(Part 2) Best bcaa supplements according to redditors

Well I'm not going to nice guy or whatever but what are you looking to improve upon? Or in another way, what do you need motivation to accomplish?


Edit: I'll just post what I do for everyone -


Starting with Branch Chained Amino Acids (BCAAs): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branched-chain_amino_acid - and here is the important take away: "BCAAs promote protein synthesis and turnover, signaling pathways, and metabolism of glucose." So what does that mean exactly? Well "promote protein synthesis and turnover" means you’re going to recover faster AND build muscle faster while also burning fat faster, why? In non science terms when we work out we are tearing our muscles apart and rebuilding them, we're pumping protiens into our body to repair the muscles and to make them prepared for the next time we do that particular exercise. The BCAA accelerates that healing process thus the "recovery" part of BCAAs, even better they allow the muscles to absorb new protein faster which makes the workout more useful. Not only that but BCAAs will also prevent muscle loss when you take breaks, or help maintain gains, I take it every day regardless of if I'm working out or not. I use a powder, Cellucor, https://www.amazon.com/Cellucor-Supplement-Tropical-Punch-Servings/dp/B00CX98ULW/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518185581&sr=8-8&keywords=bcaa%2Bcellucor&th=1 it doesn't have any BS in it like caffeine or sugar, it's just 10gs of BCAAs. It's not a hocus pocus stimulant or any other BS, it's the real deal. You can also get it at GNC.


I put one scoop of powder in with 20oz of water and drink while I'm working out, I do caution you, if you drink it fast it might make your skin tingle. I tend to work through 10oz and then refill my bottle trying to get 30oz of water in me while I'm working out.


I take creatine directly after my workout, I like the Cellucor brand, it’s no nonsense and works great: https://www.amazon.com/Cellucor-Micronized-Monohydrate-COR-Performance-Unflavored/dp/B01BVRO7T0/ref=sr_1_9_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1518186558&sr=1-9&keywords=creatine&th=1 There are 10 bajillion people who will tell you take it before, during, after, whatever, it’s one of those thing.. Personally I take a scoop of flavorless creatine in another 20oz of water directly after working out. So within that time line I’m downing 50oz of water with both BCAAs and creatine to great effect. When I travel I keep Ziploc bags with this stuff in it and an empty water bottle so I can hit the gym in hotels. Creatine is also great for losing weight, it’s not just for bulking up, that’s more the job of protein. Here is a copypasta “Yes! Creatine helps you gain and retain metabolically-active lean muscle tissue, which makes it an indirect fat burner. Put simply, the more muscle you have on your body, the harder you can work in the weight room, and the more calories you can burn both during and after your training sessions.”


Protein. I use a vegan powder, no nonsense, no BS, no added crap, here is another copypasta saying it better than I could say it: “As you are losing weight, your body loses both muscle and fat. During this process it is especially important that you continue to eat enough protein in your diet. Having adequate protein coming in from your food fuels fat burning while preserving calorie-burning lean muscle. I use: https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Standard-Organic-Protein/dp/B075KGR37C/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1518186788&sr=1-5&keywords=vegetable%2Bprotein%2Bpowder&th=1


How much protein should you have? Copypasta! “Protein intake around 30% of calories may be optimal for weight loss. This amounts to 150 grams per day for someone on a 2000 calorie diet. You can calculate it by multiplying your calorie intake by 0.075.” For me, I try to take in about 175 grams of protein a day which frankly is a challenge. For reference I’m 5’11” and bulked weigh 170, when maintaining I’m around 162, with 24g from the powder in the morning, about 25g from a salmon sandwich for lunch, 50g combined from vegan sourced powerbars, then I try to squeeze in another 75 through dinner or other methods. If you’re trying to lose weight it will fly off – those BCAAs – now you’re using them right, packing protein into your system, burning fat, and packing muscles full of what they live on.


This is starter information and I caution you on cheap supplements. The reason I go with Cellucor is because look at the reviews and ratings. It’s no BS, and I do vegan for protein because it’s planted based. Cheap or dodgy looking supplements that promise crap won’t deliver and can even cause health problems. You can start researching this stuff and get into a good rabbit hole to find out even more information.. what else.. As you go further down the path and want a 12 pack or whatever you’ll need to learn about cutting and bulking. I’m cutting right now and almost down to 155, over the course of the next 6-9 months I’ll add 15 pounds of pure muscle. That’s 2 pounds a month which is about as high as it gets.


Ok! Let’s workout. Weight is based entirely on you and what you can do. You’re not working to failure you’re working to almost failure this is called “volitional fatigue” and what the means is that by the end of 3 sets the last 2-3 motions should be quite hard and the last should be almost impossible. During the first set you should feel quite tired and the last motion should be hard. So if you’re slinging around a 10 pound weight and it’s easy, it’s pointless, jack it up to 15, try again. This is a learning process for you. I keep a printed piece of paper with me every time I work out and keep track of my weight class as I bulk up so I’m going from 20s to 25s to 30s to 35s throughout months of training.


