Here’s a “super beast” of a pre-workout – Black Magic BZRK Overdrive! In this edition of Supplement Spotlight, we’ll take a close look at this high-stim Pre. Ah, but there’s much more to this formula than just stims! Let’s jump right in and find out more!
What Is Black Magic BZRK Overdrive?
Black Magic BZRK Overdrive is a high stim, high pump pre-workout. Besides the stims and pump boosters, it contains focus ingredients and BCAAs. It’s a little unique because there’s no beta alanine – certainly one of the more common pre-workout ingredients. In addition, BZRK Overdrive features a fully open label and it’s well dosed.
Who Is Black Magic?
Black Magic is an innovative supplement brand that stands out with potent formulas and impressive labels. Many Black Magic products are at or near the top of their category.
Let’s Look At The Ingredients
Black Magic BZRK Overdrive supplies 20 2-scoop servings per container.
L-Citrulline – 7714 mg
Citrulline is quite possibly the most popular nitric oxide booster on the market. It is also one of, if not the, most effective. That’s why the recent dosage wars started by Gorilla Mind centered around dramatic increases in the typical dose of citrulline. At one time, the average dose was 4 grams. Now, doses of 8 – 10 grams are common. BZRK Overdrive is right there with this dose. (1, 2, 3)
Nitrosigine® (Inositol Arginine SIlicate) – 1500 mg
Here’s a patented nitric oxide booster that combines arginine, potassium silicate, and inositol. This impressive ingredient has two main advantages: it extends the pump for 6 hours. And, it goes to work within 30 minutes of your very first dose. Impressive! (4)
Agmatine Sulfate – 857 mg
Agmatine is produced naturally in the body from arginine. Like citrulline, it converts into arginine. Not to mention, agmatine is produced in small amounts by the mitochondria. The main function of agmatine is to signal vasodilation of the blood vessels, which increases blood flow.
Creatine Monohydrate – 4286 mg
Of course, creatine monohydrate is the most tested and proven effective supplement on the market. It’s the original cell volumizer (think water-based pumps), plus it promotes ATP production. It does much more, but for the purposes of BZRK Overdrive, these benefits are crucial. (5, 6, 7, 8)
GlycerPump™ (65% Glycerol Powder) – 2571 mg
Just like creatine, GlycerPump glycerol is a cell volumizer. The synergistic effect of both ingredients (plus betaine) means massive water-based pumps! Plus, glycerol promotes dramatic endurance – you can expect to knock out quite a few more reps. However, in my personal experience, I found 6 grams to be a far more effective dose. Still, I’m happy to see this here – I think it should be in all pre-workouts, well dosed of course. (9)
Betaine Anhydrous – 2143 mg
Here’s one more cell volumizing ingredient, making a total of three. Plus, there are three nitric oxide boosters – BZRK Overdrive is serious about the pump! (10, 11)
BCAAs – 4,000 mg (L-Leucine – 2000 mg, L-Isoleucine – 1000 mg, L-Valine – 1000 mg)
Like glycerol, I’m happy to see the BCAAs in BZRK Overdrive. The BCAAs (primarily leucine) are heavily involved in the stimulation of protein synthesis (a direct trigger of muscle growth). As well, they prevent muscle protein breakdown and support recovery. However, I have to say I would have preferred to see this dosed higher, as in 5,000 or 6,000 mg of leucine. (12, 13)
L-Tyrosine – 1286 mg
Tyrosine is an amino acid involved in the production of dopamine. What is dopamine? It is an important neurotransmitter that’s involved in motivation, mood, motor control and exercise performance. Perhaps less known is the fact that it’s involved in the production of both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) thyroid hormones. These hormones have a direct impact on your metabolism.
When you engage in an intense workout, it depletes levels of dopamine. This results in an increase in the production of serotonin, which can cause fatigue. Tyrosine promotes greater dopamine production and provides anti-fatigue benefits. (14)
Kanna – 429 mg
Here’s an ingredient that you won’t find in very many pre-workouts. So what is it? Kanna is a South African plant that boosts mood and promotes feelings of euphoria. It also is a calmative. It works by enhancing levels of serotonin. A potential problem, from my perspective, is that serotonin basically helps put you to sleep – not what you want when you’re at the gym! The stims and tyrosine in BZRK Overdrive help counteract this effect, leaving you to experience the positive benefits of kanna. (15)
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder – 400 mg
Lion’s Mane is a Chinese medicinal mushroom that enhances cognitive function. This includes focus, clarity, productivity, and concentration. (16)
Caffeine Anhydrous – 300 mg
It’sno surprise that caffeine is the primary stimulant in Black Magic BZRK Overdrive. The anhydrous version means that all water has been removed, leaving a dry powder that is more concentrated.
