In the world of weight training, gym goers often experiment with different lifting techniques in order to facilitate the greatest muscular adaptations and build superior levels of strength and muscle mass. The key variables of weight lifting include the weight you lift, the volume of exercise, the technique employed and the speed at which you exercise. In this article we are going to look at the theory and practice of “Super Slow” training. Super slow training involves the practice of lifting a weight in a very slow, careful and deliberate manner. During super slow training, the concentric (shortening of the active muscle) portion of each lift takes a full 10 seconds to complete, whilst the eccentric portion (lengthening of the active muscle) will take around 4 seconds. As a practical example, this could involve a bench press where the bar is pushed away from the chest over a 10 second period before being lowered back down to the chest over a 4 second period. Compared to the usual ratio of 2 seconds for concentric and 4 seconds for eccentric, the super slow movement is quite obvious. Proponents of super slow training suggest that the technique places greater emphasis on co-ordination and form whilst also providing improved results in terms of strength and muscle size. So, is super slow training as effective as we are led to believe? The Pro’s Super slow training offers a fantastic option for any regular weight lifter looking to avoid boredom or complacency in their training. It can offer an excellent option when trying to change your current routine and prevent both physical and mental plateaus. It is also a great tool for gaining a literal understanding of muscular fatigue. Consider your current 1 Rep Max and then imagine how difficult this would be if you performed this with a 10 second concentric and 5 second eccentric speed, no doubt your muscles will feel completely drained upon completion. Slowing your exercise right down allows you to place ultimate focus on technique and form, which will most likely reduce the possibility of exercise induced injury. This also proves a great tool for new comers to weight training or even those who are attempting a new exercise who may lack experience of correct lifting technique. Users will learn to limit the contribution of momentum during a lift, which is often the down fall of many budding weight lifters. Reducing the presence of momentum can lead to an increase in cross-bridges, muscle fibre activation and motor unit firing. Theoretically, the prolonged movement may also create improved neural pathways between the brain and the muscle which could lead to greater recruitment of muscle fibres during the exercise. For those looking to train until the point of muscular failure, super slow training will undoubtedly provide users a clear understanding of how complete fatigue should feel. Lastly, super slow training is an excellent training technique for those looking to overcome or recuperate from injury as it provides a controlled and sensitive approach to re-training tired or damaged muscles. The Con’s Studies, in which super slow training was performed, provided no greater gains in strength and muscle mass than would be expected from a regular, progressive resistance training routine. This suggests the physiological gains are not significant. Super slow training is far from ideal for the athletic population including those who are looking to improve their sport specific fitness. Very few sports require such slow and un-athletic movements whilst even fewer sports require the muscle mass associated with super slow training void of any speed or power. As part of super slow training any hypertrophy will be limited to slow twitch muscle fibres as fast twitch fibres will simply not be recruited. This suggests that the actual muscle mass gains will be compromised when compared to regular resistance training. One study, requiring its subjects to use super slow training, had to reduce the weight to 25% of 1 Rep Max in order for the subjects to be able to perform an 8 repetition set of super slow lifts. This reduced intensity could lead to a much lower level of hypertrophy when we consider the proven overload principle. The normal intensity of a hypertrophy led programme would be around 70% of the 1 Rep Max. Summary There are clearly compelling arguments both for and against super slow weight training. The only way to come to any real conclusion as to whether this type of training is suitable for you is to try it and compare it with the other methods of training you have previously employed. Other than this, listen to the evidence. Whilst some advocates suggest super slow training is a great tool for increasing metabolism and potentially reducing body fat, unfortunately there is no evidence to back this up. There is also little evidence to suggest that super slow training helps build muscle or strength more effectively than regular progressive resistance training. There is certainly an argument for super slow training amongst the population who are merely looking for hypertrophy as it provides a great way of spicing up your routine and preventing physical and mental plateaus. However, from an athletic perspective it must be highlighted that super slow training will serve very little effect on those looking for sport specific improvements that can be seen on the track or athletic field. If you are looking to improve sport specific strength then you should remember that gains in strength are speed specific and your training should resemble your sport as closely as you can.

