Beyond Raw Concept X – A Q&A Session With The Product Formulator

Beyond Raw® Concept X was formulated by Dr. Lauren Green, whose been an integral part of GNC’s Scientific Affairs & Research & Development teams since 2013. Lauren is a Registered Dietitian with Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Nutrition as well as a Certified Personal Trainer. As a figure competitor and powerlifter, she not only talks the talk, but walks the walk.

We sat down with Lauren and asked her what makes Concept X so special.

What Is Beyond Raw® Concept X?

Lauren: Concept X is purposely and intelligently designed and is intended to push the boundaries of expectations beyond what most consider typical benefits of pre workout products. Targeting things such as focus, energy, strength, and muscle pumps are table stakes in good preworkout supplements, but when thinking about Concept X I wanted to make sure we pushed ourselves and this pre-workout formula even further. So, the question was, what is next for preworkouts and what do athletes want and need? The answer – Concept X should provide a comprehensive solution, designed with the consumer in mind, that would not only fuel workouts but go above and beyond to help consumers more effectively drive toward muscle strength, size, and stamina goals as well.

I love a good preworkout just as much as anyone else, but in my experience as a competitive powerlifter and figure competitor, I have felt as if even some of the best preworkouts have missed on some key elements. I knew consumers were looking for a solution to not only support muscle growth, but also for recovery and DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). This is what sets Concept X apart.

What was your approach in formulating Concept X?

What can users expect from taking the product based on the science behind the ingredients?

Lauren: Concept X was formulated to provide 16 different active ingredients all with their own benefits designed to provide the consumer with a one-of-a-kind experience. Some key ingredients from an efficacy and differentiation perspective you’ll find in Concept X are discussed further below.

MyoTOR® – We know gains in muscle strength and size is why a lot of people are hitting the gym. So, we’ve pushed the strength bucket beyond the standard creatine and have included MyoTOR® in Concept X. MyoTOR® is a clinically studied botanical blend that has been shown in cell and animal studies to impact mitochondrial function, mTOR stimulation and inhibition of protein catabolic markers. Further to the cell and animal work, MyoTOR® has been put to the test in two human clinical trials. The study which utilized the 325mg dose you’ll find in Concept X included 118 healthy men. Groups were directed to consume either MyoTOR® or a placebo and participate in the same supervised resistance training program. After 8 weeks, those taking 325mg of MyoTOR® had significant increases in bench press (+23 lbs.), leg extension (+17 lbs.), mean upper body strength, mean lower body strength, and muscle endurance versus those who took the placebo and followed the same exercise plan. Improvements in strength were seen in as early as 2 weeks! That’s why including MyoTOR® in a pre-workout designed to actively fuel consumer’s goals made perfect sense!

READ MORE: The Science Behind Myotor

Rephyll® – Another area where we are pushing the preworkout envelope is by including an ingredient to help mitigate the effects of DOMS. Traditionally, DOMS has been addressed in recovery products, but by including Rephyll® in Concept X, we are getting ahead of what is likely the inevitable. Rephyll® is a phytocannabinoid from black pepper and works through its action on CB2 receptors. It was studied in 20 individuals who participated in an exercise intervention used to elicit DOMS. The participants were also supplemented with either 500mg of Rephyll® or placebo for four days. At the clinically studied dose of 500mg of Rephyll®, results showed a reduction in muscle soreness after exercise and shorter post-workout recovery. While most hard-core athletes would agree a certain level of discomfort is anticipated and even acceptable, DOMS shouldn’t end up being a deterrent to getting back into the gym.

Caffeine Blend – The focus on the consumer and their needs doesn’t just stop there. We’ve also been strategic with the caffeine blend in the formula. Concept X provides not only 250mg of caffeine anhydrous for an immediate boost of energy, it also provides Xtenergy^TM, which is a clinically studied, controlled release caffeine. XtenergyTM has also been shown to help people feel less jittery as compared to a standard caffeine option, making it a perfect complement to the caffeine anhydrous found in this product.

CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine – Concept X also provides 6.4g of CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine which is more than many other preworkouts out there. Beta-alanine increases levels of carnosine in your muscles, which is key when it comes to controlling muscle fatigue. Carnosine buffers your muscles’ pH levels, which controls lactic acid buildup. When you’re pushing through reps, lactic acid buildup causes that burning feeling in your muscles, which can keep you from doing extra sets. More carnosine means less of that lactic acid burn, which can help you power through.

READ MORE: Beta-Alanine Basics: What Is It And What Does It Do?

Other ingredients and areas that are unique to the comprehensive approach taken with Concept X include immune support from vitamin C and a keen eye to cellular energy with Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and PeakATP® (Adenosine 5’-Triphosphate). Not to mention the inclusion of Astragin® which has been shown in animal studies to increase absorption of vital nutrients. All these ingredients work synergistically to help consumers get the most out of their experience with Concept X – and also their workouts!

What is PeakATP®? Watch the video to learn more!