About
ION is a pre-workout made by Performix. It is also known as ION – Multi-Phase Pre-Workout. It is designed to help you maintain high energy and every stage of your workout.
Beta-alanine is said to help prevent lactic-acid buildup, reduce soreness and improve endurance. Citrulline malate is a mix of citrulline and malic acid, which is widely sold as a way to enhance muscle pumps and prevent fatigue.
In addition, the product contains creatine, which is often used to increase muscle energy and focus.
ION is – or has been – sold in three flavors: “Blue Ice”, “Tangerine” and “Watermelon”.
trobbs12 –
Performix Ion: Where 50% of multi-phase those beads are still left in your shaker cup
Anytime I have walked into a GNC or any supplement shop I have always been curious as to what this Performix Ion with Terra Intelligent Beads pre-workout was all about so I had to find out for myself!
—-Ingredient Profile—-
Performix ION Pre-workout Complex (3,714 mg) Unfortunately, a lot of companies combine their ingredients as a blend when listing the amounts in grams or milligrams so it is unknown to the buyer how much they are getting of each ingredient.
Carnosyn Beta Alanine– Reduces fatigue during a workout
Citrulline Malate 2:1- Benefits nitric oxide production and increases amino acid delivery to the muscles
Betaine-Anhydrous- Helps with maintenance of intestinal function and cell production
Creatine HCL- Fuel source for ATP which is energy used during quick and intense activity
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine– Amino acid that helps cognitive processes, building muscles, cell growth, and recovery
Caffeine (175mg) Roughly equivalent to the caffeine in 1.75 cup’s of coffee
The purpose of the terra beads is to keep you from getting that mid-workout crash so they actually get into your system slightly slower. It’s almost as if you are taking more pre-workout during your workout without having to actually do it!
—-Taste/Mixability/Dosing—-
At first I was very skeptical about the whole terra beads things because I was not wanting to be drinking a pre-workout with basically little pebbles in them but for the most part I didn’t notice them too much until the very end of the drink where a good amount of the beads had sunk. Unfortunately, some of the beads were still stuck to the sides of the shaker cup at the end of the drink. The actual flavor was decent but not outstanding. I have had better tasting blue ice flavored pre-workouts. The serving size is 1 scoop (5.2g) 20-30 min before your workout. Performix recommends that you shake the tub so that the beads are evenly distributed in the powder. I would also recommend that when you do this that you wait a minute before you open the tub up because you will get a huge puff of pre-workout right into your nostrils and it is not fun.
—-Effectiveness—-
So far I have taken #Shatter and Beyond Raw Lit and I have to say that overall I felt Performix worked about equal to the other ones but the terra beads really made a difference. I really felt that Performix stayed with me throughout my entire workout unlike most workouts that wear off in the first 30-45 minutes. It was really incredible to see how long the energy lasted. I felt super focused while taking Performix as well. I could feel myself getting in a nice groove during my workouts. Because I felt really focused while taking Performix I decided to try half a serving before studying for a test and I actually noticed a difference!
I would recommend using the directed 1 scoop because I tried 1.5 scooping it once and it actually hindered my workout. Performix really hit then nail on the head with the dosage because any less of the key ingredients then I didn’t really feel the pump but taking too much of it then you start to feel sick. The actual pump was actually caught be a bit off guard because I was not expecting it all. It wasn’t a crazy pump but It was noticeable.
—-Value—-
The price per serving for the 20 servings was $1.50 which was a little more pricy than the vast majority of other 20 serving pre-workouts. However, you really get what you pay for with the terra beads.
—-Side Effects—-
-Slight tingling sensation on body from beta alanine (I do not find this is a side effect for me but some people just do not like it)
—-Conclusion—-
Overall I enjoyed using this product and now understand what the hype about the extended release was all about. I would definitely recommend to people who aren’t afraid to drop a pretty penny on their supplements!
Italy48 –
Don’t judge this book by its cover. If you take this one lightly, you will get knocked on your can!
—-Introduction—-
After reading reviews on a different Pre-workouts, this one caught my eye because of the time released beads. I wanted to see what all the hype was about but at first glance did not like the prop blend since I am not a fan of blends and it looked as if most ingredients were under dosed. I looked past the blend based on the reviews and I am glad I did.
—-Ingredient Profile—-
I will mention the ones I like most. Since this is a blend, I cannot say how much of each ingredient is in this.
