Amino Vital FOCUS ZONE

[Asleep]

I'm a Gatorade guy from way back -- original lemon-lime liquid or powder. I like the taste, I like the sugar, and I think Gator helps keep me hydrated. I do not like the taste of the newer incarnations of the Gator.

 

So when Amino Vital offered our moderating team the chance to try their FOCUS ZONE product, I wasn't necessarily jumping at the opportunity. I'm not big on changing my routine. But what the heck -- I see a lot of tour players using their product.

 

 

We took our flagship product and asked PGA Tour Pros how we could make it better. Based on their feedback we are proud to offer FOCUS ZONE, featuring 2400mg of our proprietary amino acid blend, including glutamine, arginine and 3 BCAAs, plus Electrolytes and a healthy dose of Vitamin C.

 

FOCUS ZONE will power you through the toughest course conditions, providing energy for your muscles and fueling your mind for peak mental clarity to help you stay focused through 18 holes and play your best consistently.

 

 

Sounds good enough, but I have no idea what all that stuff is. And I don't want to get the advanced degree necessary to understand it. So what do I go on?

 

• 
   
  
• Professionals: I'm hearing most (up to 75%) guys on the PGA Tour use Amino Vital. If it's not a plus, I doubt all of those players would be putting it in their bodies. The numbers don't lie.
   
  
• Convenience: The individual packets are made for ~16 oz. bottles. Tear it off, pour it in, shake it up ... bang, you're good to go. BYOB -- bring your own bottle & fill as needed.
   
  
• Taste: FOCUS ZONE surprised me here. I expected to get some type of nasty Sweet 'n Low overtone that I hate -- nothing of the sort. I actually like the taste of both flavors. I like it a lot. I like the taste better than my original Gatorade. Grape is grapey, lemon is not too tart, neither is too sweet. If it tasted bad, I won't use it ... period. AV-FZ wins on this point.
   
  
• Performance: My experience is this seems to do what it's supposed to. I'm hydrated, don't have to fight the dehydrating effects of sugar, and I have all those amino acids & other goodies in my system. We're out of the hottest (100*) season here, but still have some high 80s days with humidity. One FOCUS ZONE before the round, one during. No issues. No falloff in scoring at the end of a round (which is atypical for me, anyway.) Layman's view: FOCUS ZONE gets the job done.
  

 

So the upshot for me is: I'm not buying any more Gatorade from cart girls. Sorry, girls ... sorry about those tips, too. I'm going to stick with this Amino Vital FOCUS ZONE amnioglutealkryptonelectrolysis stuff. If I enjoyed a beer or three during a round, I would definitely suggest supplementing with Amino Vital.

 

I know I'm going against the "Gator-gorilla" here, but this time the little guy got it right. :drinks:

 

...................

 

These are my own opinions -- those who know me know you get the truth from me, or my truth anyway. I'm sure some of the other Mods will chime in with a variety of viewpoints. :)

[hbear]

what do these use as a sweetner? Sucralose? Splena? Aspartame?

nm looked on the website and it's got the brain rotting Aspartame in it....I'll pass.

[magpie]

They make a naturally sugared drink called "Endurance". That's the one I use. Focus zone is pretty good and easy to carry in your bag. On the really hot days I'll go through 6-10 16oz bottles of the endurance powder in 18 holes. Good stuff, imo.

[MrParr1Noid]

what do these use as a sweetner? Sucralose? Splena? Aspartame?

 

nm looked on the website and it's got the brain rotting Aspartame in it....I'll pass.

 

 

Aspartame you say? Brain rotting? Does this stuff mess you up like alcohol, tobacco, fatty foods, and not exercising? You mean like that?

 

I remember back in the day, there was this scare with regard to eating jellied cranberries, and the use of #2 red dye was supposed to have caused cancer in rats. The thing is, the study was based on each rat ingested (2) quarts of cranberries a day, then after 8 years there could be a high incidence of a certain type of cancer.

 

You mean brain rotting like that?

 

p.s. I've just recently started ingesting using Focus Zone during my morning cardio exercise, and it 's too soon to tell if or how much it is helping but I do like the taste of the grape... Easy to mix / use...

[BigLeftyinAZ]

The stuff works,I'm able to feel a difference. when I just take one as I'm warming up on the range, I notice it wearing off during the back nine and don't notice that issue when I use another one mid round.

[ZBigStick]

I am not sure Amino Vital is the little guy, but the stuff works!

Almost all pros use some type of hydrating system and Amino Vital is one of the best. This product tastes better than some of their other products, and is lower in amino acids than their products aimed at higher stress exercises.

I have tried Pure Focus, which is also good, and will likely try out NUUN as well.

[mister2cool]

I started drinking this stuff this season and really liked it. I also use their Fast Charge as well.

