BSN NO Xplode is the original pre-workout supplement for CrossFit.
Introduced in 2004, it took the fitness world by storm. Though it’s been over a decade since its inception, BSN NO Xplode remains the most popular pre-workout supplement on the planet.
So what’s made NO Xplode so successful? It boils down to BSN’s commitment to continually refine and tweak their product.
Rather than sell the same product year after year, BSN constantly fine-tunes NO Xplode (and the rest of their product line), taking customer feedback into consideration.
The result of their hard work and dedication is a pre-workout supplement that has few rivals.
About BSN NO Xplode
BSN NO Xplode’s chief goal is to give you more energy and more focus to complete grueling workouts. It boosts strength and endurance to increase your workout intensity.
NO Xplode can be used by people of all fitness levels. However, it’s best for beginners and returning bodybuilders. Veteran bodybuilders might find the pre-workout supplement a little lacking for their experienced needs.
It should also be noted that the energy boost from NO Xplode is a bit different than other pre-workout supplements. It’s long-lasting and geared towards muscle growth. It’s not one of those supplements that is going to give you a ridiculous boost of energy right off the bat. Rather, it provides you with what you need to make the most of your workout to build muscle mass.
A plethora of top-quality ingredients give NO Xplode its power. Niacin, creatine, BETA, L-Citrulline, and malate are included. Unfortunately, the NO in the supplement’s name is a little misleading. The nitric oxide benefits are minimal despite being blatantly advertised in NO Xplode’s name.
BSN NO Xplode Ingredients
A single serving of BSN NO Xplode (18.5 g) contains 20 calories.
It contains 5 g carbohydrates, 500 IU vitamin D, 2 mg vitamin B1, 20 mg Niacin, 2 mg vitamin B6, 200 mcg folic acid, 6 mcg vitamin B12, 10 mg pantothenic acid, 125 mg magnesium, 110 mg sodium, and 200 mg potassium.
BSN No Xplode also contains five unique ingredient blends. These are Myogenic Matrix, Endura Shot, Thermic Energy, NO Alpha Fusion, and Shock Composite. Let’s look at each in detail:
Myogenic Matrix (5.1 g) – Formulated with creatine, taurine, dicalcium phosphate, and disodium phosphate, the Myogenic Matrix blend boosts muscle power, mass, and strength while simultaneously reducing bone and joint pain. It also increases mental focus and amplifies muscle hydration.
Endura Shot (2.9 g) – Formulated with Beta-Alanine, the Endura Shot blend boosts muscle strength and endurance.
Thermic Energy (1.3 g) – Formulated with N-Acetyl Tyrosine, basic tyrosine, caffeine, and pterostilbene (a caffeine enhancer), the Thermic Energy blend boosts energy and reduces stress. This particular combination of ingredients helps give the caffeine a long-lasting effect, rather than just a quick jolt.
NO Alpha Fusion (1 g) – Formulated with L-Citrulline Malate and Danshen Extract, the NO Alpha Fusion blend is supposed to boost nitric oxide, resulting in muscle pumps. However, we’ve found that these effects are minimal at best.
Shock Composite (290 mg) – Formulated with DMAE, DL-Phenylalanine, and Toothed Clubmoss Extract, the Shock Composite blend is designed to increase focus and help you hone in on the task at hand. Unfortunately, the dose is too low to provide any noticeable benefit.
Reap the rewards of BSN No Xplode’s unique blend of 30+ ingredients by mixing one scoop of the supplement with 6 ounces of cold water. Drink the mixture about 30 minutes before your workout. Never take more than two scoops per day.
BSN No Xplode Formula Analysis
NO Xplode contains a surprisingly diverse range of ingredients. So how do they perform in unison?
For the most part, NO Xplode accomplishes its formulaic goals. It does a great job boosting muscle mass, endurance, and energy. It also does an okay job boosting mental energy and the mind-muscle connection.
Unfortunately, NO Xplode falls short when it comes to muscle pumps. As we mentioned above, we find this a bit odd since the name big implies nitric oxide pumps.
In that sense, BSN NO Xplode is a fairly typical pre-workout supplement. It’s effective as long as you don’t expect the big pumps implied by its name.
Does BSN No Xplode Have Side Effects?
No real side effects are associated with BSN No Xplode.
The only thing you might experience is a slight flush. Thanks to the inclusion of niacin, some users experience a hot flush that feels somewhat like a sunburn.
Who is BSN NO Xplode for?
Beginners will reap the most rewards from BSN NO Xplode. It’s also great for those returning to bodybuilding after a hiatus. Veterans will probably want to look elsewhere.
Thanks to the high amount of carbs and creatine, those that watch carbs closely might want to avoid No Xplode. The high amount of carbs and creatine will appeal to those that want to beef up their muscles fast.
Our Final Opinion on BSN No Xplode
BSN NO Xplode is one of our favorite pre-workout supplements.
Though we do think that the name could almost be regarded as false advertising, the supplement does everything you could want it to besides providing muscle pumps.
The combination of ingredients provides great gains by boosting strength, endurance, energy, and focus. Simply put, more reps and a longer workout equal more muscle.
If you’ve used No Xplode in the past, you can rest assured that the newest version provides similar results. The main difference between 2016’s version and the original 2004 version is a move towards creatine monohydrate.
Like we’ve mentioned a few times already, our biggest disappointment with BSN No Xplode is the lack of nitric oxide benefits. There are no shirt-tearing pumps here.
The inclusion of the Shock Composite blend also seems to be an afterthought. The amount included in the formula is minimal and provides limited results. We’d like to see them up these ingredients in the future.
Another benefit of BSN No Xplode is its great taste. It’s available in a variety of different flavors which all taste surprisingly good compared to most pre-workout supplements.
Where You Can Find BSN NO Xplode
Find BSN NO Xplode on the shelves at your local vitamin and nutrition retailer.
You can also find the pre-workout supplement at GoBSN.com, the online home of Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition (BSN), or various personal nutrition websites.
BSN NO Xplode generally sells at $29.99 for 30 servings (about $1.00 per serving) and $46.99 for 60 servings (about $0.78 per serving).
