The side effects associated with anabolic steroid drugs (AS) are controversial. If you go on many websites or online forums, you will encounter many habitual anabolic steroid users who claim to use the drugs with impunity. However, similarly to other drugs, the effects … [Read more...]
Natural Bodybuilding Training: The finer points by Jerry Brainum
In the inaugural issue of Applied Metabolics, I discussed the best evidence-based nutrition techniques for natural bodybuilders. To reiterate the meaning of the term "natural," that refers to a bodybuilder who doesn't resort to using any type of pharmaceutical … [Read more...]
New studies from a nutrition science conference by Jerry Brainum
Every year, hundreds of various scientific conferences are held around the world. The ostensible purpose of these conferences is to provide a forum whereby top scientists in their fields can present and discuss new scientific information. Most of the time, some good … [Read more...]
Book review: Jim Stoppani’s Encyclopedia of Muscle and Strength
I've never met Jim Stoppani, but I know we have at least three things in common: 1) We were both formerly Science editors of Muscle and Fitness magazine; 2) We both have a fascination and enjoyment of deep science or the minutiae that most others aren't that much into; … [Read more...]
Does fasted aerobics burn more fat? by Jerry Brainum
A commonly used technique by bodybuilders seeking to lose excess body fat prior to a contest involves doing aerobic exercise while in a fasted state. The usual practice is to do the aerobics first thing in the morning, prior to eating or drinking anything. The … [Read more...]
Supplements or drugs? by Jerry Brainum
I can still remember the excitement that I felt whenever I bought a box of one of my favorite childhood treats, Cracker Jacks. There was nothing particularly special about this product. It consisted of caramelized popcorn with a few caramel peanuts mixed in. That, … [Read more...]
Does testosterone cause cardiovascular disease? by Jerry Brainum
Joe M knew that something was just not right with himself. Although he had been an athlete in his youth, and for most of his life had proudly displayed a significant level of muscle mass, lately it seemed that muscle had converted into flab. At age 50, Joe … [Read more...]
Pumping Carbon: The Fate of Fat by Jerry Brainum
If you diet and exercise properly, you will lose excess body fat. But where exactly does that lost body fat go to? If you answered "Fat City," you're wrong, but you wouldn't be alone in your misunderstanding of fat metabolism. A recent article just published in the … [Read more...]
The nutrient timing controversy by Jerry Brainum
A few years ago, a concept emerged known as nutrient timing. Simply put, the basis for nutrient timing was that by ingesting a combination of protein and carbohydrate within proximity of a workout, exercise recovery would be considerably enhanced. In addition, the … [Read more...]
Does SizeOn put size on? by Jerry Brainum
Food supplement companies are always on the lookout for new and exotic ingredients to add to their products. The advantage of this for the companies is that, with more ingredients listed on the labels, a higher price for the product can be justified. This would be fine if … [Read more...]