An initial scan of a customer database confirmed that a person with the same name and matching location of the student in question had indeed purchased one bottle of 30 count Alpha BRAIN® in October 2013.  While the article does not mention the lot number shown on the bottle, the two batches that were in circulation at that time were marked #215300, and #135000.  Both of those lots had been independently tested for banned & illegal substances including amphetamines by one of the top labs in the country BSCG (Banned Substances Control Group).  A complete list of potential substances screened for by BSCG can be found here. The certificates are published below:

Alpha BRAIN® Drug Free Certification Lot #135000

Alpha BRAIN® Drug Free Certification Lot #215300

Commenting on this situation, founder of Onnit Aubrey Marcus said:  “We can say unequivocally that there are no amphetamines or other banned substances in Alpha BRAIN®.  We electively test every batch of Alpha BRAIN® at our own expense to ensure that our products are free of any banned or illegal substances. This type of testing is not required, but we at Onnit hold ourselves to a different standard, with nothing short of impeccability as our goal.”

Both potential batches that the bottle might have come from were screened, and showed no presence of any banned substances including any in the class of amphetamines.

The article mentions that the initial test of Alpha BRAIN® was positive for “amphetamines” in general, but that “it had not yet been confirmed with the state toxicology lab, and that false positives had been known to occur.”  Commenting on the potential circumstances that could generate a false positive, Oliver Catlin, president of BCSG said “When conducting initial testing on possible drug substances law enforcement personnel often use non-specific drug testing kits that react to a group of compounds in a particular class in order to narrow down what drug might be present.  It is possible for these types of kits to react to other substances that are present but are not illegal.  Alpha BRAIN® contains a blend of ingredients each with unique chemical properties, and it is possible one of the ingredients triggered an initial positive result.  To confirm Initial results mass spectrometry testing is usually performed, which definitively determines whether an illegal drug is present or not.  Alpha BRAIN® batches are regularly tested as part of the BSCG Certified Drug Free supplement certification program.  Our testing protocol uses liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LCMS) and covers more than 145 drugs including amphetamines in general and several forms of ‘ecstasy’ drugs specifically.  None of the Alpha BRAIN® batches we have tested were found to contain amphetamines or any other banned or illegal drug.”

The banned substances control group (BSCG) was founded by Dr. Don Catlin who created the first anti-doping lab in the United States in 1982.  According to the website the Catlin team has provided testing services to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), MLB, NFL, NCAA, the U.S. military, several Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.

Many of the organizations listed above are responsible for testing some of the athletes who take Onnit products, including Alpha BRAIN®.  Commenting on the situation, Olympian Trey Hardee said, “I have taken Onnit products 30 minutes prior to being tested for competition.  I’ve never had a single issue.”  Cub Swanson, top 10 MMA fighter, echoed the sentiment adding “I take Alpha BRAIN® before I fight, and I’ve been tested without incident.”

Commenting further on the situation, Aubrey Marcus said “It is clear to us that this situation is likely the result of one of two scenarios.  Either a false positive was triggered on an actual unadulterated Alpha BRAIN® capsule, or something else had been placed inside the Alpha BRAIN® bottle.”

Onnit is currently attempting to reach out to the publishers of the article and any interested parties to provide the testing results and information present.  For further information or to reach Onnit please contact Jennifer@onnit.com.

The post Alpha BRAIN® Banned Substance Testing Protocol and Results appeared first on Onnit Academy.

“Onnit is excited to be the exclusive partner and supplement provider for Floatation Locations and we’re looking forward to helping float centers across the world get powered by Onnit. Their commitment and involvement with the industry is not only impressive, but extremely vital to the growth of this thriving industry,” said Onnit VP of Sales, Bobby Rosales.

An isolation or float tank, also referred to as a sensory deprivation tank, is a lightless, soundproof tank inside which subjects float in salt water at skin temperature. They were first used by John C. Lilly, a medical practitioner and a neuro-psychiatrist, in 1954 to test the effects of sensory deprivation. Such tanks are now also used for meditation and relaxation and in alternative medicine.

According to Floatation Locations, “Isolation tanks offer many benefits for the user including stress relief, pain management, improved athletic performance and much more. Proven by over fifty years of clinical research, as well as anecdotal evidence.”

