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The Details
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The Experience
I am not sponsored by Baddass and as you can imagine, as a Managing Editor, I get a lot of drink samples that come my way. I used to hang on to them thinking I would eventually be in the mood to give them a shot, but the truth is, I was just too lazy to throw them away. I stuck with what worked for me, and as long as it was working, I saw no need to try anything new.
I trust my trainer's judgement implicitly, but when she handed me samples of Baddass Stack pre and post workout supplements, I nearly handed them off to the athlete behind me. Out of respect, I tucked them in my jacket and thanked her. She told me that she'd tried many things over the years and none had been as effective in training and racing as Baddass. "It's not a stimulant " she said, "it provides nutrition and oxygenation for your muscles." I was intrigued.
A few days later, I decided to give them a shot for a group ride/pool swim. With no stimulants added, the effect doesn't feel immediate like you get when you down an energy drink. I gradually noticed, over 15-20 min. on my ride, that I started to feel like I do on a really good training day; not Super Human, just Super Jen.
The most noticeable difference came when we hit the pool for hypoxic training. I should preface this by telling you that I am a new swimmer; I learned to swim in my 30's. I've picked it up pretty well, but I have some weaknesses and breathing is a huge one. The training set was: 4 x 100m as seven strokes, breathe, five strokes, breathe, three strokes to the wall. Normally, I'm lucky to get four strokes before I come gasping to breathe. This time, I began the set and found myself breathing on the ninth stroke. I wondered if I counted wrong. Couldn't be. I felt very little urge to breathe at seven strokes and continued the set with the higher stroke count. I was floored, so I immediately called my trainer over to the pool-side to explain. She looked at me with a knowing grin and said, "What did I tell you? It's the Baddass."
I was hooked. Originally created for body-builders, the product has begun to find it's way into the hands of endurance athletes. I contacted Baddass and continued to train with it for the next four weeks, being sure to add in the post-workout drink for recovery. My next race, I posted my fastest swim time yet (however modest) and was the first out of the water in my division. Certainly, other factors contributed, but I am convinced that training with Baddass was a large part of my leap in performance. My muscles fatigued slower on the bike/run and with the recovery drink, I wake up the next morning without severely sore muscles. The difference, for me, was significant.
I use the pre-workout stack in 8 oz. of water about 15 min. before exercise on an empty stomach. If I'm doing a workout or racing longer than 2 hours, I put another pre-workout in with my water to sip. The pre tastes like a sugary tropical punch and I found myself craving the grape flavor post as I neared the end of my workouts. It's sooo tasty.
At $4 a workout, for pre and post, it's a bit pricey for everyday training, especially two-a-days, but well worth your break-out workouts and definitely races. For a competitive age grouper, I would even recommend using it through race season, and giving your wallet a break in the off-season. There was NO crash or dizziness with Baddass, and I have used it for evening workouts without any sleeplessness. Baddass Nutrition also offers a range of training supplements, including Premium Hydrolyzed Protein- a subject for another day- that are worth a look.
I'm not the only one who tried a sample, but at the time, the Baddass Stack was not yet available for purchase. One by one, training partners and friends began asking me for extra samples, or any inside connections on purchasing. Sadly, I had none, but it was hilarious. I felt like I was carrying contraband in my gym bag. Here's what a few friends who tried it had to say:
Laura- " I would say the thing I've noticed the most about using Baddass is that I can maintain a higher threshold, for a significantly longer period of time. I also feel like with super high-intensity workouts I don't feel any drag during the workout. The stuff is amazing, I feel like a powerhouse on every workout, it's the best feeling! Love the stuff! "
Amber- " Every time I have used it, I have had a great workout! I feel like I can push myself harder. I really enjoy using it on speed workout days when I know that I am going to be pushing myself as hard as I can. It allows me to do that. "
Ryan- " I used Baddass on Mt. Rainier at 11,000 ft. It seemed to negate the effects of altitude and I felt great; no fatigue or headaches like I would normally expect. I felt fully-recovered for my summit push. "
Brtittany- " Baddass was recommended to me by my triathlon coach because, I was looking for a sports supplement that could supply me with energy without loading me up with extra calories and sugar. The first time I tried it, I knew I would need the extra energy boost, I was doing sprint intervals and speed work. About halfway into my workout I realized that my body wasn't as tired as I usually was and I was running faster and longer than I usually do. I noticed that my lactic threshold was significantly improved. More importantly, I didn't experience jitters or dizziness that usually occur with other supplements I've tried on the market. I was so happy with the results I gave some to my husband to try. As a body builder, he is now an avid believer in Baddass! "
For more information or to purchase Baddass, go to: www.baddass.com
