Overview of Ultimate Nutrition ZMA (90 Caps) @ Herc's - $28.99

Tired of being tired? Do you find yourself tossing and turning trying to fall asleep at night? Do you feel like no matter how many hours of sleep you get, you still do not feel rested?

        ZMA is an over the counter supplement that consists of aspartate and methionine forms of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6. It is sold at both Herc’s locations; Bunting rd. and James St. as well as the online store. It is proven to help people get to sleep faster. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for muscular growth and recovery.

ZMA has been proven to naturally induce a higher frequency of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep among athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. REM is characterized as a “Deep” sleep and is the fifth and final stage in a sleep cycle. In this stage, anabolic hormones are produced at a higher rate, increasing muscular growth, as well as rate of recovery. A sleep cycle consists of 5 stages, lasting one to one and a half hours. Not only does ZMA help you get to sleep faster, it also helps you stay asleep preventing the disruption of a sleep cycle. This will help maximize the amount of REM sleep you get on any given night; leaving you feeling rested, refreshed and ready to hit the gym. Hercs sells ZMA at 28.99+HST for 90 capsules; a 30 serving supply for men, and 45 servings for women.

      Aside from improving your gains, including minerals such a zinc and magnesium are part of a healthy lifestyle. Mineral deficiencies have shown to decrease immune function, testosterone levels, bone strength, nerve impulse strength and even impair the liver’s ability to function properly.


-Mike Kar

BSN Syntha-6 Isolate (2.01lb) - ON SALE NOW

Today I'll review BSN's protein isolate, Syntha-6 Isolate. This is a new product to Herc's and is being carried at both James street and Bunting road locations, as well as on the Herc's Online Site. With low calories, and high quality protein, this is a powder built for anyone, from men to women of all ages. With its multi-functional blend of slow and fast digesting proteins, Syntha-6 Isolate is ideal to use anytime through your day (morning, between meals, before bed, etc). If you’re looking for a high quality isolate protein supplement with an unbeatable taste (as expected from BSN), look no further.

Mixability:  9/10
All BSN products are known to mix very well. I've use many BSN products from NO-Xplode, to Syntha-6 to even their gainer (which typically don't mix TOO easily) True Mass and have always been impressed with the consistency of the product after mixing. I'm happy to say that the new Syntha-6 Isolate is no exception. Mixes almost effortlessly in water or milk.

Taste: 10/10
Many would agree that taste is BSN's "claim to fame" with their products. The taste of their products seems to go hand in hand with the great mixability they also have. Again, all BSN products I have tried have tasted great, and it's another benefit that there is typically a ton of different flavours to choose from. Blend this isolate with milk and some fruit and you'll have a shake with such a good taste, that you'll assume it's unhealthy! My personal taste choice for BSN Syntha-6 Isolate would be strawberry, just can't get enough!

Effectiveness: 9/10
This product features a protein formula consisting of 25 grams of protein per serving and 11 grams of EAAs (amino acids) per serving. This formula is designed to aid in muscle hypertrophy (growth), recovery, weight management (low calories, carbs, fats, and sugars) and overall health. As stated previously in my other reviews, I've been using whey protein (specifically BSN products, because of the high quality) for years now (while training to gain weight AND cut weight), and I feel they have helped my training and results drastically.

Overall: 9.3/10
When looking for a "well-rounded" protein, I would highly suggest BSN Syntha-6 Isolate. It stands above competition in many aspects, including its great taste and mixability. BSN continues to create great, high quality products such as this one over and over. Typically, the quality dictates the price tag, but sitting at $42.99 for 2lb of quality isolate, this product shines above the rest.

PRINT THIS COUPON FOR EVEN MORE SAVINGS!

PURCHASE BSN SYNTHA-6 ISOLATE NOW

- Taylor

Ultimate Nutrition IsoCool (ON SALE - IN STORE ONLY!)

Today I'll review Ultimate Nutrition's protein isolate, IsoCool. This product is definitely a "bang for your buck" protein powder. A high quality isolate with 87 servings, on sale for only $69.99 at James Street and Bunting Road Herc's locations.

