The supplement industry is saturated with underdosed pre-workouts and false promises. Many pre-workouts claim that they will provide you with high energy, intense focus, skin-splitting pumps, and better performance. Unfortunately, very few pre-workouts actually live up to their claims.
Furthermore, several pre-workouts are spiked with illegal substances and/or don't contain the doses listed on the supplement facts panel. Since it’s extremely rare to find a high-stimulant pre-workout that’s actually effective, we decided to take it upon ourselves to create one.
Allow us to introduce you to Seventh Gear...
We all have those workouts that require an extra gear and that’s exactly what Seventh Gear is designed for. Seventh Gear is an intense, hard-hitting pre-workout that uses three different stimulants to provide you with long-lasting energy without the crash or jitters, including:
- Caffeine anhydrous
- TeaCrine® (theacrine)
- Infinergy™ (dicaffeine malate)
Better yet, instead of just filling the product with a high dose of caffeine, we stayed true to our way of creating efficacious supplements by including several other ingredients that boost endurance, power, focus, and pumps. Seventh Gear is far from the typical high-stim pre-workout. Seventh Gear is a comprehensive pre-workout that will help you push the limits and overcome any performance plateaus.
Now that you have some background information on Seventh Gear, let’s dive into the formula!
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s a complete breakdown of Seventh Gear’s intense formula:
B Vitamins
Along with a high dose of stimulants, we added efficacious doses of three B vitamins to help naturally raise energy levels.
Every B vitamin has its own unique benefits, but they each play a major role in:
- Converting food into energy (via increasing metabolism)
- Synthesizing new blood cells
- Maintaining various body tissues, such as skin and brain cells
Therefore, if you consume a pre-workout meal, the B vitamins in Seventh Gear will help turn carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy to fuel your workout.
Now that you know what B vitamins do in general, let’s dive a little deeper into each one that’s included in Seventh Gear.
Vitamin B3 (as Niacin) - 12.3 mg (78% DV)
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin. Not only is niacin available in supplemental form, but it’s also found in several foods, including beef, poultry, fish, nuts, and legumes. After ingestion, niacin is converted into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is a coenzyme that’s more metabolically active. NAD is further converted into another active coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).[1]
It’s estimated that nearly 400 enzymes require NAD to be present in order to catalyze their reactions.[1] So it’s crucial that the body has sufficient amounts of NAD to function optimally. NAD is particularly important for catabolic reactions that convert substrates (i.e. fats, carbohydrates, and proteins) into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the cell’s main energy source.[1]
Moreover, NAD is involved in gene expression, genome integrity, and cellular communication.[1] On the other hand, NADP helps carry out anabolic reactions (i.e. the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol) and maintains cellular antioxidant function.[1]
Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) - 12.5mg (736% DV)
Vitamin B6 is another water-soluble vitamin that’s naturally found in several foods, such as beef, fish, organ meats, starchy vegetables, and some fruits. Vitamin B6 is actually the generic name for six different vitamers (compounds) that share similar properties, including, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and their 5’-phosphate esters.[2]
Vitamin B6 is involved in a number of physiological processes and more than 100 enzyme reactions, one of which is protein metabolism. The two metabolically active coenzyme forms of vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5’ phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxine 5’ phosphate (PMP), assist in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Vitamin B6 is also heavily involved in immune system function, glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen), and gluconeogenesis (synthesis of glucose).[2]
Since glucose is one of the body’s preferred energy sources, having a sufficient amount of glucose is crucial for the production of ATP, which is required for exercise.[2]
Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin) - 150mcg (6250% DV)
The last B vitamin included in Seventh Gear is vitamin B12, as methylcobalamin. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that’s naturally found in eggs, fish, poultry, meat, and dairy products. Since vitamin B12 contains the mineral cobalt, the compounds that express vitamin B12 activity are referred to as cobalamins.[3]
Methylcobalamin, in particular, is one of the only forms of vitamin B12 that are active in human metabolism. Vitamin B12 is essential for various bodily functions, including:
- Neurological function
- Formation of red blood cells
- Synthesis of DNA[3]
Vitamin B12 is also a cofactor for two important enzymes called L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase. The former assists in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, which is required for the synthesis of a universal methyl donor known as S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).
