Animal Pak, by Universal, is by far one of the most iconic brands in the sports supplement industry. They’ve built an incredible reputation for producing high quality products geared toward maximizing performance, inside and outside the gym. Animal Pak sponsors some of the best strength and physique competitors and coaches from around the world, including Stefi Cohen, John Jewett, Chris Tuttle, Evan Centopani, and Dan Green.
The product that started it all!
Animal Pak’s parent company, Universal Nutrition, was founded in 1977 in Linden, New Jersey. Shortly after, they moved 22 miles south to New Brunswick, which is still where they’re located today. In 1983, Universal developed the Animal Pak, a comprehensive pack containing various that optimize health and performance-optimizing supplements. Animal Pak quickly became one of the most popular supplements in the industry, and still is today. In 1995, the Animal Pak line introduced Animal Cuts and Animal Stak.
In 2001, Animal Pak broke from Universal and launched its own website and platform. It’s interesting to mention that Animal Pak and Universal are one of the few brands to actually manufacture their own supplements in-house. It allows them to oversee every step of the manufacturing process and ensure quality control. The vast majority of their competition use contract manufacturers.
Animal Pump Pro: No Caffeine, Just Skin-Splitting Pumps and Laser Focus
Animal Pump Pro was created with the help of IFBB Pro John Jewett!
Fast forward to 2020, Animal introduced Animal Pump Pro, a stimulant-free-pre workout developed with the help of IFBB Pro and registered dietitian John Jewett. Animal Pump Pro is an effectively-dosed pre-workout formulated to optimize performance, pumps, and focus. John was inspired to create this caffeine-free pre-workout so he could take any time of day.
The market is saturated with non-stim pre-workouts, but what sets Pump Pro apart from the competition is its simplistic formula. Animal Pak uses Nitrosigine, a patented ingredient from Nutrition 21 that’s clinically proven to maximize pumps and performance. And for even greater pumps and dialed-in focus, they also added L-citrulline, Hydromax, creatine monohydrate, alpha-GPC, huperzine A, electrolytes, and L-tyrosine. Overall, Animal Pump Pro has everything you need for an intense training session, just without the caffeine!
Everything you need to know about Animal Pump Pro is down below, but before you read on, sign up for Animal Pak news and deal alerts to save some cash!
Universal Animal Pump Pro – Deals and Price Drop Alerts
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Animal Pump Pro Ingredient Breakdown
Animal Pump Pro divides its supplement facts panel into three categories: Pump and Cell Volumization Complex, Energy and Focus Matrix, and Electrolytes. The recommended daily dose is two scoops (21g) 20 to 30 minutes pre-workout.
Here’s a breakdown of one Animal Pump Pro serving (two scoops/21g) provides:
Pump and Cell Volumization Complex
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Inositol-Stabilized Arginine Silicate (as Nitrosigine) – 1.5g
Nitrosigine, one of PricePlow’s favorite pump and performance compounds, is a patented ingredient from Nutrition21. It’s composed of three key components: L-arginine, silicate, and inositol.[1] You’ll also see Nitrosigine referred to as inositol-stabilized arginine silicate in the scientific literature.
Move over L-arginine, Nitrosigine (inositol-stabilized arginine silicate) actually makes it work as originally desired!
L-arginine is an amino acid known for its role in protein synthesis and nitric oxide production. In regards to increasing muscular pumps, vascularity, and performance, we’re most concerned about Nitrosignine’s ability to enhance nitric oxide (NO). However, there’s one major issue with pure L-arginine… its poor bioavailability.
Studies have shown that in large amounts, L-arginine is broken down in the stomach before it can be absorbed in the small intestine and used for nitric oxide production (known as the first pass effect). This is why L-citrulline and citrulline malate have dominated the pre-workout category, because they’re able to bypass the first pass effect and are readily absorbed by the body and converted into L-arginine.[2]
Nitrosigine: The arginine we always wanted
For years, L-arginine was placed on the back burner and deemed an ineffective ingredient. However, Nutrition21 came along and created the arginine we always wanted. By binding L-arginine to silicate and adding a small amount of inositol, Nutrition21 fixed the bioavailability issue.[3] Nitrosigine is now quickly becoming one of the most popular ingredients in the sports supplement industry, and for a good reason.