Mixability:  10/10
Mixes extremely well. I have only tried mixing this in water, but it blends completely almost immediately after shaking it in a shaker cup or stirring it with a fork/spoon in a cup. No blender necessary! Very thin powder, no chunks.

Taste: 8.5/10
I have tried both the "cherry berry" and "juicy apple" flavours and i'm impressed by both. My personal choice would be the cherry berry. When mixed with water, these isolates resemble the taste of kool-aid which is great! They seem to foam a very little when mixed with a blender, but that's not a huge deal in my opinion. Overall, a great tasting powder.

Effectiveness: 9/10
Protein forms the building blocks for our muscle tissue. After a long, hard workout, we need protein in order to repair muscle tissue and spike our recovery. At this time, we want this protein the fastest way we can get it. A whey protein isolate is the fastest digesting type of protein, making IsoCool an optimal choice. Aside from that, supplementing with a protein powder in general also has other benefits, such as having the convenience of not having to prepare whole foods all the time, satisfying a craving for something sweet (most powders), promoting strength gains and a healthy immune system. I've been using whey protein since I began training, and i'm sure I wouldn't have achieved the amount of progress I have without it.

Overall: 9.2/10
Overall, I would recommend IsoCool to anyone involved in weight training, cardiovascular training or sport training. It truly stands out compared to other protein isolates, as it has a great amount of servings (87) at a great price for an isolate (69.99). Ultimate Nutrition has always been known to release good, high quality products, and IsoCool is just another example of that, in all aspects.

- Taylor

Nutrabolics Swollen Pre-Workout Review

Nutrabolics Swollen is a pre-workout nitric oxide supplement. The purpose of this supplement is to increase workout intensity and muscular output. It also supports nutrient delivery and lean muscle mass. This product uses cutting edge ingredients such as "Astragin", which has been shown to increase your bodies absorption of essential nutrients and essential amino acids. Swollen also contains two superior forms of L-Arginine (Arginine Ethyl Ester, Arginine-AKG) to increase blood flow during the workout providing you with intense muscle pumps! For the full ingredients list head over to our webpage for product info http://hercs.com/shophercs/pre-workout/251-nutrabolics-swollen-powder.html.

In short, Nutrabolics Swollen will give you a boost in strength, speed, muscle pumps and intensity in the gym.

Mixability: 9/10
This product mixes quite well, and compared to other pre-workout/ NO2 products it holds up quite well with the competition. At times I found minor clumping, but this wasn't a big issue especially considering the small scoop size (about 8 grams). When stirred with 300-500ml of water and ice the product dissolved almost completely within a couple of seconds.

Taste: 8.5/10
 I was truly blown away by the taste of the Swollen. Compared to other concentrated pre-workouts, Swollen is by far the best tasting. The Blue Raspberry flavour was my favourite, but both the Fruit Punch and Watermelon flavours are worth trying. Although it doesn't taste as good as some of the other pre-workouts I have had (i.e. Labrada Supercharge, BSN N.O. Xplode 2.0) I still find myself able to actually enjoy the flavour of it while I am drinking it (unlike most other pre-workouts I have tried). If taste or convenience of drinking this product is an issue, Swollen is also available in capsule form. Both powder and pills are equally effective, but I choose the powder because it tastes great!

Effectiveness: 9/10
Using two scoops I had fantastic workouts, beginners should only use 1 scoop until they feel that they can tolerate the intensity; Swollen is pretty strong! Swollen gave me insane pumps at the gym! I literally felt (as the product name suggests) Swollen. My cardiovascular workout intensity increased and I was able to push myself a little bit harder. Due to the enhanced nutrient uptake from the Astragin and Agmatine, I found that I was able to recover faster as well.

Overall: 8.8/10 For the last 2 months I have been using Swollen, this is hands down my favourite pre-workout on the market. I recommend this product to all my customers looking to get a little bit more out of their workout or who need a little more energy after a long work day. Priced at just $49.99 for 60 servings, I would say that this product is well worth the price tag.