SAMe serves as a methyl donor for a variety of molecules, including RNA, DNA, protein, lipids, and hormones. Whereas the latter is involved in the conversion of L-methylmalonyl to succinyl-CoA, which is a critical reaction in fat and protein metabolism, as well as hemoglobin production.[3]
Beta-Alanine - 1,600mg
Beta-alanine is a precursor to carnosine, a dipeptide molecule that’s highly concentrated in skeletal muscle. Since beta-alanine can effectively increase carnosine levels, it significantly boosts muscular endurance, strength, and power.[4,5] Carnosine carries out its performance-enhancing effects by buffering metabolites, such as lactic acid, which are produced during exercise.[4,5]
An accumulation of lactic acid results in a decrease in pH levels, causing the environment in the skeletal muscle to be more acidic. This reduction in pH negatively affects several enzymes involved in energy production. Therefore, the longer the body can keep lactic acid levels at bay, the longer it can perform at a high level.
Other than boosting muscular endurance, some studies show that beta-alanine can:
- Increase lean body mass
- Enhance mental performance
- Improve recovery[4-6]
If you experience paresthesia (a pins-and-needles sensation that normally occurs in the hands, feet, and/or face) from beta-alanine, don’t be alarmed. It’s harmless and usually subsides within 30 to 45 minutes. Furthermore, the longer you use beta-alanine the less likely you’ll experience paraesthesia.
Betaine Anhydrous - 1,000mg
Betaine anhydrous, also known as trimethylglycine, is an amino acid that’s naturally found in some foods, such as beets and spinach. Within the body, betaine serves as both an osmolyte and methyl donor.
An osmolyte is a low-molecular-weight organic compound that helps maintain an appropriate fluid balance in cells. Therefore, betaine assists with hydration and supports the structural integrity of cell membranes.[7,8]
As a methyl donor, betaine reduces levels of homocysteine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid that’s potentially detrimental to cardiovascular health. Furthermore, by donating a methyl group to homocysteine, betaine increases the production of creatine by raising levels of methionine.[7,8] Creatine improves the body’s ability to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is crucial for maintaining performance during exercise.
Studies show that supplementing with betaine anhydrous may:
- Increase strength, power output, and endurance
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Enhance lean body mass
- Promote weight loss[7,8]
Creatine MagnaPower® (Magnesium Creatine Chelate) - 750mg
The first of four patented ingredients in Seventh Gear is Creatine MagnaPower®, which consists of creatine chelated (bound) to magnesium. Creatine is an organic compound that’s naturally produced in the body and found in some foods, most notably red meat.
Besides caffeine, creatine is the most studied ingredient in sports nutrition. It’s been proven time and again to be safe and effective.[9] Studies have shown that supplementing with creatine significantly increases:
- Power output
- Muscular strength
- Performance
- Lean body mass[9]
Creatine may also have some cognitive benefits and delay the onset of fatigue.[9] Creatine gets stored in the body as creatine phosphate and is used for the regeneration of cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).[9]
Magnesium, on the other hand, is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function. It also contributes to immune system function, protein synthesis, blood glucose control, and regulation of blood pressure.[10]
In regards to exercise, supplementing with magnesium may further boost endurance and overall performance. Although creatine and magnesium are phenomenal supplements on their own, it turns out that combining creatine with magnesium may provide even more benefits.
Enter Creatine MagnaPower®…
Creatine MagnaPower® was developed by Albion Human Nutrition after they discovered that creatine and magnesium have a synergistic effect on exercise performance. Some studies show that the absorption of creatine can be negatively affected by an insufficient amount of minerals, such as magnesium.[11] Simply put, without magnesium, the body will excrete a greater amount of creatine. So instead of using creatine for ATP production, it will simply be wasted.
This occurs because major electrolytes (i.e. potassium, magnesium, and sodium) serve as transporters for creatine, so they help facilitate absorption from the small intestine to the bloodstream.[11]
Theoretically, combining magnesium and creatine allows the body to uptake more creatine and get better results. Moreover, research has found that the more physically active you are, the more magnesium you need.[12] In summary, Creatine MagnaPower® will significantly boost your body’s ability to regenerate energy, which is crucial during intense exercise.
Caffeine Anhydrous - 175mg
Caffeine anhydrous is a dehydrated form of caffeine that provides you with fast-acting energy. It’s also one of the most researched ingredients in sports nutrition and has been proven to be a safe and effective ergogenic aid.[13]
Caffeine anhydrous primarily raises energy levels by inhibiting adenosine, a nucleoside in the brain that causes decreased neuronal activity.[13] Caffeine also prevents the breakdown of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a secondary messenger involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.[13] Therefore, caffeine may help facilitate weight loss.