We do a set and we rest for 90 seconds, keep a watch or clock around, if you ever wondered why there are clocks in gyms and people are staring at them, this is why. So I’ll say 1 set of 8, rest 90, means do 8 repetitions of this exercise then rest 90 seconds, then do set 2, rest 90, then do set 3, now rest 2 minutes. Now start the next exercise.


Day 1 – Phase 1 – 3 months. - I warm up by hitting the stupid elliptical or stair machine for 5 minutes, or row for 5km on the machine. It get's the body ready for what you're about to do to it.


Dumbell curls – Biceps : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av7-8igSXTs – 3 sets of 8


Goblett squat – thighs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIrcxSkwui8 - 3 sets of 8


Half getups – upper abs and back - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVP8ul6vRVM – 3 sets, complete entire cycle 20 times, yeah 20! Burn those abs baby!


Wide grip pull downs – back and lats - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gL2XgHghLY – 3 sets of 8


Triceps kickback – triceps of course - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO81bExngMI – 3 sets of 12 – you should be burning by the time you’re done with this, use enough weight.


Dumbell press – chest, different part of tris, bis, back, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3YrlBmjWrY – 3 sets of 8.


Chest supported dumbell row - bis shoulders back, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl2MnK1i504 – 3 sets of 10


Reverse crunch - lower abs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyv14e2QDq0 – 3 sets of build up, I do 3 sets of 150, I don’t suggest doing that day one. Go until you can’t anymore. Rest 2 minutes, do it again until you can’t do anymore. You want a V? This is how you get the V! BURN!!!


Ok So I’ve giving you the youtube links for day 1, y’all can search for these. This is day 2.

dumbell upright row – 3 sets of 8


machine crunches – 3 sets to fatigue, I do 150 per set


dumbell double standing row – 3 sets of 8


cross-body hammer curl – 3 sets of 8


cross-bench dumbell pullover – 3 sets of 8


lying leg curls – 3 sets of 12


side jack knife – 3 sets to fatigue, I do 50


dumbell front raise – 3 sets of 10.


I do day 1 Monday, day 2 Tuesday, rest Wednesday, day 1 Thursday, day 2 Friday, Saturday I ride my bike about 20-30 miles depending. Rest Sunday. If you do this for 90 days send me the progress pic because it will be amazing, this is my “get ready for the beach!” workout routine. I start it in January, ending in March, then I start my phase 2 routine which is summer body! The concept is to work out different muscle groups, the body gets used to different motions, so swap out routines by the day and then by the quarter. Any questions send me a note.

It’s not really a “pwo” I should say, but it’s just easier to call it that. It’s really just BCAAs with some extra shit in it, https://www.amazon.com/Evlution-Nutrition-BCAA-Energy-Performance/dp/B01GASAWXU

Using optimum nutrition amino acid peach tea, which tastes soooo good. Before, I used nothing lol



OPTIMUM NUTRITION Essential Amino Energy, White Peach Tea, Preworkout and Essential Amino Acids with Green Tea and Green Coffee Extract, 30 Servings https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075LBRCTH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gCpPDb6KQY0FP

Nope, raspberry.

I ordered some unflavored whey, hoping that will do the trick.

Here is a breakdown of the supplements I have found to have the most backing. I put this together for a friend.

• Supplement Creatine
  
• Dosage 5-10g
  
• When to take it Anytime but on an empty stomach and after workout are best.
  
• How it works Phosphate produced from creatine is needed for regenerating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules, which is the main fuel for the enzyme motors of the muscle in initial high-intensity muscle activity. This lets you push harder and workout longer.
  Benefits Improved exercise performance involving short bursts of intense exertion, Increased muscle mass, and improved recovery from exercise, both speeding muscle repair and easing pain and soreness.
  
• Tips You must drink plenty of water and it may cause digestive issues at first.
  
• Where to buy it http://www.amazon.com/Creatine-Monohydrate-100%25-Pure-Powder/dp/B000QSMN4W/
  
• Details http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creatine
  
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• Supplement Beta-Alanine
  
• Dosage 2.5g twice a day
  
• When to take it Anytime but on an empty stomach and after workout are best.
  
