As a long-time follower of celebrity trainer Tony Horton‘s fitness programs, I was eager to try out his new premium supplement line Power Life when it launched last year. I‘m now nearing month #6 using Impact Whey protein and several supporting muscle-building capsules, so wanted to provide this in-depth review based on real personal experience.
While the products don‘t come cheap, I can confirm the old adage – you get what you pay for. The ingredient quality, dosages, and results separate Power Life from lower-tier competitors. Keep reading for everything you need to know before buying!
Quick Primer on Tony Horton and Power Life
For those new to the name, Tony Horton rose to fame as the energetic creator of the intense 90-day workout system P90X back in 2005. He‘s since trained celebrities like Usher, Eminem and Tom Petty while building a fitness empire including 12 workout programs.
Never one to slow down, Tony launched Power Life in 2021 at age 62. The supplement brand specifically targets his loyal fanbase of "active agers" seeking to boost vitality and maintain youth through strategic nutrition.
Power Life‘s focus is science-backed proteins, pre/post workout capsules, multivitamins and digestive health formulas using high quality ingredients at clinical dosages. Tony‘s expertise helps ensure optimal product composition to get (and keep) fans ripped as the age.
I definitely fall within that target demographic at 54 years old. I‘ve followed Tony since the OG P90X days, completing several programs over the past decade and a half. While my cardio endurance remains decent, I found it getting harder to maintain muscle as natural testosterone production slowed.
When I first heard about Power Life last winter, I hoped it might offer a nutritional boost to reinvigorate my strength training results. The incentives of early access discounts and a money-back guarantee removed all risk, so I placed an order for the stack below:
- Impact Whey Protein
- HIIT Pre-Workout Capsules
- HIIT Post-Workout Capsules
- Foundation Multivitamin
Next let‘s analyze if these products delivered on advertised promises over 6 months of use.
Analyzing Key Ingredients in Impact Whey Protein
As the brand‘s hero product, Impact Whey contains several key compounds for accelerating muscle repair and growth. I‘ll break down the science and real-life results from each below.
Whey Protein Isolate
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Made by filtering pure protein from dairy whey, this "clean" form gets rapidly absorbed to quickly replenish amino acids post-workout.
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Studies consistently show whey isolate supplementation leads to significantly higher lean muscle mass gains versus carbohydrates or plant-based proteins.
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My results – Within just the first month I noticed faster workout recovery, reduced soreness, and muscle size coming back in my upper body.
HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate)
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This metabolite of the amino acid leucine has been extensively studied for its anti-catabolic effects against aging.
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A 2022 analysis across 19 trials found HMB supplementation consistently helps amplify strength and power gains from lifting while preventing muscle breakdown.
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I‘m certain the clinical 2 gram dosage of HMB in Impact Whey has helped me gain sustainable muscle over 6 months despite passing age 50.
Vitamin D3
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Emerging studies show maintaining adequate blood vitamin D levels supports protein synthesis needed for building and repairing muscle tissue.
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With many adults D3 deficient (especially through winter), the hefty 2000 IU dose ensures I meet the recommended daily intake.
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Hard to prove definitively, but I believe keeping my vitamin D status high year-round with Power Life has enhanced workout performance.
ProHydrolase Digestive Enzyme Blend
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This research-backed blend of proteases, lipases and lactases improves digestion across all macronutrients.
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Multiple studies confirm ProHydrolase increases amino acid bioavailability from supplemental protein sources by accelerating breakdown.
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An unexpected benefit has been a reduction in occasional GI issues since starting the enzyme combination alongside Impact Whey consumption.
Beyond muscle building, Power Life has delivered upgrades across the board – more energy to keep up with grandkids, decreased joint aches to sustain rigorous workouts, enhanced fat burning to reveal six pack abs hidden under dad bod fluff.
And the benefits continue evolving thanks to smart product cycling – I swap out Impact Whey for Plant Protein or Collagen Peptides during lighter training phases focusing on cardio and flexibility.
Next let‘s see how Power Life stacks up against competitors on composition and value.
