AgeRage gets FOCUSED...SNS Mental Acuity Stack

AgeRage · 02-11-2007, 07:46 PM

Welcome to my first supp log!! I'd like to thank the SNS Crew for this opportunity! I am so excited to get started....

A little about Focus XT, courtesy of boyscout,Skigazzi, and arose!

:

Focus XT - An Expanded Explanation
by Skigazzi

With all the use of pre-workout / ergogenics / fat burners going on, I think its a good time to offer a refresher on what exactly Focus XT is, what is does, and how it can be used for mulitple goals. I think it typically gets over simplified and called an energy drink...but is so much more than that..and I think it deserves some time in the spot light and a more in depth explanation of what it is, and what it does.

What does it do:
Quite simply, it increases...FOCUS

, ok, that was too easy. It also increase the blood flow in the brain, increases endurance, promotes the transfer of fatty acids into energy (fat buring), increases mood, and some ingredients have shown to be anti-oxidants comparable to Vitamin E in effect. There are even ingredients with studies showing they support testosterone levels and improved sexual function.

When to take it:
Personally, I love it in the morning, it gives me the coffee lift I need, but so much more. Pre-workout and pre endurance events (10K / cycling etc) it should be consumed 30 minutes prior to activity to ensure all ingredients are ready to do their thing.

For studying, its best (IMO) to mix it up, and sip on it during long study sessions to maintain focus and energy during marathon study sessions.

Ok..So what is it???

Choline Bitartrate
-Choline is a substance needed by the brain to produce acetylcholine, a major brain/motor neuron neurotransmitter that facilitates the transmission of impulses between neurons. Your Muscles Will NOT Contract without Acetylcholine.
-The importance of choline for maintaining health in adults has been recognized for some time, but recent work points to its critical role in brain development.

L-Tyrosine
-L-tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins.
-Tyrosine is converted to DOPA by tyrosine hydroxylase, an enzyme.
-It plays a key role in signal transduction, since it can be tagged with a phosphate group (phosphorylated) by protein kinases to alter the functionality and activity of certain enzymes. (In its phosphorylated state, it is sometimes referred to as phosphotyrosine.) Tyrosine is also precursor to the thyroid hormones; thyroxine and triiodothyronine; the pigment melanin, and the biologically-active catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
-Patients with a Thyroxine deficiency have symptoms including excess weight gain, cold hands and feet, and decreased basal metabolism. L-Tyrosine has been found to assist in optimizing thyroid hormone levels, increased mood, concentration, and productivity.
-L-Tyrosine is used to treat conditions including depression or mood disorder, poor coping ability, fatigue, low sex drive, low metabolism, and drug abuse (when combined with Tryptophan). It can also improve endurance under stress and is effective as an appetite suppressant. When taken properly, L-Tyrosine can assist a sluggish thyroid and aid the dieter in losing excess, unwanted pounds.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine
-To enhance cognition.
-Involved in the metabolism of food into energy.
-Mild mental impairment in the elderly showed a significant improvement of several performances during and after Acetyl-l-carnitine treatment.
-To significantly reduce severity of depressive symptoms in the elderly.
-To significantly improve items measuring quality of life.
-Improve both spatial and temporal memory, and reduce the amount of oxidative damage to RNA in the brain's hippocampus, an area important in memory.Acetyl-l-carnitine is widely used as an energy supplement.
-Patients showed statistically significant improvements of visual memory and attention
-Studies demonstrate that ALC treatment is efficacious in alleviating symptoms, particularly pain, and improving nerve fiber regeneration and vibration perception in patients with established diabetic neuropathy
-Increase sperm mobility in men.
-It has been shown to have some anti-catabolic effects as well by preventing the decrease in plasma testosterone levels after chronic exercise stress.
-ALCAR inhibits the excessive release of Cortisol in response to Stress and inhibits the depletion of Luteinising Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) and Testosterone that occurs as a result of excessive Stress.
-ALCAR increases plasma Testosterone levels (via its influence on Acetylcholine neurotransmission in the Striatal Cortex of the Brain)
-One study showed 2g each per day of L-carnitine & ALCAR beat testosterone in increasing erections and orgasms in men

