2009 NSCA Personal Trainer Conference

I have just returned from this years NSCA PT Conference.  Lots of good information to digest.  You can look here for for info from many of the presentations.

The only thing I didn't like was the host city. 

FRS Low Cal Peach Mango

Here is a little on a product that I find beneficial.

What's in it? In no particular order.

Quercetin.  Quercetin appears to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.  Found in green tea, apples, onion (red) and red wine.  It is a flavinoid and is marketed as a cancer fighter.

Some studies suggest the Quercetin has antihistamine properties and is promoted to help control allergies and asthma.  According to the American Cancer Society, a balanced diet may be the best source of Quercetin (duh) until more research is done.  You can find more at www.acs.org

B vitamins.  B1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 are found in FRS.  B1 and 2 help the body produce energy and affect enzymes that influence the muscles, nerves and heart.  B3 also effects energy production as well as maintaining health of skin, nervous and digestive systems.  B6 helps the body break down protein, helps maintain red blood cells, the nervous and immune systems.  B12 Aids with the production of red blood cells and the functions of the nervous system.  It also helps with how the body uses carbs.

Natural lemon, peach and mango flavor.  No such thing.  If it was natural it would be lemon or peach or mango juice (duh).

Locust Bean Gum. AKA carob gum and used most often as a thickening agent in food technology.  It is also a polysacaride made of galatose and mannose (sugars).

Vitamin E.  A cancer fighter and some believe aids in prevention of heart disease.  It has antioxidant properties.

Insulin.  Insulin is a hormone, a protein that helps body regulate blood sugar

Green Tea Extract.  The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that GTE resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure and fat oxidation.  www.nutrition.org

Caffeine.  CAF is a psychoactive stimulant (acts on the CNS).  Nuff said.

Sucralose.  An artificial sweetener, the only artificial sweetener ranked as "safe" by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).  www.cspinet.org

Water.  Water is the first ingredient listed on the can (11.5 fl oz).

Bottom line, even though research doesn't indicate that the claims being made about FRS ingredients are absolute I still believe that FRS is a good product.  After all studies contradict each other all the time and find any organization that says that no more research is needed. That's how many get their money.

I like the stuff before a workout.  It's got a slight pick up when I drink it 1 hour prior.  It is not like Monster or some other "energy" drinks.  I've had one Monster drink, I thought my heart would beat out of my chest.  Then I read the ingredients.

FRS spokesperson is Lance Armstrong (pro cyclist) and is named for Free Radical Systems (FRS).

This is not an endorsement of this product or an ingredient in the product.  Before adding any supplement to your diet you should contact a medical doctor or RD.  

Next Product Review, Honey Stingers.

Endurance and Strength Part I

Every time I open up a book that focuses on strength training for endurance athletes I crack up. It's always about sets of 15 to 20 reps of different strength training exercises.  Often the reps are at less than body weight.  If an athlete weighs 165 lbs (75k) and does sets of squats at 150 lbs (68k) how does that help. If that's the case it's why not just cycle or run or swim a little longer, at least the reps would be at body weight.  Agree or disagree take the poll.