• How it works Much of Beta-Alanine’s effects come through boosting the synthesis of an intramuscular dipeptide (two amino acids) called carnosine. To function effectively, muscle cells rely on the powerful intracellular buffer carnosine to avoid becoming acidic (low pH) during exercise. If you want your muscles to remain strong and maintain powerful contractions, they need to be in an optimal pH range. If they don’t and the pH drops below that optimal level, you have significantly less strength and fatigue more quickly. You know this is happening when you feel that familiar burn in your muscles or even when you’re lifting heavy and reach muscular failure. Muscle pH has dropped and it’s largely a result of an increase in hydrogen ions (H+) which build up when you break down the high energy compound ATP during exercise.The breakdown of ATP and the subsequent rise in H+ concentrations occurs in our all of our energy systems but is most prevalent in an energy system called glycolysis which also produces lactic acid. Lactic acid releases H+ ions, contributing further to the pool of H+ that’s filling your muscles from the breakdown of ATP.
  Benefits Increase Muscular Strength & Power Output, Increases Muscle Mass, Increase Anaerobic Endurance, Increases Aerobic Endurance, Delay Muscular Fatigue- Train Harder & Longer.
  
• Tips The thing to watch out for here is if you take too much it makes your face and fingers tingle. There are more details in the article about why it causes tingling and how it isn't anything to worry about.
  
• Where to buy it http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Beta-Alanine-Powder-Multi-Pack/dp/B0041U1S42/
  
• Details http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta-alanine
  
  -
  
  
• Supplement BCAAs
  
• Dosage 8-16g
  
• When to take it Before and after workout
  
• How it works " While most essential amino acids are absorbed through the small intestine and metabolized in the liver, the bulk of the BCAAs are directly absorbed by muscle, serving there to provide nitrogen (NO) for the formation of autochthonous proteins. The BCAA are incorporated into the structure of new muscles. Therefore, you can think of Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine as the raw building blocks of muscle tissue. That in itself is reason enough to take branched chain amino acids supplements, but the branched chain amino acids promote the growth and retention of muscle tissue in a number of other ways.
  
  
  "
  Benefits From numerous studies it is clear that BCAA's have a significant role in increasing overall conditioning factors such as aerobic and anaerobic capacities, by improving physiological markers such as: red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin, fasting glucose levels, a decrease in creatine phophokinase, increased glycogenesis, and even rapid alleviation of muscle inflammation. Other positive attributes associated with BCAA's as shown by current scientific literature includes: increased muscle recovery especially after intense eccentric exercise, alleviation of short term decrements in performance commonly associated with overreaching, improvements in plasma levels of BCAA's (often linked with fatigue), and may aid in the healing of injuries, sickness, and trauma. There may also be strength and muscle mass increases accompanied by BCAA supplementation. However, further research is needed to determine whether this is a direct or indirect effect of BCAA supplementation.
  
• Tips
  
• Where to buy it http://www.amazon.com/Scivation-Xtend-Refreshing-Raspberry-418-Grams/dp/B002SSUQNS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1302276175&sr=8-2
  
• Details http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branched-chain_amino_acids
  

Its all good dude, for electrolytes I like to use capsule's like these. Makes it easy and you dont have to figure out ratios on your own. You can by them seperately as Magnesium citrate, Potassium Citrate, and you can Get Sodium from kosher or Pink himilayan sea salt. Sea salt is good because it contains other trace minerals as well. For Muscle recovery Glutamine and BCAA's are amazing.

I'm no excercise elitist either. We love doing bike rides to brewerys and back. I just save the recovery until i'm done drinking. I've found that to be pretty effective.

I used Rock Solid EAA. In addition to EAAs and BCAAs it contains creatine, citrulline, sodium, potassium, taurine. Since I started taking it my workouts and recovery have greatly increased in quality. I love the Cherry Limeade flavor.

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(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078WFF5BL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

Unsure, i never tried ON pwo. Here is a link to the product.

Scivation Xtend Go Amino Energy BCAA Powder for Pre Workout or Anytime Energy, BCAAs, Blue Raspberry, 30 Servings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFC1NQL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XsjKAbV91NMQG

I drink this before morning workouts and I quite like it. It's low-cal and has enough caffeine to propel me through, and I only use half the recommended serving. I've tried the cotton candy and watermelon- both good!

Hey man, I'm a bit late to the thread but this power lifter/doctor I follow on Instagram came out with his own preworkout a couple months back and I think it's what you're looking for.

It's called (GainzZz Rx)[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBQMZ34/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rlS.ybHM50GE2]

Here's what's in it:

>10 grams of muscle-building Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) in a 2:1:1 ratio (Leucine:Isoleucine:Valine) 2.5 grams of Creatine Monohydrate 3g beta alanine for increased work capacity and volume tolerance 1000mg of Citrulline Malate to enhance muscle protein synthesis 1000mg of Betaine Anhydrous to complement creatine’s effect on increasing cellular hydration

https://www.amazon.com/L-Citrulline-DL-Malate-BulkSupplements-Workout-Recovery/dp/B00EYDJTRE?th=1 Citrulline malate. I mix it with beta alanine, creatine, some other stuff for "homemade: preworkout.