Pre-Workout Complex includes:
CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine which helps with pushing me through the workout and giving me the itchy tingly feeling which most people seem to like. I feel this most as I am first engaging with the weights. Citrulline Malate which is a combo of citrulline and malic acid. This increases blood flow which boosts your NO levels. If dosed properly you will feel a pump. Betaine which is being found more and more in supplements is added to increase strength output. Reading up on this I did see that it can increase creatine production in the body. Creatine HCL which is a form of creatine that has no loading phase and no bloating and will have the same impact as monohydrate. L-Tyrosine which helps with your focus factor. Bioperine helps with absorption. They must have this on hyper-speed in this PWO. Outside of the blend is caffeine. This is dosed at 175mg which I did feel. The time released beads in this PWO are known as Terra Dosing Intelligence Technology. These beads release a metabolic blend that will knock your socks off about 20-30 minutes into your workout.
I did see this product had hydrogenated vegetable oil. How much is anyone’s guess. I was not happy to see this in here. I have not noticed this in other PWO’s. If you read this review and have found this in other PWO’s I would like to get your thoughts on why this is used in PWO supplements.
—-Taste/Mixability/Dosing—-
I had the Blue Ice flavor which I’m going out on a limb and saying should’ve tasted like blue raspberry. It had a bit of a chemical taste but after the first few uses I got used to it. The only mixing issues I had were with the beads but I really can’t say that is a mixing issue. Since the beads do not dissolve until 20+ minutes after swallowing, they did get stuck in my teeth and not all the beads would go down with the first round of gulping. After drinking 99% of it, I would add 2 ounces more of water to the shaker cup, shake it up to get the beads that were stuck to the lid, then I had to unscrew the top of the shaker cup and drink the last 2 ounces that contained some beads and swish the water around in my mouth to knock the beads loose from my teeth. I started off dosing with two scoops. Don’t ask me why. I think it was because I saw the blend and underestimated it. Actually, that is exactly why I used two scoops the first time. If you ever got kicked by a zebra I would imagine this is how it feels. After that I humbly went down to 1 scoop. 1 scoop was the perfect amount for me.
—-Effectiveness—-
What I expected from this PWO and what I got were two different things. I expected a PWO that worked for others and when I would write the review it would say something about being under dosed and being hit or miss. What actually happened is I found a really great PWO. The focus factor was good. It lasted around 50 minutes which is about the time I am wrapping up the strength training part of my workout. It was intense but not to the point where you feel like you cant remember the workout after you are done which I have had with some PWO’s. To get right to the point, I was focused the entire time and accomplished what I needed to do without losing focus. I could feel the tingles but they were not intense. I am okay with that since I am not a tingle lover. I do like them, but not a deal breaker if it doesn’t hit me hard. I did feel a pump which I was surprised at since I didn’t think the dosage would be high enough. Pump was decent overall. Now onto where this product blew almost every other PWO out of the water…….ENERGY!!! Wow! As I said above, I dosed with 2 scoops the first time. After picking myself up off of the floor, I did my strength training, my cardio and then could not sit still for the next hour or so. After I started dosing with one scoop, the energy was still very strong but nowhere near the two scoops I tried the first time. This PWO is different and the time released beads really do what they say they do. The initial energy is good and then when most PWO’s start fading about 30 minutes or so in, this one kicks it into over drive and pushes you through the rest of your workout. My first time using the one scoop dose, about 30-35 minutes into the workout I started to fade a little. Not much but just a tad. After finishing my set I went over to record it in my logbook and as I turned to go do another set, BAM!!! It kicked right in as if I drank another serving of it. It was about a 30 second period where I felt like it was fading and then it hit me again. The times it felt like it was fading and then had the second round hit me fluctuated between 25-35 minutes into my workout depending on the day. Not sure why the difference in time. Either way it was a really cool feeling.
—-Value—-
This can be found on Amazon for $26.99 for 20 servings which comes out $1.34 per serving. I believe this to be a very good price. I had to do a double take when I stopped at my local pharmacy to pick up a prescription and saw this sitting on the shelf at $79.99.
—-Side Effects—-
None
—-Conclusion—-
If you are against prop blends as I am but want a really solid PWO that will give you long lasting energy then give this one a shot. Try one scoop to start and don’t make the same mistake I did and start with two scoops or you may find yourself feeling like you took a frying pan to the face. The time released beads are really neat. I am glad that I gave this one a chance. I will buy a container of this again in the future.
NickMeagher –
Here is my third product review on the PR hitting pre-workout I am using today!
