Amino acids

Ariadnula

Do you take them? My trainer seems convinced they're essential when lifting big weights, but I'm generally anti supplements. Thoughts?

DawnEmbers

I'm not much into supplements as I barely remember to take any vitamins a couple times a week, let alone anything else. The main thing I "use" is protein powder for shakes (I have non-whey kinds) and the occasion protein bar to help reach my protein goals but can't have the bars often cause they are dairy based as I have an allergy(not just an intolerance or lactose issue).

I do have a pre-workout. I got is free with my protein powder purchase. I've used it twice in the last month. Since I often work out late at night, I don't use it then cause need sleep too. I need to try it a little more often though to really evaluate it but just don't remember or feel the need much. I drink the occasional energy drink before long runs and that's all.

So ramble equals this answer: No, I don't take amino acids. I also don't have a trainer, so haven't had a push for anything. I know some take them, mentioned on their youtube videos and such, but not something I've ventured towards at this time.

mirrim52

No. Amino acids are just the building blocks of proteins. If your protein intake is sufficient, don't worry about it. It's mostly broscience.

andylllI

That depends, is the trainer planning on selling them to you or giving you his "exclusive" discount code for the supplement shop? There are only a few amino acids we have to ingest. The rest can be made by your body from other amino acids. Just get your ~0.8 g/lb of protein a day and call it a day.

awkwardsoul

If you need a little extra help with recovery you can go down that road and take amino acids.

I don't take them. I get pretty beaten up on my rest days and I get by fine. The only suppliments I take is a multi vitamin during my period, the odd fish oil when I remember, and I do protein powder/fitness fiber as I have a hard time eating that much protein and fiber.

Ariadnula

Ah, that's a relief to hear - I eat pretty well, I think, so I didn't feel I needed something extra. Though he wasn't trying to sell anything, just very keen on them himself :-)

I'll bear it in mind if I do struggle later.
Thanks!

krokador

I like sipping on them during my workout. And they also offset my hunger a bit on the days where I fast or try not to eat too much. I like the taste of the ones I got. I don't know that they really actually make much of a difference, but when lifting on an empty stomach, they've gotten me through some hefty hungry spells, so there is that.

canadianlbs

krokador wrote: »

I like sipping on them during my workout. And they also offset my hunger a bit on the days where I fast or try not to eat too much. I like the taste of the ones I got. I don't know that they really actually make much of a difference, but when lifting on an empty stomach, they've gotten me through some hefty hungry spells, so there is that.

just gonna say that i opened this thread, and by the time i was reading this post, i'd forgotten which one it was. i thought you were talking about lifting belts here. i was thinking 'now, THAT is hungry.'

bluefish86

There's a lot of evidence that BCAAs can help spare muscle and boost recovery.

I personally find they really help with DOMS, but I don't think they're essential, if you're getting adequate protein.