A study conducted by the University of Arkansas found that 1.5 grams of Nitrosigine was just as effective for increasing nitric oxide production and blood flow as 8 grams of citrulline malate .[4] Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to expand, allowing more blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen to be delivered to working muscles.Not only is this advantageous for getting a massive pump, it also improves athletic performance. Furthermore, studies have shown that Nitrosigine boosts energy levels, focus, cognitive flexibility, and recovery; and it reduces inflammation and combats excessive muscular damage.[4-10]It’s no surprise that Nitrosigine is starting to make its way into some of the best selling pre-workouts on the market. Not to mention, Animal Pump Pro uses the full clinically-studied dose, at 1.5 grams per serving, so you can expect to get all of the benefits Nitrosigine has to offer!
A new study found that 1.5g of Nitrosigine was just as effective at boosting nitric oxide levels as 8g of citrulline malate![4]
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Creatine Monohydrate – 5g
The next ingredient included in the Pump and Cell Volumization Complex is creatine monohydrate. We recommend getting at least 3 to 5 grams of creatine per day. So on the days you train, Animal Pump Pro has your daily serving covered!
After caffeine, creatine monohydrate is the most studied ingredient in sports nutrition and it’s proven to be effective and safe.[11] The naturally occurring non-proteinogenic amino acid is primarily found in seafood and red meat.[11] However, in order to get enough from diet alone, you would need to eat plenty of red meat every day, which for most of us is unstainable. So supplementation is a great substitute..
The bodybuilder behind Animal Pump Pro’s formula!
Approximately 95% of creatine is stored in skeletal muscle, with the remainder found in the brain. Creatine can either be free-form or bound to a phosphate group, collectively known as phosphocreatine (PCr). Phosphocreatine plays an important role in replenishing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during high intensity exercise. In order to perform movements, your body converts ATP to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). For a short period of time, PCr donates a phosphate group to ADP to form more ATP, thus providing you with more energy to keep going until other energy systems catch up.[11]
As you can tell, consuming enough creatine on a daily basis helps top-off creatine stores, thus maximizing your ability to produce ATP. Furthermore, creatine draws water into muscle cells, causing them to be more full and enhancing your ability to get a pump. A systematic review published in the International Society of Sports Medicine revealed that creatine monohydrate is an effective ergogenic aid and is useful for improving strength, power output, endurance, recovery, thermoregulation, and may even reduce your risk for injuries.[11] You really just can’t beat a solid dose of creatine when it comes to maximizing your performance.
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L-Citrulline – 4g
To boost nitric oxide levels even further, Animal Pump Pro contains 4 grams of L-citrulline, in addition to the 1.5 grams of Nitrosigine!
Four grams is right where we like to see L-citrulline dosed at and it has a similar mechanism of action as Nitrosigine. L-citrulline is an excellent nitric oxide booster by enhancing L-arginine levels since it bypasses the first pass effect.
L-citrulline is readily absorbed by the body and converted into L-arginine. Afterwards, an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase will act upon L-arginine to create nitric oxide, which causes the blood vessels to vasodilate.[12]
Several clinical trials have shown that citrulline is effective at increasing athletic performance during anaerobic activities and decreasing muscle soreness.[12]
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Glycerol 65% Powder (as HydroMax) – 3g
HydroMax is a high-quality glycerol powder that’s standardized to contain at least 65% glycerol. It’s important to note that glycerol is notorious for clumping, so try to store Animal Pump Pro in a cool and dry environment. While clumping is not ideal, it won’t negatively affect other ingredients.
Pump Up Your Workout using the “Water Way”
You may be wondering, if glycerol causes clumping, what’s the point of using it? Well, it turns out that glycerol’s benefits far outweigh the costs of a few clumps.
Glycerol is a sugar alcohol that promotes hyperhydration. Just like it attracts moisture outside of the body (in your supplement powder, for instance), it also retains more water in the body.[13] Thus, while Nitrosigine and L-citrulline shuttle loads of blood to your muscles, glycerol and creatine monohydrate pull in a good amount of water. The synergistic effect is the ultimate pump!
In addition to enhancing your pumps, glycerol boosts muscular endurance, cardiovascular efficiency, promotes adequate hydration, and helps maintain thermoregulation.[13-20] If you tend to sweat a lot or workout in hot environments, glycerol is a phenomenal ingredient to add to your supplement stack.
Energy and Focus Matrix
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L-Tyrosine – 2g
Animal Pump Pro kicks off the Energy and Focus Matrix with PricePlow’s favorite supplemental tyrosine. There are two forms of tyrosine most commonly used in dietary supplements, L-tyrosine and N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (NALT). We prefer to see L-tyrosine on the label because despite the fact that NALT is water soluble and crosses the blood brain barrier, it barely increases plasma levels of tyrosine in the body. Whereas, L-tyrosine significantly enhances tyrosine levels for hours after ingestion.[21]
Animal Pump Pro is one of IFBB Pro Chris Tuttle’s staples!