A detailed review of Caffeine and it's influence on sports performance. Written by Craig Bridge, Great Britain Taekwondo National Team Physiologist Caffeine, a trimethylxanthine, is a naturally occurring substance found in approximately 60 different plant species. The primary sources of natural caffeine in the diet include coffee and tea, although varying amounts are also found in foods such as chocolate, and caffeine is intentionally added to carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks, and over the counter medications.1,2,3 In particular, caffeine is frequently added to sports drinks or ingested in capsule or tablet form for its performance enhancing effects.3,4,5 Mechanisms Caffeine ingestion may have numerous effects upon the central nervous system (CNS), and on hormone, metabolic, muscular, cardiovascular, and pulmonary functions during rest and exercise.6,7,8 From a psychological perspective acute caffeine intake may increase mental alertness, concentration, energetic arousal, choice reaction time, improve mood, and decrease tiredness and pain perception.6 These positive effects are, however, dependent upon the acute caffeine dose, timing of administration, and participant’s habitual use.6 The mechanisms by which caffeine exerts its action on sports performance are much debated and not entirely understood.7,8,9 Caffeine’s performance enhancing effects were principally related to the muscle glycogen (carbohydrate) sparing hypothesis.7 For instance, it was hypothesized that caffeine ingestion would increase fat oxidation and spare muscle glycogen (carbohydrate), resulting in performance improvements during the latter stages of exercise. There is currently very little evidence to support this hypothesis,9 and caffeine’s influence on performance is believed to be multifactorial. There is strong evidence to suggest that caffeine has an effect on the CNS, and on the excitation-contraction coupling of skeletal muscle though potentiating calcium release.8 Performance improvements may, therefore, occur partly by an increase in muscle contraction force, and partly via reductions in perception of effort though blunting sensations of effort and/or pain.8 Caffeine and Exercise Endurance Capacity Irrespective of the potential mechanisms involved caffeine may enhance physical performance in a variety of settings. Research has consistently demonstrated that the ingestion of caffeine in various doses results in significant improvements in endurance capacity as measured by time to exhaustion at sub-maximal workloads.10,11,12,13,14,15,16 For instance, when trained distance runners ingested caffeine capsules (3 to 6 mg.kg-1 of body-mass) 1 hr prior to exercise at an intensity of 85% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), time to exhaustion increased by 22% when compared to the placebo trial.15 Only rarely has a neutral response been reported in such settings,17,18 and these studies have not been conclusive. These findings clearly indicate caffeine’s potential as a training aid, but this information is limited with its application to absolute performance (e.g. performance that is unrestricted by a fixed intensity or power output). Note: for the remainder of the article performance alterations refer to the change in mean (average) performance against either the mean of the control or placebo trials. Caffeine and Long Duration Endurance Performance Several studies have examined the influence of caffeine ingestion on endurance time trial performance lasting 60 minutes or greater. In trained cyclists, caffeine ingestion prior to and/or during exercise resulted in significant improvements in work production of 3 to 23% during 2 hr cycling time trials,19,20,21 and 3 to 6% during 1 hr cycling time trials,22,23,24 although such findings have not been observed consistently.25,26 During field based evaluations of trained individuals, caffeine ingestion has resulted in significant improvements (1.8%) in 21 km cross country Skiing race times,27 but 18 km road running times,28 and 21 km running times in hot and humid conditions were unaltered by caffeine ingestion.29 Caffeine and Short Duration Endurance and Intense Performance Caffeine has also been shown to increase performance during a variety of shorter duration endurance events and more intense time trials. In trained runners for example, caffeine ingestion 60 min prior to exercise resulted in noticeable improvements in 8 km track run times (1.2%),30 5 km track run times (1.1%),31 and 1500 m treadmill run times (1.4%).32 The ergogenic benefits of caffeine in such performance settings do not appear to be limited to this particular exercise mode. In trained participants, caffeine ingestion 60 min prior to exercise has also resulted in significant improvements in 2000 m rowing ergometer time trials (~1.3%),33,34 1500 m freestyle swimming time trials (1.7%),35 100 m swimming times,36 35 min cycling ergometer time trials (3 to 4%),37 and 1 km laboratory cycling time trials (3.1%).38 Studies reporting a neutral response in these performance settings are infrequent.39  Caffeine and Intermittent Exercise Performance Until recently few studies have examined the influence of caffeine on intermittent sports or exercises that require continual changes in power out. Initially, research investigating caffeine’s influence on repeated sprint performance demonstrated either no effect or potential reductions in performance following caffeine ingestion.40,41,42 In team sport participants for instance, caffeine ingestion prior to repeated sprint cycle exercise did not influence performance during protocols that employed 2 x 60s sprints with 3 min recovery,42 4 x 30s sprints