eNewsletter Issue 30 - Arnold Show Review

A trip through this trusty consumer advocate's Arnold Classic Notebook... including the good, bad, and class acts in the industry

The temperature inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center was boiling, but that was okay. And I didn't mind the lower lumbar pain from standing all day or being flooded with questions from consumers ranging from "how do I emulsify a non-polar solution..." (seriously!) to "where can I throw away this half-eaten protein monstrosity from the booth across the way?" I didn't even mind, especially, trying endless samples of products that probably provided enough "nutrition" for a weak-kneed elephant (not to mention the colossal calories consumed). But I had to draw the line when I spoke with a few companies and reps making absurd claims about their products.

Even so, it did seem like a nominal price to pay for a three-day sensory buffet filled with science, muscles, beauty, and products.

As with all expos, there's always lots of good and lots of bad... And how you feel about it on the flight home just depends on what slaps you in the face first. My first "slap" must have been a good one as this year's Arnold Classic Expo was the best I've ever attended. Everything was better... wider isles, smarter and healthier show attendants, elaborate corporate booths, and tastier products, just to name a few. I even made a few surprising discoveries that drastically changed my opinion about a few products and manufacturers.

Free! Free! Free!

One of the benefits of the show is all of the free stuff handed out by manufacturers. The right hand shoves one sample into the bag while the left hand reaches out innocently for another. There is nothing like giving out free product to bring attention and spark the interest of consumers.

EAS was working overtime to supply two massive lines of consumers waiting to grab Myoplex Ready-to-Drinks and their new energy powder Kick-Start. Although not their usual high-profile presence, EAS had a knowledgeable crew and a generous amount of free product.

Another company known for free products is VPX: their booth was surrounded by beautiful fitness models armed with goodie bags to hand out to anyone within 10 feet. Funny thing, though, even with all of the free stuff they hand out at every show, I've still yet to meet anyone who uses any VPX products. Maybe I just need to get out more?

Free products aren't always all they're cracked up to be... Many times I'll see people jockeying for position to try a sample of a new bar or drink only to walk away with a disturbed look on their faces... sort of a cross between nauseated and confused. So one caveat for future show goers: don't try samples without reading the ingredients panel. Not taking a second to read a label could mean a case of the jitters or even a mad dash for the bathroom!

Fortunately, there are safe bets. One freebie that will cause no concern is our very own Real SOLUTIONS magazine. Due to more content (20 "extra" pages in this issue) and larger dimensions, we were handing out a copy seemingly every half-a-second. In fact, we ran out of free mags before the show was over. The verdict is in, people love Real SOLUTIONS mag. (And, this issue, more than any other!) If you missed the show and would like to try a free trial issue, simply click here.

On top of a free magazine and MAXIMUM GROWTH Guide, free sample bottles of Meta-CEL had people lined up across the show floor waiting to try the Orange Burst flavor. Meta-CEL is still hands down the best muscle-building product on the market. Not only does it contain no fat-storing sugars, but the taste... well, it's "absolutely mouth-wateringly delicious," as one enthusiastic fan at the show attested. Raves about effectiveness and taste were heard all day long. One show-goer said, "Good thing you dressed your models up as race car drivers; that Meta-CEL is rocket fuel for the muscles!" I couldn't agree more...

What's Hot?

Right when the crowds started to subside is when I spring at the opportunity to pillage each row and talk with people at each and every booth. I look for corporate publications and new products idling to be released. The much anticipated release this year, however, wasn't a product—it was a brand.

Sylvester Stallone (yes! As in Rocky Balboa) released his new brand of products call Instone Nutrition. Armed with some of the industries finest minds, Instone already has a full line of products and aggressive goals for this year. The first product I picked up is their new thermogenic, but I recall seeing the same formula a few years ago when Lean System 7 was released. It'll be interesting to see how far the company will go and if they decide to continue to "copy" other company's proven formulas in the market. In my book, that's a big "no-no."

See, iSatori, the company that makes Lean System 7, invested over $100,000 in an eight-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled independent clinical study (the "gold standard" of research), which was later presented at the Experimental Biology Conference in front of over 10,000 leading medical professionals and scientists—proving it was a safe and very effective supplement for increasing the metabolic rate and bodyfat loss—only to see a company that's trying to build its reputation come and try to "knock it off." Well, not entirely. As you may know, the Lean System 7 formula contains a few "extra" ingredients that Instone couldn't get their hands on. Plus, their thermogenic has zero clinical research to say it works or is safe.

Nevertheless, the crowds were "star-struck" by the presence of Sylvester Stallone himself, as he wandered the show floor on Saturday. 'Nuff said.

Speaking of making an impact in the industry (only in a positive way!), the Supplement Research Foundation founded by brainiac Rehan Jelali is working hard to infect truth and deliver supplement education. I highly recommend checking out his site www.TSRF.com if you're ready to take your physique to the next level. (And I heard an "inside" rumor that Rehan might even be contributing to our future online editions of RealSOLUTIONSmag.com.)

