Well, some 7-8 years later, I came across a report on the supplement Boron. Remember? It's the supplement that I found in the back of Muscle & Fitness magazine that promised to increase my testosterone by 300 percent, build freaky muscle, and scorch fat like a high powered oven.
The report stated that the supplement "Boron" claimed to have the same benefits that made me buy it in the first place....
"Increases testosterone by 200-300% to build muscle & burn fat at astonishing speeds. The Incredients are so potent, they're almost Illegal."
But, that they left off the most important part of the study:
"Studies show that in Post Menopausal Women testosterone increased by 200-300% in some subjects.
Well, I wasn't a woman. And I wasn't post menopausal.
I got scammed... by clever marketing.
It's kinda funny looking back on it, but it just goes to show you, that you can't believe everything you read. And that there ARE con-artists out there just waiting for unsuspecting victims to fork over their hard earned cash.
So, I just chalked it up as one of my many learning experiences.
Fortunately, there ARE things you can do to see through the Glitz and Glamour, and keep from being the next supplement victim.
How to Protect Yourself:
1. Research reliable websites: See what they have to say about any product you're thinking about buying. If you can find it on one site, you should be able to find it on many.
2. Don't always buy into the big buff guy at your local nutrition store: Okay, these guys are ripped and have muscle bumps all over them, but just because they sound like they know what they're talking about, doesn't mean they do. A lot of times, they're simply regurgitating the marketing jargon they constantly read.
Approach these guys like you do a website review, with caution. I'd suggest visiting 2-3 supplement stores JUST to talk and ask questions about the supplement in question. Do NOT go to buy the first time around. Just see what they have to say, and leave. Just tell them you'll come back later.
note: I've sent many clients to a supplement store to buy 1-2 things, warned them of the guys at the counter, and to just say no. They end up walking out with 100-200 bucks worth of junk the guy convinced them to buy. When you go in the first time, don't take any money or credit cards with you, unless you're 100% positive you're ready to buy.
3. Internet is just as harmful as it is good: If you choose to do your own research, make sure you visit MANY websites to get your information. Just because you read it, doesn't mean it's true. It's hard to tell fact from fiction.
4. Look for reviews from experts: If you can't find any experts that has a review of the supplement you want to buy, email them. A lot of times these guys are super busy, so you may not get a reply right away. I get a few emails per day about different fitness topics, though I can't answer personal emails in depth, I read every one personally and try to reply as quick as possible. A lot of times, I'll take the most popular question and answer it in an email newsletter.
My take on supplements:
I've been out of the supplement game for nearly a decade. I stick with the core products that are proven to work. In no particular order, these are the only type of supplements I use myself.
1. L-Glutamine (amino acid)
2. Whey Protein (pure)
3. Meal Replacement shakes (that have a balance of protein & carbs)
4. Creatine
5. Protein Bars (I don't eat a lot of these, but I keep them around incase of an emergency.
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2 comments:
I remember trying boron when I was 16-17 years old. It was the same time I started growing hair on my shoulders, so I was POSITIVE it was working.
Turned out to be puberty.
-JS-
Boron.. isn't that potentially a deadly poison? Goes to show, supplement marketing will go to extremes to sell. There's no use for Boron for bodybuilding. You're correct, "What a scam." And a dangerous one at that.
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