Di-Caffeine Malate – 100 mg
This ingredient combines malic acid with caffeine. This blend means a couple of things. First, it’s not 100% caffeine, and second, it slows digestion so you experience an extended energy effect. So, how much caffeine is in BZRK Overdrive? The claim is 400 mg, but I don’t see how. That’s because di-caffeine malate is roughly 75% caffeine, or in this case 75 mg. Therefore, the total caffeine should be 375 mg.
N,N-Phenethyldimethylamine Citrate – 300 mg
This ingredient is probably better known as eria jarensis, a potent plant-based stimulant. It also elevates mood and improves focus. This ingredient works well with caffeine and huperzine A.
Huperzine A 1% – 34 mg
Huperzine A is an alkaloid from the toothed clubmoss plant. It has an extended history of use in Chinese herbal medicine. Huperzine A promotes memory and learning by blocking the enzyme that breaks down the “learning neurotransmitter” acetylcholine. In addition, huperzine A functions as a neuroprotectant, and supports overall cognition function. (17)
Black Pepper Fruit Extract 95% – 9 mg
Black pepper is an absorption enhancer, meaning it improves the absorption of the nutrients it’s paired with.
How Do I Use It?
Unless you are experienced, lifters using BZRK Overdrive for the first time should assess their tolerance by using 1 scoop. Once you have determined your tolerance, you can move up to a full 2 scoop serving.
Stack It!
Here’s what I suggest stacking with BZRK Overdrive.
Axe & Sledge The Grind
I mentioned above that as happy as I am to see BCAAs in a pre-workout, they are dosed low. This product adds another 5 grams of BCAAs, plus the EAAS and a special hydration and recovery complex. This complex includes 1,000 mg betaine, which increases the dose that’s already in BZRK Overdrive.
Hi-Tech Precision Protein
This has become my mainstay protein because of its impact on leucine. Don’t forget to drink a shake about an hour before your workout, and another one right after. I suggest mixing it with EFX Sports Karbolyn, an advanced carb source.
Multivitamins
Think of these as health insurance! Take one every day and always with food.
Prohormones
If mass is your goal, there’s no reason not to go hardcore. I suggest Hi-Tech Halodrol.
Optional: Condemned Labz Beta Alanine
This is not necessary, but if you like this ingredient, here’s how you can add it to BZRK Overdrive.
Summary
Overall, Black Magic BZRK Overdrive is a very impressive pre-workout with an interesting ingredient profile. If you want high stims, massive pumps, and the anabolic power of BCAAs, this is the pre-workout for you! Stop by illpumpyouup.com and stock up on this and all the supplements you need!
References:
- https://examine.com/supplements/citrulline/?show_conditions=true
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrulline
- Wijnands, K., Vink, H., Briedé, J., Van Faassen, E., Lamers, W., Buurman, W., & Poeze, M. (2012). Citrulline a more suitable substrate than arginine to restore NO production and the microcirculation during endotoxemia. Retrieved July 04, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3362574/
- Nitrosigine® | Promote Nitric Oxide & Improved Blood Flow (nutrition21.com)
- https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/creatine
- Nelson, A. G., Arnall, D. A., Kokkonen, J., Day, R., & Evans, J. (2001). Muscle glycogen supercompensation is enhanced by prior creatine supplementation. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 33(7), 1096–1100. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200107000-00005
- Ingwall, J. S., Weiner, C. D., Morales, M. F., Davis, E., & Stockdale, F. E. (1974). Specificity of creatine in the control of muscle protein synthesis. The Journal of cell biology, 62(1), 145–151. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.62.1.145
- Avgerinos, K. I., Spyrou, N., Bougioukas, K. I., & Kapogiannis, D. (2018). Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Experimental gerontology, 108, 166–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.013
- Nelson, J. L., & Robergs, R. A. (2007). Exploring the potential ergogenic effects of glycerol hyperhydration. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 37(11), 981–1000. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737110-00005
- NE;, C. (n.d.). Effects of Betaine on Performance and Body Composition: A Review of Recent Findings and Potential Mechanisms. Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24760587/
- Olthof, M. R., & Verhoef, P. (2005). Effects of betaine intake on plasma homocysteine concentrations and consequences for health. Current drug metabolism, 6(1), 15-22; Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1572020
- Leucine Health benefits, dosage, safety, side-effects, and more | Supplements – Examine
- What Is Protein Synthesis. (2015, December 27). Retrieved May 02, 2017, from http://www.proteinsynthesis.org/what-is-protein-synthesis/
- https://www.braintropic.com/the-encyclopedia-of-nootropics.pdf, p.111
- Manganyi, M. C., Bezuidenhout, C. C., Regnier, T., & Ateba, C. N. (2021). A Chewable Cure “Kanna”: Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sceletium tortuosum. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(9), 2557. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092557
- https://www.braintropic.com/the-encyclopedia-of-nootropics.pdf, p.117
- https://www.braintropic.com/the-encyclopedia-of-nootropics.pdf, p. 96