Sensible training certainly had a lot to do with these gains, but so did proper supplementation. For both of them, they used the greatest natural strength aid out there: Creatine. “You will get better on your own, but this gives you an edge. Creatine lends more muscle control, better muscle growth and increased energy,” says David, who found this to be especially true with Maximum Human Performance’s TRAC, the world’s first time-released creatine.

A special technology is used to micro-encapsulate the powders rather than give them in a solid dose form. If you present the creatine in a slow release form, then you aid the transport system by not overwhelming the absorption sites, explains Eric Kuhrts, the inventor of TRAC. Time release also protects against stomach acid, which can turn creatine into a waste product and essentially render it useless. Yes, the days of creatine loading—when your body simply excreted the excess—are happily over.

TRAC is also the first creatine supplement to be sugar-free. “We found that you can drive creatine transport effectively with a substance like arginine instead of using supraphysical amounts of carbohydrates, which is the standard way to raise insulin by ingesting large amounts of sugar or dextrose,” reveals Kuhrts. In fact, raising insulin enough to get creatine into the muscle requires at least 96 grams of sugar, an impractical amount for many athletes. According to Kuhrts, many manufacturers don’t even put in enough sugar to facilitate the transport.

The arginine component offers several more advantages: It acts as a powerful antioxidant inside the arteries, protecting an enzyme that converts creatine into muscle from free radical damage. Combined with the sustained release, it provides a constant supply of the substrate that works as the building block for nitric oxide. In several studies, nitric oxide increased endurance levels by opening up the arteries (increasing blood flow while preventing plaque buildup). “You get this prolonged supply of creatine and arginine throughout a sports event that might span hours, not just an immediate burst,” says Kuhrts. The metered dose of arginine is also superior to immediate release form because over three grams of the latter will give you diarrhea.

David did have a concern about the water retention that’s commonly associated with creatine. However, because creatine isn’t over-delivered with TRAC, it didn’t present a problem. He also changed his strategy of taking creatine before and after a workout. “It’s not necessary because you get two grams of immediate release to saturate the creatine stores, then another two grams of delayed release,” says Gerard Dente, the president of MHP.

Additionally, David just began using Bodyonics’ Androstat Cyclo-Poppers to increase his lean body mass and explosive performance. In a study at Eastern Michigan University, within 40 minutes after popper consumption, a 98% increase in testosterone was seen. Such a dramatic increase makes an enormous impact on David’s workouts, making it easier than ever to not only get through, but to perform well. If you’re a competitive athlete, the performance element is particularly attractive.

“Unlike synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroids, prohormones are naturally occurring,” explains Tim Zieggenfuss, PhD, lead author of the study. Produced by the adrenal glands daily by mammals, these andro products are called “prohormones” because after ingested such compounds undergo an enzymatic conversion to testosterone. Fortunately, in the study, no side effects were noted on estrogen or cholesterol levels. Also, Zieggenfuss does not know of any individual to date that’s developed any symptoms that would indicate these compounds are acutely toxic.

Cyclo-Poppers use a new delivery system to further maximize androgen levels in the bloodstream. Previously, oral ingestion of such products were converted to inactive products and excreted. These escape destruction by bypassing the liver; instead, they’re absorbed under the tongue or between the cheek and gums. While it’s too early to tell, David is excited to see what benefits Cyclo-Poppers will bring him in the coming weeks.

WHAT’S UP NEXT

By the end of the month, the collective energy of the Hawk boys is at another notch. Able to put in more workout time because they’re in better shape, the results are starting to come more quickly. How about you? Have you kept up? Tune in next month to find out where they stand, and what David has cooking next.

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