[yoshiod9]

I got a bunch of the Focus stuff for free from Amino Vital for filling out a questionnaire on their site. Seemed to work alright with all of the 100*+ golf days of the summer. Absolutely cannot stand the grape flavor, though. Tastes exactly like Dimetapp. Yuck. I'm looking to get the Lemon flavor next.

[MikeMo]

I use the grape flavor and love it! I couldn't agree more with your review Asleep.

[JHCHOP]

I like both flavors and absolutely works for me. Can really tell on the back 9 and can REALLY tell on very hot days on the back nine.

[MrParr1Noid]

I"m not for certain whether or not this pertains to the use of FOCUS ZONE But! only this past week, numerous women have alluded to the fact that I seem to be lots better looking than I used to be... . I'm not sure but it might have something to do with the "Grape" flavored one...

 

Go Amino Vital!

[hzppby]

I haven't been able to find any of this in stores.. Can it only be bought online?

[puttnforthe8]

[quote name='hzppby' timestamp='1287978496' post='2757749']
I haven't been able to find any of this in stores.. Can it only be bought online?


[/quote]

I only found it online.

[color=#1C2837] [url="http://www.amino-vital.com/golf.aspx"][b]Amino Vital[/b][/url] [/color]

[putt4_66]

[quote name='hzppby' timestamp='1287978496' post='2757749']
I haven't been able to find any of this in stores.. Can it only be bought online?


[/quote]

I buy it locally at Vitamin Shoppe.

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/

[Golfdawg]

No offense but this stuff is very over priced, and again in the long run maybe you won’t save hundreds, all I am going to say is shop around. Intra-workout supplementation is becoming more and more studied and some pretty good research out there. All of would benefit from proper nutrition and supplements while playing a round, or training for golf. Those of us that can spend 2 or 3 hours on the range pounding balls down range can benefit as well.

[hbear]

[quote name='MrParr1Noid' timestamp='1287694660' post='2753153']
[quote name='hbear' timestamp='1287591315' post='2751238']
what do these use as a sweetner? Sucralose? Splena? Aspartame?

nm looked on the website and it's got the brain rotting Aspartame in it....I'll pass.
[/quote]


Aspartame you say? Brain rotting? Does this stuff mess you up like alcohol, tobacco, fatty foods, and not exercising? You mean like that?

[/quote]

Don't see how any of that relates.
Are you suggesting alcohol, tobacco, fatty foods, and not exercising are "good for your body/golf game" as well?

As linking those examples to my comment on aspartame seems like you are saying here are a number of things we know are not great for you as well which them by default makes aspartame ok....

Now do I actually believe aspartame REALLY rots the brain? Nope, but I can ALWAYS tell when a drink is sweetened with it. There is a strange chemical taste to me, AND for me it DOES cause a head ache. Now I may be a "n of 1" but for anything that gets into my body, that's all that matters to me.

Like I said I'll pass.
I'll take my chances with sugar and it's evil calories over a chemical sweetner. I might even put a few 1000 more meters on my rower to compensate.

[yoshiod9]

I"m not for certain whether or not this pertains to the use of FOCUS ZONE But! only this past week, numerous women have alluded to the fact that I seem to be lots better looking than I used to be... . I'm not sure but it might have something to do with the "Grape" flavored one...

 

Go Amino Vital!

 

I guess I'll have to stick to the grape flavored mix, then... haha. :drinks:

[doodle_doodle]

I have a severe performance deficit on the back nine. One of my worst scenarios: hit a 40 on the front and then a 55 on the back. I've tried Gatorade, protein drinks, candy bars, cardio triaining but none seem to quell this performance issue. I'm looking forward to trying out Amino Vital and maybe some of their other products but if anyone has any other suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[nrhanson]

[quote name='doodle_doodle' timestamp='1288133396' post='2760795']
I have a severe performance deficit on the back nine. One of my worst scenarios: hit a 40 on the front and then a 55 on the back. I've tried Gatorade, protein drinks, candy bars, cardio triaining but none seem to quell this performance issue. I'm looking forward to trying out Amino Vital and maybe some of their other products but if anyone has any other suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks.


[/quote]


Rant begin


Not trying to be too rude, but protein bars, shakes, gatorade and candy bars aren't the answer. Those are all just sugar and manufactured crap that shouldn't go in the body. Try this. Eat fruits, veggies, lean meats and proteins, nuts and seeds (on the course good beef jerky, leftover chicken, and fruit works as a great snack). If that doesn't do it, it's probably a fitness thing. Cardio is great, but you probably aren't strong enough either. Maybe look into crossfit or p90X.

Rant over

On the course you should eat some real food and drink water. As great as these drinks are they weren't around 50 years ago and they aren't necessary for the "rigors" of golf now.

