Props For ZEUS

This is a note that came to me on Facebook; thought I'd share it.

Matthew Gwin
May 9 at 3:39am
hey man just wanna say that your zeus test booster was the best thing i had ever used to help put on some size. the first week was insane strength. i had more energy in the gym. the size i got people thought i was on a prohormone. i am a very big user of fusion supplements. amazing stuff man thanks.



To learn more go to www.testbooster.com

Can Caffeine Make You Fat?

Everyone knows that caffeine is a "wonder-drug" - taken pre-workout, it jacks up your energy levels and dramatically improves your in-gym performance. But did you know that caffeine also has a down side? It's true: recent research shows that caffeine may make you insulin-insensitive. That's bad news for bodybuilders.

Following a tough workout, your body has higher-than-normal levels of oxidants that can damage your muscles and organs. Also, immediately following a workout, your cortisol levels skyrocket as a response to exercise-induced inflammation. At this time stimulating insulin through the ingestion of a carbohydrate and protein drink mixture is the best recipe for keeping cortisol in check.

Unfortunately, caffeine can interfere with this process by making you insulin-insensitive - meaning: when taken with protein in a mixture, as part of a "low GI meal" pre-workout or post-workout meal, caffeine impairs your ability to manage your blood sugar levels. This is bad news because it can derail your recovery and your transition into the 5th phase of anabolism post-workout: the growth phase. By derailing your glucose metabolism, caffeine may also make you fat.

So here's your FUSION FACTOID: If you're going to use caffeine pre-workout to boost your in-gym performance, be sure to consume it on it's own at least one hour post your last meal. If you're going to consume it post-workout to reduce pain and speed recovery, consume it AFTER your glucose and protein drink mixture. In this way you can reap the benefits of this "wonder drug" without sabotaging your recovery.

- THE EDUCATED BODYBUILDER

Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:1254 – 61.

MONSTER LEGS - Dave Naugler 15 Weeks Out

Can you say S W O L E ? !

Dave 'Ballistic' Naugler on Arm Day

If you ever get a chance to see FUSION athlete Dave Naugler train, you'll know where he got the nickname 'Ballistic' from. Here he is, about 16 weeks out form the Canadian Nationals in Vancouver.

New AGENT•M Review

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpost.php?p=326117483&postcount=218

FUSION Athlete Darryl Fancey - 3 Weeks Out!

FUSION athlete Darryl Fancey dropped by the our headquarters today to pickup his supply of PURPLE•K and we couldn't help but get a sneak-peek at his pre-contest shape. He's three weeks out from the Laura Binetti show in Mississauga and it appears he is right on track.

Chris Breckenridge joins FUSION BODYBUILDING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

http://www.fusionbodybuilding.com/files/C_B_PressRelease.pdf

Come Tweet With Us

You can now find us on Twitter. Come follow us for quick FUSION updates and useful bodybuilding information.

http://twitter.com/avoidthehype

Another Way to Compete

I have the utmost respect and admiration for anyone who decides to step on the competitive bodybuilding stage. It really is one of the hardest things to do. Just the thought of my family and friends seeing m in a Speedo-like suite is a little un-nerving. Well, there’s another way to compete. The OBF is a federation that now allows people to show their stuff in a competitive environment, but this stage is virtual. Check it out: www.onlinebodybuildingfederation.com

FUSION's Barry Antoniow continued his winning streak with his 5th Canadian Bench Press Title

OTTAWA, Canada -- Ontario's Barry Antoniow continued his winning streak with his 5th Canadian Bench Press Title. This year Barry decided to go up a weight class for more competition. Weighing in at 86kg for the 90 kg weight class, Barry ate well and ensured that he peaked his supplement intake the night before to make sure that his body was not missing anything.

Barry was defending his championship title and opened his lifting with a easy 205kgs (451 lbs), jumped to 227.5kg (501 lbs) and went for the Canadian record of 253 kg (556.6 lbs), “I had benched this on more than 20 separate occasions in the gym. But not today!”

None of Barry's competitors in Canada have really pushed him in competition. Barry, who has been involved in three International competitions in the past, knows that bigger competitions draw bigger lifts out of him. So he plans on a good battle in Europe, with his future plans including going to the World Bench Press Championship in Hamm Luxemburg May 2009.

Barry has noticed a difference with this year's training and has contributed many of his gains on a strict diet, focused periodized training and FUSION BODYBUILDING supplements. With the generous supplement sponsorship from FUSION he did not ration or skimp on the supplements this year and it has definitely paid off.