Onnit founder, Aubrey Marcus remarked, “Floating is one of the most important modalities for expanding consciousness and facilitating psychic recovery.  I am thrilled to be partnered with Floatation Locations, not only because they provide a valuable service to individuals looking to float, but they have also been great about spreading the word on how our targeted supplements like Alpha BRAIN® and New MOOD® can create synergy with the floating modality.”

Floatation Locations has a comprehensive search engine to help floaters and manufactures alike find local float locations. They also educate new floaters on how to maximize the float experience and feature premium advertising for floatation tank businesses. The Onnit-Floatation Locations partnership aspires to “become the industry’s hub” and are proud to be an integral part of driving this industry forward, according to Rosales.

“Similar to Onnit’s motto of ‘Total Human Optimization’ we are always looking for ways to improve our performance in everyday life.  We are health conscious entrepreneurs with a desire to make a positive impact in the world we live in. Our company was bootstrapped with one main focus: to give the most value possible to the float community. We understand this commitment and have the audacity to achieve our goals. Our vision at Floatation Locations is not limited to our advertising platforms so we incorporate other talents and expertise into our business.  Collectively, we have over 22 years of involvement in the natural product industry. We share the same beliefs that nutrition is top priority, followed by superior supplementation and exploration into unconventional training methods. Therefore, partnering with a company that mirrored our values of honesty and integrity was of utmost importance,” commented a Floatation Locations representative.

“The float industry has grown exponentially, over the last five years, and will continue to thrive as more people get exposed to this powerful healing tool. Our relationships with float centers and manufacturers, along with ONNIT’s impressive staff, effective products, and public reach, will maximize exposure to this amazing industry. It is clear that ONNIT is the ideal partner for us and we look forward to many years of health, growth and prosperity together.”

Onnit products recommended for floating by Onnit founder, Aubrey Marcus, and Floatation Locations include Alpha BRAIN®, New Mood®, Melatonin 5, and Earth Grown Nutrients.

For more information visit onnit.com and floatationlocations.com.

Media inquiries contact jennifer@onnit.com.

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“The goal of this acquisition is not to change Black Swan Yoga. The goal is to support it with what we do best at Onnit, and bring it to a bigger stage,”  said Onnit founder, Aubrey Marcus. Black Swan will continue to provide high quality, donation based yoga classes at their three Austin based studios and also a new location soon to open in Houston.

Onnit is an industry leader in unconventional fitness tools and methodologies, incorporating kettlebells, sandbags, maces, steel clubs, and more at their Onnit Academy Gym facility and Onnit Academy online resources. The Academy Gym, which is also set to open this month, will now offer Black Swan Yoga classes alongside unconventional classes and personal training.

Marcus, a student of the original studio, went on to add “Five years ago I remember waiting outside Black Swan Yoga downtown for 20-30 minutes before class just to ensure that I would get a spot.  From the music to the meditation, it was much more than just yoga, and that tradition continues today.  I want the rest of the world to have a chance to experience this incredible modality being practiced at the height of its potential.”

Onnit founder, Aubrey Marcus and Black Swan Yoga Founder, Mike Grey

Black Swan Yoga has consistently been ranked among the top yoga studios in Austin since its inception and is a staple in the Austin fitness community. The combination of donation based classes, teachers with experience and creativity, great locations, and a welcoming atmosphere make it accessible to beginners but still a haven for experienced yogis.

Commenting on the acquisition, Michael Grey, founder of Black Swan Yoga remarked, “Black Swan Yoga is overjoyed at working with the Onnit family. We believe that there is more to life than just yoga and if anything yoga only helps make everything in life that much better. The team at Onnit have built an amazing foundation for the teachers at Black Swan to succeed and share this practice with the people of this amazing planet. We look forward to not only growing as a studio, but also online where students can take classes directly from the teachers online channel. With Black Swan Yoga TV, our classes are filmed all over the world, from a green field in New Zealand to the edge of the Grand Canyon.  We strive to keep things interesting, moving forward, and evolving towards our combined goals of “Total Human Optimization.” I believe we have the same passion for bringing the very best to the people we serve.”

Black Swan locations will soon integrate Onnit nutritional supplements, healthy foods and fitness apparel at all their locations. Black Swan studios will also offer Onnit Fit classes taught by Onnit Academy certified instructors, fortifying all that Black Swan already offers to its patrons.

