By Matt Samansky
Supplement Review Editor
How can new supplement companies diversify their product line when it’s part of a market flooded by thousands? Rise Performance is one of these young companies that hopes to deliver a new concoction to the pre-workout genre. I was lucky enough to acquire a sample of their debut offering, a pre-workout called “Execute”. Let’s see if it makes the cut.
The first ingredient in achieving the “Execute Engagement Strategy” is Beta-Alanine at 2,000mg per serving. Contrary to popular belief this ingredient does much more than just provide the pre-workout parasthesia, or the “tingling” sensation. At clinical dosages, Beta-Alanine has been found to significantly improve endurance from elevated Carnosine levels.
L-Citrulline serves as a precursor to Arginine, which in turn, is a precursor to Nitric Oxide. This conditional amino acid is responsible for providing the “pump” that so many gym-goers chase. When ingested in higher doses, Citrulline has other positive effects as it can delay muscle fatigue, allowing for longer bouts of training. At 3,500mg per serving, that is definitely considered a perfectly high dose!
Pre-workout powders are known for their energy elevating effects, and have been popularized by their nitric oxide increasing properties. Agmatine Sulfate is one of these properties. Each serving of Execute contains a heaping dose of 750mg of Agmatine that, when paired with other stimulants, provides for a quick kick in the butt pre-training.
Upon first glance at the label of Rise Performance’s flagship product, the ingredient that stood out to me was glycerol monostearate at 1000mg. Typically found among the intra-workout drinks, glycerol hyper-hydrates the cells to increase absorption of nutrients, namely the holy trinity of amino acids, L-Leucine, L-Valine, and L-Isoleucine. When supplemented in conjunction with one another, these amino acids enhance the ability of the central nervous system to recover from taxing workouts and improve glucose/insulin tolerance. Added benefits include muscle sparing, fat burning, and energy producing properties.
The inclusion of Glycerol in Execute puts this one of a kind pre-workout in a totally different category for me. I have supplemented with many glycerol-laden products since it’s surge in popularity over the past few years. It is far and away one of my favorite compounds.
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate is the perfect mix of pump and energy. The biosynthetic reaction of L-Arginine is to increase blood flow to the stressed muscles, or in layman’s terms, to bring the pump! Alpha-Ketoglutarate, via the Krebs Cycle, assists the body to produce energy. Arginine acts as a delivery system for AKG to reach the body part experiencing stress. With the recommended dosage of AAKG, lying somewhere in the range of 1,500mg to 3,500mg, Execute falls just a bit short at 1,000mg. Thankfully the formula contains other nitric oxide and energy boosting properties, like our next few supplements.
Acetyl L-Carnitine and Choline L-Bitartrate are similar compounds for their nootropic properties. Both included at effective dosages of 500mg per serving, this powerful pairing of products will help you to maintain focus in between long, taxing sets.
Yohimbine HCL is one of the most popular thermogenic ingredients on the market. Yohimbine works by increasing adrenaline levels, thus kicking into gear the process of fat oxidation, but not much fat is burned at 2.5mg per serving.
Next up is GABA, another ingredient not commonly found in pre-workouts. Gamma Aminobutyric Acid is prescribed for patients experiencing difficulty sleeping, but I don’t think you’ll be packing a pillow in your gym bag. No, I think Rise Performance intended to utilize GABA (300mg) for it’s anti-anxiety properties. Especially when paired with Niacin, a natural beta-blocker, at 25mg.
Safety of Product: Like most pre-workouts, Execute appears to be very safe. There is not one harmful component of Rise Performance’s stimulant supplement. This is thanks to the conservative, yet creative, formulation. Of course, consult with your doctor if you have any allergy concerns.
Quality of Ingredients: Rise Performance plays it safe with the majority of ingredients. But it is the few innovative inclusions that make Execute the unique pre-workout it is! I dare you to find a pre-workout supplement containing glycerol, AAKG, and GABA!
Effectiveness: The first indication that this supplement really works is the beta-alanine “itch” just a few minutes after ingesting. I experimented with various dosages of Execute, and while I am less sensitive to stimulants, I recommend 1 to 1½ scoops of powder.
Overall: Although I thoroughly enjoyed Execute by Rise Performance, I have sampled better mixing, tastier, and far stronger pre-workouts. Hundreds of pellet-like clumps populated the bottom and the lemon lime flavor doesn’t score very high. As of this writing, Rise lacks a posted price on their website, so I’m unable to comment on overall value.
Final Verdict: 7/10.
Is there a supplement on the market you are weary to purchase? Shoot me a Facebook post, tweet, email, etc. and let me know! I just might be your guinea pig, and give my unbiased (and critical) opinion.
After a series of concussions ended his high school wrestling career, Matt discovered bodybuilding, quickly immersing himself in the world of fitness, nutrition and supplementation. A National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Trainer, Matt founded UFit Sports Performance and Nutrition and has helped dozens of clients achieve their fitness goals. Having tried and tested countless supplements, Matt is highly regarded as a credible evaluator of nutritional products.
