For the last few months I’ve been trying out and reviewing GNC’s new Beyond Raw line.  I first tried out RAVAGE and talked about how much horsepower it has and how bad-ass I was in the gym with it.  Then I reviewed Re-Built Mass, where I talked about my fears with weight gainers but showed you my real-life measurements and stats as to how it helped me build muscle and lose fat at the same time. This week I’m reviewing GNC’s Beyond Raw Refine. Refine is a Thermogenic.  What’s a thermogenic, you ask? Simply put, it’s a fat burner. There are a few reasons why I don’t like fat burners but the main reason is that  lot of people think it’s a magic pill that will give them abs and that they can eat whatever they want and not workout and they’ll lose weight as long as they’re taking this fat burner.  Obviously this isn’t true.  The key to being healthy and lean and losing weight is based on what you eat and how you exercise. Period. This being said, if a thermogenic is taken properly and on the right diet and exercise program, it can kick-start your day and give you a bit of an edge when it comes to burning calories, burning fat, having energy all day long or in the gym and it can help your body recover. According to GNC Refine is the following: Ultra Thermogenic and Metabolic Igniter Powerful Thermogenic Agents Trigger Dramatic Pre-Training Caloric Burn* Potent Thermogenic Formula For Rapid Rush And Fatty Acid Metabolism* Fuels Extreme Physique Repartitioning Workouts And Promotes Anabolic Drive* Hardcore Metabolic Stack Provides Blistering Intensity And Ignites Metabolism* CAUTION: – This product contains extremely potent concentrations of muscle fuel. It is designed to provide experienced athletes with explosive gains, bursts of energy and massive anabolic surges. Use only if you are ready to take your workout to the next level of athletic performance. * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. After researching and looking into what Refine does, I decided to try it two different ways during two periods of time. The first way I took it was 30 minutes before my workout to see what kind of energy it gave me to get it done in the gym.  Unlike their other pre-workout, Ravage, Refine didn’t get me all jacked up and ready to destroy the gym (which I liked), but it did give me a little boost and let me workout longer than I normally would.  I didn’t get any shakes, my mind didn’t get foggy and my body could just keep going without a caffeine high. The second way I took Refine was first thing in the morning, with my breakfast, and personally, this is how I prefered to take it.  It gave me a nice little start to my day, I could feel the thermogenic kick in with my metabolism working harder and by taking it in the morning, as opposed to before my workout, let me continue to use Ravage as my pre-workout and keep killing it in the gym. Overall, I was happy with Refine, but to be honest, it was my least favorite of the three GNC Beyond Raw supplements that I tried.  I’m not going to say it doesn’t work because it definitely does what it says what it does, it just isn’t for me.  But if you’re looking for a good thermogenic, and help your training, this may be for you. As always I’m going to state that not all pre and post supplements are for everyone.  It’s taken me a long time to find ones that I like.  I know my own medical history and I know what supplements I can handle and which I can’t.  If you have high blood pressure, are on any medication, have any heart problems or any other medical issues, PLEASE seek medical advice before trying these or any other supplements.  If you’re not sure, ask. When it comes to your health it’s better to be safe, than sorry.  ...