DMAE
-Dimethylaminoethanol is related to choline and is a biochemical precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and found naturally in fishes like sardines and anchovies. It is reported to have nootropic effects.
-It is believed that Dimethylaminoethanol is methylated to choline in the brain. It is known that Dimethylaminoethanol is processed by the liver into choline.
-Short term studies show an increase in vigilance and alertness, with a positive influence on mood. Long term studies showed dimethylethanolamine to increase the lifespan of animals in which it was tested.. It is possible dosage is a major factor as a determinant in dimethylethanolamine's overall effects -- i.e., a higher than recommended dose may produce opposite effects in some individuals, hence, more is not always best.

Vinpocetine
-Vinpocetine has several possible actions, including increasing cerebral blood flow and metabolism, anticonvulsant, cognition enhancement, neuroprotection and antioxidant. It has also been reported to inhibit the acetylcholine release evoked by excitatory amino acids and to protect neurons against excitotoxicity.

Huperzine A
-Huperzine A, is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alkaloid found in the extracts of the firmoss Huperzia serrata. The extract has been used in China for centuries for the treatment of swelling, fever and blood disorders. Recently in clinical trials in China, it has demonstrated neuroprotective effects. It is currently being investigated as a possible treatment for diseases characterized by neurodegeneration – particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials in China have shown that huperzine A is comparably effective to the drugs currently on the market, and may even be a bit safer in terms of side effects.

Caffeine
-Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, having the effect of warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. Beverages containing caffeine — such as coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks — enjoy popularity great enough to make caffeine the world's most popular psychoactive drug.
-The principle mode of action of caffeine is as an antagonist of adenosine receptors in the brain. The reduction in adenosine activity results in increased activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, largely accounting for the stimulatory effect of caffeine. Caffeine can also increase levels of epinephrine, possibly via a different mechanism. Acute usage of caffeine also increases levels of serotonin, causing positive changes in mood.
-Caffeine is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 oxidase enzyme system (specifically, the 1A2 isozyme) into three metabolic dimethylxanthines, which each have their own effects on the body:
• Paraxanthine (84%) – Has the effect of increasing lipolysis (Fat burning!), leading to elevated glycerol and free fatty acid levels in the blood plasma.
• Theobromine (12%) – Dilates blood vessels and increases urine volume. Theobromine is also the principal alkaloid in cocoa, and therefore chocolate.
• Theophylline (4%) – Relaxes smooth muscles of the bronchi, and is used to treat asthma, and increase ease of breathing.

-Caffeine is considered an ergogenic: increasing the capacity for mental or physical labor. A study conducted in 1979 showed a 7% increase in distance cycled over a period of two hours in subjects who consumed caffeine compared to control tests (Ivy et al. 1979). Other studies attained much more dramatic results; one particular study of trained runners showed a 44% increase in "race-pace" endurance, as well as a 51% increase in cycling endurance, after a dosage of 9 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight (Graham & Spriet 1991). The extensive boost shown in the runners is not an isolated case; additional studies have reported similar effects. Another study found 5.5 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body mass resulted in subjects cycling 29% longer during high intensity circuits (Trice & Hayes 1995).

AgeRage · 02-11-2007, 07:48 PM

A little about Pheinbut courtesy of Bodybuilding.com:

Supports An Improved Sense Of Well Being And Restful Sleep!

Phenibut XT can be summarized as a cost effective, single ingredient product that has a wide variety of uses. Phenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid) was discovered in Russia during the 1960’s. It is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA and is capable of passing the blood brain barrier. Phenibut is regarded as a nootropic for its ability to have an affect of various neurological functions. It is a gamma receptor agonist and also causes the release of GABA. Phenibut XT's effects can be dosage dependant, with the typical effects of phenibut being felt in 1.5 to 2 hours, although some people notice effects sooner. Suggested usage ranges from 500 to 2000 mg, divided over 2 to 3 daily dosages. The half life of this compound is approximately 5 hours so most individuals attempt to space their dosages throughout the day.

