BCAA yay or nay?

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  • jessef593
    jessef593 Posts: 2,272 Member
    What is your purpose for taking it? Are you trying to stimulate protein synthesis, reduce muscular catabolism during extended periods of intense exercise, currently on a severe deficit in preparation for a competition? They give you that 1-3% extra, for the average person who's just a gym goer. I say definitely no, but if you're a serious athlete who needs that extra 1-3% then Id say yes. The only time I use them is during a cut, so that I can preserve as much hard earned muscle as possible. Aside from that I won't waste my money on it.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    soba82 wrote: »
    sijomial wrote: »
    Nay - I get adequate protein from my diet.

    That's definitely something I struggle with, but I'm working to correct that. :)

    So get that part right first. Spend the money on protein powder. Or chicken breasts. Or jerky. That's going to account for 90-95% of your improvement and until that's perfect spending money on supplements that might give you the last 3-5% isn't prudent.
  • yungbrah
    yungbrah Posts: 33 Member
    Great to use if you're cutting and have especially long workouts, BUT if you don't have a highly disposable income, that money can be used on something more beneficial.
  • StealthHealth
    StealthHealth Posts: 2,417 Member
    pkulagin12 wrote: »
    Great to use if you're cutting and have especially long workouts, BUT if you don't have a highly disposable income, that money can be used on something more beneficial.

    A nice balanced post. Thanks.
  • lavrn03
    lavrn03 Posts: 235 Member
    I agree with some that say it can just be a mental thing but if so I don't mind the $15/month for a mental boost! My gym buddy, husband and I tried a BCAA at the same time. All 3 of us like it.
    I don't feel that burn as much as before when I go heavy with lifting and when I sprint on treadmill I can last longer in my fast interval.
    So I guess take it if you feel good. Just make sure you have a supplement that also has beta-alanine in it. If it just has leucine, isoleucine, and valine...then I would switch it.
    I use MRM BCAA reload.
  • cajuntank
    cajuntank Posts: 924 Member
    Eric Helms' thoughts on the matter (of course, based off of research and professional coaching)
    http://muscleandstrengthpyramids.com/supplementation-citadel/
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