With the advancement of technology in nutrition and knowing better how the body works it is imperative that maximizing recovery, with Branched Chain Amino Acids, is done in conjunction with a productive weight training program.
I often ask fellow gym goers, ‘what supplements do you use’? I would often hear, ‘oh I only eat food’ or ‘I don’t need to take anything’. Those statements couldn’t be any further from the truth.
We never get the adequate amount of vitamins and minerals from our diets, doesn’t matter how well we think we may eat. This fact is truer today than 50 years ago as so much of what we ingest is genetically modified or we eat foods that are devoid of many nutrients.
I recommend supplementing with BCAA’s(Branched Chain Amino Acids) 1/2 hour before training, on an empty stomach.
Begin with the recommended dosage then, after one week, double the dose. No need to worry about overdosing as amino acids aren’t drugs. The body uses what it needs and, if necessary, will excrete the rest.
When I first commenced weight training I would religiously purchase those whey protein powders. It was only after I started taking amino acids I realized a better physical recuperation and leaner muscle mass.
One of the reasons for enhanced recuperation is that amino acids are assimilated into the bloodstream faster. Protein is broken down into various amino acids therefore the process of assimilation takes longer and the level of amino acids ingested would be considerably lower than ingesting pure amino acids solely.
By using double the recommended dose, one will elicit a positive therapeutic effect.
I was listening to the late Leroy Colbert who, no coincidence, advocated using more than the recommended dosages on various supplements as well. Seems like great minds do really think alike. There’s nothing like experience, therefore knowing how to properly use supplements over time is surely an asset.
Of course, understanding the science behind the supplementation is an asset as well. It’s one thing to read scientific journals on the effectiveness of supplements, it’s another to physically experience that effectiveness.
Both researching and practical experience is a double asset! Barring any pre-existing medical conditions that may prohibit one from using amino acids I highly recommend them, on an empty stomach, 15-30 minutes before training. Listed below are a couple of examples of popular brands of BCAA’s:
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