Tolerance can develop to some of the effects of phenibut, although it is reported by many that it does not develop to the nootropic effect. To prevent tolerance from occurring, many people take phenibut for durations of no more than 2 weeks, followed by an equal time off. Alternatively, some individuals simply do not use phenibut everyday, depending on the purpose of usage. Also note that effects to phenibut can vary by the person per dosage, so it is suggested that people start with a smaller dosage and work their way up in order to find their own proper dosing.

Phenibut is commonly used for:

* Improved Stress Levels
* Restful Sleep
* Mood & Relaxation
* Improved Sense of Well Being
* Improved Awareness and Concentration
* Intellectual Function
* More

AgeRage · 02-11-2007, 07:55 PM

Age: 21

Height: 5'6

Weight: 129

Sex: Female

Training Protocol:

For the past few months:

Monday Chest/Tris/moderate cardio...3-4 exercises per body part out of the following, reps range from 8-12

Flat BP
Incline BP/DB Press
Decline BP/DB
cable fly
pec dec
OH pullover
pushups

skull crushers
cable pushdown (rope,Vbar)
overhead DB extension
bench dips
pushups

Tuesday
30 min HITT Cardio and abs

weight training some weeks when schedule changes

Wednesday Back/Bi/moderate cardio 3-4 exercises per body part out of the following, reps range from 8-12

WG Lat PD
T-bar row
Yates row
closegrip PD
bent over BB rows
Low row
Hypers

Alternating DB curls
BB curls
cable curls (high or with rope)
preacher curls

Thursday
30 min HITT cardio and abs

Friday shoulders/calves/sometimes cardio

3-4 exercises per body part out of the following, reps range from 8-12
Arnolds
military press
cable lat raises
front lat raise
rear delt fly
side lat raises
shrugs

standing/seated/angled calf raises

Saturday Legs/Abs
3-4 exercises per body part out of the following, reps range from 8-12

squat
leg press angled/general
alt. ham curls
lunges
deadlift---conventional and straight leg
plie squats

abs---swiss ball(various), incline/decline crunch,cable crunch, pilates, leg raises

I also walk EVERYWHERE and I only sit in class, meetings, and studying, I am ALWAYS on the go!

Previous Nootropic/ Stimulant Experience and Tolerance:
No previous nootropic experience. I have never had any bad reactions to stimulants. I drink 1-2 cups of coffee per day and have taken other caffeinated products pre-workout

How do you plan to use Focus XT?
I plan on using Focus XT for early morning workouts--it is the only time they fit in my schedule. I tend to be able to do well in the mornings with cardio but could use an extra boost when I don't get enough sleep...I try to! On the days I do not train I will use it around lunch time to help give me the kick in the afternoon. I also plan to use it for when I have to study for a long period of time for alertness and focus. I may use it on Sundays as I take a break from training, but usually not studying

I also read about the anti-stress properties...and I need some anti-stress help. I am a high-strung person who is always on the go and I am curious to log my reactions to these products!

beer20 · 02-12-2007, 12:01 AM

good luck agerage!!!
the focus xt should go nicely with your HIIT cardio sessions.

AgeRage · 02-12-2007, 04:01 AM

just took first taste......decent, but I was expecting better.....I was picturing a Crystal Light flavor....no

But not horrible either...

I have just taken 1/2 serving to assess tolerance, I will be hitting the gym in about 30 min...I may drink the rest...I will see

so here's to FOCUS!

