PRE-WORKOUT often . In some cases , they went into a competitive event only to find themselves disqualified because illegal substances were hiding in these products . It ’ s no wonder they got immediate and crazy results that couldn ’ t be kept up !
No , I don ’ t recommend pre-workout supplements because the popular choices available in today ’ s market are not what I consider “ clean .”
Until now . . .
EH Is that why you wanted to create a TRULY CLEAN pre-workout supplement as part of our new SPORT line ?
DS Absolutely . Times have changed and our basic understanding of the science behind sports nutrition has evolved . With what we ’ ve learned over the past few years , I knew we could create a pre-workout supplement that provided my clients all of the benefits without the negative side-effects .
EH What makes Garden of Life ’ s pre-workout powder Energy + Focus work ?
DS Every ingredient in Garden of Life ’ s Energy + Focus was chosen to boost your workout intensity . The formula works in three main ways :
1 . Boosting Energy † — by releasing Nitric Oxide ( NO ) with vitamin B12 into your system from a blend of organic kale , spinach and beets and our whole food methylcobalamin . NO , combined with B12 do a few important things when you work out . First , they actually decrease your core body temperature during an intense workout by promoting healthy blood flow and supporting ATP energy ( on the cellular level ). With your core temperature in check , your immediate energy actually increases , giving you the power and stamina you need to perform your best . Second , NO increases the rate that your body uses stored energy in the form of glucose . Glucose is , of course , the richest source of available energy . However , some people are lean machines without huge glucose reserves . That ’ s one of the reasons we make Energy + Focus available in a sugar free and sugar added version . This allows you to choose to burn your body ’ s own stores of glucose or to give your body a supplemental energy source from added organic cane sugar . Either way , the faster your body burns glucose , the more it can deplete vitamin B12 levels , so supplementing with B12 just makes sense . † Third , NO actually increases your endurance by helping oxygen flow more efficiently through the blood to your muscles ( including your lungs and heart ). †
2 . Sharpening Focus † — Energy + Focus uses the healthiest source of caffeine I ’ ve ever seen . Our organic coffeeberry is really redefining the term “ superfruit ,” with its incredibly high-antioxidant content and its other polyphenols like chlorogenic acid . It ' s an entirely natural and organic caffeine source and the overall amount is similar to a cup of good coffee ( 100mg ). I like caffeine in a pre-workout because it ' s one of the few ingredients that actually lets you workout harder while reducing your body ’ s perception of fatigue and soreness . In short , it helps you trick your body into giving that extra rep , or final push to the finish line . What I like most about our organic coffeeberry is that it works just as well for a weight lifter as it does for marathon runner .
3 . Delays the onset of muscle soreness † — In addition to the antioxidant load found in organic coffeeberry , Energy + Focus loads up with organic Amla berry and organic Baobab fruit . These are terrific sources of vitamin C , and pack a powerful polyphenol punch . When you push yourself during exercise , you are promoting oxygen flow in the body that releases “ free radicals ” damaging our cells , causing muscle fatigue and soreness . But antioxidants , including vitamin C , play a key role in fighting against these free radicals helping you recover faster , and more comfortably . †
EH When should I take Garden of Life ’ s pre-workout Energy + Focus ?
DS To get the most out of your workout , you should take Energy + Focus 20-to-30 minutes prior to a workout .
EH Any other advice on preparing for the best workout ?
DS You really have to be careful of what ingredients are in pre-workout formulas . I have heard of numerous people really getting hurt by hidden substances . Your diet and rest come first , but when you add supplements they need to be clean — truly clean — that means certified clean by the people who know such as NSF for Sport and Informed-Choice . And like any food you are eating , you need to look for USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified options before anything else . These four certifications give you confidence . Otherwise you could be causing long-term damage to yourself . Something that could give you a kick for your workout could cause a negative effect to your health in the long run .
An easy rule of thumb I follow is that everything I consume should work positively — in my favor — and not against me .
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration . This product is not intended to diagnose , treat , cure or prevent any disease .