You may recognize MusclePharm as a big name in the supplement business but behind the scenes, this brand may be doing more than any other when it comes to sports nutrition research.
It all starts with their 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, Sports Science Institute. Located in Denver, Colorado, the institute houses some of the most sophisticated sports research equipment around. It’s operated by some of the most talented MD and PHDs in sports science, and the test subjects are none other than elite professional athletes.
The data gleaned from the cutting edge research allows the company to improve its current supplements, develop new, more advanced products, and keep its customers and athletes at the very top of their performance.
We had a chance to check out the Sports Science Institute to bring you an inside look at what’s going on at MusclePharm HQ. We also sat down with Lead Researcher, Paul Falcone, who runs up the Institute, to find out specifically what their research is about.
THE HEADQUARTERS
Before we dive into the research, let’s take a look at the company headquarters, which would make any athlete weak at the knees.
The tour begins with the main conference room, which is where prospects, sponsored athletes, and executives meet to sign contracts and discuss business. Right off the bat, there is an air of “the big leagues” when you enter MP. The professional, yet athletic atmosphere has a similar look to the head office of a pro team or elite college, and shouts “this is where things happen.”
As you continue through the departments there is an immediate understanding that the company is built of people who talk-the-talk and walk-the-walk. Most employees are young, fit, and athletic. This place was built by them, for them. Right alongside the sales team sits a practice putting green ready for play anytime you are. The slogan “The Athlete’s Company” plastered on the walls throughout is no facade.
The theater hosts press conferences, competitions, weigh-ins, and live events. There is also a production studio on site where the company shoots commercials and photo shoots.
THE TRAINING CENTER
The gem of MP HQ is the Training Center. Packed wall to wall with the latest professional-grade fitness equipment, this is where employees, sponsored athletes and ambassadors, and the Elevation Fight Team come to train.
It features every piece of lifting equipment you could imagine, from racks, bumpers, ropes, kettlebells, cables, to Hammer strength, cardio equipment, and a 30 mph treadmill… yea 30 m.p.h.
The back part of the Training Center features a massive turf area with tires, cones, and ladders for agility and speed work, and a huge MMA area with an official size UFC cage, Jiu Jitsu mat area, and a basketball net. This place is every athlete’s dream. 
This is also where Muscle Pharm shoots videos, holds seminars, and puts on events like the Submit Cancer grappling event they showcased in August.
On your way to the locker rooms there is also a recovery area equipped with a sauna, cold and hot therapy tubs, and a stationary lap pool. MP has all the bases covered.
THE SPORTS SCIENCE INSTITUTE
What sets MusclePharm apart from other sports nutrition brands is their dedication to research and product safety. Just steps from the Training Center is their onsite research lab called the Sports Science Institute. This is where their in-house scientists perform exercise science research on state-of-the-art equipment.
Run by Lead Researcher, Paul Falcone, the bulk of the research done in the SSI is to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the MusclePharm products. Testing is typically performed on recreationally active people who exercise two or more times per week. The tests include studies on hydration, strength, endurance, fat loss, muscle gain, and cognitive function. Most are supplement related, however some explore exercise and dietary interventions.
The equipment includes hyperbaric machines, Cryotherapy, a Dexa scanner, which is one of only a few registered in the state of Colorado, Stem and Ultrasound units, an ExerRest Bed, and an InBody Body Composition unit.
THE RESEARCH
Falcone and his team have published abstracts and full manuscripts of their work, and function like a high level university when it comes to testing and procedures. They have also partnered with universities around the country to do collaborative testing on their products. Much of their research can be found online on the SSI website.
Although the team leaves most of the initial ingredient testing to the individual suppliers, they spend most of their time testing the combinations of ingredients to be used in their products. Their main focus is to ensure the safety and efficacy of the MP supplements, and to ensure their products don’t produce any false negatives on athlete drug tests. In fact, all of their products are certified through Informed Choice, a quality assurance program for sports nutrition products.
Currently, Falcone is doing research on cognitive function and protection supplements for combat athletes, including MMA and BJJ fighters. Undoubtedly, his research will be on the website when it comes available, but in the meantime he recommends 3-5gm of fish oil per day for its cognitive benefits and no side effects.
Visit the MusclePharm website at musclepharm.com.