According to Marcus, “Black Swan Yoga exemplifies many of the same core principles as Onnit.  We both strive to be that disruptive force to the status quo that unapologetically combines the best of ancient and modern wisdom.  I believe that Black Swan Yoga is the category killer for today’s yoga, just as we strive to be the brand people turn to for unconventional training and earth grown nutrient supplementation.”

When asked to describe the nature of his unique yoga brand, Michael Grey responded, “Black Swan Yoga is a place for people of all demographics to come together and enjoy this form of healing, empowering and strengthening wisdom. We believe that yoga should not only be accessible for students, but also fun and exciting. We play music in all of our classes that the instructors themselves would enjoy listening to on a sunny day with the top down. This keeps the classes friendly and engaging.”

“We teach both vinyasa based yoga classes we call “Flow” as well as “Power” classes. Not only are you there to stretch and strengthen your body, but also to break a good sweat.  All Black Swan Yoga classes are taught in a heated room at 85-90 degrees. This helps students go a little deeper than they could in a non-heated atmosphere while also helping to detox your skin as you sweat. Afterwards you leave class feeling amazing and ready to take on and breath through whatever life brings you. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and approachable at the same time. Because we believe in the fun in yoga, we love to smile and our students do too.”

For more information and class schedules visit www.blackswanyoga.com and www.onnit.com

For franchise opportunities contact hello@blackswanyoga.com

Media inquires contact jennifer@onnit.com

The post Onnit Acquires Black Swan Yoga, Increasing Total Human Optimization Platform appeared first on Onnit Academy.

Joe DeFranco will be packing up his New Jersey based gym and moving all of his equipment and DeFranco headquarters to Onnit Academy’s new facility. The Onnit Academy will offer conditioning, high intensity, strongman, and functional proficiency training. The gym will be equipped with all of DeFranco’s top of the line training equipment in conjunction with Onnit’s unconventional implements.

Commenting on the partnership, Joe DeFranco said, “Onnit is not only the ideal partner for me; they are the only partner I’ve ever considered for my gym. I am extremely protective of my brand, therefore anything less than a perfect alignment would not work for me. With Onnit, I found that perfect alignment. Both of our companies take pride in leading from the front and we’re in a constant pursuit to over-deliver to our clients. There is also an amazing synergy that exists with DeFranco’s world-renowned training system and Onnit’s approach to ‘Total Human Optimization.’ Launching DeFranco’s Gym at Onnit Academy is about to change the industry forever! Trust me on this one.”

Onnit Academy will offer sport specific, specialized training programs for everyone from pro athletes to high school students looking to improve their game and take it to the next level. The gym will also cater to local members looking to get in shape and achieve strength, mobility, and weight loss goals.

“We are going to be producing some of the world’s top athletes, as well as some of the fittest and happiest every day members. Joe has already been servicing elite clientele for years, and with the additional support that Onnit can provide including top level nutrition & supplementation, DeFranco’s gym at the Onnit Academy represents a new paradigm for the future of human performance,”  commented Onnit founder, Aubrey Marcus.

Classes offered will be intense in nature with a focus on accessibility even for those who have never used a kettlebell, steel club, battle rope, sandbag or steel mace. Onnit Academy  certified trainers have been trained in the Onnit Academy Certification program to push participants, while safely guiding them through the use of innovative fitness tools. While building strength, endurance, speed, and agility, participants will also enhance their ability to use the unique implements offered through Onnit.

“Our ideals on approaching fitness from a sustainable holistic model align perfectly with DeFranco’s, and his core competency in utilizing the more traditional weight room implements provides an excellent compliment to our unconventional training prowess,” said Marcus. The gym aims to be open to the public mid-October 2014 and will be offering various classes as well as open gym access.

For more information on the Onnit Academy gym and certification program visit www.onnit.com/academy/

Media inquiries contact jennifer@onnit.com

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New Onnit T+ Formula Increases Strength 36% Over Placebo In FSU Clinical Trial

A groundbreaking clinical trial for strength based athletes has just been presented at this year’s National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) annual conference.  Dr. Michael Ormsbee, a professor of human sciences at Florida State University, led a team of investigators to analyze a 4-week supplementation regimen of Onnit’s T+ on college-aged powerlifters.  T+ is a stimulant-free pre and post workout formula that utilizes earth grown ingredients to support athletic performance.   The double blind study, which analyzed performance, body composition, and hormone levels, randomized twenty-eight individuals to ingest either T+ or a calorie-matching placebo, while all subjects adhered to a structured exercise program.