"My recovery, strength increase and maintaining my peak was very noticeable and I attribute this to hard work and smart supplement choices. Last year I did not maximize the full potential of the combination of training and timed supplements, often skimping on servings.” observed Antoniow. "That can happen with a lot of new lifters. Things are fine in the first year but if you have poor training and nutrition, over training can result in diminished gains."

"FUSION BODYBUILDING supplements…. you know when you are taking them because you can feel them at work! Having a company like FUSION stand beside you, support you and believe in your convictions is a positive influence on my gold medals." said Antoniow.

The 2009 World Bench Press Championship is the qualifying opportunity for Antoniow to secure a berth at the 2010 Arnold Classic Pro Bench Press Competition.

For more information:
Barry Antoniow
Canadian Bench Press
TeamBantoniow@hotmail.com
Mobile: +1 613 222 6374
http://www.ottawastrong.com/

This is Barry on the right, at the Arnold Classic having a little fun.

Dave Naugler - 17 weeks out

This pic is of FUSION athlete Dave Naugler, 17 weeks away from hitting the national stage in Vancouver, BC. Be sure to check back often as we'll be updating his progression. www.davenaugler.com

Great Testimonial

This is an email we recieved this morning, I thought I'd share it:

"hey im emailing because i just purchased your fubar/subq/purple k. i have used purple k 3 times now, going on 4 and so far its the best creatine ive ever used. fubar and subq r both new products to me. since purple k was so beneficial to me i decided to try some of your other products. today i used fubar for the first time and i absolutely loved it, better than any other pre workout shake or pill ive used." - Andrew Mueller

COOL

It's always cool when we get pix like this. Here is long time FUSION athlete Paul Lazenby with 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. Paul's a trooper....FUSION hat and all.

We've been sponsoring Paul for 10 years now, I met him in Vancouver and he immediately made and impression on me. Since that time he's really gotten into the acting and stunt game. Everytime I chat with him he's talking about partying with Vin Diesel or throwing Ashton Kutcher around. If you've ever seen 'The Butterfly Effect', Paul is one of the inmates with the blond hair.....we laughed about his part in this movie. If you've seen it you'll know what I mean :-) Here's his site: www.paullazenby.com



- THE EDUCATED BODYBUILDER

Davenaugler.com

I’ve been in this bodybuilding game for a while now - thirteen years or so. I’ve had a chance to meet a lot of very cool people. From the world’s top –level bodybuilders to the entry level single moms who are looking to make a change in their life…every one has their own unique story. Well, 3 years ago FUSION had the chance to sponsor Dave Naugler and his story is a great one. I encourage you to have a look at his site and really get to learn about one of Canada’s best bodybuilders. Send him a message; let him know what you think.

www.davenaugler.com




- THE EDUCATED BODYBUILDER

The WBFF

Wow, it seems like only a short time ago I was sitting with Paul Dillett while he told me about his plans. A grand vision to build a federation that would take bodybuilding competitions down a different road. Enter the WBFF. Two years and several shows later the WBFF has risen to host the best produced bodybuilding shows in the world. The first time you walk into the WBFF arena you know you're about to witness something special. The next show is on July 4th in Calgary, Alberta...I suggest you go.

www.wbffshows.com



- THE EDUCATED BODYBUILDER

The case for limiting soy: You simply don't use it

We’ve heard for years that soy protein isn’t ideal for male bodybuilders – not only that it’s often “incomplete” but also that it may have potent hormonal effects similar to estrogen, and that soy consumption may lead to lower testosterone levels and estrogenic effects. While the scientific evidence has shown that ingested soy protein does in fact not produce these effects, the debate still rages in some circles, with some experts recommending that male bodybuilders avoid ingesting soy protein altogether.

A new study on soy protein derived from wheat gives us another reason to limit our soy intake: Your body simply might not use it.

The study examined the retention of consumed wheat-derived soy protein, both before ingesting other forms of protein and afterward, in order to measure the effects of a high-protein diet on soy protein retention and utilization. The researchers found that when protein from other sources was eaten prior to ingesting soy protein, soy protein utilization and nitrogen retention was reduced dramatically.

So here’s your FUSION FACTOID: Although you shouldn’t avoid soy protein on the basis of possible hormonal issues, you should limit its consumption if you’re already eating a lot of protein from other sources. In the presence of these other types of protein, your body shies away from using soy protein in favor of the other kinds, so it becomes of limited benefit for muscle building.

- The Educated Bodybuilder

Source: Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87:666–78.