-Jake

BUY NUTRABOLICS SWOLLEN HERE

Herc's Sales October 17th/2012

***All online sales prices are available in store aswell, at Bunting and James street locations (while supplies last)!

BSN CELL-MASS NT (30 Servings) - ONLY $29.99

BSN N.O. XPLODE NT (30 Servings) - ONLY $29.99

BSN N.O. Xplode 2.0 - ONLY $49.99

MUSCLEPHARM ASSAULT - ONLY $39.99

NUTRABOLICS SWOLLEN (CLASSIC 1MR BLEND) - ONLY $49.99

REVOLUTION NUTRITION AMINOWHEY 5LB - ONLY $35.99

MUSCLETECH NANOVAPOR HARDCORE 2LB (FREE T-SHIRT INSIDE) - ONLY $39.99

ULTIMATE NUTRITION WHEAT PROTEIN ISOLATE 3LB - ONLY $14.99

You will not see prices this cheap anywhere!

HERCS SHOP HOMEPAGE 

- Taylor

 

 

 

 

 

Syntha-6 Review (NOW ON SALE 65.99 AT HERCS)

Today I'll review BSN's low-calorie protein powder, Syntha-6.

Mixability:  9/10
There is very few powders that will blend/mix as well as Syntha-6. Rather than it leaving chunks of powder, Syntha-6 can be mixed perfectly into water or milk with just a cup and spoon (which is rare with protein, in my opinion).

Taste: 10/10
This is truly where Syntha-6 (and most BSN products) shines. I've tried banana, chocolate peanut butter, and vanilla (3 different distinct flavors), and they all tasted fantastic. Many will agree with me if you view other reviews online aswell.

Effectiveness: 9/10
Syntha-6 offers multiple quality proteins, from whey isolate to casein, resulting in a nutritious and multi-functional protein supplement that ensures a person's muscles a high quality supply of muscle building protein. As we all know, high-quality protein is the most effective and beneficial thing to consume for building and maintaining muscle mass. And unlike most healthy things (in my opinion), we also get rewarded with a great taste to match! I have definitely seen improves in lean mass and strength since I began taking this product.

Overall: 9.3/10
There's really nothing to complain about when it comes to BSN's Syntha-6. I would give it a straight 10, but that would mean that nothing could ever be better.. only time will tell! It is by far my favorite low-cal protein at the moment, and I will continue to use it in the future.

- Taylor

BUY SYNTHA 6 AT HERCS NOW

The History Of Hercs To Date

Since 1997, Herc’s Muscle Shops has been serving the Niagara Region and surrounding areas in Southern Ontario. Herc’s originated on James St. in St. Catharines, for those looking for an alternative shopping experience when purchasing nutritional supplements and providing 110% customer satisfaction.

Over the years Herc’s C.E.O., Dave Dekker, has travelled the world, immersing Herc’s into every conceivable educational model. From physique contest training and preparation, to meeting with the owners of various supplement manufacturers, consulting for and appearing on US national TV ( Dr. Phill show), working with professional athletes, and much more.

Our stores are forever evolving. As we have expanded across Ontario, to the West Coast, we will keep what works for our clients, and improve what is not as effective. Shopping at a Herc’s location is an experience. …have a protein shake made to your specifications, enjoy the selection, and of course the pricing.

Whatever your goal is we can help!

Our goals are simple. We provide our clients with the best selection in supplements, products that work, not the quick cash and grab fad products, the lowest prices and knowledgeable customer service because we actually try the products we sell.

Now in 2012, Herc’s is looking for another first. After establishing itself in the world of supplements in Southern Ontario and looking to expand with future Licensee growth through Ontario and Canada, Herc’s is taking on the on-line industry with the Herc's Online Shop. We plan on offering our great customer service that we provide in all our locations, with great product selection at the most competitive prices in Canada, all available at your finger tips! Be sure to check out our entire website and enjoy your time surfing here at Hercs.com. Your #1 stop for supplements in Canada!!!