Hi there, Hungry here. In 2007, I started using supplements. I was an 155 pound Division I college athlete that needed to gain weight and strength. I used Muscle Milk’s protein and Muscle Tech’s pre-workout. 2007 was also the year that I became a fitness professional, as a personal trainer. I’ve been in the industry for about 12 years. During that time, there was a five or so year period where I tried every product by every brand. It was the same period where I wanted every certification. I was hungry for growth and knowledge. Now, with the atmospheric growth of the fitness industry, that isn’t possible. It also isn’t worth it.
Now.
Social media has brought about a new wave of fitness. Qualifications and experience far too often mean less than appearance and followings. I’m not fooled by the lightning bolts on packages. I’m not impressed by the photoshopped models giving advice that is based in science. Why? I know my stuff and can see through the smoke and mirrors. Innovation is great; motivation is necessary, but quality is key. When the right exercises and supplements exist, you don’t need much more. You figure out the right routine and you stick to it. For the past five years, 95% of the time, I used Optimum Nutrition’s supplements. After a recent trip to their headquarters in Chicago, it might as well be 100%.
Why?
Optimum Nutrition didn’t pay me for this. Glanbia, their massive parent company, didn’t compensate me either. I’ve worked with their marketing/PR company in the past, which is how this happened. They wanted, for the first time, to have a group of industry professionals visit. There was the editor from Bodybuilding.com, as well as a celebrity trainer. We had an endurance athlete blogger, as well as a writer for a large consumer review company. It was a small group, but everyone was extremely qualified and curious. We wanted to know what was behind closed doors.
Behind Closed Doors
Now, there were some papers that we needed to sign for confidentiality. As a result, I’m not going to give you a text-based tour of their entire operation, even though I wish I could. The bottom line is that they spare no expense in creating the best products. Their standards are so high that ON rejects more protein than the nearest competitor sells. It was one of the cleanest places that I’ve ever been in my life, and we visited Celestial Seasoning’s plant in Boulder. I know of supplement companies that are guys without gloves on repackaging in their basements.
The Bottom Line
It was so challenging to write this because I have so much to say. It took weeks to decide how I wanted to deliver this and there were many other drafts. There is no need to try different products from dozens of companies when the gold standard exists. I don’t like how all of their products taste. I think that the texture of the protein ridges (think potato chips) are off-putting, but there are so many options. For whey and casein protein, use Optimum Nutrition. It is the highest quality in the world. For ready to eat and ready to drink protein snacks, use Sparkling Amino and Cake Bites. They are delicious and healthy.
As a confused consumer, you’re going to be tempted by heavy marketed companies like HerbaLife, but don’t waste your money. So many of you wonder why you’re not seeing results. Companies lie about their ingredients all the time. Quest Nutrition lied about the nutritional value of their bars. Reward yourself for your hard work in the gym and see the results you deserve by using Optimum Nutrition. Hungry & Fit approved.