Furthermore, caffeine has been shown to reduce pain perception and perceived effort.[13] Due to its wide range of physiological effects, caffeine significantly enhances both physical and mental performance.[13]
Choline Bitartrate - 125mg
To boost mental focus and mind-to-muscle connection, Seventh Gear uses two forms of supplemental choline — choline bitartrate and alpha-glyceryl phosphorylcholine. Choline is an essential nutrient that’s naturally found in some foods, such as egg yolks, sunflower seeds, fish, dairy, and meat.[14]
Choline is required for the body to synthesize two phospholipids that are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes.[14] Choline is also used for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that’s important for movement, memory, learning, mood, and other bodily functions.[14]
Supplementing with choline can be very beneficial for maximizing sports performance, especially since intense exercise can significantly deplete acetylcholine levels.
There are several forms of supplemental choline, so why did we choose choline bitartrate?
As the name suggests, choline bitartrate consists of choline bound to two tartaric acids. Tartaric acid is a salt that improves the absorption and effectiveness of choline. So choline bitartrate may be more beneficial than other forms.
Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (Alpha-GPC) - 100mg
In addition to choline bitartrate, Seventh Gear contains alpha-glyceryl phosphorylcholine (alpha-GPC). Similar to choline bitartrate, alpha-GPC supplies the body with additional choline in an effort to boost acetylcholine levels. Once ingested, alpha-GPC is converted to phosphatidylcholine, before it’s used for acetylcholine synthesis.
Alpha-GPC supplementation has been found to prevent reductions in choline levels caused by strenuous exercise, improve endurance performance, and increase growth hormone secretion.[15] Other studies have shown that alpha-GPC supplementation enhances power output and boosts cognitive function.[16]
TeaCrine® (Theacrine) - 50mg
The second patented ingredient in Seventh Gear is TeaCrine®, a trademarked form of theacrine developed by Compound Solutions. TeaCrine® has the unique ability to increase energy levels, mental clarity, focus, motivation, and mood, without affecting the cardiovascular system.
In other words, TeaCrine® provides you with similar benefits as caffeine, but none of the potential negative effects, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, jitters, or a crash.[17]
TeaCrine® expresses its positive effects by interacting with two different neural pathways, dopaminergic and adenosinergic. By activating dopamine receptors, TeaCrine® increases the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for mood, motivation, and well-being. On the other hand, by inhibiting adenosine receptors, TeaCrine® raises energy levels, mental clarity, and focus.[17]
Studies have shown that supplementing with TeaCrine® results in:
- Increased mental and physical energy without jitters, irritability, or habituation
- Enhanced motivation
- Decreased fatigue[17]
Infinergy™ (Dicaffeine Malate) - 25mg
Instead of using just one type of caffeine, Seventh Gear uses caffeine anhydrous and dicaffeine malate (as Infinergy™) for sustained-energy levels. Infinergy™ is the third patented ingredient in Seventh Gear and was developed by Creative Compounds.
Unlike caffeine anhydrous, which is fast-acting, Infinergy™ takes longer for the body to break down due to its chemical structure. Infinergy™ is made up of two caffeine molecules bound to malic acid.Therefore, the body must break the bond before being able to utilize the caffeine.
As the caffeine anhydrous starts to wear off, you have another source of caffeine to further sustain energy levels. This combination is one of the reasons why Seventh Gear is stronger than it looks. Similar to traditional caffeine, Infinergy™ raises energy levels, boosts mental focus, and stimulates thermogenesis.[18]
Bioperine® (Black Pepper Extract) - 2.5mg
The fourth and final patented ingredient in Seventh Gear is Bioperine® from Sabinsa Corporation. Bioperine® is a high-quality black pepper extract that’s standardized to contain 95% piperine.[19] Bioperine® improves the effectiveness of Seventh Gear by increasing the absorption and bioavailability of the entire formula.
For various reasons, some dietary ingredients aren’t absorbed very well by the body. Therefore, they end up being excreted and you miss out on their potential benefits. One way to solve this problem is by adding an efficacious dose of Bioperine®.
Bioperine® enhances the bioavailability of supplements by increasing thermogenesis and modulating both metabolizing enzymes and efflux mechanisms.[19] In summary, Bioperine® is here to ensure that you get the most out of Seventh Gear.
Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzia Serrata) (Std. to 1% Huperzine A) - 50mcg
Toothed clubmoss, more commonly known as Huperzia Serrata, is a plant that’s rich in huperzine A, a natural inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase.[19] Huperzine A is capable of sustaining acetylcholine levels by reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine.[20]
So huperzine A works synergistically with choline bitrate and alpha-GPC to not only raise acetylcholine levels but keep them elevated throughout the entire workout.[20] Supplementing with huperzine A further increases focus, mind-to-muscle connection, and performance.
