Unleashing the Beast: An In-Depth Review of CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout

Posted on July 1, 2024

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When it comes to pushing the limits of human performance in bodybuilding, the pre-workout supplement market is flooded with options.

One product that stand head and shoulders above the pack is CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout, formulated by legendary bodybuilder Chris Bumstead, also known as "CBum."

So if there’s a pre-workout that id backed by the current scientific evidence to maximise your gains, surely this is it, right?

Thavage Pre-Workout is designed to provide energy, focus and endurance for epic workouts.

It promises to deliver explosive strength, heightened focus, and increased muscle pumps.

But does it achieve these promises?

Let’s take a detailed dive into the science behind this popular pre-workout, breaking down its active ingredients and their biological effects on bodybuilding performance and recovery.

Key Ingredients and Their Effects

1. Citrulline

Citrulline is a well-known staple in pre-workout formulas, often included as L-Citrulline DL-Malate.

However, if the isomeric blend of L-Malic Acid and D-Malic Acid are removed, you’re left with the amino acid where the action is: L-Citrulline.

Though citrulline is a non-essential amino acid, it converts to arginine readily, promoting nitric oxide synthesis and blood vessel dilation.

Citrulline is used as the ‘new’ arginine, and is generally believed to offer more benefits than arginine with regards to nitric oxide support.

Science-backed Benefits:

• Enhanced Nitric Oxide Production: Citrulline is a precursor to arginine, which then converts to nitric oxide (NO). NO is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow to muscles during exercise.
• Improved Endurance: Studies have shown that citrulline can reduce fatigue and improve endurance during high-intensity exercise .
• Reduced Muscle Soreness: Post-exercise muscle soreness is significantly reduced, allowing for quicker recovery and more effective subsequent workouts.

2. Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine is another popular pre-workout ingredient, known for its role in buffering acid in muscles.

Well known as the tingling amino acid, a harmless and reversible side-effect can be a tingling sensation in the skin when large amounts of this amino acid are taken.

Differing to L-Alanine naturally found in a range of foods, including plant proteins, Beta Alanine is not proteogenic, nor is it considered an essential amino acid.

However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer a range of physiological benefits!

Science-backed Benefits:

• Increased Carnosine Levels: Beta-alanine is the rate-limiting precursor to carnosine, a dipeptide that buffers hydrogen ions (acid) produced during intense exercise. This buffering capacity helps delay muscle fatigue.
• Enhanced Performance: Multiple studies have demonstrated that beta-alanine supplementation can improve performance in high-intensity exercises lasting from 1 to 4 minutes.
• Reduced Fatigue: By reducing the build up of lactic acid, beta-alanine allows athletes to train harder and longer.

3. Betaine Anhydrous

Betaine anhydrous, also known as trimethylglycine, is naturally found in beets and other foods.

Subtract the ‘anhydrous’, which is essentially meaningless when it comes to betaine.

It’s a manufacturing term that relates to the moisture content of the powder. 

Essentially, what we’re talking about is betaine alone, or trimethylglycine.

Differing to regular glycine found in high amounts in collagen, trimethylglycine, as the name suggests, contains three methyl groups, making it a powerful methyl donor.

Science-backed Benefits:

• Improved Power Output: Betaine has been shown to enhance muscle power and strength, making it particularly beneficial for explosive movements like lifts and sprints.
• Hydration and Cell Volume: Betaine acts as an osmolyte, helping to maintain cell hydration and volume, which is crucial during intense training.
• Potential Fat Loss: Some research suggests that betaine supplementation may support fat loss while preserving muscle mass.

4. Tyrosine

Tyrosine is an amino acid that is crucial for the production of catecholamines, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

It is considered a conditionally-essential amino acid, as under particular physiological circumstances, the body may not be able to produce enough to maintain health.

Tyrosine is involved in a range of roles, such as supporting thyroid hormones, melanin in the skin, supporting adrenal health, mood and cognitive health.

Science-backed Benefits:

• Enhanced Focus and Cognitive Function: Tyrosine has been shown to improve cognitive performance and reduce stress during demanding situations, which can be beneficial during intense workouts.
• Mood Support: By supporting neurotransmitter production, tyrosine can help maintain a positive mood and motivation during training.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in a range of plants, such as cocoa, guarana, Camellia sinensis (tea), Yerba Mate and more.

