Specimen Genesis Pre-Workout Review

Glaxon Specimen is known as the high yohimbine-based pre-workout, but Genesis is the everyday driver that drops yohimbine, making it more tolerable for beginners. It features their Astrolyte electrolyte blend, which essentially is like having two products in one.

This is an excellent option for the everyday driver pre-workout user who needs a product like this but keeps the caffeine and high stimulants lower for tolerance’s sake. I recommend this product for the beginner and even the advanced user since the beta-alanine is high quality and potent, it is a tremendous non-stimulant ingredient to keep you amped without tolerance build-up. 

Thank you, Jake from Nutricartel, for sending this full product for review! 

Where to Buy Specimen Genesis by Glaxon

You can buy Specimen Genesis by Glaxon from the following retailer:

• Nutri Cartel
  • LIFTVAULT = 15% off

Experience

I experienced slight tingles in my ears upon consuming. The wind-up took longer than expected, but I started to get paresthesia-tingling sensations on my face and lips after 15 minutes. At this time, some energy began to develop, and my breathing became more work. The beta-alanine followed with a more intense tingling sensation across my brow line and forehead, wrapping to the back of my head and the entirety of my ears. The intense feeling in the sports supplement world helps a non-stimulant drive want to work out.

Also added to this daily driver are ketones for quick energy. Specimen has many choline sources for focus and 300 mg of caffeine. I felt enough power, with a slight amount of focus around 2/10. The most noticeable effects came from the paraesthesia with the niacin and beta-alanine. I have supplemented with ketones in pre-workouts before, but the 1.5g serving they have is different from the 5.5+ grams dosages from keto-based products as you need a lot more. 

Since this features their Astrolyte electrolytes, I felt an improvement in muscle contractions. Pumps were good but not something that would make the feature list of this product. I had slight vascularity, but my endurance was improved, and I kept hitting the weights. Focus came in after 40 minutes at a 3.5/10 when the tingles began decreasing. Ultimately, it all came together and delivered an excellent, productive workout, giving me steady, smooth energy, focus, endurance, and improved breathing. I only noticed a  slight comedown. Still, the totality of this product lasted two hours generally, which makes it perfect for those looking for a daily routine that isn’t going to overspill into their job post-gym. 

Side Effects

I didn’t experience any adverse effects while using this product, but beginners might feel the paresthesia tingle sensations are potent.

Flavor

“Alien Pop” was the flavor I was sent for review. This flavor reminded me of an orange pineapple, similar to the combination of Bomb Pop plus fruit punch. It was pretty tasty but not as good as their other options. Flavor ratings are purely subjective and only show on a scale how good or bad a flavor is for those interested. I rate this a 7 out of 10. The suggested amount of water is 16 ounces per two-scoop serving, and I enjoyed it most around 16 ounces.

Dose/Scoop Size

The serving size is 15 grams at a whole two-scoop serving. The serving amount is almost level with the bottom of the handle scoop, but the scooper may change as the manufacturing does. Use a food scale for accuracy to reduce over-stimulation effects.

I used the total two-scoop dose with each serving, which hit well enough to review it adequately. This comes in a 21-serving tub, one extra from the current market standard for many pre-workouts. The mixability was excellent, with a smaller amount of sediment towards the end of the cup. 

Ingredients

The breakdown of ingredients is based on two scoops, one serving, and the picture of the serving amount is only one scoop as it is a small scooper. I like this unique label and the added formulation of exogenous ketones. It is an everyday daily-driver product, so it isn’t meant to be intense for the advanced user, but it is a solid formula for a beginner. 

Magnesium – 157 mg

Similarly to phosphorus, magnesium is used to produce ATP. Low levels can cause muscle soreness or contractility issues. Although most people reach for high-potassium foods to address muscle spasms, they are typically caused by low magnesium levels. Depending on your diet, it can be essential to supplement with magnesium to aid recovery.

Chloride – 182 mg

Chloride is often overlooked in electrolyte discussions, but it’s an essential member of the electrolyte family. Chloride is the body’s most abundant anion (negatively charged atom or molecule) and is critical in keeping us alive. 

Chloride is necessary for basic and complex breathing processes, digesting food, fighting disease, balancing cell fluid, and more. Chloride is vital to any electrolyte mix because the body loses it through sweat.

Sodium – 120 mg

Salt helps retain water, enabling you to achieve fuller muscle bellies during your workout. This can help prevent muscle spasms and allow for good contraction.

120 mg is a lower dosage for this ingredient. However, it is diet-dependent as not everyone will need higher amounts (for comparison, FSU Dyehard has 300 mg, and Hooligan Bare Knuckle has 250 mg).

It also contains essential electrolytes! More info can be found at Supplements in Review.

Potassium – 96 mg

Potassium is an essential mineral that regulates blood pressure and contractility of the heart tissues. It helps reduce muscle cramps and weakness in the muscle fibers. High potassium dosages aren’t typically found in supplements due to the effect on the body when ingested in large amounts. Potassium is typically found in fruits, some vegetables (bok choy, potatoes, beets, bananas, broccoli, avocados, and more), and cream of tartar powder.

Beta-Alanine – 3.2 g

Beta-alanine has been shown to support muscular endurance and act as a lactic acid buffer. Depending on the source of this ingredient, you may feel the paresthesias tingling effect. This feeling is often desirable in the sports community, as it makes you feel the intensity after ingestion. This may be negated by diet and intake of beta-alanine. 