Tyrosine is classified as a non-essential amino acid since the body can create it using other amino acids, such as phenylalanine. Tyrosine plays a role in numerous physiological functions, most notably, serving as a precursor to key neurotransmitters, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are important for cell-to-cell communication. Thus, having sufficient levels can help boost cognitive function, mental focus, physical performance, and mind-to-muscle connection.[22,23]
Both norepinephrine and epinephrine are involved in sympathetic nervous system activity, especially during stressful situations (including exercise). Dopamine, on the other hand, is responsible for your sense of well-being and contributes to reward, motivation, memory, mood, and pleasure. Research has shown that supplementing with L-tyrosine results in better cognitive function and mood, while it also helps you adapt to and overcome stress.[22,23]
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L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC) 50% Powder – 600mg
Alpha-GPC, short for L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine, is a supplemental form of choline. It’s classified as an essential nutrient. Choline is primarily found in animal-based foods, including egg yolks and fish. Thus, if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, supplementing with choline is oftentimes necessary in order to get the recommended daily allowance. Fortunately, Animal Pump Pro provides a solid 600 milligrams of highly-bioavailable supplemental alpha-GPC.
Check out more Animal Pak supplements on their website!
Alpha-GPC is useful for increasing acetylcholine levels and serves as a direct precursor to maximizing performance. Acetylcholine is one of the most important neurotransmitters for initiating muscular contractions. Therefore, having adequate levels during exercise is advantageous. Acetylcholine is primarily located within the neuromuscular junction, where nerves communicate with muscles.[24]
Intense or prolonged bouts of exercise tend to deplete acetylcholine levels, which is why supplementing with an exogenous source can make a dramatic difference. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that compared to taking a placebo, participants supplementing with 600 milligrams of alpha-GPC per day had a significant increase in lower body force production and strength after just six days.[25] Other studies have found that alpha-GPC may enhance cognitive function, muscular strength, and even growth hormone levels.[25-27]
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Huperzine A (from Huperzia Serrata Extract (whole grass)) – 100mcg
Huperzine A is derived from Huperzia serrata, a whole grass extract. InAnimal Pump Pro, it works synergistically with alpha-GPC to keep acetylcholine levels topped off.
Nutrition21 is a leader in the industry and takes huge steps towards making supplements safer, more effective, and transparent!
There’s an enzyme in the body called acetylcholinesterase. Its primary function is to break down acetylcholine. When attempting to maximize focus, mind-to-muscle connection, and performance, the last thing we want is to burn through acetylcholine Fortunately, huperzine A expresses the ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, thus reducing acetylcholine metabolization .[28]
So while alpha-GPC increases acetylcholine levels, huperzine A ensures that levels stay elevated longer. Some studies have even found that huperzine A has potent neuroprotective properties, which is just another Animal Pump Pro benefit![28]
Electrolytes
To further promote hydration, pumps, and performance, Animal Pump Pro includes the following electrolytes:
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Sodium (from 400mg Sea Salt) – 140mg (7% DV)
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Potassium – 75mg (2% DV)
Animal Pump Pro Flavors
Animal Pump Pro comes in a variety of refreshing flavors, including green apple, blue ice pop, and strawberry lemonade. You also have the choice between a 20-serving or 30-serving tub..
Here’s an updated list of available Animal Pump Pro flavors:
Animal Pump Pro: Unleash Your Inner Animal
If you’re on the hunt for a pre-workout that will give you insane pumps, focus, and performance, without upping your stimulant intake, then Animal Pump Pro is a solid choice. It’s great to see the company make improvements that keep their supplements up to date with evolving science .
Unlock your true potential with Animal Pump Pro!
Animal Pak also revamps old formulas to give loyal customers more options. PricePlow is excited to see that the company is working with some of the top ingredient suppliers in the industry, like Nutrition21. Incorporating cutting-edge ingredients like Nitrosigine is a great way to stay relevant.
In just the past few years, Animal Pak started collaborating with athletes to formulate superior supplements. For example, they teamed up with professional bodybuilder, Evan Centopani, to create Animal Meal, a whole-food based meal replacement. They also partnered with John Jewett to formulate Animal Pump Pro.
Whenever Animal Pak releases a supplement in collaboration with one of their athletes, that product becomes an instant bestseller. We expect more to come in the future!
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Universal Animal Pump Pro – Deals and Price Drop Alerts
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