If you’re health conscious and a fitness freak to boot, then say hello to GNC. Wondering what is GNC? Well, General Nutrition Centers or GNC is a health and nutrition business enterprise based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its stores, usually found in malls and other busy shopping areas, are scattered all over the world.

GNC’s History

GNC has been established in the 1930s by David Shakarian, in Pittsburgh. It was initially named as Lackzoom and has changed to its present name during the 1960s.

What are GNC’s Products and Services?

GNC offers a wide range of products for all ages – from health supplements and natural herbs to beauty care and fitness accessories. Check out some of GNC products and services below which you can avail both online or in stores:

HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

Due to work and busy schedules, not everyone has the time to stop and eat healthy. The emergence of fast-food diners did not help either. Foods today like processed meats, do not give much nutrients essential for the body. It’s a good thing that we have vitamins and health supplements available in the market. GNC provides supplements in package or Vitapak to men, women and children. Each Vitapak aims to support health and body systems, particularly vitality, mind, endurance and immune system.

CLEANSING AND DIGESTION

Problem with digestion? Don’t worry. GNC offers various products which remove toxins from the body and cleanse the digestive system. Super Colon Cleanse, GNC be-Cleansed and the likes promise healthy digestion and detoxification in just a few days.

DIET AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Eating is one of the best things in life but, getting fat is not. GNC products like GNC Total Lean™, Sensa® Weight Loss System, Re-Body® SafSlim™ and BSN® Hyper Shred™ helps in burning calories, losing weight and enhancing metabolism while still feeling full and satisfied.

SPORTS NUTRITION

If you regularly hit the gym to get that six-pack you coveted for so long, then don’t forget to bring any of GNC’s sport nutrition products. Cellucor® Super HD™, PES Erase Pro™ and others contain amino acids and powerful creatine blends which help athletes and bodybuilders to improve their strength and stamina and increase muscle mass by 40%. Plus, you can have a t-shirt for free.

PROTEIN

GNC has proteins in different varieties. Whey protein, Casein protein, Egg protein and Soy protein revitalize amino acids and pack on muscles before and after working out, even during bedtime. Other protein products like Gaspari Nutrition® REAL MASS® Probiotic Series contain probiotics to enhance both digestive and immune systems and support weight management. High-fiber shakes and protein bars are also available as meal replacements. These protein products come in different flavors; delicious and perfect on the go.

SEXUAL HEALTH

From lubricants, pills, accessories and books – GNC offers various products to enhance sexual health for both men and women. GNC Saw Palmetto Formula, GNC Prostate Formula and several others promote prostate health. On the other hand, GNC Arginmax® for women and GNC Men’s Staminol™ Ultra for Men and more others ensure sexual vitality and endurance to keep you going day and night. Aphrodisiacs like arousal gels and informative materials about sex are also available.

HERB AND NATURAL REMEDIES

If you‘re into healthy green, GNC has a range of various organic products you can choose from. GNC Herbal Plus® Herbs, ResVitále Resveratrol and Dynamic Health Juice Blends are just some of GNC products that contain antioxidants and organic formula which help rejuvenate and repair damaged cells and improve health. GNC ensures that these products are all natural with no added preservatives and artificial flavors.

ENERGY AND ENDURANCE

GNC also offers a variety of energy-supplying products like energy drinks, energy bars and even energy strips. These products enhance endurance and increase energy production most appropriate for active people.

PET SUPPLEMENTS

It’s not just you who need supplements; your pets need them, too! GNC just made sure to provide your cats and dogs multivitamins to enhance joints for active movements, promote healthy digestion and even relieve stress. Aspirins are also available as pain relievers for dogs. But be sure to consult these products with your vet first, particularly when your pet is pregnant.

BEAUTY CARE

You don’t just have to be healthy and beautiful on the inside, you should be the same on the outside. GNC offers topical products designed to deliver the best skin health and beauty. Whitening and firming lotion, face cream and shampoo all aim to provide rejuvenation by maintaining moisture and nutrients in hair and skin. Toothpaste and mouthwash are also available to improve dental health. You can also get topical pain relievers from any GNC store.

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES

Added to energy-enhancing supplements, GNC also offers exercise equipment and accessories to complete your fitness regime. The Burn Machine Speed Bags and Barbells allow balanced and smooth exercise flow. Exercise items like water bottles, watches and pedometers also make sure that your exercise will be convenient. GNC has appliances, too. Appliances like the HoMedics® HEPA Air Cleaner are great for rooms.

What is GNC’s purchasing method/s?

Buying GNC products is very easy. You can find a lot of GNC stores, even franchised ones in several malls and shopping zones. There are 6,000 GNC stores in US alone. There are also GNC stores available in other countries.

For more convenience, you can purchase GNC products at the comforts of your own home by just logging on to GNC website and clicking on the products you wish to buy. Be sure to create an account in GNC so you can also avail newsfeeds and e-mails.

In the website, you can shop for products specifically pointing to brands, health goals or conditions you want to achieve or the natural ingredients you are looking for in a product. This way, you don’t have to be familiar with the exact names of the GNC products. You can look and shop for the products that you think will be best for you, and you can also find other products which might answer your other health needs. Moreover, there are descriptions for each product, so it’s easy for you to choose and find out what good does every product has.

You have a 30-day guarantee for all purchases you make in GNC. If you are dissatisfied with the products, you can ask for a refund. All you have to do is return the items, used or unused, 30 days from the purchasing date. Just make sure that you return them in good condition, and possibly, in their original boxes. If items received are either damaged or defective, contact Customer Support within 30 days from delivery date so they may be replaced immediately. If the products you wish to purchase are not available in your area, you can ask them to be shipped to you. Shipping costs depend on the method of shipment and the items you purchased. You can track your shipment order in your e-mail or in your GNC account. However, shipments are only possible in US and Canada. For more information, visit GNC website at gnc.com.