with 4 min recovery,40 or 10 x 20s running sprints with 10s recovery.41 In fact, two of these studies suggest that caffeine ingestion could have negatively influenced sprint performances towards the latter stages40 or increased the time to reach peak power.42 These studies have since been criticised on methodological grounds in their ability to reflect repeated sprint performances of team sports, which are characterised by shorter periods of work (e.g. < 6s).43 In an attempt to more effectively represent the typical sprint duration’s encountered during team sports, studies have reported that caffeine ingestion resulted in significant improvements in running performance during protocols employing 6 x 20 m sprints with 25 and 60s recovery,44 and during the first 3 intervals (1.4%) of 12 x 30 m sprints with 35s recovery.43 In longer duration intermittent cycling comprising 2 x 36 min cycling interspersed with 18 x 20 m sprints, caffeine ingestion resulted in significant increases in the total work output (8.5 and 7.6%, respectively).45 Recently caffeine has also been shown to improve some sport specific performances. In rugby union players, caffeine ingestion prior to performing a 2 x 40 minute simulated rugby circuit resulted in improvements in sprint tasks (0.5 to 3%), single peak power drive tasks (5%), and passing accuracy (10%), although repeated drives separated by 5s may have been compromised.46 In trained tennis players, caffeine ingestion prior to performing simulated tennis match play resulted in significant improvements in serve velocity towards the final stages (3.6%),47 a trend to facilitate racket arm acceleration phases,47 and significant improvements in forehand skill test performances across play.48 Such skill and physical performance benefits following caffeine ingestion have not, however, been observed consistently during tennis performances.49 At present, studies evaluating the influence of caffeine on sport specific performances appear to be limited to these sports. Caffeine and Resistance Exercise  Caffeine’s influence on resistance exercise is less clear due to inconsistent findings. For discussion purposes research findings will be separated into those investigating 1 repetition maximum (1RM) performance and those evaluating muscle endurance (e.g the number of repetitions performed at a % of 1RM). One study reported significant increases (2 kg) in 1RM free weight bench press performance following caffeine ingestion.50 In contrast however, subsequent studies have identified no differences in 1RM performances during free weight bench press, 51,52 leg press,51 or bilateral leg extensions52 following caffeine ingestion. Studies evaluating the influence of caffeine on muscle endurance performance similarly report conflicting findings. For instance, following caffeine ingestion Forbes et al.53 reported significant increases (2 reps) in machine bench press performance during 3 sets at 70% of 1RM. In a separate study however, caffeine ingestion resulted in significant improvements (3 reps) in the final set of 3 sets of leg press exercise at 10RM load, but bench press was unaffected.54 During the first of 4 sets of resistance exercise at load equivalent to 12RM, caffeine ingestion significantly improved (2 reps) leg extension performance, with a trend (not significant) for improvements in arm curl performance.55 In other studies evaluating muscle endurance, caffeine ingestion had no influence on performance of bench and leg press at 60% of 1RM,51 or bilateral leg extensions and free weight bench press at 80% of 1RM.50 Inconsistency of Research Findings Consistent performance benefits following caffeine ingestion have seldom been observed in the vast majority of settings. This may be related to a number of factors such as, variations in caffeine dose,22 timing of administration,56 mode of consumption,57 protocol designs,7 environmental factors,27 and participants genetics9 between studies. It is however, beyond the scope of this article to provide a critical appraisal of these studies. Caffeine and Performance Conclusions The purpose of this section was to provide the reader with an insight into the potential performance benefits of ingesting caffeine in a variety of sports settings. In summary, research clearly demonstrates that caffeine ingestion prior to and/or during exercise may enhance endurance capacity, improve short duration endurance and intense sports performance, and in some situations improve long duration endurance sports performance. Although there is not strong support for the use of caffeine during the longer duration sprints involved in protocols of repeated sprint ability, there is convincing evidence to suggest that athletes involved in intermittent team and racket sports could benefit from the ergogenic effects of caffeine ingestion. Research investigating caffeine’s influence on resistance exercise appears to be in its infancy. The available literature does not provide strong support for improvements in 1RM performance following caffeine ingestion. The effect of caffeine on muscle endurance resistance exercise is unclear, although performance improvements have been observed in this setting. Caffeine Dose The author intentionally refrained from reporting the dose administered in specific sports situations to not only prevent confusion, but also to discourage the reader from attempting to replicate very high doses which have been used for investigative purposes. The consumption of high caffeine concentrations may result in several undesirable side effects. The author encourages the reader to refer the current recommendations provided by the manufacturer when dosing with caffeine. Dose