—-Introduction—-
I have trained on this pre workout four times now, and this is what I use for strength gains 100% of the time. This is the pre workout I use for when I have a big leg day in the morning, and not only will I finish a long leg workout, but i’ll have energy to do some cardio after that too! That is saying something! I don’t want to talk about the effectiveness too much yet, but I just wanted to stress that is why I can tell this product is already ranked number 8 on here for stimulant based pre workouts. Right now i’m bulking and strength training hitting 345 lbs on the flat bench for a rep, 405lbs for a 1 rep squat, and a 550lbs deadlift. I am planning on trying a shredding pre workout once I finish Peformix Ion to get ready for the summer 😉
—-Ingredient Profile—-
So in Performix Ion, you won’t like what you see, but yes there is a proprietary blend. But, considering how good of a pre-workout this is, I don’t blame Performix for being worried about other companies trying to copy their product. So here is what you are getting in 1 scoop:
Niacin( Nicotinic Acid and Niacinamide)- To help with blood circulation 30mg at 150% of your daily value
Vitamin b12– 500mcg to help avoid any crash from the heavy amount of stims at a whopping 8,333% of your daily value.
Calcium( as Calcium Silicate)- at 72mg having 7% of your daily value
Now here is the real deal with the Performix Ion Preworkout Complex blend of Sustained Muscular Performance and Ballistic Energy( 3,714mg):
Carnosyn Beta Alanine– high quality beta alanine that will help with muscle building and fatigue, and increase your strength output for extra reps.
Cituralline Malate 2:1- helps with the absorption of amino acids, and aids in muscle fatigue as well.
Betaine Anhydrous- helps the immune system, and many other things
Creatine HCL- my favorite type of creatine personally. It’s going to help you build muscle and get you stronger by causing more water retention.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine– Is a amino acid protein building block that is an essential component for the production of several important brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Advantra Z Bitter Orange Extract- Will speed up your heart rate so be careful not to do much cardio while taking this pre workout. Make sure you’re breathing and resting in between sets for at least 30 seconds to a minute.
N-Methyltyramine- This is the methylated version of L-Tyramine that is great for fat loss and energy. The funny thing is that this ingredient is banned from use in the NCAA. I am not sure why?
hordenine- Has very little research to prove it helps with energy sustainability, but has been linked to it.
Bioperine Black Pepper- Increases your nutrient absorption.
Rauwolscine( Rauvolfia canescenes) Extract- helps burn fat
Alpha Yohimbine HCL– Increases libido, energy, and fat loss. I also read somewhere that Yohimbine can inhibit your fear! Not sure if that is true.
Caffeine- 175mg
—-Taste/Mixability/Dosing—-
Now here is a section That I feel like it needs a bit of a discussion. Who at Performix thought that these beads would all get sucked down so easily as you drink it? I literally drank 14 ounces of water with two scoops of Ion in my blender bottle one time, and the beads were stuck inside the cup all the way from the top to bottom so I had to scrap them off into the cup and pore more water just to get the beads in. This gets annoying as f***! I usually get the Ice punch, and it tastes alright, but taste is not why I am taking a pre-workout tbh. I am trying to make gains man.
—-Effectiveness—-
Here is the golden section of this review. Man oh man, the energy in this pre workout is insane! I took two scoops because I gained more immunity from taking it three times before, but the energy doesn’t go away. With 350mg of caffeine, and the other stims in here, you’re going to gain that tunnel vision. The pumps are also quite good once you start lifting. In fact, I don’t even stack this with a pump pre workout, I just stack it with Performix Iso, which is their BCAA product meant to stack with this pwo. I already hit PRs in multiple lifts since I got back on Ion because of the amount of energy I am getting since I cycled off the previous workout I was on. Btw, does anyone know how I can edit a review? Because I did kind of overrate a pwo(Assault Black by Musclepharm). Anyway, the focus is great. I know this because when I get home after working out, I am banging out hw assignments, and tbh, the energy might be a bit too much because I can stay up till 4am and not be tired. Don’t take this 6 hours before bed time. In fact, I would recommend not taking this 8 hours before bed time. Especially if you’re taking 2 scoops because I forgot to mention this is a multi-phase pwo. So all those ingredients I listed and explained will kick in while you workout as well. That’s what those beads are for. So make sure you are able to swallow all of them. Other than that, the strength- 9/10, endurance– 8.5/10, mental focus- 10/10, energy-10/10. This pwo really is the strongest pwo I’ve tried so far, and that is exactly what I want from a pwo. Especially if you have a busy day, workout out in the morning, and this pwo will give you energy and focus for the rest of the day for a job, school, intern, etc.
