YouTuber Will Tennyson Tried ‘Every Legal Performance Enhancer’ – Here’s How Each Substance Affected Him
In what might be the most quintessential fitness YouTube title of all time, fitness influencer Will Tennyson has claimed to have ‘Tried EVERY Legal Performance Enhancer’. In reality, over the course of a week Tennyson tried six unconventional, overlooked, but legal, substances, all alleged to have muscle-building, performance-boosting affects.
From items regularly available in supermarkets, to pharmacy finds that are more well known for their usage in the bedroom than on the bench press, Tennyson put them all to the test in the gym, claiming his aim was ‘to see if they give me superhuman strength, or just the most awkward workout of my life.'
His week-long experiment was equal parts science, suffering, and some surprising strength gains. But are these so-called ‘hidden hacks’ actually worth it, or are they more risk than reward? Let’s break it down.
The Supplements Will Tennyson Took
Beet Juice and Baking Soda
What Is It?
Beet juice is rich in nitrates, which can enhance blood flow, endurance, and muscle oxygenation. Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate, to us Brits) has been shown to buffer acid in muscles, potentially delaying fatigue.
Tennyson's Experience
After downing a potent blend of beet juice and bi-carb, Tennyson hit leg day and was immediately questioning his life choices.
‘I was expecting some mild effects, but my legs felt like balloons – I was way stronger, I didn’t fatigue as fast, and my recovery between sets was ridiculous.’
By the end of his session, he said that he added an extra 18 kg to his leg press, increased his reps on hack squats, and claimed that he even measured a one-inch increase in quad size from the pump alone.
What the Science Says
Beet juice is a well-researched ergogenic aid. Studies show it increases nitric oxide levels, leading to improved oxygen delivery and endurance. Baking soda has been proven to buffer lactic acid, enhancing performance in high-intensity exercise.
That being said, you can get many of the same effects from pre-workout formulas, and you shouldn’t expect anything more than you’d find in commonly available supplements.
Still, good to know you can raid the pantry if you’re running low on supps.
Nicotine Gum
What Is It?
Nicotine is a stimulant that increases alertness, focus, and reaction time. While usually linked to smoking, some athletes and self-proclaimed bio-hackers experiment with nicotine gum for its potential cognitive and performance benefits.
Tennyson's Experience
After chewing 2mg of nicotine gum before a chest and back session, Tennyson started feeling something – fast.
'I feel a head rush, tingling in my throat, and this weird clarity – like when you take pre-workout for the first time and suddenly you're bouncing off the walls.'
He also added:
'My mind-muscle connection was insane. I felt locked in, no distractions. It was like I came to the gym on the best sleep of my life.'
However, the effects wore off quickly, and the pump didn’t last as long as with beet juice.
What the Science Says
Nicotine stimulates dopamine release, improving focus and cognitive performance. Research shows it may enhance reaction time and reduce fatigue, but there’s limited data on strength and performance benefits.
Let’s be honest though, this is nicotine we’re talking about here. We all know how highly addictive this compound is and the damage it has caused to the health of our society. You’ll get diminishing returns on its effects and have to bump up the dosage, a spiral that really isn’t worth the risks. There are far better, far less risky stimulants out there. Avoid this one.
Cialis (Tadalafil)
What Is It?
Cialis is a vasodilator, typically prescribed for erectile dysfunction, but some bodybuilders do use it off prescription for its, erm, ‘muscle swelling’ effect, caused by increasing blood flow.
Tennyson's Experience
After taking 20mg of Cialis two hours before his workout, Tennyson wasn’t sure what to expect. Some very awkward gym interactions, maybe?
'I was honestly scared to train in shorts today. Every machine in the gym suddenly looked way too suggestive,' he half-joked. 'My chest pump was next level. My veins were insane. I’ve never felt this much blood in my muscles before.'
He says he added 1.5 inches to his chest measurement post-workout, calling it 'the best pump of my life.'
What the Science Says
Cialis works by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation. Some bodybuilders use it pre-workout to enhance vascularity and pumps, though research on strength benefits is lacking.
Will it boost your pump? Probably. But it’s unnecessary. Side effects include nausea, headaches, vision loss and most obviously- prolonged erections. It works, but you probably don’t need it unless you’re stepping on stage, and honestly, is it worth getting banned from the gym for?
IV Drip
What Is It?
IV drips like the one Tennyson used deliver hydration, vitamins, and electrolytes directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion for instant absorption.
Tennyson's Experience
Tennyson sat through a one-hour IV drip before a shoulders and arms day, hoping for a supercharged pump.
'After one set, my delts were already popping like I’d done an entire workout,' he said. 'The craziest part? I didn’t feel thirsty at all – I normally drink two to three shakers of water per session, but today I had none.'
By the end of his sessions, he hit an 18-inch arm pump, declaring it 'the longest-lasting pump of the week.'
What the Science Says
IV therapy can improve hydration and electrolyte balance, but evidence for enhancing strength or endurance is weak. Unless you’re severely dehydrated, oral hydration works just as well.
This is probably overkill. Useful for medical reasons, but definitely gilding the lily for a gym pump.
Smelling Salts
What Are They?
Smelling salts release ammonia gas that irritates your airways and delivers a huge jolt of oxygen to the brain, stimulating the nervous system for an immediate adrenaline boost. Smelling salts are very popular among powerlifters and strength athletes.
Tennyson's Experience
After inhaling deeply before benching, Tennyson claims to have gone full berserker mode:
'I felt ANGRY. Like, I wanted to fight the bar... My rep speed was insane, and I smashed my PR.'
What the Science Says
Research shows that smelling salts increase heart rate and alertness, making them an effective aid for short bursts of maximal strength. However, overuse can desensitise the response.
Good for max lifts, but definitely not an everyday tool. Overuse can result in chemical burns to your nose and can even damage your lungs. Learning to take sharp, up-regulating breaths to hype you up before you lift might be a safer option.
The MH Verdict
You’ve probably noticed a running theme throughout these experiments: what Tennyson experienced was a transient pump, using compounds that have slim to no evidence for actual muscle-building, all while having potentially nasty side-effects.
Look, we here at MH love a good pump as much as anyone – well, maybe not Arnold – but when there are readily available, strictly tested and governed workout supplements that can do the same job, is becoming a human lab rat really worth the risk? Sorry, Will, but we don't think so.
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