So you’ve been working out for a week, a month, or maybe longer.
At one point or another I am sure you’ve heard mention of BCAAs from your trainer or seen other gym members drinking some colorful drink out of a fancy Nutrishop shaker cup after their workout.
Maybe you pretended to know what in the world they were talking about but in the back of your mind thought, “What in the world does this abbreviation stand for?”
It’s not some gym lingo we use to make you feel like you’re out of the loop. In fact we bring it up so that you can take full advantage of your workouts. All the sweat and time and pain you endure in a 30 minute session should get you results and yet many of you are depriving yourselves of the essential components your muscles need to make changes, quickly.
“Branch Chain Amino Acids”
It’s not just a gym term or fancy science diagram. It’s a key to success.
BCAAs are among the nine essential amino acids for humans, accounting for 35% of the essential amino acids in muscle proteins and 40% of the preformed amino acids required by mammals. BCAAs not only increase the RATE of protein synthesis, but they also increase the cell’s CAPACITY for protein synthesis. BCAAs also work in your favor by reducing the rate of protein breakdown. In short, we preserve the lean muscle gains you work hard for so in the gym. Before you know it that lean muscle you’ve built can start working overtime for YOU, burning calories while you sleep, making maintenance of your new weight loss a cinch!
But wait! That is not where the benefits end. BCAAs might also help improve workout intensity! BCAAs compete with the amino acid Tryptophan for entry into the brain, where Tryptophan can be converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin. During exercise, serotonin levels rise and can increase the perception of fatigue causing the second half of your workout to be less intense and less effective.
BCAA supplementation reduces the amount of Tryptophan that enters the brain, and therefore reduces the amount of serotonin produced. This might allow you to work harder, longer.
Supplementing BCAAS before, during or even after your workout ensures you are getting the most “bang” for your buck!