—-Value—-
Here is where things might not be so great, especially if you’re two scooping this product like I am. It is $40.00 now for 45 servings at GNC or on Amazon. One time, I walked into Rite Aid, and it was $79.99, and I immediately felt bad for anyone who bought it here. You’ll be spending about $4 a serving if you bought it there and take two scoops a workout. $2.00 if you get it for $40.00, 2 scoops. If you’re a beginner, and take 1 scoop of this product(which I strongly recommend), you’ll be spending only $1 a scoop. So the value depends, but for a lifter like me who has been taking pwos for three years, the value isn’t great, but it is good considering this is a really potent pwo.
—-Side Effects—-
Might give you the craps, insomnia, and paranoia from the stims
—-Conclusion—-
Overall, this is a great pwo for if you need a big kick in the gym, and will help for many different goals that you have when hitting the gym even though it is greatest imho for getting stronger and building muscle. Although, there are some fat burners in here too if you need to lose weight. In terms of value, look for deals, and Amazon or Body building.com may be your best bet.
kaka –
Time released Beads are not enough on their own to create a good pre-workout.
—-Introduction—-
I saw the high effectiveness ratings and i thought why not try this. Does this pre-workout deserves those ratings? Let’s find out…
—-Ingredient Profile—-
Performix ION Preworkout Complex 3714 mg
CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine
Citrulline Malate 2:1
BetaPower Betaine Anhydrous
Creatine HCl
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
BioPerine Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) extract (fruit)[std. to 95% Piperine]
Rauwolscine (Rauvolfia canescens) Extract (bark)[std. to 90% Alpha Yohimbine HCl]
Caffeine 175 mg
A big prob blend (i hate them) with good ingredients but almost everything is underdosed. Beta Alanine for endurance, Citrulline Malate for pumps/vascularity, Creatine HCL for strength, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine for focus (supposedly a better form than Tyrosine), Alpha Yohimbine generates extra heat and makes you sweat, Caffeine for energy and Bioperine for extra absorption. This blend must contain a ton of Yohimbine…
“Every PERFORMIX supplement is driven by our TERRA Intelligent Dosing technology, utilizing best in class bioavailability enhancers and intelligent delivery to help maximize every single molecule’s potentioal… period. To out perform, out last and out do. (When used in conjunction with a regular exercise program.)” I have tried their BCAA Iridium with those terra beads and i like it so far but i don’t know if the extended release with do any good on this product.
Also you have a “small” amount of dyes and other crap.
Calcium Silicate , Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Citric Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Acesulfame Potassium, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Silica, Yellow Dye #5, Ethylcellulose, FD&C Yellow #6, FD&C Red Dye #40
—-Taste/Mixability/Dosing—-
I can’t compare Blue Ice with anything (maybe tastes like Blue Blueberry but i am not sure). Tastes very chemical but it’s not horrible.
If you shake it for some time the beads will be evenly dispersed.
Dosing was one scoop pre-workout. I have tried two which is a terrible idea.
—-Effectiveness + Side Effects—-
Based on 1 scoop:
Energy (7/10): Decent energy but nothing to write about. At least it lasted during my 60-90 minutes workout. Consider the fact that i am very tolerant to stimulants.
Focus (4/10): Very slightly focused during my workout at best. I was fairly distracted and i was anxious.
Endurance (7.5/10): The best aspect of this product. Felt somewhat less tired than before but nothing out of this world. Considerably reduced rest time between sets.
Pumps (4/10): Vascularity and pumps at minimum. My veins were about the same as without it. Haven’t experienced anything.
Sweat (10/10): Extremely effective. Literally sweating like a pig. Felt so hot…If you want to sweat a lot this product is for you! It became extremely uncomfortable for me.
Felt slightly nauseous during some workouts but nothing to worry about. I am very surprised with the extremely high effectiveness ratings on the other reviews. Mediocre at best.
I have tried 2 scoops with almost the same results. The energy was slighty better but the side effects were much much worse than one scoop.
Felt extremely jittery, had some cold sweats and my hands were shaking from time to time. The nausea was unreal and i had to end my workout earlier. Visited the bathroom twice with diarrhea. It was impossible for me to keep going. I needed to sit down and relax. The side effects continued for some hours after and i had to take some aspirin. I have tried several times Yohimbine and i am certainly stim tolerant (caffeine consumption varies from 400mg to 700mg per day) but never felt so crappy. This must have a ton of it.
—-Value—-
Bought it for 30 euros (35 dollars) for 45 servings. 0.77 dollars per serving. Pretty cheap but considering the side effects and the lack of effectiveness it doesn’t worth it.
—-Conclusion—-
There are much better pre-workouts out there. Focus, Pumps, Vascularity were non-existent. The only positive aspects are the decent energy and endurance with some side effects even on one scoop. Yeah it’s cheap but still doesn’t worth it. Better consume some caffeine pills.