Bodybuilding.com - Supplement Scams: The New Improved HCF-1.

Printable page

Did you know?
Periodization is also called Cycle Training, a predetermined approach to strength and muscle building in which bodybuilders train light for several weels, then heavier, and then really heavy, and the process is cycled. Helps avoid injury and burnout.

In my last article, I introduced you to a new supplement, HCF-1. This all brings up a great question? just how do I know what to look for in a supplement, and how do I avoid being duped and taken advantage of?

Supplement Scams: The New Improved HCF-1.

By: Bob Cicherillo

Many of you read my article on the newest sensation to hit the market... HCF-1 (Helium Creatine Factor).

Many tried to ORDER it. Many more than you would think. We kept track of inquiries into purchasing our super supplement... a staggering 846 Ronnie-wanna-be's tried to purchase it. Out of the number of people that viewed the article, 68% thought it was a real supplement.

How Do I Avoid Getting Scammed

Why the early April fools day? Simple. We were curious as to just how gullible people have become in today's booming supplement market. It seems there's another new product out every week, each claiming to be better, bigger, more efficient, better tasting, anabolic like effects, etc.

This all brings up a great question... just how do I know what to look for in a supplement, and how do I avoid being duped and taken advantage of?

1: Knowledge Is Power.

2: If It Seems To Good To Be True, It Probably Is.

In order to be effective, you have to make a product appeal not only to the perspective buyers mind, but the true heart of the matter ...people's ambitions.

Claims that seem outrageous... ARE.

Keep these catch phrases in mind:

"Studies have shown..." What studies? Whose studies? Studies that were performed by the company trying to sell you the product, that's who.
"New and improved..." I thought the LAST stuff they put out was supposed to be the best money could buy; now by some miracle... it's BETTER!
"Anabolic like effects" There are products out there that give anabolic like effects... they're called ANABOLICS.

Listen, the real culprit here is the ever hopeful unveiling of "THE MAGIC PILL"! The diamond in the rough, the hidden secret shared by all the pro's, the super supplement that will put 50 lbs. of muscle on you without actually having to lift weights.

Don't get me wrong, there are great supplements out there and technology has improved them tremendously since the late, great 80's. What were talking about here are the companies making promises, potions, and powders while knowingly delivering sub-par, cheap stuff to unsuspecting young bodybuilders.

Another sure scam is the 50 lb. Container of 100% Whey protein for $10.00 ...a real "steal of a deal"! These products are guaranteed to be loaded with fillers, binders and God knows what else.

What Should You Look For In A Protein Powder?
There are many things you need to consider when trying to choose what protein product will best suit your needs. I will go over those things in this article...
[ Click here to learn more. ]

There are companies that have been around for many years in the industry. There is good reason that these companies have stood the test of time, as well as the ever changing climate of the supplement world. Big time companies have everything to lose and nothing to gain by scamming or listing items that don't exist, or selling you sub par product. This isn't to say that new companies can't be what they claim, or be on the up and up... just be aware that reputation in this industry goes a long way, and it takes a l o o o o o n g time to establish trust amongst bodybuilders.

This brings us back to the original article that was written, HCF-1 Super Supplement: The Future Of Sports? Why were people so eager to order this faux hoax of a supplement? Some people were quick to notice that this was a joke, and not to be taken seriously... many others weren't sure, and more people that we'd like to admit actually believed it and wanted to send their money in... TODAY!

I've split the group that believed in HCF-1 into 2 groups:

Group 1 - Very young, naive bodybuilders that simply need more experience in life.
Group 2 - Guys looking for the secret entrance to Mount Olympus.

What guys have to realize is that while there are a host of great supplements out there to help you on your journey, the very definition of the word SUPPLEMENT should give you a better clue of what to expect. A supplement is just that... an extra, in addition to, in place of. If one were to "supplement" their income, they would most likely get a SECOND job to supplement their FIRST job.

Your body is made to process and digest REAL food, first and foremost... THEN you add in what supplements you wish to complete your dietary requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, don't be so quick to believe everything you read, everything you hear, and every ad you see. Always remember the golden rule:

"IF IT SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS..."

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:
What Are Your Top 3 Supplements?

Which three supplements would you take if you could only choose three and why? Please give your detailed answer about why you chose these three. You can use brand names if you want, or just a generic answer like "creatine".
Don't discuss any other topic in this section. ONLY discuss the question above.
The best response will get $50 in credit to use in our online store! The other good responses will be used in an article on the main Bodybuilding.com site, with the poster's forum name listed by it.

[ Click here to view this weeks topic & discuss it with others for your chance to win $50 in free supplements. ]