Comparing Key Metrics Across Top Protein Powders
To benchmark ingredient quality, dosages and pricing, I evaluated Impact Whey against category leaders Orgain, Garden of Life and Vega. Here‘s an overview of how Power Life measured up on key metrics:
| Key Metric | Impact Whey | Orgain | Garden of Life | Vega |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Grass-Fed Whey Isolate | Organic Pea & Brown Rice | Organic Pea & Amaranth | Organic Pea & Rice |
| Protein per Serving | 25g | 21g | 20g | 20g |
| Leucine Content | 1.7g | 1.6g | 1.5g | 1.5g |
| HMB Dosage | 2g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Added Enzymes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Vitamins Included | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Taste | 8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Mixability | 9/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Price per Serving | $1.83 | $1.60 | $1.00 | $1.20 |
Takeaways:
- Impact Whey has more protein, leucine and extras like HMB, enzymes and vitamins
- Taste and texture also rated higher despite higher cost
For those seeking pure vegan protein, Orgain is likely the best value. But Impact Whey delivers ample extras that support muscle building and workout recovery.
The additional clinical dosages of HMB, D3, and digestive enzymes provide anti-aging and performance benefits you simply won‘t find in basic pea/rice proteins for less money. These compounds optimize the downstream muscle protein synthesis process.
Finally, let‘s cover some first-hand mixing tips and cost saving advice for Power Life shoppers.
Blending Tips and Savings Strategies for Impact Whey
Thanks to the smooth, rich texture and mild flavors (I rotate chocolate and vanilla), Impact Whey mingles nicely with various liquids or whole food add-ins. Here are my top smoothie suggestions after 6+ months mixing post-workout protein shakes:
Best Fruit Add-Ins
- Blueberries, raspberries or mixed berries
- Banana for creaminess
- Pineapple or mango for tropical flavor
Best Nut Butter Boosts
- Crunchy peanut butter
- Cookie butter for sweetness
- Almond or cashew butter
Best Dairy Swaps
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Coconut milk beverage
- Lowfat kefir for probiotics
Best Value Strategies
Like most supplement brands with celebrity sponsorship, Power Life products skew on the expensive side. But through diligent deal hunting, you can reduce costs to compete with mainstream protein powders:
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Subscribe & Save: 20% off plus free shipping makes monthly delivery a no brainer
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Wait For Sales: Black Friday and New Year‘s see sitewide discounts up to 35% off
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Buy Bundles: Purchasing 3-6 bottles unlocks additional bulk savings
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Split Servings: Their scoops are large – break into two smaller shakes if needed
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Loyalty Rewards: Earn points towards free products the more you spend
Stick to those tips and you can easily offset the premium pricing. Ultimately Power Life delivers behind the label – backing up superior formulations with a transparent company.
Let‘s wrap up by answering some final frequently asked questions.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do Power Life supplements compare to Tony Horton‘s cheaper line called PowerNation sold at Walmart?
A: In my evaluation, the PowerNation products use lower dosages of key muscle building ingredients in favor of more fillers. They seem to be a "starter" supplement for casual users versus the premium clinical dosages Power Life formulated.
Q: Are Power Life products certified non-GMO, soy/gluten-free and vegan friendly?
A: Yes, all the proteins, capsules and multivitamins avoid soy, gluten, dairy and genetically modified ingredients. The exception is Impact Whey since it contains dairy. But the Whey Protein Isolate process removes lactose and other allergens.
Q: How long does unopened product last before expiring?
A: Power Life supplements typically carry an 18-24 month shelf life when properly stored away from heat and moisture. I order 2-3 bottles at once since I use daily.
Q: What‘s the best way to contact Power Life for questions?
A: As a supplement company aimed at older adults, Power Life fortunately still offers good old fashioned phone support. Their customer experience squad can be reached at 855-462-2496 from 5am – 7pm PST daily. I‘ve always received prompt, helpful guidance right from U.S. based staff.
So in summary – would I recommend Tony Horton‘s Power Life supplement line after half a year of use? Absolutely! Despite the premium pricing, you receive a premium product dialed in to amplify the muscle building process at a cellular level. Just be sure to take advantage of loyalty discounts, coupon codes and bump up protein servings into smoothies or shakes.
Thanks for reading my hands-on review. Please drop any questions in the comments!