Significant differences in power lifting performance were observed between the two groups.  Bench press improved on average 6% in the T+ group compared to 4.8% in the control group, and the total combined weight for bench press, squat, and deadlift improved an average of 8.8% with the T+ group, compared to 6.5% in the placebo group.  Improvements in squat and deadlift performance, respectively, were also observed in both control and T+ groups, but with no statistically significant differences between groups.   Hormone levels did not show statistically significant changes for test subjects during supplementation for the markers measured.

Aubrey Marcus, founder of Onnit, comments, “The goal of the T+ formula from the outset was to help increase strength and performance for athletes.  We thought that in order to achieve the kind of results we were looking for we would need to demonstrate increases in testosterone levels.  The fact that we were able to achieve performance results beyond our expectations without manipulating the major hormone markers opens up this formula to all athletes without the concern of the side effects potentially generated from super-normal testosterone levels.”

Commenting on a few of the many ingredients included in the formula,  Joe DeFranco, a leading strength and conditioning coach for both the NFL and WWE organizations, said, “Beta Alanine, BCAAs, and Glutamine are staple compounds that I’ve been recommending to my athletes for years.  But on their own I have never seen them perform to the levels demonstrated in the study on T+ at FSU.”  With the formula certified to meet the strictest anti-doping standards by the Banned Substances Control Group, T+ is poised to become a foundational supplement for anyone looking for a competitive edge.

Overall this is a major milestone for Onnit, offering the gold standard of scientific validation to its active product roster.  Summing up the potential impact of this study, Joe DeFranco adds, “To be able to achieve overall strength gains by an increase of 36% from taking a supplement, especially a supplement that utilizes natural ingredients, is a game-changer for me. This becomes even more valuable during instances when I need to achieve extreme results in a short period of time – such as preparing an athlete for the NFL Combine. In cases like this, faster gains could literally be the difference between a multimillion dollar contract and never playing competitively again. These are awesome results that cannot be overlooked.”

For more information about Onnit Labs and T+ visit https://www.onnit.com.

The abstract presented in Las Vegas, NV at the National Strength and Conditioning Association Convention and Exhibition, July 9-12, 2014, can be found in this report from the NSCA.

Press inquiries contact Jennifer (at) Onnit (dot) com.

The post New ONNIT T+ Formula Proven To Increase Strength appeared first on Onnit Academy.

According to the article, researchers from the University of Lincoln set out to investigate “whether frequent lucid dreamers had different ways of thinking while awake, compared with non-frequent lucid dreamers. They hypothesized that awareness while dreaming may be related to those ‘aha!’ moments often necessary in problem-solving.” What they found was that frequent lucid dreamers were significantly better at solving simple word puzzles than the non-dreamers. The occasional dreamers fell in the middle but weren’t statistically different from either of the other two groups when it came to problem solving.

Although according to the article, “improved performance wasn’t clear from the study. The authors speculated that the ability to make more remote associations and question unusual details could be more finely honed in the lucid group” as compared to the occasional dreamers.

According to Onnit Labs, the makers of Alpha BRAIN, studies conducted on acetylcholine boosting drugs (source) revealed lucid dream occurrence as a reoccurring side effect. This led researchers to study the mechanism further, and what they found was something that sleep experts had known all along: acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating REM sleep. The more acetylcholine available, the more persistent and broad the REM cycles became for the subjects studied. Alpha BRAIN is designed to be a potent acetylcholine-enhancing nutrient based supplement and the results on the dream state have overwhelmingly shown to produce lucid dreaming. †

To learn more about lucid dreaming and how Alpha BRAIN works check out The Lucid Dream Experience and read What Are Noontropics? How You Benefit Using Brain Supplements.

For more information about Onnit and Alpha Brain visit www.onnit.com or contact jennifer (at) onnit (dot) com.

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Kevin Estrada, Aubrey Marcus, and Duncan Keith at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas

Chicago Blackhawks Defenseman and Onnit Honor Roll team member, Duncan Keith, wins the Norris Trophy joining former Blackhawks Pierre Pilote and Chris Chelios as two-time winners.

The Norris Trophy is the National Hockey League’s most esteemed award for top defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all around ability in the position. Keith easily outdistanced other finalists with one of his finest seasons yet, finishing with 61 points, 55 assists, a plus -23 rating in 59 games, and continuing to dominate in overall ice time.

