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THE NEW BREED OF PRE-WORKOUT IS ENERGY-SUSTAINING
An effective pre-workout combines an adequate dose of caffeine with an array of additional performance ingredients, all designed to work synergistically to produce a sustained stimulant effect that’ll have you firing on all cylinders right through to the final rep.
INCREASE ENERGY, STIMULATE BOTH MIND/BODY & IMPROVE ONE’S ABILITY TO USE FAT FOR FUEL
Due to their effectiveness in relaxing and widening the airways and assisting normal breathing, the Beta agonists are often used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).2, 4 Acting on the beta adrenoceptors (G protein-coupled receptors: targets of the catecholamines, especially norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline)), the Beta agonists have the opposite function of Beta Blockers (competitive antagonists which block the receptor sites for the endogenous catecholamines and thus weaken the effects of these key stress hormones).2, 4, 9 Compounds like Synephrine, Higenamine and Hordenine, which act upon the Beta adrenoceptors, mimic the actions of the major neurotransmitter catecholamines (notably epinephrine and norepinephrine) to ready the body for intense activity (the famed fight-or-flight response which mobilizes energy reserves, focuses the mind, and stimulates action). Beneficial heart rate increases, enhanced metabolism of lipids (fats) and heightened mental awareness are among the benefits to be experienced. However, unlike potent and potentially dangerous stimulants such as straight epinephrine (with side effects including anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, and headaches), Beta agonists have few adverse effects (in some cases and with certain compounds the user may experience mild to moderate anxiety, increased heart rate, and insomnia). While Synephrine, Higenamine, and Hordenine, in Beta agonistic fashion, are known to synergistically engage the mind and body when action is required, each has specific functions which make them uniquely beneficial. Let’s take a closer look at each to assess how they’ll put you in fight, not flight, mode in the lead-up to your next workout.
SYNEPHRINE IS CONSIDERED A MUCH SAFER STIMULANT ALTERNATIVE TO THE MORE POWERFUL, AND ILLEGAL, EPHEDRINE
On a cellular level Synephrine, an alkaloid which naturally occurs in some plants and animals, promotes the breakdown of fats for energy by activating the beta-3 adrenergic receptors located on fat cells. It increases the metabolic rate by increasing lipolysis and basal (resting) metabolic rate, effects which are independent of nutrient consumption.7, 15 Synephrine’s stimulant effects replicate those of the ubiquitous caffeine but without the jitters typically associated with heavily caffeinated pre-workout products.
ASSIST WITH FAT REDUCTION AND PROMOTE MENTAL AROUSAL WHEN TAKEN IN SUPPLEMENTAL FORM
Hordenine is able to cross the blood brain barrier where it acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) upon attaching to specific neuronal receptor sites. Enzymes within cells that use oxygen to destroy beneficial amino acids and hormones, the MAOs, when accumulated in excess, can create an imbalance that leads mental instability, a loss of focus and reduced energy levels. Hordenine controls and prevents the excessive accumulation of MAOs, thus optimizing hormonal balance and producing beneficial levels of natural energy. Specifically, Hordenine acts upon the neurotransmitter dopamine, to ensure more of it remains available to promote feelings of mental sharpness and pleasure.
PERFORMANCE ENHANCING STIMULANT AND FAT BURNING AGENT
As a Beta receptor agonist it increases the production of noradrenaline, to stimulate the actions associated with the fight of flight response (more mental alertness and focus and muscles primed for action). Also, by stimulating the Beta adrenergic receptors it enhances lipolysis, to burn fat at a faster rate.8, 11
Higenamine is used a fat burner due to having similar mechanisms to ephedrine.11 Indeed, its desirable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics (movement of drugs within the body and effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action respectively) are largely attributable to its ability to increase the thermogenic effects of exercise and other supplements by making the heart work harder.10 However, despite its effects on the heart, Higenamine is considered very safe if taken in proper dosages.
It’s a given that pre-workout supplementation should produce energy above and beyond that provided by regular nutrition and unmitigated mental fortitude alone. However, there is a point where stimulation (when produced in excess) can become detrimental to your training. What the perfect pre-workout supplement should provide is steady, balanced mental and physical energy. Certain pre-workout products do live up to the hype by supercharging the senses and producing intense mental focus. User beware! Many so-called “extreme” pre-workout products that focus too heavily stims alone can result in short-lived and excessive stimulation and just when the workout is reaching its most productive phase the energy levels that got you through the first few sets come crashing down, rendering you fatigued and ready to call it quits. What is needed is a well-balanced combination of stimulants that work synergistically to extend workout performance by keeping energy levels consistent. With Synephrine, Hordenine and Higenamine, along with other select performance compounds, a good pre-workout will do just that. For balanced energy, intense focus and prolonged fat burning look for a product that will give you the edge in workout intensity.
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