Supplements

blsnyder24
blsnyder24 Posts: 5 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I hear alot about BCAAs and helping with muscle recovery and building lean muscle. When is the best time to use them? Before working out? After? Does it matter? How fast can I expect to notice a change?

Replies

  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    The average person should focus on eating adequate amounts of quality protein and not get tossed back and forth by the often overhyped claims made for various "supplements".

    Foods that Contain protein also contain BCAAs; and if you eat sufficient protein (e.g. 1.0-1.5g per kg body weight), you will get sufficient BCAAs as well.

    The average person will see far more benefit from maintaining a consistent lifting routine and improving their form than they will ever get from taking a "supplement". (Note: I do not considered protein shakes, powders, or bars as "supplements"--they are just alternate delivery systems).
  • jessef593
    jessef593 Posts: 2,272 Member
    You could drink BCAA all day but if you're in a caloric deficit you're going to struggle to recover. And do not expect and significant lean mass gains if any at all. You don't need them, it's a marketing scam unless you're getting ready for a comp, training for hours, or trying to get that extra 3% edge. That's the average amount that supplements help out. Any whole food protein will contain BCAAs, so focus on your diet before supplements
  • blsnyder24
    blsnyder24 Posts: 5 Member
    Thanks! My first instinct is to avoid supplements too because I feel like it is a lot of marketing hype but I've been in a little bit of a rut lately and thought maybe I should try something to help get out of it.
  • jessef593
    jessef593 Posts: 2,272 Member
    If you're mainly concerned with fat loss I wouldn't bother with them. Supplements should honestly be researched profusely and only purchased depending on your goals, since they are exactly that "supplements" food will always be a better investment.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    The average person should focus on eating adequate amounts of quality protein and not get tossed back and forth by the often overhyped claims made for various "supplements".

    Foods that Contain protein also contain BCAAs; and if you eat sufficient protein (e.g. 1.0-1.5g per kg body weight), you will get sufficient BCAAs as well.

    The average person will see far more benefit from maintaining a consistent lifting routine and improving their form than they will ever get from taking a "supplement". (Note: I do not considered protein shakes, powders, or bars as "supplements"--they are just alternate delivery systems).

    Anything that is not whole food is a supplement. You are "supplementing your diet".
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    I take BCAA's, and I have had decreased recovery time. I'm cutting right now. I physically can not consume 200 grams of protein per day on food alone. So I supplement. You have to understand it's a supplement, not magic. I will not take anything that does not benefit me.
  • chonji4ever
    chonji4ever Posts: 120 Member
    blsnyder24 wrote: »
    Thanks! My first instinct is to avoid supplements too because I feel like it is a lot of marketing hype but I've been in a little bit of a rut lately and thought maybe I should try something to help get out of it.

    It is a lot of hype. Jessef593's posts are spot on for this for sure. Watching your diet is the best option for getting everything you need for any of your fitness goals. ...and keep your hard earned money in your pocket for something more rewarding.
  • DTrain351
    DTrain351 Posts: 37 Member
    I agree with everybody above. BCAA aren't needed. Especially since if u take a protein supp they're already added into the protein. Some essential aminos can't be processed by the body without bcaas. But like I said, they're usually already added into a protein supp. Eating right is Def the best way to go. There's a reason they're called supplements. Because they supplement a sound nutrition plan should u be lacking somewhere. But if its sound nutrition u shouldnt be lacking. Spend the money on good food...it's cheaper...usually:)

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