[doodle_doodle]

[quote name='nrhanson' timestamp='1288135998' post='2760847']
[quote name='doodle_doodle' timestamp='1288133396' post='2760795']
I have a severe performance deficit on the back nine. One of my worst scenarios: hit a 40 on the front and then a 55 on the back. I've tried Gatorade, protein drinks, candy bars, cardio triaining but none seem to quell this performance issue. I'm looking forward to trying out Amino Vital and maybe some of their other products but if anyone has any other suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks.


[/quote]


Rant begin


Not trying to be too rude, but protein bars, shakes, gatorade and candy bars aren't the answer. Those are all just sugar and manufactured crap that shouldn't go in the body. Try this. Eat fruits, veggies, lean meats and proteins, nuts and seeds (on the course good beef jerky, leftover chicken, and fruit works as a great snack). If that doesn't do it, it's probably a fitness thing. Cardio is great, but you probably aren't strong enough either. Maybe look into crossfit or p90X.

Rant over

On the course you should eat some real food and drink water. As great as these drinks are they weren't around 50 years ago and they aren't necessary for the "rigors" of golf now.
[/quote]

You're not being rude at all.

Last December I started an exercise/diet regimen which resulted in the loss of 20 pounds and an increase of 10-15 yards on nearly each of my clubs. I did a lot of strength training but coupled it with circuit training and supersets which had my heart level increased for a long period of time. This off-season I'm going to try less emphasis on strength training and more on conditioning, much like the p90x routine. I'm looking for anything that might help me maintain my stamina, endurance and focus. These things are obviously something that many of us have trouble with - that's why products like Amino Vital are developed and marketed. I intend to try Amino Vital someday but until then I will solicit any and all suggestions on how I can help overcome my weaknesses, although I do understand that Father Time can not be defeated. And the protein drinks I used during the round are the same protein drinks I use for my post-workout recovery - they have zero carbs thus no sugars.

Thanks for the reply.

[JHCHOP]

Hey Double Doodle
I suffered from the same thing. Oddly, it was invisible to me, but some playing friends pointed out how I predictably had a big lapse around #12 that stayed with me anywhere from a few holes to the end of the round. These things are matters of degrees, so what worked for me, may not be useful, but this is what I did.

An hour before my warm up, I get something in my systems to get the metabolism cooking. On #1, I have a bottle of amino vital focus. During the first 9, I just sip water to stay hydrated. At the turn, I DO NOT EAT .... a meal of any kind that is (I used to grab a dog). I do eat a small bag of nuts, usually cashews and drink another bottle of focus. I'll have fruit in my bag and small bags of nuts as well, and sometimes - not always - will dip into the fruit or nuts.

Not only has this routine solved my problem, my back nine score is usually much better now. I finish 18 and can go right to #1 again. I'm not saying that this is the silver bullet for you, but this completely worked for me. Good luck

[doodle_doodle]

[quote name='JHCHOP' timestamp='1288363356' post='2764914']
Hey Double Doodle
I suffered from the same thing. Oddly, it was invisible to me, but some playing friends pointed out how I predictably had a big lapse around #12 that stayed with me anywhere from a few holes to the end of the round. These things are matters of degrees, so what worked for me, may not be useful, but this is what I did.

An hour before my warm up, I get something in my systems to get the metabolism cooking. On #1, I have a bottle of amino vital focus. During the first 9, I just sip water to stay hydrated. At the turn, I DO NOT EAT .... a meal of any kind that is (I used to grab a dog). I do eat a small bag of nuts, usually cashews and drink another bottle of focus. I'll have fruit in my bag and small bags of nuts as well, and sometimes - not always - will dip into the fruit or nuts.

Not only has this routine solved my problem, my back nine score is usually much better now. I finish 18 and can go right to #1 again. I'm not saying that this is the silver bullet for you, but this completely worked for me. Good luck
[/quote]

Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it. Seems a lot of people are using Amino Vital Focus so maybe it isn't just hype. I'll be sure to try your routine, it's just gonna be a while until I try it out because I'm not a big fan of playing in the cold weather here in the northeast. Thanks again.

[scotchblade]

This may be a bit old fashioned, but what about a good night's sleep (8-10 hours), plenty of water and a food source based on plants and animals?

The poster above (nrhanson) has it right. Sugary, processed sports drinks and energy bars are not the answer.

[doodle_doodle]

[quote name='scotchblade' timestamp='1288642910' post='2769229']
This may be a bit old fashioned, but what about a good night's sleep (8-10 hours), plenty of water and a food source based on plants and animals?

The poster above (nrhanson) has it right. Sugary, processed sports drinks and energy bars are not the answer.
[/quote]

I tried sleep, water and healthy food. Doesn't help. I've tried sugary, processed sports drinks and energy bars. Doesn't help.

[putt4_66]

[quote name='doodle_doodle' timestamp='1288725222' post='2770688']
[quote name='scotchblade' timestamp='1288642910' post='2769229']
This may be a bit old fashioned, but what about a good night's sleep (8-10 hours), plenty of water and a food source based on plants and animals?