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Expensive but I liked this one for premade https://www.amazon.com/Scivation-Xtend-Powder-Branched-Serving/dp/B075RGM6W9/ref=pd_bap_rp_68?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2AVHFNKHH68RKT1FPJA3

I use Scivation Xtend BCAA + Energy about 15-30 mins before my workouts. It is sugar free and calorie free and has about 125 mg of caffeine.

EDIT: It helps replenish electrolytes as well, so you don’t get the keto flu.

If you want protein plus BCAAs I use Isopure Zero Carb Protein

This is the one I use: Best Choice Products 10x10ft... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BV6YPSV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Maybe this is a dumb question but I recently purchased these BCAA's and the directions say to take them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I can't find any information about calories or macros but they are sweet so I assume there's calories/carbs in them. I was just wondering if they will break my fast, and if so, would it be detrimental to take these during my workout despite the instructions?

I stopped drinking any kind of soda or sweetened beverages a long time ago so I admit the fun flavors make it like a treat for me ha. The one I find I've liked best I've linked here if interested. I chose it after digging around online for further research and testing. Lots of great options out there!

BCAA Powder

Lol! I was literally looking into those this morning. Will definitely give those a shot

Do you think this would be taking it too far?

GNC Pro Performance Bulk 1340 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KMC4WY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oFEyDb8J8CJET

Here's one:



NF Sports Natural Amino Watermelon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071XZ3KDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_EKJtNVGmBONnJ



Not super sweet, but I like it.

Plz plz plz do not use supplements from an MLM. None of them are FDA approved, and MLMs typically market things questionably and make claims about their products that aren't legitimate, but use words like "may" or "it worked for me" to skirt truth in advertising laws (head over to r/antiMLM for some examples, and laughs).

I drink BCAA before or during class that gives me energy and helps with my recovery. I also will usually make myself a protein shake afterward if the floor work was intense that day. I linked my BCAA below. Avoid MLMs!

https://www.amazon.com/Evlution-Nutrition-BCAA5000-Premium-Servings/dp/B06XRZ4936/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1524587479&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=bcaa%2Bpowder&th=1

I have a hard time eating right after a workout, and I used to have issues feeling tired post workout. Now when I go home I stretch for 5 minutes while drinking a BCAA recovery drink. I use this : https://www.amazon.com/BPI-Sports-Best-BCAA-Shredded/dp/B01NCW5C8O/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=bcaa+recovery&qid=1568701476&s=gateway&sr=8-25
specifically because I am sensitive to caffeine. I'm mixing a couple scoops with probably 30oz of water and then chugging it. Then I hit a brisk shower and finally eat a protein bar (Clif or Luna) with a small protein shake (usually Vega or Evolve)...focusing on plant based protein. This gets me by until I can eat a real meal and also out into the world to get things done.

Here are the Amazon links for what I take.

Pre workout
I take half a scoop of this before the gym.

Amino Acid
I take one scoop of this while at the gym.

Protein
I take one scoop of this after the gym.

I have to resist drinking this stuff on workout days. Cellucor BCAA Supplement, Tropical Punch, 339 Gram

I get the NOW unflavored powder from Amazon. I take it straight, no water, like a pretend man, and really actually enjoy it on the way to my workout. It's a powdery little snack. You just have to make sure you wipe any errant powder off your face, less you look like a coke-head in the gym.

http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Branch-Chain-Powder-Ounces/dp/B0013OUNFE/ref=pd_sim_hpc_2 only not from Swanson, looks like Amazon is currently out-of-stock.

I don't know about "best" because they all taste horrible, but kaged muscle is vegan and it actually mixes decently in water.

True Nutrition is vegan and you can save 5% with code "GOVEGAN"

Micro Ingredients is vegan and pretty cheap.

I've heard people say purple wraath is vegan, but I haven't confirmed that with CL. I have a friend who trains BJJ and he sips on it through his workout. It isn't just BCAA's - it's BCAAs + EAA's + beta alanine + citrulline malate + betaine + ginger. I love the way it tastes.

Alright, downvoted more than upvoted. Seriously frustrated with this sub-reddit. Morons walking around and talking out of their ass.

Why don't you guys downvoting me do a bit of research and then figure out that supplements are just that, supps. If he really wants to gain weight, for the money, you eat a lot, you sleep enough, and you lift properly. You can have a protein shake, but most of your protein should come from foods, shakes are just extra immediately protein intakes before and or after lifting.

And while we're at it, Creatine is a muscle energy supplement. Any mass directly associated with Creatine is due to water retention which can vary based on the type of creatine consumed. Being able to lift a bit more will indirectly mean you can get bigger as well.

While creatine is found naturally in your body and in meats you eat, if you take too much of it and don't take in enough water, since your body will be retaining water, your kidneys could be in danger. Obviously it's easy enough to drink a lot, but some people can forget.

As an alternative to creatine I would recommend Purple Wraath

More endurance, increase protein synthesis, other amino acids that are great for you.