While caffeine anhydrous is simply pure caffeine powder, Thavage Pre-Workout contains Di-Caffeine Malate.

This caffeine blend ensures a more balanced caffeine level, with less risk of caffeine crashes.

While caffeine is a well-known compound, it’s benefits are profound, impacting mood, motivation, appetite, energy levels and human performance.

Science-backed Benefits:

• Increased Energy and Alertness: Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that enhances energy levels and mental alertness.
• Improved Performance: Numerous studies have shown that caffeine can improve endurance, strength, and power output.
• Fat Mobilization: Caffeine promotes the release of fatty acids from fat tissues, making them available for use as energy during exercise.

6. Alpha-GPC

Alpha-GPC (L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a compound that can rapidly deliver choline to the brain.

Science-backed Benefits:

• Enhanced Mental Focus: Alpha-GPC increases acetylcholine levels in the brain, which is essential for cognitive function and focus.
• Improved Muscle Contraction: By increasing acetylcholine, alpha-GPC can enhance muscle contraction, leading to better performance in strength training.
• Growth Hormone Secretion: Some studies suggest that alpha-GPC can boost growth hormone levels, aiding in muscle growth and recovery.

7. Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an alkaloid derived from the plant Huperzia serrata, known for its cognitive-enhancing properties.

Science-backed Benefits:

• Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase: Huperzine A inhibits the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing the levels of this neurotransmitter and enhancing mental clarity and focus.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Huperzine A has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which may support brain health during intense physical stress.

8. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves.

Science-backed Benefits:

• Synergistic Effect with Caffeine: L-Theanine can smooth out the jitters often associated with caffeine, providing a calm but alert state.
• Improved Focus and Relaxation: It promotes relaxation without drowsiness, which can help maintain focus during workouts.

Putting It All Together

CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout combines these ingredients to create a powerful supplement that not only boosts physical performance but also enhances mental focus and reduces recovery time. Here’s how these ingredients work synergistically to elevate your workouts:

• Energy and Endurance: The combination of citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and caffeine anhydrous ensures that you have sustained energy and endurance to power through even the toughest workouts.
• Focus and Cognitive Function: Ingredients like tyrosine, alpha-GPC, huperzine A, and L-theanine work together to keep your mind sharp and focused, helping you stay motivated and concentrated.
• Muscle Performance and Recovery: Betaine anhydrous and citrulline malate support muscle performance and recovery, ensuring that you can train harder and recover faster.
• Mood and Stress Reduction: Tyrosine and L-theanine help manage stress and maintain a positive mood, making your workout experience more enjoyable.

The Fun Factor

While the science is fascinating, let’s not forget the enjoyment aspect of CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout.

The product is endorsed by Chris Bumstead, a four-time Mr. Olympia Classic Physique champion, which adds enthusiasm to the encroaching workout.

Once you ingest a scoop of CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout, prepare to crush your session with the intensity of a champion.

Conclusion

CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout stands out in the crowded market of pre-workout supplements, not just because of its association with Chris Bumstead but due to its well-thought-out formulation that combines effective doses of scientifically backed ingredients. Whether you’re looking to enhance your physical performance, boost your mental focus, or speed up your recovery, this pre-workout has you covered.

So next time you’re gearing up for a workout and need that extra push, consider trying CBUM Thavage Pre-Workout. With its potent blend of ingredients and the endorsement of a bodybuilding legend, it might just be the secret weapon you need to unleash your inner beast.

References

1. Schwedhelm, E., et al. (2008). Clinical pharmacokinetics of nitric oxide and related substances. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 47(7), 453-467.
2. Bailey, S. J., et al. (2010). Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology, 107(4), 1144-1155.
3. Pérez-Guisado, J., & Jakeman, P. M. (2010). Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(5), 1215-1222.
4. Wax, B., et al. (2015). Effect of citrulline malate supplementation on fatigue, muscle soreness, and performance during high-intensity resistance training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(4), 949-958.
5. Derave, W., et al. (2007). Beta-alanine supplementation augments muscle carnosine content and attenuates fatigue during high-intensity cycling exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 103(5), 1736-1743.
6. Saunders, B., et al. (2017). Beta-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(8), 658-669