Author: Steve Born

Athletes tend to focus on training and neglect recovery, specifically the critical step of refueling as soon as possible after each workout. We tend to think that a hard workout deserves a nice reward. Do you usually first go for a shower or relaxation after a hard workout? Are beer and pretzels your favored post–workout snack? If so, remember that a hard workout has left your body in a state of utter depletion and physiological vulnerability. However, it’s also in a state of prime receptivity, ready to absorb nutrients. Taking those few extra minutes to properly refuel is one of the most important things that you can do to improve your race day results. In fact, properly refueling your body immediately after your training session is as important as anything you did in the actual workout. When you give your body what it needs as soon as possible after exercise, it will respond wonderfully in the following ways: Continue Reading »

Authors: Bill Misner, Ph.D. & Steve Born

One of the questions we frequently field is “Which Hammer Nutrition products are safe to use during pregnancy or lactation?” Before we address that question, we must first stress that all dietary supplements are required to first be confirmed “safe” by one’s physician. It is necessary for us to state this because dietary supplements taken during pregnancy and/or lactation are typically not evaluated. (Note: This is why the list below is incomplete; the maximum safe dose for many nutrients and most herbal supplements for pregnant or nursing women is largely not scientifically determined). Continue Reading »

As you may know, Soni-Pure hand sanitizer is once again back in the Hammer Nutrition product line, and it really is a uniquely phenomenal product… if you haven’t tried it you really must! Soni-Pure is petroleum-free and alcohol-free so, unlike typical hand sanitizer products, it won’t dry your skin or expose you to harsh chemicals. What it will do is provide an effective defense against germs and bacteria. In fact, Soni-Pure has been shown to kill aerobic bacteria, yeast, mold, and fungi 100% for up to eight hours… that’s right – 8 HOURS! Plus, it doesn’t have that awful chemically odor; in fact, Soni-Pure smells downright pleasant! Continue Reading »

“I can not say enough good things about Endurance Amino. I used it as directed and feel like a totally different rider. I have raced two long cross country races on consecutive weekends. I raced Whiskey 50 and the next weekend raced the Idyllwild Spring Challenge 30 miler. The week in between I only took one day off and each ride I felt like going harder. I have never had the kind of power as I have felt since using Endurance Amino. As the hours go by I feel stronger. I take 4 pills after a long ride and the next day I don’t even know I had worked hard the day before. I certainly wouldn’t replace any of Hammer’s other products but Endurance Amino is number one for me.”
- Wendy Skean

Learn more about this amazing new product: Endurance Amino!

Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans. The oil extracted from these crustaceans, quoting one well-known nutritional scientist, “contains important omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, fatty acids found in fish oils. Krill oil also has a high amount of a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin along with small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin E, and perhaps small amounts of other undetermined beneficial  compounds.” As far as which is better, this particular nutritional scientist writes, “We often get asked whether krill oil is a better option as a supplement than fish oil or vice versa. Fish oil has a higher percentage of EPA and DHA fatty acids; however krill oil has the advantage of having astaxanthin, an important antioxidant, vitamins A and D, and possibly other nutrients such as small amounts of phospholipids.” Continue Reading »

When you’ve got long, tough workouts planned, you need the best supplement support possible to help you get the most out of every minute you put into these arduous training sessions. That’s precisely when and where these specific Hammer Nutrition products excel! This time of the year, when training volume & intensity increases, is the perfect opportunity to put these products to work for you. Below is a protocol I put together for athletes prior to the 2009 Highline Hammer in response to the question, “What supplements do you personally take before, during, and after a long, hard ride, an ‘epic’ ride?” Continue Reading »

The amino acid L-tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) both have similar effects and benefits.

One of the primary reasons we use 5-HTP (which is plant-derived) in Appestat and REM Caps instead of L-tryptophan (which is usually produced via a fermentation process) is that 5-HTP is a metabolic step closer to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin than l-tryptophan is.

In other words, both L-tryptophan and 5-HTP produce serotonin and melatonin; however, an enzyme in the body must first convert L-tryptophan to 5-HTP. By taking “straight” 5-HTP you’re able bypass this first step of the process.