GNC Beyond Raw Products Review

A few weeks ago GNC Canada sent some sample packs of three of their Beyond Raw products to try out and then review.... Re-built Mass,  Ravage, and Refine.

Not knowing a whole lot about them, I participated in an online Twitter chat with some folks from GNC and some people familiar with these products, and found that they are formulated specifically for men.

The Captain has been training to run a half marathon with me since the beginning of January.  During this time, as our running distances have increased, he has been doing less strength training, and he has been losing weight.  I think he is lighter now than he has ever been during the 20 plus years I have known him, and I was getting concerned.

Beyond Raw RE-BUILT MASS to the rescue.

From the GNC site:

"RE-BUILT MASS  SUPER ANABOLIC MASS GAINER

• HYPER-MASS GAINER WITH 850 CALORIES AND 60G OF PROTEIN TO ENGORGE MUSCLES AND INCREASE MASS*
• ANABOLIC QUAD-PHASE NUTRIENT STACK TO PACK ON *
• MEGA DOSE OF A 10G, FIVE-PHASE ADVANCED CREATINE COMPLEX FOR INTENSE POWER AND STRENGTH*
• ULTRA ANABOLIC GROWTH FACTORS, MUSCLE CELL PROTECTION, AND RECOVERY COMPONENTS FOR ENHANCED MUSCULARITY AND DENSITY*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  "


After every long run, and at least a couple of other times during the week, I have been making smoothies with this protein powder, for The Captain.  The Chocolate Brownie flavor is quite delicious and he enjoys it just blended with some water or low fat milk.  And even though he is having only 1/3 to 1/2 of the recommended serving size, in a single smoothie, he finds it extremely filling and satisfying.

I like to add different kinds of fruit to change it up a bit,  and sometimes chia seeds or ground flax seeds. With a handful of frozen berries thrown into the mix, I can hardly keep from stealing it from him myself! sharing with him.  It is so tasty and thick.  It has so many good nutrients and is very high in protein and in calories, too.

The Captain about to enjoy his pumpkin/chocolate smoothie

Beyond Raw RAVAGE is a pre-workout energy loader.



From the GNC site:

" RAVAGE    Potent, Ultra Concentrated Pre-Workout Hybrid

• Powerful, Super Concentrated Vasodilator for outstanding Muscle Pumps and Explosive Power*
• Breakthrough Nitric Oxide Anabolic Stack For Maximum Training Intensity Driving Rock Hard Muscle Gains *
• Fuels Muscle Volumizing Workouts To Deliver Stunning Muscularity And Strength*
• Intrinsic Fatigue Buffers And Muscle Intensity Pumps For Superior Athletic Performance*

CAUTION: - This product contains extremely potent concentrations of muscle fuel. It is design to provide experienced athletes with explosive gains, bursts of energy and massive anabolic surges. Use only if you are ready to take your workout to the next level of athletic performance.

Each serving supplies 200 mg of caffeine.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  "

This comes in powder form that is to be mixed with water and taken before a workout.  The Fruit Punch flavor is quite tasty and easy to drink. 

A full serving makes The Captain feel like his skin is itchy and I can see that he is jittery and edgy and has to just move. He tends to be caffeine sensitive anyway, and a whole serving is just too much for him all at once.  But because it is a powder, we can mix up a partial serving.  For someone doing hard, intense strength workouts, this would certainly give them the burst they need to really get lifting and moving some serious weight.

Beyond Raw REFINE is a thermogenic.  These supplements are used by people who want to speed up their metabolisms to burn fat. 



From the GNC site:

" REFINE   Ultra Thermogenic and Metabolic Igniter

• Powerful Thermogenic Agents Trigger Dramatic Pre-Training Caloric Burn*
• Potent Thermogenic Formula For Rapid Rush And Fatty Acid Metabolism*
• Fuels Extreme Physique Repartitioning Workouts And Promotes Anabolic Drive*
• Hardcore Metabolic Stack Provides Blistering Intensity And Ignites Metabolism*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  "

This product comes in capsule form and the suggested dosage for someone about to do a high-quality and intense workout is 3 capsules.  Another high amount caffeine as well as other stimulants produce body heat and rapid heart rate.  Again, you can lower the amount you take for your own comfort level and to give you the burst you want for your own workouts.

I would urge anyone to carefully read the ingredient list before taking any supplements, and if there are any concerns at all, to discuss them with their own physician.