will be briefly discussed from a practical stand point in the following section. From a practical perspective caffeine may be ingested in either absolute form (e.g. a single standard dose [200 mg]) or provided on a body weight basis (e.g. provided in mg per kilogram of body mass [2 mg.kg-1 of body-mass]). It is more common for sports participants to consume caffeine in absolute quantities in the form of capsules or dissolved in sports drinks as opposed to being prescribed relative to body mass. Caffeine prescribed on a body weight basis is more frequently observed during scientific studies that need to be precise with investigations. In the scientific literature, performance improvements have been reported with caffeine doses between 1 and 9 mg.kg-1 of body-mass (equivalent to approximately a 70 to 600 mg absolute dose).3,4,14,21 Recent studies highlight that performance improvements can be expected even with relatively low doses of caffeine (1 to 3 mg.kg-1 of body-mass).21,22,30,37 In fact, studies generally suggest an absence of a dose/response relationship for endurance performance improvements (e.g. more is not better).15,22,33 For example, Graham and Spriet15 reported that low (3 mg.kg-1 of body-mass [equivalent to a 189 mg absolute dose]) and moderate (6 mg.kg-1 of body-mass) doses of caffeine ingested prior to exercise improved performance time to exhaustion equally, but a high caffeine dose (9 mg.kg-1 of body-mass) had no performance enhancing effect. If a dose response exists to optimally improve performance it has been suggested to be around 3 mg.kg-1 of body-mass (low dose),3 and thus higher doses are unlikely to provide additional performance benefits. In fact, higher doses are frequently associated with negative side effects, impaired physical performance, greater negative mood, and reduced cognitive function in comparison with lower doses.15,58,59 Form of Caffeine Administration Caffeine may be ingested in several forms to enhance performance. For instance, caffeine can be ingested in tablet form, dissolved in sports drinks, carbonated beverages, and consumed from natural sources such as coffee. So why use caffeine in pure capsule or tablet forms, or dissolved in sports drinks, as opposed to easily accessible sources such as coffee? Firstly, the caffeine content of coffee varies substantially between brands (e.g. 25 to 250 mg)2 and servings which makes it difficult prescribe accurate and consistent doses via this method. Secondly, coffee contains many other biologically active compounds, some of which may counteract caffeine’s beneficial actions on performance.60 For example, Graham et al57 examined treadmill endurance performance 1 hr following the ingestion of either a placebo, decaffeinated coffee, caffeinated coffee (4 mg.kg-1 of body-mass), or pure caffeine in capsule form (4 mg.kg-1 of body-mass) on four separate occasions. Treadmill endurance times improved in the caffeine capsule trial (31%), but not during the caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or placebo trials. It should be noted however, that the consumption of coffee has resulted in significant performance improvements in several settings.32 The co-ingestion of caffeine and carbohydrate, a composition typical of many sports drinks, has been shown to significantly improve endurance performance in numerous studies.20,21,22,25,61,62,63 Only rarely has this response not been observed.26,64 Researchers have recently been concerned with establishing whether the addition of caffeine to a carbohydrate solution would have additive effects on endurance performance. Several recent studies have reported that the co-ingestion of carbohydrate and caffeine was more effective in improving long duration endurance performance than the ingestion of carbohydrate alone.20,22,62,63 In contrast however, several studies have reported that the co-ingestion of caffeine and carbohydrate had no additive effects over ingesting a carbohydrate solution alone.21,25 For instance, the co-ingestion of caffeine and carbohydrate or carbohydrate alone was equally effective in improving performance. Timing of Caffeine Administration When caffeine is consumed orally peak plasma caffeine concentrations can occur between 15 and 120 minutes and the half life (e.g. time required for the body to eliminate half of the total amount of caffeine) of caffeine in humans is generally reported to be in the range of 2.5 to 6 hrs.65,66 The majority of studies evaluating performance using pre-exercise caffeine ingestion have implemented an ingestion period of 1 hr prior to exercise.3,7 This approach has resulted in performance improvements in a variety of sports situations. The influence of varying the timing of caffeine administration on sports performance has not been studied extensively. Nevertheless, one study examined the influence of consuming caffeine 1, 3 and 6 hrs prior to endurance exercise. In this study, time to exhaustion improved 1 and 3 hrs after consumption but not 6 hrs after in regular users.56 Caffeine has also been shown to improve performance when consumed both before and in small quantities during exercise,20,21,22 although the additive effect of this approach on performance has not been established. Caffeine and Hydration Status Caffeine is recognised as having a diuretic action, and consumers are often discouraged from consuming beverages containing caffeine in situations that may compromise fluid balance.67 In particular, it was assumed that caffeine containing beverages may exaggerate dehydration and electrolyte loss, subsequently impairing exercise performance.68 There is currently little available evidence to support the assumption that