrition/supplementation ideas.  Over the past few years RXMUSCLE has taken a new direction.  I would go as far as to say that it has abandoned the original Iron Asylum Series and has replaced it with an inferior lineup of training videos.  These new videos no longer have Dave Palumbo conducting interviews and I am sure the videographer has also changed since the original Iron Asylum.  Over time the interviewers have changed from Dave Palumbo to John Hansen to Aaron Singerman to Luis Uridel.  One can refer to the videos below to see the difference in educational and entertainment value of the videos.

Dave Palumbo:

1.)    http://www.rxmuscle.com/video/in-the-iron-asylum/179-iron-asylum-training-juan-qdieselq-morel-blasts-legs.html

2.)    http://www.rxmuscle.com/video/in-the-iron-asylum/901-trey-brewer-trains-back-3-weeks-from-the-2009-npc-nationals.html

John Hansen (I’d say second to Dave in terms of quality):

1.)    http://www.rxmuscle.com/video/in-the-iron-asylum/8976-michael-scott-trains-back-before-the-npc-pbw-tampa.html

Luis Uridel (Interesting athlete but again missing the knowledge of Dave P.) :

        1.) http://www.rxmuscle.com/video/in-the-iron-asylum/9761-big-jon-ward-trains-legs-at- the-mecca-2.html

Aaron Singerman (bodybuilders training were definitely entertaining but video would’ve been ten times better had Dave P. been conducting the interview.

1.)    http://www.rxmuscle.com/video/in-the-iron-asylum/8306-might-mike-quinn-hits-back-with-his-training-partner-shw-dave-riley.html

Overall I’d say RXMUSCLE provides some of the best radio and play by play in our business. Scratch that, there is no question that it provides the best radio and written play by play.  Heavy Muscle Radio and Blue Collar Muscle are great.  The play by play for any show is awesome and they maintain their quality regardless of the people contributing to that particular play by play.  Dave P., Chris Aceto, Luis Uridel, and John Hansen all do a great job providing accurate and detailed descriptions.   Some of the new shows that are set to be released in 2014 have potential to be great additions to the site.  However, RX will only become the number one in bodybuilding online media if they are able to incorporate all these new/unique ideas with the old school/traditional Iron Asylum videos with Dave P.

BEST VIDEOS IN BODYBUILDING?

Although they don’t appear on the list of top bb media outlets, I would have to say that Official Animal Pak and UNIVERSALUSA77 youtube channels take the cake.  Surprisingly enough, this supplement company has an amazing advertisement and marketing team that has found its niche in video production.  They provide quality and entertainment for all types of athletes from power lifters, bodybuilders, and strongmen.  Their videos follow a unique plot line which includes training, nutrition, and lifestyle footage.  I definitely have to thank Animal for producing such awesome videos and providing bb fans with great entertainment. Some of the best videos thus far include Universal Road Trip New Jersey Edition, the recent Evan Centopani Being a Bodybuilder video series, and the Evan Centopani Prep for the Olympia and Arnold Classic video series (2012).  Check out their youtube channels:

            https://www.youtube.com/user/UniversalUSA77

            https://www.youtube.com/user/UniversalNutrition

I also want to give a shout out to Mike Pulcinella.  His style still retains the quality and entertainment value he created since his days of working with KAI GREENE’s DVD series. 

I hope all the bodybuilding and fitness fans out there found this little write up interesting.  Feel free to share your thoughts and be sure to check out some of the links from above.

Much Love,

Anthony.

 

First Blog Post:

Finally decided to take the first step to making my own personal blog.  I have had the desire to do so for quite some time but was hesitant at first.  I mean who am I to have my own blog and why the hell should you read it?  Well I am a young college kid with several interests (bodybuilding, exercise and nutrition, socialization and relationships, politics, movies, literature, and even philosophy to name a few).  I am not scared to speak my mind out on these topics and I am always willing to give my true and honest opinion.  I tend to hurt some feelings because of this but I can assure you I am respectful and do my best to make points backed by factual evidence or at least common sense and logic.  An appropriate subtitle for this blog would be everything and anything as I truly will be discussing everything and anything that crosses my mind.  My brain is always working at full capacity and I am always thinking of different ideas so I can assure you that we will cover numerous topics.  I hope that my posts will be insightful, educational, humorous, fun, and thought provoking.  I plan to achieve this with my honest opinion, factual claims, philosophical argument (ha that sounds so sophisticated), logic/common sense, and my favorite, broscience!  Stay tuned and hope you enjoy the ride....

Much Love,
Anthony P.