Cellucor is one of the most trusted names in the bodybuilding industry and offers many high quality supplements.
One of these is C4 Extreme, a pre-workout supplement which Cellucor says is “Formulated for Pumps, Strength, Energy and Focus.”
These benefits usually involve taking a stack before a workout, so having an all in one formula can save the headache of working out which blend of supplements works best for an individual.
So is it as good as they say? What’s in it? Does it really work?
Read on to find out of C4 Extreme is right for you.
Changes for the better
C4 isn’t exactly a new supplement, the renaming to C4 Extreme is a result of changes the company has made to its formula.
This is something that is constantly being researched and developed at the company as they collect data from elite and amateur athletes. Changes that offer many benefits to athletes pursuing optimum performance, especially during heavy workouts.
Labeling
Cellucor believes in transparency about the contents of its products, which is very refreshing. The ingredient list on the package is very comprehensive, making it easy to avoid those to which you may be allergic, are banned in your sport or may interact with prescription medications you are taking.
Below is a list of the major ingredients, their properties and claimed benefits.
Ingredients and how they work
Synephrine HCL Dosage not listed
Also known as bitter orange, Synephrine HCL is chemically similar to Ephedra. It’s claimed to have the same benefits as Ephedra, but without the risks that caused it to be banned. Currently there is little evidence to prove of it is safer to use or if the weight control properties are accurate.
Bitter orange contains compounds that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so it should be avoided by people with pre-existing conditions or a family history of cardiac problems. It should also be avoided by those using stimulants such as caffeine.
This is a little disconcerting, as the Caffeine anhydrous content in C4 Extreme has been increased to 135mg per scoop!
Creatine Nitrate 1000mg
Cellucor have combined Creatine with Nitrate (NO3) making an ingredient that is easily absorbed and may increase the nitric oxide level in your body. This combination can provide the benefits of Creatine supplementation without the side effects that can result from poor absorption (Diarrhea, abdominal cramps and dehydration).
In addition, Nitrate is responsible for producing the “pump” from a workout.
See SupplementTester’s
– Highest Rated Pre Workouts Here –
What might be better
If you’re concerned about the inclusion of Synephrine in this product – and the side effects it includes when mixed with caffeine – it may be worth looking elsewhere.
One of the better options we’ve seen for boosting power output, energy and metabolism whilst avoiding jitters and any inevitable energy crashes.
Some of our top rated fat burners can give you the pump and power you need to have a kick ass session while still getting you shredded in the process – to see the highest rated, click here.
Other Ingredients
Caffeine 135mg
As mentioned above, the dosage of caffeine has been increased in C4 Extreme. This allows you to increase your mental alertness and ability to focus on your form for each of your exercises.
Beta Alanine 1500mg
Commonly found in bodybuilding supplements, Beta Alanine increases the level of Carnosine in muscle and other tissue. This slows the buildup of lactic acid increasing muscular endurance.
Niacin (Xanthinol Nicotinate) 30mg
Niacin helps dilate blood vessels allowing blood, oxygen and nutrients to flow more freely to muscle tissue. It also reduces LDL cholesterol. It’s a much better option than Nicotinic Acid supplementing, which can impair your body’s ability to burn fat.
Arginine (AKG) 1000mg
Another vasodilator, Arginine also encourages the release of growth hormone and promotes fat metabolism and helps your body expel ammonia.
“Explosive Energy Blend” 741mg
C4 Extreme also contains Cellucor’s “Explosive Energy Blend”. This is a combination of the following vitamins, minerals and amino acids and is formulated to give you an extra lift during your workouts.
Vitamin C (As Ascorbic Acid), N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Mucuna Pruriens (Standardized For L-Dopa), Folate (As Folic Acid), Pyridoxine 5-Phosphate, Vitamin B12 (As Methylcobalamin)
Dosage and Warnings
The dosage and warning label on the packaging is very comprehensive. A summary of the main points is listed below, but please, read the label before you buy or start using C4 Extreme.
C4 is designed for use to enhance your workout capabilities. So only use it on workout days, 30minutes before your workout.
When you first start using it, only use one scoop mixed with water. This allows you to judge your tolerance to it and for your body to adapt. After your tolerance has been established, you can increase the dosage to 1 or 2 scoops.
- Do not take C4 Extreme if you are using other supplements containing caffeine or synephrine. This includes coffee, tea,and sodas.
- Do not use it for more than 8 weeks at a time.
- Do not use it in with other dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, foods that are considered to be stimulants.
- Talk to your doctor if you take any medications, have heart, liver or kidney issues, or a family history of them, are pregnant or breast feeding.
See SupplementTester’s
– Highest Rated Pre Workouts Here –
Flavors and Pricing
C4 Extreme comes in 3 size packages (5, 30 and 60 servings) and seven flavors, so there is enough variety to suit most people’s tastes.
The flavors are: Watermelon, Fruit Punch and Icy blue razz, Strawberry Margarita, Pink Lemonade, Orange and Green Apple. However some flavors aren’t available in the smaller size tubs.
Going by user reviews, the taste of the the different flavors is exactly what it should be with no “medical” taste to it, unlike liquid creatine and some other brands.
The price for each tub is around $10 for 5 serves, $40 for 30 serves and $80 for 60 serves. Obviously prices will change depending upon your supplier, so shop around for the best price.
While not the cheapest pre-workout supplement available, it still represents good value for money compared to some of the more expensive, yet less effective supplement brands.
Pros and Cons
In reality this is not a new supplement, it is one that aims at improving on it’s past success and popularity. That being said, Cellucor believe so strongly in their product that they back up their claims with a 30 day 100% money back guarantee if you don’t see results.
Pros
- Based on the clinically proven benefits of most ingredients and the anecdotal evidence of users, C4 Extreme will deliver on Cellucor’s promises of a more focused workout with improved energy.
- It does not contain Germanium.
Cons
- At between $1.35 – $2 per scoop it is reasonable value for money. However, once your tolerance increases and you need two scoops for the same pump and focus, it may put it out of reach for some users.
- With no clinical evidence of the benefits of Synephrine and it’s potential relationship to Ephedra type health issues, caution needs to be used.
- High caffeine content.
Recommendation
Although there is some doubt about Synephrine, overall Cellucor C4 Extreme has the goods. The major ingredients are clinically proven and the company is well established.
I have no problem recommending you try one or two of the small tubs to judge for yourself while trying the different flavors.