Major increase in strength! BUT WHY: BCAA's? more cals?

Cheri_Moves

I have been lifting solidly for 9 months. Mostly new rules of lifting for women, some crossfit and occasionally just my own thing. Example: 6 weeks ago, I was doing 95 lb squats 3X10, 95 lb DL 3X10, rows 60 3X10 and many, many more... but now squats 165 lbs, DL 165 lbs, rows 120 (and form is still pretty good)

~ I recently started taking BCAA's in capsule form. (About 3 weeks ago)
~ I also started eating at 1/2 pound a week deficit AND eating back exercise calories, around 1900-2500 depending on burn about 6 weeks ago. This is up (slowly but considerably) over the past 6 months
~ I make a concerted effort to get at least my body weight in protein daily (mostly whole food with whey supplementing as needed)
~ I have been able to increase my weights on nearly every exercise I have been doing, almost every time I lift for about the past month. This has not been the case until recently.

My question is this: Why am I all of a sudden seeing so much gain in strength??? Is the increased cals? the BCAA's? The max protein? A combo of all of it?

First of all, I think this is AWESOME!!! But, if it is the BCAA's, I will have to buy more soon... If not, I don't want to waste my $$$. And, should I look into any other supplements? nothing crazy, but want to make the most of my efforts.

THANKS ALL!

Hendrix7

Most likely a combination of all ( minus the BCAA )

I would say that, assuming you have a sufficient protein intake, BCAA supplementation is pointless. A protein rich diet gives you all the BCAA you are ever likely to need.

Might have some merit if you train fasted.

MetilHed

I think it's the increase in protein and calories. I have found (for me personally) the BCAAs helped with my recovery quite a bit, though this was when I wasn't tracking my protein and was probably not getting near enough.

More protein helps your muscles repair, more cals (may) give you more energy.

chardi7

Maybe the 95 lbs from six weeks ago was not really all you were capable of...and now you are closer to your baseline amount you work out with...I am an accountant and have nooooo basis for anything I say...but I dont think some pills will help you almost double the amount of weight you can lift in a short period of six weeks. If that was the case...in another six weeks your would be able to squat me (260 lbs). I would just do what works for you...thats awesome you are progressing so well...kudos!!! I do think BCAA's are important...but I couldnt tell you why.

Cheri_Moves

Most likely a combination of all ( minus the BCAA )

I would say that, assuming you have a sufficient protein intake, BCAA supplementation is pointless. A protein rich diet gives you all the BCAA you are ever likely to need.

Might have some merit if you train fasted.

I weigh between 150-155 and try to get at least that much... I eat a lot of cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, chicken and beef. And like I said, occasionally use whey. So you don't think I need the BCAA? I was thinking that too, since I get all the essential amino acids from my natural foods.

And I don't train fasted... I dont think I could, Although I do IF.

Cheri_Moves

Maybe the 95 lbs from six weeks ago was not really all you were capable of...and now you are closer to your baseline amount you work out with...I am an accountant and have nooooo basis for anything I say...but I dont think some pills will help you almost double the amount of weight you can lift in a short period of six weeks. If that was the case...in another six weeks your would be able to squat me (260 lbs). I would just do what works for you...thats awesome you are progressing so well...kudos!!! I do think BCAA's are important...but I couldnt tell you why.

When I was doing those 95 pound squats, I remember them being just as hard as today at 165... seriously. But I have picked up intensity in my lifting (i make yucky faces and grunt... my workout partner tell me I'm a beast all the time! LOL)

Crystalchaos72

Bump

Crystalchaos72

*

flechero

I would say the increase in food intake... you can't build a bunch of new muscle on a big deficit and I have read way too many stories of people gaining quickly after learning that they weren't eating enough and upping the food intake.

Keep it up! (the food and the weights!)

Cheri_Moves

I would say the increase in food intake... you can't build a bunch of new muscle on a big deficit and I have read way too many stories of people gaining quickly after learning that they weren't eating enough and upping the food intake.

Keep it up! (the food and the weights!)

Thanks! This probably the case... So I may just ditch the BCAA's after the bottle is gone and see what happens.

AussieMisfit

Did you ditch them yet? And did it make any difference?

Cheri_Moves

Hey! Still taking the BCAA's since I paid for the bottle and want to finish them. Still increasing my weights regularly, like weekly... Currently at 170 for deadlifts! I'll be done with them in 2 weeks