N.O. Explode????
 

Hey i just picked up this stuff at GNC the other day and its called N.O. EXPLODE, by BSN finish first??? i dont know if thats the right brand or not. I've only used it once and it seemed to help. I was just wondering if anyone else has ever used or heard of it. Problems, Concerns, Benifits ETC.
:thanx:

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Previous thread results: [url]http://board.crossfit.com/showthread.php?t=8801[/url] (WFS)

Google Results: XPLODE site:crossfit.com [url]http://www.google.com/search?q=XPLODE+site%3Acrossfit.com&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a[/url] (WFS)

I have taken it before -- I think it is basically like drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee (depending on how many scopes you use) and a little creatine before working out.

Apparently a few games people used it.

I don't expect it to be very popular here because I am pretty sure it is 100% chemicals, nothing natural.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

[QUOTE=Garrett Cunningham;754679]Hey i just picked up this stuff at GNC the other day and its called N.O. EXPLODE, by BSN finish first??? i dont know if thats the right brand or not. I've only used it once and it seemed to help. I was just wondering if anyone else has ever used or heard of it. Problems, Concerns, Benifits ETC.
:thanx:[/QUOTE]

I've used it before, but I stopped using it just because of the way it made my heart jitter uncontrollably. I found that to be very distracting during a circuit. Not to mention, I had horrible crashes afterward, which is to be expected with something like that. Once I increased my fat intake and caloric intake, I had much more energy in the gym and found that I didn't need any artificial boost. So, IMO...I wouldn't use it on a regular basis, but if you absolutely need a boost and you've had no negative effects from using it, I'd say give it a shot. I know a couple of people who use it regularly and are fine.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

About three years ago, I took a dose of NO explode on the advice of a friend. I found myself with incredible jitters, extreme restlessness and I could feel and practically hear my own heart beating. There's no way I'd ever risk doing a metcon under the influence of that stuff - the possibilities are far too frightening IMHO.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I know people that swear by this stuff, but count me in the "I'd rather not risk it" boat. Ephedra certainly boosted some performances back in the day, but it also killed a few athletes before it was made illegal. If your goal is performance at all costs, try it and see how it works for you. If your goal is optimal health and longevity, you're probably best off not using it.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Try a cup of cofffe before working out (or enough coffee to get an affect from it). If that helps you, NOExplode will most likely help you, if doesn't not, then NOXplode most likely won't.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I agree about the coffee. A cup of coffee an hour before working out is the best pre-workout energy supplement there is.

There is way too much going on in N.O explode to make me think it is in any way healthy. I used to use it back in my "bodybuilding" days. The first time I thought it was amazing, after a couple of uses I found it did absolutely nothing for me.

IMO it is a huge waste of money. If you want something that is going to boost your performance in the gym. Drink a cup of coffee before going and drink your whole milk after.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Coffee messes me up for training.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I used to "dose" every lifting day with NO Explode. I think, for me at least, it was more about routine.

I can only do it on lifting days. I do it for something like Fran and i feel like my heart will YES Explode.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

N.O. works well for energy, recovery, vascularity ( if that matters to you ) but also makes you feel like you're about to have a heart attack the first few times you take it, plus its $50 bucks a bottle. I take a supplment called REPS made by supplement direct ( [url]http://supplementdirect.com/reps39servpwiblznbb.aspx[/url] ) its $10 a bag and is very well made. They make a version w no caffeine as well if you are sensitive. For me it helps me mentally prepare for the workout I am about to do after sitting at my desk for 8 hours.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

[quote=Jamie J. Skibicki;754794]Coffee messes me up for training.[/quote]
Why's that? Do you take anything pre-workout?

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

[QUOTE=James Forshaw;754753]About three years ago, I took a dose of NO explode on the advice of a friend. I found myself with incredible jitters, extreme restlessness and I could feel and practically hear my own heart beating. There's no way I'd ever risk doing a metcon under the influence of that stuff - the possibilities are far too frightening IMHO.[/QUOTE]


I hear there is more to that story Forshaw ;)

Coffee is great before a workout, especially if you're like me and have the world's dullest day job and need that little kick for motivation.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I ysed to have it in my pre-crossfit days.And i have to say it made me feel like youve had a couple of drinks!

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I don't do well at physical endeavors will chemically stimulated. I get much to cerebral. Typically some fruit, maybe a glass of milk and I read msingh posts over at Rip's place. Then I get angry. You would actually like me angry.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

[QUOTE=Jamie J. Skibicki;755217]I don't do well at physical endeavors will chemically stimulated. I get much to cerebral. Typically some fruit, maybe a glass of milk and I read msingh posts over at Rip's place. Then I get angry. You would actually like me angry.[/QUOTE]

:rofl:

YES...anger is a great exercise stimulator. If I'm ****ed off, give me a barbell and some music and I'm good to go.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Read some of Msinghs posts before you lift next time.