Working Out in the Heat

If you’ve ever worked out in a hot gym – indoors or out – you know that your workouts are different when it’s hot. You rest more often, get tired more easily and sweat a lot. You also know that it can kill your working intensity and, by extension, your muscle growth.

So what can you do? Researchers have the answer.

To overcome the effects of heat on your thermoregulation – your core body temperature – you can take specific measures: heat acclimation and nutritional intervention.

Regarding heat acclimation, researchers recommend working your way “into” the heat – not working with your usual intensity and volume, but starting with lighter weights, more sets at a higher volume and increasing your intra-workout rest times. By gradually building intensity into your workout as it progresses, you prevent early workout performance breakdown.

The most effective nutritional intervention is, as always, fluid replacement – and fluid drinks containing few calories and moderate amounts of glucose and sodium are best.

So here’s your FUSION FACTOID: When you’re working in the heat – indoors or out – you have to adapt. Don’t just jump in and train like normal because you’ll get tired in a hurry. Instead, work your way into the heat, listening to your body as you continue to work. And, drink plenty of fluids to offset your fluid loss from sweating. Make sure your drink is light and contains not just glucose but also sodium – a key electrolyte. Nothing will help take away the effects of heat altogether, but these two protocols will ensure you get the best bang for your buck!

- FUSION Research Team
www.fusionbodybuilding.com


Source: Wendt, et al. Thermoregulation during exercise in the heat. Sports Med. 2007;37(8):669-682.

Got Back Pain? Work It Out!

If you work out with the kind of intensity needed to build huge, strong muscles, you’ve probably had back pain at least once – after a set of heavy squats, deadlifts or barbell rows, for example. Usually, the advice is to rest until you feel better, but this may not be always best. Sometimes rest isn’t the best medicine.

Researchers have discovered that a great majority of people who get back pain get better sooner by continuing to work out hard on the rest of their body parts while also taking care to work around their back pain and going easier on their back workouts.

So here’s your FUSION FACTOID: When you get back pain, get back into the gym! Research proves that people who keep working get better faster – working out hard will stimulate your body to heal while keeping you big and strong!

- FUSION Research Team
www.fusionbodybuilding.com

Source: May S et al. Stabilisation exercises for low back pain: a systematic review. Physiotherapy. 2008;94:179–189.

Can flat feet get you injured?

A lot of bodybuilders have flat feet – poorly formed arches – and this can affect balance, weight distribution, spine health and, ultimately, your performance in the gym. Fact is, with flat feet, your balance is out of whack and your body isn’t correctly distributing the weights you’re using to the muscles. Translation? Your muscles can’t handle the forces generated from your workout because of improper force distribution. You could get injured.

Researchers have reviewed the existing research and have found that by getting orthotics, you could notice dramatic results, with a massive decrease in your risk of getting injured. Here’s what the researchers said, in their own words:

Orthotics ... have moderate to large beneficial effects in treating and preventing plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial stress fractures, and small to moderate effects in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome.

So here’s your FUSION FACTOID: If you have flat feet, chances are you’re not working out as well as you could be, and your flat feet might even get you injured. So consider getting a checkup and, if you need them, getting orthotics to correct your balance. They’ll not only help make your workouts better but also help keep you in the gym and off the sidelines!

- FUSION Research Team
www.fusionbodybuilding.com


Source: Hume, et al. Effectiveness of foot orthoses for treatment and prevention of lower limb injuries. Sports Med. 2008;38(9):759-779.

Bodybuilding: It's a blood sport - but what about your brain?

It’s well-known that a hard workout gets your circulation going. It gets your blood pumping and increases oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your muscles, especially after a hard and heavy set of squats, bench press or deadlifts. Let’s face it: Blood flow to your muscles is critical for growth. You want blood – lots of it – and the pump is your surefire sign that your work is paying off.

But what about your brain? As much as bodybuilding is a blood sport for your muscles, so too is it a blood sport for your brain.

It used to be thought that your brain received a steady and constant volume of blood delivery, whether you were working out or not. Not so. A new study shows that your brain gets more blood during exercise, and that study participants reported a weakening of the mind-muscle connection near the end of their workouts – the point at which blood delivery to the brain began to decline, as measured by scientists.

So here’s your FUSION FACTOID: Bodybuilding is a blood sport – for both your muscles and your mind. To get your brain in the game, work for the pump. Not only will your muscles work better and will you be stronger, but you’ll get your mind into every last repetition.

- FUSION Research Team
www.fusionbodybuilding.com


Source: Querido JS, et al. Regulation of cerebral blood flow during exercise. Sports Med. 2007;37(9):765-782.