If you are looking to embark on a workout program, the next step is to get your nutrition and supplement protocol right. This will help you to maximize the results from your workouts. Neglecting this crucial aspect of the equation can be a big mistake. Getting the entire range of amino acids tops the list of supplements that should be covered. This is one supplement that can really make a big difference to your training.
‘Amino acids’ is a common term in bodybuilding circles. There are three major types of amino acids – essential, conditionally essential and nonessential. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that help to enhance hormone and immune system function and form new muscle tissue. They comprise the 20 chemicals that come together to form muscle tissues. Out of these twenty, five are important for muscle building. Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are the three that are the chief source of fuel of the skeletal muscle tissue.
BCAA is one of the most effective, but often overlooked supplements to help build muscle and improve performance. In recent years, BCAA supplements have become hugely popular in the fitness community, and not without reason. Today, there is more research that supports the use of these supplements than several others on the market.
What are BCAAs and their Benefits?
Amino acids are essential for growing muscle mass. However, these are not produced in the body naturally and intense exercise burns them fast. If these acids are not replenished in the body, it is not possible to make much progress in terms of muscle gain. This is where BCAA supplements can be helpful – they offer important amino acids that the body requires. The supplements also enable muscles to recover fast – this is the best advantage of all. If your muscles feel sore after workouts, these supplements can be helpful.
BCAA comprise three amino acids: valine, isoleucine, and leucine. They make up for around 35% of our muscles and must be present in the body to aid in muscle growth. They are also required to balance hormonal release as well as to aid in brain functions. For individuals working out with heavy weights or doing long periods of cardio, a steady supply of BCAA can benefit greatly. The reason for this is that when we work out, the glycogen storage in the body depletes very fast and sends a signal to halt protein synthesis. This makes the body catabolic, which is what we don’t want. This is where BCAAs can be useful. It helps reverse the effect and enables the body to carry on with its protein synthesis. This, in turn, leads to quicker recovery, improved muscle gains, and enhanced performance. The most important thing about BCAAs is that they are not broken down in the liver. Instead, they are transported to the muscles where they play an important role in influencing several aspects of muscle metabolism.
Apart from being a great source of energy for your muscles, BCAAs offers a lot more. It helps improve mental focus. Another major benefit is that over time, it helps reduce appetite and also curbs cravings, which in turn helps in weight loss. These supplements also help enhance endurance as they provide the muscles with glucose after it is depleted. They enable you to train harder and for extended periods of time as well.
What is the Best Way to Use Them?
When taking BCAA supplements, you should consume 4-8 grams before your workout and the same quantity after the workout. If you plan to do cardio and weight training in the same session, you can take your BCAA supplements during your workout or just before your cardio session. This will ensure that there is no muscle loss during aerobic exercises and also offer extra energy. Also, if you are doing long periods of weight training, cardio or any sports activity that extends longer than 1.5 hours, you need to take in BCAA sometime during the activity. This will ensure that there is no muscle breakdown that happens after long periods of stress.
BCAA is one of the most beneficial supplements that you can add to your regime. They are a proven way to take your gains to the next level. Use the best BCAAs for excellent results.