caffeine ingestion results in fluid electrolyte imbalances that are detrimental to exercise performance.68 Recent investigations demonstrate that regular daily caffeine consumption does not impair overall long term hydration status,68,69,70 particularly at low doses.68 For example, healthy males were evaluated during 11 days of controlled caffeine consumption, while continuing with their usual weekly recreational and exercise activities.69 During the first 6 days all participants received 3 mg.kg-1 of body-mass of caffeine daily. During days 7 to 11 participants were separated into 3 separate groups that ingested either placebo capsules, or caffeine capsules totalling 3 or 6 mg.kg-1 of body-mass per day (equivalent of absolute doses of 0, 226, and 452 mg caffeine/d, respectively). For each group these were administered in two separate equal doses, in the morning and evening. No significant differences in any of the twenty different fluid electrolyte, renal, and circulatory parameters measured to assess hydration status, were identified between the 3 groups across 11 days.69 Furthermore, recent research evaluating long term endurance performance in hot (28.5 and 36oC) and humid (29 to 63%) conditions has reported that caffeine containing carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions maintained hydration status, electrolyte balance, and thermoregulatory function just as well as non-caffeine containing carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions.71,72 Concerns with Caffeine Ingestion Acute ingestion of high doses of caffeine may cause several undesirable side effects. These include: dizziness, headaches, nervousness, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, jitteriness, irritability, increased anxiety, and performance impairments.6 For regular caffeine users, immediate caffeine withdrawal can often result in withdrawal symptoms. These include, headaches, irritability, increased feelings of fatigue, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and decreased energy levels.73 These symptoms are, however, relatively short lived and it has been reported that withdrawal symptoms often peak 24 to 48 hrs after withdrawal and disappear within 4 to 7 days.6 Summary There is clear evidence that caffeine can improve performance in a variety of sports settings. Individuals can expect performance improvements even with modest doses of caffeine, when administered both prior to and during exercise. Caffeine may be consumed in a variety of forms to gain performance benefits, but there is strong support for its use in pure capsule form or when co-ingested with carbohydrate solutions such as sports drinks. Copyright © 2009 Craig Bridge All Rights Reserved Article written by: Craig Bridge Physiologist Practitioner Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology Sport and Exercise Research Group (SERG) Edge Hill University http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/sport/about/staff/craig-bridge#general    Craig is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology at Edge Hill University. Craig holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Science and he is currently studying a PhD investigating the physiological demands of competitive Taekwondo. His general research interests include the physiology of intermittent exercise, exercise recovery, martial arts, and ergogenic aids and he has published research articles in several international peer-reviewed journals in the area of sports physiology. In addition to his teaching and research activities Craig is currently the lead Physiologist for the Great Britain Taekwondo National Team and he was involved in preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.   References 1.    Chou KH, Bell LN. Caffeine content of prepackaged national-brand and private-label carbonated beverages. J Food Sci. 2007;72:C337-42. 2.    Harland BF. Caffeine and nutrition. Nutrition. 2000;16:522-6. 3.    Burke LM. Caffeine and sports performance. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2008;33:1319-34. 4.    Ganio MS, Klau JF, Casa DJ, Armstrong LE, Maresh CM. Effect of caffeine on sport-specific endurance performance: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res. 2009;23:315-24. 5.    McCusker RR, Goldberger BA, Cone EJ. Caffeine content of energy drinks, carbonated sodas, and other beverages. J Anal Toxicol. 2006;30:112-4. 6.    Sokmen B, Armstrong LE, Kraemer WJ, Casa DJ, Dias JC, Judelson DA, Maresh CM. Caffeine use in sports: considerations for the athlete. 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Effects of caffeine on repetitions to failure and ratings of perceived exertion during resistance training. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2007;2:250-9. 55.    Hudson GM, Green JM, Bishop PA, Richardson MT. Effects of caffeine and aspirin on light resistance training performance, perceived exertion, and pain perception. J Strength Cond Res. 2008;22:1950-7. 56.    Bell DG, McLellan TM. Exercise endurance 1, 3, and 6 h after caffeine ingestion in caffeine users and nonusers. J Appl Physiol. 2002;93:1227-34. 57.    Graham TE, Hibbert E, Sathasivam P. Metabolic and exercise endurance effects of coffee and caffeine ingestion. J Appl Physiol. 1998;85:883-9. 58.    Kaplan GB, Greenblatt DJ, Ehrenberg BL, Goddard JE, Cotreau MM, Harmatz JS, Shader RI. Dose-dependent pharmacokinetics and psychomotor effects of caffeine in humans. J Clin Pharmacol. 1997;37:693-703. 59.    Lieberman HR. The effects of ginseng, ephedrine, and caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and energy. 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MP £6000 Gold Voucher Giveaway!