Suggested Use
For optimal results, we recommend mixing 1 scoop of Seventh Gear with 8 to 10 ounces of cold water and consuming 15 to 20 minutes prior to training. Since Seventh Gear contains a high amount of stimulants, start with 1/2 scoop to assess your tolerance.
Do not consume Seventh Gear within 5 to 6 hours prior to sleep. Do not use any other products or beverages that contain stimulants when taking Seventh Gear.
Stacking Options
Seventh Gear stacks well with:
Hydraulic
- Mix ½-1 scoop of Seventh Gear with 1-2 scoops of Hydraulic in 8 to 10 ounces of cold water.
- Consume 20-30 minutes prior to training.
Demo Day
- Mix ½-1 scoop of Seventh Gear with ½-1 scoop of Demo Day in 8 to 10 ounces of cold water.
- Consume 20-30 minutes prior to training.
Vincenzo’s Mass Stack
- For advanced users only*
- Mix 1 scoop each of Seventh Gear, Hydraulic, and Demo Day in 10-12 ounces of cold water.
- Consume 20-30 minutes prior to training.
Flavors
Seventh Gear comes in several refreshing flavors including:
- Deadlifts & Gummy Bears (Sweet Gummy Bear)
- Raspberry Lemonade
- HWMF (Blue Raspberry, Lime, & Cherry)
- Pineapple Express (Pineapple & Mango)
All of Seventh Gear’s flavors are designed to stack well with any of our other peri-workout supplements, such as The Grind, Demo Day, and Hydraulic. So you don’t have to worry about any unpleasant flavor combinations.
References
- National Institutes of Health. Accessed Apr. 2021. “Niacin: Health Professional Fact Sheet.” Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/
- National Institutes of Health. Accessed Apr. 2021. “Vitamin B6: Health Professional Fact Sheet.” Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/
- National Institutes of Health. Accessed Fed. 2021. “Vitamin B12: Health Professional Fact Sheet. “Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
- Hobson, RM. et al. Jan. 2012. “Effects of β-alanine Supplementation on Exercise Performance: A Meta-Analysis.” Amino Acids vol. 43,1: 25-37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3374095/
- Trexler, E. et al. July 2015. “International Society of Sports Nutrition: Beta-Alanine.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 12, 30. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y
- Natural Alternatives International Inc. Accessed Feb. 2021. “CarnoSyn®: Patented Beta-Alanine.” https://www.carnosyn.com
- Cholewa JM. et al. July 2018. “The Effects of Chronic Betaine Supplementation on Body Composition and Performance in Collegiate Females: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 15,1.37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6069865/
- Cholewa, JM et al. Aug. 2013. “Effects of Betaine on Body Composition, Performance, and Homocysteine Thiolactone.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 10,39. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3844502/
- Kredier, R. et al. June 2017. “International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Safety and Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation in Exercise, Sport, and Medicine.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 14,18. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
- National Institutes of Health. Accessed Feb. 2021. “Magnesium: Fact Sheet For Health Professionals.” Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
- Hummer, E. et al. May 2019. “Creatine Electrolyte Supplement Improves Anaerobic Power and Strength: A Randomized Double-Blind Control Study.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 16, 24. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-019-0291-x
- Zhang Y. et al. Sept. 2017. “Can Magnesium Enhance Exercise Performance?” Nutrients, vol. 9,9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622706/
- Trexler E. et al. Sept. 2016. “Effects of Coffee and Caffeine Anhydrous on Strength and Sprint Performance.” European Journal of Sports Science, vol. 16,6: 702-10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803635/
- National Institutes of Health. Accessed Apr. 2021. “Choline: Health Professional Fact Sheet.” Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/
- Ziegenfuss, T. et al. Sept. 2008. “Acute Supplementation with Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Augments Growth Hormone Response to, and Peak Force Production During, Resistance Exercise.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 5, P15. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15
- Bellar, D. et al. Nov. 2015. “The Effect of 6 Days of Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine on Isometrix Strength.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 12, 42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4650143/
- Compound Solutions. Accessed Apr. 2021. “TeaCrine®.” https://compoundsolutions.com/ingredients/teacrine/
- Creative Compounds. Accessed Apr. 2021. "Infinergy." http://www.creativecompounds.com/exclusive.php
- Sabinsa Corporation. Accessed Apr. 2021. “Bioperine®.” https://bioperine.com/index.php/mechanismsofactions
- Qian, M. et al. Aug. 2014. “Huperzine A: Is It an Effective Disease-Modifying Drug for Alzheimer’s Disease?” Frontiers In Aging Neuroscience, vol. 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137276/