I prefer it quiet when I lift. Or mellow music. Mad world is good.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

[QUOTE=Jamie J. Skibicki;755274]Read some of Msinghs posts before you lift next time.

I prefer it quiet when I lift. Or mellow music. Mad world is good.[/QUOTE]

I'll check that out.

I can't do mellow music, but Mad World is a great song. Sometimes my IPOD transitions to some of my classical symphonic pieces and I'm right in the middle of some fast movement...that just ****es me off even more. Or when my IPOD dies altogether. PoS it is.:ranting2:

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I like it being just me and the bar, no distractions. It can't run from me, but I can't run either. Just me, the bar and gravity. Only one of us can win.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Coffee (or an espresso), empty stomach but not starving. That works best for me.

I agree that stimulants have at least a placebo/motivational effect. And coffee is safe (not to mention a potent anti-oxidant).

Beyond that, most supplements can not equal the hormonal power of a properly nourished and trained human body, IMO.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

N.O. for a reason, don't take it. It's not the best for you in the long run.

All you need is food, fish oil, and a good multi-vit.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Ive found these type of products must be evaluated not only by your goals but also by your bodies adaptability to these kinds of products..

Example: I rarely drink more than 2 cups of coffee a day in comparison to my training partner who can and does drink 6+
We both started using a similar product and yes there were benefits, mainly with the mental side of things (can I do more?, of course I can do more!)

For me the drawbacks were extreme sleeplessness, I started at 1 scoop as per drections to let the body adapt, almost spewed during that workout but after pushing through, the gastank came from nowhere.... That night 2am sleepytime... Next workout 2 scoops - 3am sleepytime ... Next workout prescribed 3 scoops, whilst I was ready to design a nuclear fusion reactor with my immense concentration and eagerness to work, plus numerous "finishers" because I had so much energy, that night 5am sleepytime.....

I did this for 3 weeks, did my times go down and my weights go up, yes? Did I underrecover to the point of exhaustion completing cancelling the next cycle - yep....

Now, my friend who wasnt so caffeine sensitive, his numbers went up, his sleep was ..OK.. but again it all catches up with you down the track and he's on a self prescribed rest week....

If we take NO as its moniker (Nitrous) think of it like a car, (we've all seen Fast and the Furious) whilst the turbo kick gives you instant output to go harder, it always runs out and you return to the original pace before you hit the button, but what if the car was built to go 140mph and this pushes it to 180+ the question is: is your body ready for that button to be pushed?

Im writing this after a rest week of 10+ hours of sleep a night and a box of tissues because I got sick....

Do I regret it, no....
Would I do it again, no......

Hope this helps someone.....

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Taken it before. Didn't do much for me. You could have given me koolaid and told me I'd improve and I'd have put up the same result. All I need is an hour of free time and my Crossfit Playlist, which includes August Burns Red and In Flames, two of my favorite metal bands. No Bach during Fran...it's a clash of worlds. Bach is for my lecture preps. Metal is for when I'm throwing metal around like an angry, giant child!

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I like NOXplode....works great for me, and if you're getting jitters from it or heart palpitations, you took too much...its not the product, its your dosing.

I HATE coffee...and will never drink it. NOXplode works great.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I'll chime in here, because I've used N.O.Xplode off/on for the past couple years, and have developed a fairly good personal review about it.

First off, just like the directions say, you want to start with one scoop. You can overdose on N.O, and it's a sucky feeling. Nausea, stomache cramps, and overall discomfort will typically happen if you overdose. However, this may be related to the Creatine as well.

I wouldn't take it before an extremely intense metcon, or a fast-paced run. N.O. works for explosive movements, heavy lifts, and some metcons, but if you take 3 scoops before Fran, you're going to feel like your heart is about to explode.

Now with that said, everything is about dose, and that depends on what you're doing for the WOD. N.O. and creatine have been shown to have little effect on endurance based workouts, such as a long run, but I do feel it helps on strength. That's from doing it over a couple years, and the supplement works enough for me that I'll continue using it.

It's really how your body handles it. Some people get some very bad side-effects from N.O-based products, such as bloating, nausea, hot flashes, and sleeplessness. I personally have no issues sleeping unless I take the supplement in the evening for a late workout. On the other hand, I'd also find myself taking it on days when I'm extremely tired, and need a boost for work (really expensive coffee).