The poster above (nrhanson) has it right. Sugary, processed sports drinks and energy bars are not the answer.
[/quote]

I tried sleep, water and healthy food. Doesn't help. I've tried sugary, processed sports drinks and energy bars. Doesn't help.
[/quote]

I'm hypersensitive to medications and supplements. For example, 1/2 of one of those little 5 Hour Energy drinks will make me jittery and keep me awake for about 20 hours. Most energy supplements make my mind race and are detrimental to my golf game.

I have an extremely stressful life and don't always get enough sleep or eat right. I do use Amino Vital products, but I have found something else that really helps me to have more energy physically and mentally, and feel completely normal. No jitters or any negative effects. It's a product from Vitamin Shoppe called "Super Energy Up." It's all natural. No caffeine. I would highly recommend it. Here's a link to see the product and read about it if you are interested.

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-1206

FWIW, I also seem to sleep better at night on the days that I take it.

[doodle_doodle]

[quote name='putt4_66' timestamp='1288728205' post='2770771']
[quote name='doodle_doodle' timestamp='1288725222' post='2770688']
[quote name='scotchblade' timestamp='1288642910' post='2769229']
This may be a bit old fashioned, but what about a good night's sleep (8-10 hours), plenty of water and a food source based on plants and animals?

The poster above (nrhanson) has it right. Sugary, processed sports drinks and energy bars are not the answer.
[/quote]

I tried sleep, water and healthy food. Doesn't help. I've tried sugary, processed sports drinks and energy bars. Doesn't help.
[/quote]

I'm hypersensitive to medications and supplements. For example, 1/2 of one of those little 5 Hour Energy drinks will make me jittery and keep me awake for about 20 hours. Most energy supplements make my mind race and are detrimental to my golf game.

I have an extremely stressful life and don't always get enough sleep or eat right. I do use Amino Vital products, but I have found something else that really helps me to have more energy physically and mentally, and feel completely normal. No jitters or any negative effects. It's a product from Vitamin Shoppe called "Super Energy Up." It's all natural. No caffeine. I would highly recommend it. Here's a link to see the product and read about it if you are interested.

[url="http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-1206"]http://www.vitaminsh....jsp?id=VS-1206[/url]

FWIW, I also seem to sleep better at night on the days that I take it.
[/quote]

Thanks! I'll give that a try as well.

[scotchblade]

[quote name='putt4_66' timestamp='1288728205' post='2770771']
I have an extremely stressful life and don't always get enough sleep or eat right.
[/quote]
It's easy for me to suggest getting 8 hours of sleep when I am semi-retired and have no kids.

You probably know this, but I'll say it anyway. This is not directed at you personally, but anyone working and raising a family in our brave, new world.

[b]Stress is not good for you![/b]

My poor bro-in-law gets 4 hours of sleep and starts his day with Red Bull. No matter where he goes, his Bluetooth is implanted in his ear, work follows him everywhere. After his ten hour day (on four hours sleep), he comes home to three teenagers. I am seriously concerned about his health, let alone his quality of life.

I don't know what the answer is, but I do hope we can figure out a way to slow down and unclutter our lives, if only just a little.

[putt4_66]

[quote name='scotchblade' timestamp='1288737113' post='2770983']
[quote name='putt4_66' timestamp='1288728205' post='2770771']
I have an extremely stressful life and don't always get enough sleep or eat right.
[/quote]
It's easy for me to suggest getting 8 hours of sleep when I am semi-retired and have no kids.

You probably know this, but I'll say it anyway. This is not directed at you personally, but anyone working and raising a family in our brave, new world.

[b]Stress is not good for you![/b]

My poor bro-in-law gets 4 hours of sleep and starts his day with Red Bull. No matter where he goes, his Bluetooth is implanted in his ear, work follows him everywhere. After his ten hour day (on four hours sleep), he comes home to three teenagers. I am seriously concerned about his health, let alone his quality of life.

I don't know what the answer is, but I do hope we can figure out a way to slow down and unclutter our lives, if only just a little.
[/quote]

I took no offense. My stress is due to a job I hate, even with an understanding owner, and my wife's chronic and serious health issues.

We are big on not getting caught up in the stressful routines we see others take on. We simplify the best we can. But, when you don't have your health, you just deal with it.

[doodle_doodle]

I think we all know what is good for our lives, i.e., plenty of rest, wholesome food, avoidance of sugar, less stress, etc. But for whatever reason, either we can't or don't get enough of these things. Or, when we do follow a healthy and strong path, we still see some deficit in our game. This is what, I believe, this thread is about. We are looking for something a little extra that will assist our game or our enjoyment of the game whether the deficit is from an unhealthy lifestyle, genetics, age, injury, etc.