Does Neuro Gum help you get a better workout?
If you identify as a bodybuilder or avid crossfitter, you may have heard about a product called Neuro Gum from people at your gym. Some folks claim the gum helps them to lift more weights. Others say the product encourages a more mindful workout.
But is any of the hype true?
I can only speak for myself but I’m always looking for supplements to help me exercise smarter. After hearing several gym buddies talk about Neuro Gum, I decided to give it a try.
Quick background
Neuro Gum is billed as a nootropic; a $10.00 term used to describe a product that enhances cognitive functioning and concentration. Additionally, nootropics are also thought to increase motivation and boost memory.
Most all contain naturally occurring ingredients that are common in non-prescription stimulants, like caffeine. You can buy Neuro Gum at some health stores and online at various retailers. The average price of a 9-piece box is around $3.95. Some places sell them in larger quantities. It just depends on where you go.
In my case, I purchased a “six-pack” box (9-pieces per package) for $19.50 at an online store.
What’s in Neuro Gum?
The ingredients inside of the product (as printed on the back of each package) contain a proprietary blend of the following ingredients:
- Green tea
- L-theanine
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Contains no milk, eggs, soy or wheat additives
My experience
I decided to use the gum for a two-week period. Because I tend to workout 5 days a week, this meant trying the product ten times over 14 days.
And that’s exactly what I did.
Just prior to walking into the gym, I popped a piece of Neuro Gum into my mouth. After doing 10-minutes of cardio, I then moved on to strength training exercises.
We’re talking typical compound moves, like the bench-press for chest, concentration curls for biceps, and squats for legs.
So, what happened? Did Neuro Gum give me more energy? Were my workouts more focused and meaningful?
All I can tell you is the product worked for me. No, I didn’t turn into superman or anything. And it’s not like I experienced a deeply moving Zen moment where I discovered life’s true meaning.
But I did notice more energy when hitting the weights. In turn, this meant that I could lift more without quickly tiring out. Moreover, I wasn’t as distracted by worrisome thoughts, like stressing over unattended activities on my personal to-do list (funny what creeps into the mind in between sets).
The bottom line is this: I had a positive experience with the gum and ended up using the other pieces remaining in my stash. While I haven’t reordered, I’m seriously considering.
One thing I didn’t like about the gum was the initial taste. It comes off a bit chalk-like with a hint of mint. Honestly, that part if nasty. But as you continue chewing the gum, unpleasant taste starts to fade.
I know there are some reviews on the Internet that claim Neuro Gum is a scam and that all it really does is work off the power of suggestion (otherwise known as a placebo effect).
But really and truly, even if that is the case – that Neuro Gum is a somatic suggestion device – I could care less. The truth is the product seemed to do what it suggested for me. At the end of the day, that’s what I was hoping for.
You will have to look around and read what others have shared to decide if the buying the product is worth it or if it’s a rip off. It’s probably a good idea to speak to your doctor before taking any type of supplement, including a nootropic.
Have you tried Neuro Gum? If so, what was your experience? Did you find the gum was helpful to you or a waste of money?