Beta-alanine requires regular intake to be effective, akin to creatine. Daily beta-alanine supplementation is recommended to become effective, with a three to five-week loading period. Three to four grams is the recommended daily dosage for beta-alanine, putting face/off in the standard clinical dose range. When you consume beta-alanine, it combines with another amino acid called histidine to form carnosine. 

Carnosine is found in high muscle concentrations and is a buffer against lactic acid buildup during intense exercise. This buffering effect can delay the onset of muscle fatigue and improve exercise capacity. By increasing carnosine levels in muscles, beta-alanine helps reduce the accumulation of hydrogen ions, contributing to muscle acidity and fatigue. This allows athletes to perform at a high intensity slightly longer before experiencing fatigue.

It is not abundantly found in typical dietary sources, so it’s challenging to obtain the required amounts solely through diet. However, it is naturally present in animal products like meat and fish in small quantities.

Betaine Nitrate (as NO3-T®) – 2 g

Nitrate (NO3–T) is a small molecule produced in the body in limited amounts (as a byproduct of nitric oxide). It is obtainable via vegetables, particularly beetroot, other low-calorie tuber vegetables such as turnips, and leafy green vegetables such as spinach or rocket.

According to Examine, noted benefits of nitrates are reduced blood pressure, improved blood flow and vasodilation, reduced oxygen cost of exercise (allowing you to go longer), and kidney protection. The typical range is 1,500-3,000 for efficient dosing, placing this on the mid-end.

D-Beta Hydroxybutyrate (Magnesium and Calcium Salts as goBHB) – 1.5 g

D-beta hydroxybutyrate, often referred to simply as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), is a type of ketone body produced in the human body during fasting, low carbohydrate intake, or prolonged exercise. Ketone bodies, including BHB, are an alternative energy source when glucose (sugar) is scarce. They are produced by the liver from fatty acids and can be used by various tissues, including the brain and muscles, for energy.

BHB is one of the three primary ketone bodies produced in the body, along with acetoacetate and acetone. It’s considered the most abundant and stable ketone body. There has been growing interest in BHB and ketosis (the state of elevated ketone production) in recent years due to their potential therapeutic applications. Some areas of interest and potential benefits associated with BHB include weight loss, improved cognitive function, enhanced athletic performance, management of epilepsy, metabolic health, neuroprotection, and appetite regulation.

It’s worth noting that while there is promising research in these areas, BHB and ketosis may not be suitable for everyone, and more research is needed to understand their long-term effects and safety profile fully. This is a lower dosage of BHB, whereas keto-based pre-workouts have over five grams on the low end.

Betaine Anhydrous – 1,250 mg

Betaine is included to help increase your power output. However, research needs to be more consistent around this claim. The typical range for betaine is between 1.5 g and 5 g, but generally, 2.5 grams is on the high end for what is in the market. Per the clinical trials, daily supplementation is required to obtain the full benefits.

Betaine anhydrous, often called “betaine,” is a naturally occurring compound in various foods, including beets, spinach, and whole grains. It is also used as a dietary supplement for different purposes. Betaine serves several bodily functions and has been studied for its potential benefits.

Key points about betaine anhydrous include physical performance, enhanced muscular strength and power, cognitive function, and liver health with antioxidant effects. Betaine is naturally present in various foods: beets, spinach, quinoa, and whole grains.

Astrolyte Electrolyte Blend – 1,100 mg

Composed of Fructooligosaccharides, Magnesium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, and Potassium Citrate, this blend helps support cellular functions, helps maintain proper hydration and fluid balance, aids in muscular contractions, and can improve workout performance.

Not a lot is known about the blend itself. Still, Glaxon’s site states, “Glaxon Astrolyte™ Hydrating Electrolytes can help alleviate some of that risk by providing you with the ability to consume a beverage that promotes rehydration, refuels your body with the critical minerals you lost through sweat and allows you the ability to maintain a high level of performance and endurance during strenuous activity.”

Electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium can help your cells retain water and prevent dehydration while you exercise. Even a water loss as slight as 1-2% of your body weight can decrease focus, speed, and strength.

Caffeine Anhydrous – 300 mg

Caffeine anhydrous is the standard form of caffeine, known for increasing energy, alertness, motivation, and mood. The caffeine content varies for each product. The 350-450 range is the typical dosage for sports supplements, and some products may contain other forms or stimulants.

Less is more, as your dependency will lead to diminishing returns as you increase your intake. The overall combination of many factors, such as sleep, when you take caffeine, diet, and nutrition, affect how much you will need.

Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) – 250 mg

Also known as velvet bean, mucuna pruriens extract is a traditional herbal supplement with minor dopamine-increasing and cortisol-reducing effects, among other things. 

Choline Bitartrate – 200 mg & CDP-Choline – 100 mg

Choline is a focus ingredient and chlorogenic source. Compared with alpha goc, choline bitartrate may be less effective as a nootropic.

Dosages usually range between 500 mg and  2,000 mg, so 200 mg dosage is low for the market standard, but it may be enough to experience the benefits of choline. However, since the bioavailability is less than that of Alpha GPC or CDP, it may be less potent. These two sources are the patented versions known as VitaCholine & Cognizin, respectively, which might be more powerful than traditional forms.

English Ivy (Hedera helix) – 100 mg

I don’t know why this particular ingredient is dosed here, but it is likely due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may also help with a cough and breathing.