One hot product that was just flying out of the booth are Labrada's Carb Watchers Gourmet Sugar-Free Chocolates Candies. An interesting concept, these dessert candies aren't lacking in the flavor department. I watched almost every person who grabbed a sample stop in their tracks after taking one bite! They're perfect for a sudden attack of chocolate cravings, but remember the label only reflects one third of the bar. (One small bar is three servings.)

Protein formulas these days have branched well beyond chocolate and vanilla: the flavors have gotten delectably extravagant. One such protein formula with great taste and value is PVL's Designer Gourmet Protein. Their flavors are getting pretty good feedback. And best of all, they're available at a decent price.

Chef Jay had an extremely popular booth as Tri-O-Plex bar sales are soaring. These bars are excellent food bars and are top rated in my annual Protein Bar review. Watch out though: the heavy macronutrient profile on the label is something to really consider if you're trying to get lean.

Impressed by the energy radiating from Cytodyne's booth, I decided to try their new product Xenadrine NRG. I was surprised with the gradually smooth pep without any crashing like most other energy formulas. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for the boost of ephedrine without all the harsh effects associated with over-stimulation.

The Bad?

This is the part of my review where I always receive the most heat... But I'm going to start off the section with a surprise.

In past articles I've remarked on how I've always found Beverly International to be less than integral in the industry, and I strongly believe they didn't support the scientific community. Well, they still have a ways to go in the scientific support area, but they do offer some amazing programs for trainers interested in distribution. If you're a trainer and you're looking for full-fledged support from a manufacturer that's been around for a long time, then check out Beverly International.

Something that certainly doesn't get my respect is the recent "No-Carb" wave of products. I was absolutely stunned to see manufacturers jumping onto the bandwagon with such products as "low-carb NO2," "no-carb vitamins," and even "zero-carb water." Hello! Did these things ever have carbohydrates to begin with, or will they ever? No way! I can understand a few low-carb claims (a.k.a., full-of-sugar alcohols), but a few manufacturers are taking it too far, and the customers are paying for it. Please, don't be one to fall into the low or no-carb trap. Some things, like water, certain pills, and vitamins will never, ever have carbs... so please, don't be fooled!

Now I'm not going to name any names, but a few companies are still pushing pro-hormones using anabolic product names and claims. Although I don't recommend pro-hormones, I have used products that are categorized as such. My challenge is when manufacturers draw more negative attention to these substances than is wise. Which will sooner or later cause the FDA to crack down on anything distantly related to pro-hormones. In fact, the FDA recently announced they will be banning any pro-hormones, such as "andro" type products. Such names as "On-Cycle," "Testagen Depot"... Mainly anything with a Cyclo or a Test in it is drawing negativity toward the supplement industry.

But if you're looking for high-quality pro-hormone-type supplements, go with ErgoPharm before this product category becomes extinct.

From the makers of NO2, CE2—a composition of "creatine ethyl ester"—is expected to hit shelves and is touted as a "breakthrough in creatine supplementation." I read through the entire free book on CE2, handed out in droves at the show, and I was far from impressed by its absurd claims and pompous validation. Fortunately, the FDA recently rejected creatine ester as being unsafe, so I don't think this product will have the best longevity. Shame on MRI for releasing a product (CE2) deemed unsafe by the FDA. Caveat emptor... Buyer beware!

Class Acts

There are always a few big players at every show who rely on their solid brand and sound products. Just by looking at their massive booths and beautiful product displays, one can conclude that these companies will remain industry juggernauts.

GNC's presence at the show was topped off with lots of free samples and top industry athletes. This year's GNC Show of Strength (October 7 through 9, in Atlanta, Georgia) should prove to be a major show if GNC continues their dominate presence in the industry.

Another big player at the show was Next Proteins. The makers of Detour and Designer Whey had enough samples of their delicious bars to satisfy even the biggest of meat-heads (like me).

With an extremely helpful and committed staff, Next Proteins booth is always something I look forward to visiting. I'm just wondering what's next from Next...

All Said and Done

Whether it's to catch a glimpse of Arnold, to bask in protein bar utopia, to push a new "low-carb creatine," or to mingle with the largest muscles in the world, everyone has their own reason for flocking to Columbus every first quarter of the year. Regardless of the reason, one thing is for certain: this show just keeps getting better and better. This year was no exception, that's for sure!

After attending the Arnold, it's easy to forget about the drastic climb of obese Americans or how the average level of activity of humans is dropping, but if you're on a mission to achieve your best body, then you deserve to be at the Arnold. So next year, pack up your sleeveless t-shirt and join the Real SOLUTIONS Team in Columbus where we'll give you an even greater boost of inspiration and knowledge to build your absolute best body (after you're done digesting those 30 protein bar wedges you couldn't resist!).

Fill out the no-obligation form below to TAKE your free issue of the printed version of Real SOLUTIONS Magazine now! Still not sure? Click here to listen to a special audio welcome from our editor, Stephen Adele.

The 2004 Arnold Classic Review: Bigger, Better, and More People and Products Than Ever Before

Free! Free! Free!

What's Hot?

The Bad?

Class Acts

All Said and Done