AgeRage · 02-12-2007, 04:03 AM

forgot to mention my other supps:

ON Whey
GNC ACTIVE Women's multi
Super B-Complex
Glucos/Chondr
Fish Oils

I have taken in the past:
No-Explode
Xpand
San V-12
Betagen
Creatine

Blap Blaow · 02-12-2007, 05:05 AM

Exciting times!

arose70 · 02-12-2007, 06:52 AM

Hey Adrienne! Good luck!!! I look forward to hearing what it does for you

.

SNS8778 · 02-12-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgeRage

just took first taste......decent, but I was expecting better.....I was picturing a Crystal Light flavor....no

But not horrible either...

I have just taken 1/2 serving to assess tolerance, I will be hitting the gym in about 30 min...I may drink the rest...I will see

so here's to FOCUS!

We tried to make it the best taste possible. Its no Crystal Light, but the ingredients in there are really hard to mask the taste of.

Looking forward to seeing your updates.

twinnett · 02-12-2007, 02:52 PM

Hi!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to follow along!

AgeRage · 02-12-2007, 08:27 PM

still Day 1...

wasn't "wowed" by the FOCUS this morning, I took the other 1/2 serving before my workout.....maybe because I had had a shake? I also took a scoop 2 hours after my first meal....good energy but nothing fantastic.....

I will be using it on an empty stomach tomorrow morning

I took one phenibut this afternoon.....took 2 around 9 and I will be getting in bed around 11, I will definitely need the Focus in the morning, as I will wake up around 5:15

until tomorrow

AgeRage · 02-12-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNS8778

We tried to make it the best taste possible. Its no Crystal Light, but the ingredients in there are really hard to mask the taste of.

Looking forward to seeing your updates.

you did well! it's not that bad...I added a little SF drink mix to it...but it's ok by itself

AgeRage · 02-13-2007, 07:25 AM

Well I took one full scoop at 5:25am...was feeling more energized than when I first got out of bed....cardio was at 6 and I definitely noticed more energy...I pushed through a little knee pain and DOMS....

I just finished my 8am class...now heading to 9:30 class...and I'm not feeling groggy or anything, I feel good

I also took it on an empty stomach which I think rendered more effects.....nice

I slept very well last night....I don't usually have problems with waking up, thank goodness, so I will continue to take 1-2 at night and 1 or 2 during the day for anxiety relief.....

SNS8778 · 02-13-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgeRage

I also took it on an empty stomach which I think rendered more effects.....nice

Glad to hear. It does better for me on an empty stomach as well.

jmil · 02-13-2007, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNS8778

Glad to hear. It does better for me on an empty stomach as well.

Me as well. Logs looking good, will be following along!..Subscribed

AgeRage · 02-15-2007, 03:15 PM

Well the FOCUS on an empty stomach before cardio is FANTABULOUS

I have a lot of energy for the cardio....it's been wild!

I took a scoop yesterday morning 1 hr after breakfast and coffee....needless to say it hit me a little too much, the first part of my workout I was kinda shaky....

so I will watch it with taking too close to coffee...

but I'm really liking it..and the Phenibut is also good, I've been sleeping well and it's been keeping the anxiety down

Blap Blaow · 02-15-2007, 03:18 PM

Sounds good. Nice observation with the coffee- that's 250-350mg caffeine right there depending on the brand of coffee

SNS8778 · 02-15-2007, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgeRage

Well the FOCUS on an empty stomach before cardio is FANTABULOUS

I have a lot of energy for the cardio....it's been wild!

I took a scoop yesterday morning 1 hr after breakfast and coffee....needless to say it hit me a little too much, the first part of my workout I was kinda shaky....

so I will watch it with taking too close to coffee...

but I'm really liking it..and the Phenibut is also good, I've been sleeping well and it's been keeping the anxiety down

Glad to hear that you are pleased.

Focus XT + coffe at same time is prob too much caffeine for most.

Glad it helped you with your cardio. I use it before cardio as well because I have a serious lack of willpower when it comes to cardio.

**StlBarbie** · 02-15-2007, 07:14 PM

Who let YOU up here?????

