A scandal-free way to get better, faster, stronger

I’m always telling my patients to make sure they’re getting the most out of their workouts. And according to some brand new research, it looks like there’s a safe, natural, and totally drug-free way to do just that. And it can benefit everyday exercisers and hard-core athletes alike.

This placebo-controlled study had two parts. The first half looked at everyday, recreational athletes–or “weekend warriors,” as I like to call them. We’re talking about average, reasonably fit people, like you and me.

The second part was a slightly different story. This half of the study looked at a group of triathletes. (And well… they don’t call it the Ironman for nothing.) Still, groups in both fitness categories got a major boost from regular Pycnogenol® supplementation.

That’s right. Just plain old Pycnogenol®.

Basic fitness tests showed that the everyday “athletes” could run faster and perform more push-ups after just eight weeks of supplementation with 100 mg of this pine bark extract daily. And their two-minute sit-up endurance increased by an incredible 15 percent, on average.

The triathletes, meanwhile, took either 150 mg of Pycnogenol® daily or no supplement over the course of four weeks of training. And wouldn’t you know? By the end of the study, subjects taking Pycnogenol® benefited from double the improvements.

In fact, their triathlon finish times were almost seven minutes shorter on average.

If a simple pine bark supplement can offer benefits like this for young, fit people, just imagine what it might do for someone older, out-of-shape, and just starting to work out for the first time in years. (Or ever.)

Then again, is there anything Pycnogenol® can’t do?

Clinical research supports the benefits of pine bark extract in just about every way imaginable. Circulatory health, immune support, dry eyes, menopause relief, joint pain… you name it, Pycnogenol® can probably help.

So do I really need to say more? There’s a reason I’m always telling you to take Pycnogenol®. The fact is, everyone should be. I recommend at least 50 to 100 mg per day.

Source:
“Evaluation of the effects of supplementation with Pycnogenol® on fitness in normal subjects with the Army Physical Fitness Test and in performances of athletes in the 100-minute triathlon.” J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2013 Dec;53(6):644-54.