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I used to take the stuff for over a year. I think there were some improvements at the beginning, but they soon tapered off and then taking it just became about routine for me.
I cannot say that I am a fan. I found the taste to be pretty disgusting and the fizzy consistency made me retch.
It also made it hard for me to get to sleep at night.
The worst experience I had with it was the day I took it before a triathlon.
I was at work late the night prior and did not get home until roughly 11pm and had to be up at 4am to leave for the tri. I was exhausted that morning so, despite everything I knew about trying out something new on race day, I took 2 scoops of it with me and downed it and hour before the race. I did all right during the swim and bike, but on the run I experienced the kind of GI distress that only 5 bran muffins and a pot of espresso could induce. I crossed the finish line and kept running straight for the port-o-johns. If it had been anything longer than a sprint tri; it would not have ended well.
But go on and try it if you like! ;-)

Honestly, though, I have seen better and more consistent gains by dropping that stuff, dialing in my nutrition better, proper hydration and proper rest.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Ok, first, most NO products actually do almost nothing for NO production in the body. Arginine taken orally, for example, does NOTHING for NO production and it is one of the main ingredients in most of the NO products on the market.

If said products do include an ingredient that can help with NO production, it is normally included at an ineffective or low dose.

Next, the ingredients in the products that ACTUALLY do something are nothing out of the norm. Creatine and beta alanine work and will make you bigger and stronger (most people). Again, many products will include these ingredients, but at a low or ineffective dose.

The stimulants also work, but do little other than provide extra energy and help some people to get 'up' for their workout.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I am actually taking the stuff right now and I feel like it helps with all types of workouts. It all depends on if you are taking it on an empty stomach or not when it comes to how jittery you feel. It says on the bottle to take it with something in your stomach.

I stay away from caffeine throughout the day so when it comes to my workout at 6pm after work, it definitely helps wake me up. Coffee usually gets my stomach rumbling so I stay away from it pre workout. I don't have any bad crashes after I take it. Only thing about it is after taking it for 2-3 weeks your body gets used to it so you don't feel it nearly as much. So, I would take a couple weeks off or even a month and then start up again if I feel the need.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

[QUOTE=Giles Clarke;761248]The worst experience I had with it was the day I took it before a triathlon. I was at work late the night prior and did not get home until roughly 11pm and had to be up at 4am to leave for the tri. I was exhausted that morning so, despite everything I knew about trying out something new on race day, I took 2 scoops of it with me and downed it and hour before the race. [/QUOTE]
That's not the product, that's your fault, the dosing is ONE scoop per serving.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Some body builders swear by it, but I can't handle anything like that. I have very small tolerance for caffeine and that other [B]junk[/B] that they put in it.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

[QUOTE=Stu Christensen;761658]That's not the product, that's your fault, the dosing is ONE scoop per serving.[/QUOTE]

It might have been one. It was a while ago; so I don't really remember. I know it was the normal dosage I had taken before my weight workouts. Either way, it left me feeling like crap.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I need my cup of coffee before I lift or bike... and music.

I see guys at the local college gym chug NO Explode before they lift and I can't tell you I see any difference between the ones that use it and the ones that don't. Other than of course the fact that they're a lot more talkative.

I'd stay away from it.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

If you are taking another NO product in pill form (NO2, Nitrix), then the drink will make your pumps more intense (as long as you take it right before you lift). I haven't taken it for any WODs yet.

Black Powder by MRI is about the same, I keep it at work so if there's no coffee, I can still get some caffeine.

It always makes me have to relieve my bowels within about 45 minutes...

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Forget that stuff. A cup of coffee and pinch of Kodiak inbetween your lip and gum should be all the stimulants you need.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

[quote=John Corona;764194]Forget that stuff. A cup of coffee and pinch of Kodiak inbetween your lip and gum should be all the stimulants you need.[/quote]
:yikes:

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I take a pre-workout supplement, but I don't think it is all it's cracked up to be. I tastes great though. I definitely second the music too.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

I think someone else already said this. Its not bad before a strenght workout. I took it once before a metcon, and I had to stop half way through because Pukie was knocking at the door. I haven't touched it since.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Ryan,

Ifind it the opposite. If I use a stimulant before a strength workout, I have no tightness

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

To be honest, I haven't taken it in quite some time. If I recall, I seemed to have a little extra in the tank for the later sets/reps. Could just be the placebo effect.

I think I still have some lying around somewhere. If so, I'll give it a shot for the overhead squats and report back.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

Ok, once again the NO Explode just made me feel nauseous during my workout. Thinking back, I think I only ever really benefited from it when I was doing body building type workouts in an air conditioned globo. It helps with all of the volume.

As far as crossfitting in my garage in 85 degree heat, I'll never do it again. If this would have been a metcon day it would have been terrible.

Re: N.O. Explode????
 

otherwise known as "Anal-Explode" ... wont ever be using it again