Keith joined the Onnit Honor Roll Pro Team this year and has become an avid user and believer in Shroom TECH Sport and Alpha BRAIN® for its ability to provide all natural “energy and stamina to power through and recover faster after games and practices.”

After receiving the award Keith commented, “Without great teammates and a great supporting cast off the ice, no individual success is possible. I truly believe that the support I received from Onnit this season, in particular taking Shroom TECH Sport before and during games, helped to allow me to play my best on a nightly basis.”

Onnit founder, Aubrey Marcus, and fellow Onnit Honor Roll team member, Kevin Estrada of the Carolina Hurricanes were also in attendance at the awards. Marcus commented, “It is an honor to support a player of such as Duncan Ketih on and off the ice.” 

For more info on the Onnit-Keith partnership visit Duncan’s Honor Roll page and Onnit.com

Media inquiries contact jennifer (at) onnit (dot) com.

The post Duncan Keith Wins Norris Trophy For a Second Time appeared first on Onnit Academy.

Duncan Keith, is known as a complete two-way player, highly skilled in both shutdown and offensive roles. Keith led the Blackhawks to victory at the Stanley Cup in both 2010 and 2013, was awarded the Norris Trophy for the NHL’s Best Defenseman in 2010, and is one of the most respected players in the league. Internationally, he has represented Canada on three occasions, winning gold medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Mid-second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs this month Duncan remarked, “Hockey is not only physically but also mentally demanding. Onnit’s Alpha BRAIN® has helped me to focus and and have razor sharp clarity and alertness on the ice.”

He also added, “Shroom Tech Sport gives me the energy and stamina to power through and recover faster after games and practices. I take it before all my workouts and love the extra boost of strength I get from non-stimulant natural based formula.”

Regarding the partnership Onnit founder, Aubrey Marcus, commented “As a child I had season tickets to the Los Angeles Kings, and as such I was a hockey fan before any other sport.  To be aligned with a player of the caliber of Duncan Keith is a great honor, and we are thrilled to support him in optimizing his performance and lifestyle… Even when he is playing LA!”

Keith not only is a champion on the ice but also in the community. In 2011 Duncan founded “Keith Relief” whose mission is dedicated to alleviating the financial and emotional burden of those suffering from medical crisis.

For more info on the Onnit-Keith partnership visit his Honor Roll page and Onnit.com

Media inquiries contact jennifer (at) onnit (dot) com.

The post Duncan Keith Gets Onnit appeared first on Onnit Academy.

AUSTIN, TX – April 15, 2014 – On the eve of Tim Kennedy’s headline fight against Michael Bisping, Onnit announces the official alliance with Kennedy, former Army Ranger turned top UFC contender.

“We are thrilled to have Tim Kennedy as part of the Onnit Team. He is an individual intensely dedicated to achieving peak performance, both in and out of the cage. After an extremely thorough evaluation of our products, Tim felt that Onnit would be a great ally in supporting his nutritional and supplementation needs,” commented founder Aubrey Marcus.

Tim is coming in as an underdog against outspoken and storied veteran, Michael Bisping for April 16th’s TUF Nations finale in Quebec City.  He is currently ranked as the #8 middleweight, making him Onnit’s the third top ten ranked UFC fighter. He joins the Onnit team along with #4 ranked Cub Swanson, and the soon to be announced addition of title contender TJ Dillashaw.

“We believe we have the best product line to support athletes in the most demanding sport in the world, Mixed Martial Arts. They can’t afford to take products with any negative side effects, so our combination of top science and earth grown nutrient philosophy fits in perfectly,” added Aubrey Marcus.

Coming off a brutal knockout of Rafael Natal, Tim Kennedy gives an assist to Onnit’s flagship supplement Alpha BRAIN®.  “When I started taking Alpha BRAIN®  I started to be able to hear my coaches in the corner clearly and execute what they were saying. Before that knockout during that fight, my coaches yelled out a specific combo and everything that neurologically has to happen so fast in order to execute happened.”

Tim also commented, “When I’m Onnit I feel like i’m a juggernaut. I want to do more and do it faster, more explosively, and I want to do it perfectly.”

Tune in to watch Tim Kennedy’s fight on Fox Sports 1, April 16, 2014 at 4 p.m. ET. For an in-depth interview and more about Tim Kennedy and Onnit visit his Honor Roll page and Onnit’s YouTUBE Channel.

Media inquires contact jennifer (at) onnit (dot) com.

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