Chris Bumstead, affectionately known as Cbum, has built his legacy on a foundation of disciplined training, meticulous nutrition, and strategic supplementation. While the cornerstone of his success is his work ethic, his use of supplements plays a critical role in maximizing performance, recovery, and overall health. As a co-owner of RAW Nutrition, his primary stack features products from his own signature line, though he also prioritizes general health and wellness.
The Core CBUM Supplement Stack
Pre-Workout: The Thavage Formula
Chris Bumstead's pre-workout of choice is his own formulation, the RAW Thavage. This product is engineered to deliver enhanced energy, focus, and muscle pumps to power him through his famously intense workouts. The ingredients in Thavage are strategically dosed to provide a powerful synergistic effect.
- L-Citrulline: A key ingredient for boosting nitric oxide production, which in turn increases blood flow to muscles. This results in better muscle pumps and improved endurance during exercise.
- Beta-Alanine: This amino acid helps buffer lactic acid buildup in muscles, delaying fatigue and allowing for more reps and sets. Many users experience a harmless tingling sensation, or paresthesia, from this ingredient.
- Alpha GPC and L-Tyrosine: These nootropic ingredients support mental clarity and focus, which is essential for maintaining a strong mind-muscle connection during heavy lifting.
- Caffeine: Thavage provides a clean energy boost from caffeine anhydrous and Di-Caffeine Malate, with staggered release times to prevent a crash. For later workouts, he may opt for a lower-stimulant version or his stim-free Pump product.
Protein for Recovery: CBUM Itholate
Protein is the most fundamental building block for muscle repair and growth, and Bumstead prioritizes meeting his high protein targets daily. His signature Itholate protein is a premium whey isolate that is micro-filtered for maximum purity and digestibility.
- Rapid Absorption: Whey isolate is known for its fast digestion, making Itholate ideal for post-workout consumption to deliver amino acids to muscles quickly.
- High Purity: The micro-filtration process removes most fats and lactose, resulting in a cleaner product that is easier on the digestive system and provides 25 grams of protein per scoop.
- Versatile Use: While critical after training, Cbum also uses protein shakes throughout the day to help meet his daily intake needs conveniently.
The Staple: Essential Creatine Monohydrate
As one of the most researched and effective supplements on the market, creatine monohydrate is a non-negotiable part of Cbum's regimen. He uses RAW CBUM Essential Creatine to enhance his performance.
- Strength and Power: Creatine increases the body's stores of phosphocreatine, which is vital for the production of ATP—the primary energy source for muscle contractions during high-intensity exercise.
- Muscle Volume: By pulling water into muscle cells, creatine also increases muscle volume, contributing to a fuller appearance and better hydration.
- Consistency: Creatine is most effective when taken consistently over time, and Cbum incorporates it daily to ensure his body has the fuel for explosive movements.
Cbum Supplement Stack Comparison Table
| Product | Main Benefit | Key Ingredients | Stimulant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAW Thavage | Enhanced Energy, Focus, Pumps | L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Caffeine | Yes |
| RAW Pump | Stim-Free Pumps & Endurance | L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Nitrosigine | No |
| RAW Itholate | Muscle Recovery & Growth | Whey Protein Isolate | No |
| RAW Creatine | Strength, Power, Muscle Volume | Creatine Monohydrate | No |
| Revive MD Greens | Micronutrient Support | Superfood Blend | No |
Health and Wellness Support
While the performance stack is crucial for his physique, Cbum also places a significant emphasis on overall health and longevity, especially after overcoming health challenges. His wellness stack includes supplements from Revive MD, a partner company focusing on health and recovery.
Essential Health Supplements
- Omega-3s: For joint health, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular health, which is vital for a high-level bodybuilder.
- Daily Greens: To ensure adequate micronutrient intake, especially during periods of calorie restriction or when traveling makes whole-food nutrition challenging.
- Targeted Support: Based on his specific needs, Cbum has also used supplements to support kidney function and manage stress.
The Role of Consistency
Bumstead's supplement strategy is a testament to the fact that these products are meant to complement a perfect diet and training plan, not serve as a shortcut. His dedication to tracking his macros, listening to his body, and being consistent day in and day out is what truly sets him apart. Supplements are merely the final layer of a meticulously crafted plan, providing the extra edge needed for peak performance.
Conclusion
For those looking to emulate the physique of a classic champion, knowing what supplements does Cbum use is only part of the equation. His regimen, built on the solid foundation of RAW Nutrition products like Thavage pre-workout, Itholate protein, and Creatine, is carefully designed to support intense training and optimal recovery. However, his ultimate success stems from an unwavering commitment to his training and nutrition, with supplements acting as the final, crucial piece of the puzzle. Combining a well-structured plan with these high-quality supplements provides the best path toward achieving your fitness goals.
For more insight on optimizing your supplement intake, exploring educational resources on fundamental ergogenic aids like creatine is recommended, such as those from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
