This week, Matt highlights the latest and greatest tools, supplements, and fuel that are making a real difference in his life.
I want to help you get out of a training rut, beat the death of cramps, and fix your knee.
Jumping Out of The Training Rut
I don't know about you, but I have moments where I leave the gym and feel like I'm stacking bricks with each workout. Getting stronger, getting leaner. I love that feeling.
Then I'll go three weeks and just be flat. Not feeling like I'm making any progress.
I'm terrible at being consistent with supplements, even though I share them all the time. But four days ago, I went all in on taking creatine and synthesis every morning. I figured it would take at least two weeks, but I jumped out of the rut even before then. The last two weeks, I've been back to stacking bricks and feeling fitter.
If I had to choose between Creatine and Synthesis, I'd pick Synthesis. But I don't need to choose. I'm using Foundation on a daily basis now and getting Creatine, Synthesis, Collagen, Gut Defense — all of it in one sachet.
One thing: Foundation right now is chocolate-flavored. Tastes great, but I'm making an unflavored version that should be ready in a few months. Better for mixing with juice, morning electrolytes, or fruit-flavored protein shakes. For now, stick with chocolate. It's a very light flavor, and mixes with anything but fruity flavors.
Stop Cramping Before It Stops You
I'm 50. Cramps didn't used to be a thing. Now, if I don't stay ahead of them, they show up like clockwork.
Most cramp products tell you to take them when the cramp hits. I've had way more success doing the opposite: take them before you cramp, and skip the whole thing.
Here Are My Three Go-Tos:
1. Sante Madre Jelly Bar - No Cramp
This one's wild. It's like a giant energy chew in bar format. 37g of carbs plus acetic acid (same stuff that's in vinegar) to stop cramps before they start. Energy and cramp prevention in one bar.
2. Fixx CrampFix Gel - The Vinegar Hit
From Australia. The format is the winner; it's just like an energy gel, so super easy to keep with you. Tastes like concentrated vinegar. It'll pucker you up, wake you up, and keep your muscles from locking up. As a Canadian who loves salt-and-vinegar chips, I actually like the flavor.
One word of caution. Don’t blindly grab it and think you are getting a Maurten Gel, only to get the vinegar hit.
3. Fixx CrampFix Spray - Nighttime Lifesaver
Leg cramps at night are the worst. When a cramp hits at 2 AM, you're not jumping out of bed to find something. I keep this on my nightstand. Four sprays, 30 seconds, cramp's gone.
Bonus: I've been using it for restless legs, too. Works great.
The classics still work: SuckerPunch, Pickle Juice, and HOTSHOT remain all-time favorites if you already know them.
But if you want to stop cramping for good, start with one of the three above.
Finally, My Knee
I need surgery in April. But to get there, I need to deal with the tendon inflammation and pain so I can keep training — especially running and lifting — without it blowing up.
I've been back on SwissRX Soft Tissue Complex. I take the pouch of pills at night. Took about 7 days, and wow. I'm really happy.
I went from limping pain to mild discomfort. I'm going hard on the knee again. Sure, it hurts right after, but by the next day, I'm able to go again.
Soft Tissue Complex is for soft tissue injuries. If you have a meniscus injury, think Collagen. Joint issues? Think Glucosamine (SwissRX Joint Defense).
The added superpower for soft tissue injuries is getting more blood flowing. I've added the Fringe Red Light. I didn't use the joint wrap, but the new "Regular Wrap" size. I love it.
Shop SwissRX Soft Tissue Complex
A Few More Things Worth Mentioning
PowerBank Ketone Boost — I can finally make any drink a ketone drink. It's unflavored, so it goes with everything. I've been adding it to my morning water with LMNT and also during the day with Mortal. The price is nuts for ketones: $1.63 per serving compared to $5 or more for other ketone products. I use it for mental focus during the day and as an energy boost, and it works great.
Energy Chews — I've been on a chews kick lately. Newest flavors I’m loving. SaltStick Pop Rocket Energy Chews are incredible, and the new caffeinated Noogs Sour Energy Chews are simply amazing.
Therabody Sleep Mask — I had a long red-eye flight last week and tested this out. This is something you need to grab. There is no better sleep mask you can get. Not only is it 100% blackout, it's crazy comfortable, doesn't slip, and get this: it vibrates to soothe you to sleep. Frankly, it stops my mind from spinning. Auto shuts off after 15 minutes.
Hyperice Hyperboot (Nike X Hyperice collaboration)
When I use it: After long runs that trash my feet. Or before a workout when my feet feel tight.
These are the same compression boots Nike's star athletes and NBA players use. Think Normatec, but for your feet. They inflate and massage your feet through compression cycles — get blood flowing, reduce soreness, speed recovery.