SUBSCRIBED!!!

twinnett · 02-16-2007, 03:10 AM

Happy Friday Adrienne!!! Glad you're enjoying the Focus!

jmil · 02-16-2007, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blap Blaow

Sounds good. Nice observation with the coffee- that's 250-350mg caffeine right there depending on the brand of coffee

pfffft...I take like 500mg's at a time

. Glad you're enjoying the stack, and noticing the anti anxiety effects of the phenibut!

AgeRage · 02-17-2007, 07:23 AM

(Yesterday)

Workout was good, but not as pumped as I'd hoped, I was tired yesterday and ended up taking 2 naps

Didn't take any Phenibut....

I won't be taking the FOCUS XT today or tomorrow..resting from it...

may take one serving Phenibut today, but then rest from it too...it suggests that...

AgeRage · 02-18-2007, 07:28 AM

Will be continuing the supps on Monday....

AgeRage · 02-19-2007, 06:34 PM

I took 2 Phenibut last evening around 9 pm and settled in around 11, not quite tired yet

I tossed and turned a bit, had to adjust the temp. in my room, THEN a resident came to my door at 12am

(I am a resident assistant in a dorm)

I think I finally fell asleep right after that...

so that was kinda weird....

I only had coffee in the morning and tea late afternoon...took a nap around 4:30, I try not to nap late like that, but I was sleepy trying to read...maybe I shouldn't read in my bed

anywho, interesting observation

As for today, I took one full scoop of FOCUS and had a really good workout, I was alert and focused the entire time!

jmil · 02-19-2007, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgeRage

I took 2 Phenibut last evening around 9 pm and settled in around 11, not quite tired yet

I tossed and turned a bit, had to adjust the temp. in my room, THEN a resident came to my door at 12am

(I am a resident assistant in a dorm)

I think I finally fell asleep right after that...

so that was kinda weird....

I only had coffee in the morning and tea late afternoon...took a nap around 4:30, I try not to nap late like that, but I was sleepy trying to read...maybe I shouldn't read in my bed

anywho, interesting observation

As for today, I took one full scoop of FOCUS and had a really good workout, I was alert and focused the entire time!

Glad to hear you had a good workout today...and I HATE when I go to bed and the temp is "off", it's one of the more annoying things that can keep you awake!...Ohh, and you're an RA!!...you guys used to write me up all the time

AgeRage · 02-20-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmil

Glad to hear you had a good workout today...and I HATE when I go to bed and the temp is "off", it's one of the more annoying things that can keep you awake!...Ohh, and you're an RA!!...you guys used to write me up all the time

yea...not sure what did that....it happens to me once and awhile, can't sleep...if I have a lot going on, my mind is consumed, etc...but for as much as that occurs (consumed mind...stress...busyness) I get very good sleep....

I'm a NICE RA....I hardly ever write people up...lol......if I don't see it/hear it...I can't do anything about it.....

and this being my 5th, yes 5th semester, I'm at the burnt out point and it's not that I don't care, I just am so prone now and am not that fresh RA that look for EVERYTHING....I know the game by now

I gain their respect and this floor is pretty good, I don't have too many problems...they know whos BOSS!!!

AgeRage · 02-20-2007, 02:04 PM

Woke up quite rested, which was AWESOME

took a full heaping scoop of FOCUS before my cardio, and while my body felt quite tired, I had the energy and focus throughout my 30 minutes and abs.....

liking that

twinnett · 02-20-2007, 02:26 PM

Glad you powered through today!

AgeRage · 02-21-2007, 07:37 PM

Well I can tell my body is definitely ready for a few days off, which I will be taking next week...

HOWEVER...the FOCUS has been great for energy and alertness...

took 1 full heaping scoop this morning, and I took 2 Phenibut about 1 hour ago....

so far so good

twinnett · 02-22-2007, 02:11 PM

I feel the same. I was dreading time off, but I could really tell today that I need it!!