Optimum Nutrition BCAA's

This is the first of a couple of articles on some supplements I have recently purchased and am now using. I will explain the benefits of each one and when to take them.


BCAA's (Branched Chain Amino Acids)

BCAAs are a very important supplement to be taking if your trying to build muscle. When you take a protein supplement, your body is limited in how quickly it can absorb and utilize the protein for recover and growth by the rate that it is able to synthesize it at. Taking a BCAA supplement increases the rate that your body can absorb proteins at.

Having an increased rate of protein absorption has several benefits. Firstly, you are increasing the amount of protein your muscles are receiving after a workout, reducing your recover time and increasing your muscle growth. This is the main benefit of taking BCAA's. Another benefit is that the protein you drinking/eating is not being used by your body as fuel as much. If there is excess protein in your body, you start using it as a fuel to function after your training. If the majority is absorbed quickly due to the presence of BCAA's then less is being wasted as fuel. The BCAA's also disrupt your bodies process that breaks down the protein, further reducing the waste of proteins.

I am taking this supplement from Optimum Nutrition straight after training with my protein shake and in the evening with another protein shake. Having the BCAA's at this time creates a spike in your bodies BCAA levels when the protein in the system is also high. This combination allows maximum aborption of protein and in turn, optimal muscle growth and recovery.  

Squats

Me doing squats this morning. Green is 10kg, red is 25kg, bar is 20kg.

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Everyone need this kind of willpower

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If your not in the gym yet, you will be after this

Sequel To the Greatest Motivational Video Ever

Great picture from a great site (SimplyShredded.com) 

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Saw this on my Facebook feed today, thought I would share it.

Fantastic Nutrients Calculator

The link below will give you a rough idea of  what your daily intake of the main 3 macronutrients should be to keep yourself in optimum shape. Give it a try!

Macronutrients Calculator

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