Winter Warmer The 'Winter Warmer' stack has been designed to provide you with all the nutrients you require to support your training throughout the winter months. We know how hectic this time of the year can be, often resulting in missed meals and an overall poor diet. That's why we've packed the 'Winter Warmer' stack with high energy and nutritious supplements, to make sure your winter training is supported by a healthy diet. MP MAX MYBAR® Caramel: great tasting and convenient snack to help you maintain a high protein diet to support your training. Instant Oats: a fantastic source of low GI carbohydrates, perfect for the winter months especially as a nutritious addition to your breakfast. Alpha Men: super multi vitamin to help keep winter viruses at bay. MP MAX MRP: the ideal meal replacement formula for those busy periods when you simply can't find the time to eat.     Detox Rescuer The 'Detox Rescuer' stack combines a number of cleansing products which combine to help see you through the excesses of the Christmas period. It's almost impossible to avoid over-indulging during the party season which is why the 'Detox Rescuer' combines a number of powerful antioxidants to rid your body of the harmful toxins associated with a poor diet. Trans Resveratrol: a powerful antioxidant which helps the body remove harmful toxins consumed in everyday life. Barley Grass & Wheatgrass: packed with all the nutrients your body needs for survival, these really are the one stop shops of the natural world. DigestiMax: the ideal natural supplement to boost the health of your digestive system and break down the nutrients within your food. Neptune Krill Oil: an extremely pure source of the fatty acid Omega 3, essential for all round health.     Fat Loss Reviver The 'Fat Loss Reviver' stack has been put together to help you get back in shape after the festive party season. The cold winter months bring out a certain instinctive tendancy to eat comforting and high calorie foods and this stack helps you drop those extra pounds you have picked up during the festivities. The 'Fat Loss Reviver' stack combines a number of fat burning products as well as healthy nutrients to support a weight loss exercise routine. Thermopure: a potent thermogenic blend which promotes fat loss and an increase in energy and vitality. CLA: helps your body direct fat away from storage and making fat stores available as a source of energy. Impact Whey Isolate: a low fat and low carbohydrate source of protein to help you build lean body tissue. Omega 3: potent source of the fatty acids DHA and EPA which have been shown to help with fat loss.

Myprotein is delighted to announce it is now the official nutrition supplier to Northampton Saints rugby union team and Southampton football club.Both these teams are welcome additions to the growing number of elite sporting clubs that choose to use Myprotein products to support their demanding playing and training schedules.Southampton FC is currently making great progress in its quest to return to top flight football. Manager Alan Pardew places a huge emphasis on nutrition and the role it plays in ensuring the peak performance of his players. With the club currently on an excellent run of form, Myprotein will be there every step of the way to work with the team and ensure they get back where they belong.Currently fifth in the Guinness Premiership, Northampton Saints are also making a strong claim in the highly competitive Heineken Cup. With many of its young guns starting to break into the England squad, the Saints are deservedly getting a reputation for nurturing the future of English rugby union. As with any physically demanding sport, performance and recovery are essential, and the Saints will be using Myprotein products to ensure they stay on top form during one of the toughest seasons to date.A huge welcome aboard to both teams!MP