FSU Serum Pump Pre-Workout Review

As the product points out the words of Arnold Schwarzeneggar: “The greatest feeling you can get in a gym or the most satisfying feeling you can get in the gym is the pump.”

Inspired is well-known for its high-ranking FSU Dyehard, their powdered-based pump product. FSU Serum features 20 grams of GlycoClear and 2 grams of betaine nitrate. I recommend this pre-workout for individuals looking for that next-level pump, skin splitting, and high-level endurance. 

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

Where to Buy FSU Serum by Inspired Nutraceuticals

You can buy FSU Serum by Inspired Nutraceuticals from the following retailers:

• Nutri Cartel
  • LIFTVAULT = 15% off
• Supps Central
  • LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off

Experience

This was the second product I reviewed that features a liquid glycerol supplement. Like the other product, I had a short burst of energy and focus. I suspect glycerol can cross the blood-brain barrier, however, I couldn’t find any research to confirm this. Glycerol is a partial glucose molecule, which explains why I felt this energy and focus after the conversion took place. I didn’t get a carbohydrate sugar high, nor did I feel any energy crash.

The endurance while running FSU serum was excellent, rep after rep. I could fatigue my muscle fibers beyond my regular training due to the increased duration of time under contraction. The contractions, with complete control, were improved as the cellular hydration and the added sodium helped keep water molecules on the tissue. I had a high level of endurance training during my big weekly HIIT workout (high-intensity interval training), as I could go further before reaching failure. 

The non-stimulant, pre-workout provided a surprisingly steady, clear focus lasting into and through the workout. The vascularity was mild, and I felt more effects of muscle fullness with the pump. A couple of times when I had carbohydrates the day before, I felt a bit more vascularity, but still not the selling point of this product. I suspect the intracellular swelling took the hydration that otherwise would have supported my vascular system. 

I have used this in a fasted state, multiple times and also after a meal. Like creatine, where the water molecule is suspended at the muscle fiber, glycerol allows increased hydration to the muscle fibers which promotes more contraction, improved endurance, and strength. 

Side Effects

I did not experience any adverse side effects while reviewing this product.

Flavor

“Galaxy Pop” was the flavor I was sent for review, which had the same bitter taste as the previous glycerol-based supplement I reviewed. The flavor was slightly enhanced with FSU serum, but it isn’t something you will enjoy drinking. 

Flavor ratings are entirely subjective, none of us have the same amount of taste buds. The rating will help gauge what to expect. The best way to avoid the flavor is to shoot it back and follow it with something flavorful.

Dose/Scoop Size

The maximum suggested serving size is one fluid oz (29.6 ml), containing over 23 grams of active ingredients, natural flavors, and water. It is nice that the cap doubles as a dosing cup, as similar products suggest using a tablespoon. Although measuring on the scale is an option, the solution saturation of the liquid might need to be more consistent, so I recommend giving it a heavy shake with each use.

For each serving of this pump pre-workout, I used the serving size of 1 cap, which hit precisely how I needed it, and I could review it adequately. Dosage for liquid-based products doesn’t compare to powders, but based purely on the number of servings per container it is on the lower to mid-end. 

Ingredients

Sodium – 200 mg

Sodium is the most critical electrolyte since it is readily lost through sweating. Sodium dosage depends on which source you look at, but all electrolyte products contain various amounts ranging from 50 mg to 1g (as seen in LMNT). The proper dosage depends on your unique needs, diet, exercise, and nutrition, which is affected by previous medical history (i.e., hypertension). This is a reasonably medium dosage, but I enjoy adding sodium to my pre-workouts when I am not reviewing them. However, sodium affects the taste and isn’t desired by all users.

Potassium – 250 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.

Vitamin C – 250 mg

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin crucial in various bodily functions. Here are some additional usages about vitamin c: antioxidant support, immune system boosting, collagen formation, wound healing, iron absorption, eye health, and antioxidant regeneration. 

The recommended daily vitamin c varies by age and gender but is generally around 75-90 milligrams for adults. However, individuals with specific health conditions or who smoke may require higher amounts.

Good dietary sources include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes.

GlycoClear (97% Pure Glycerol) – 20 g

Glycerol provides enhanced performance, increased muscular pumps, and supports proper hydration levels. Most pump products work by increasing Nitric Oxide (NO) production, which then leads to increased vasodilation. Glycerol increases vascularity and pumps via raising the osmotic pressure within bodily fluids, which supports water movement throughout the body.

From PubMed, the hyperhydration effect of glycerol can be used to fight off heat exhaustion. 3-5 grams should be noticeable for pumps, but the 20 grams in FSU serum is much greater than powder-based supplements.

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 and other low-calorie tuber vegetables such as turnips and leafy green vegetables such as spinach or rocket.

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. 

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. If you ingest 2 g of betaine nitrate, it would yield 1308 mg of betaine and 692 mg of nitrate. Since the clinical dose of betaine is 2.5g, you must consume around 3.9g of betaine nitrate to get the full benefits. 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. Read more about nitrates and comparisons here. 

Sodium Chloride – 500 mg

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

500 mg is a higher 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.