Optima BCAA
BCAA – Optima
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) – We use and even provide for clients Optima with the favorite flavors being crazy Tahitian Punch and Grape Crush
Long Version –
Ummm BCAA? Did you I somehow mess up the alphabet? Is it ABC…right?
No, BCAA is an abbreviation for Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). BCAA are essentially three amino acids – leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These three amino acids can be used to minimize fatigue. Over time, can promote faster muscle growth. Taking this supplement is not necessary with a diet higher in protein (.5 to .75 grams/day per pound of body weight).
So scientific school time is over…what does it do in the gym?
We have found that it is a two-edged sword.
During a workout, basically, they help you feel like Super Woman, you can dig deeper and go even further. Your level of intensity goes up and your inner energizer bunny endurance kicks in.
The downside is, and there is always a downside, you can easily overdo it. The price paid for overexertion is in time to recover and levels of soreness experienced in the days to come. And as much of a downside that is, what most of our clients really want at the end of the day is…the feeling of soreness. However, depending upon your level of overdoing it and your muscles can be sore for days n days.
Like the wives tale that originated with Aristotle, “Everything in moderation.” (And actually originated from Chilo, one the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece, his saying was “Meden again” which is translated as “nothing in excess.”)
Which ones do we like the best?
The top two are Optima Tahitian Fruit Punch and Optima Grape.
(Other flavors include – Green Apple, Strawberry/Watermelon, & Blue Raspberry Thunder)
How do we consume them?
Intra workout and post workout.
Typically, we start with just half of the serving amount they recommend added to your water bottle, taken after the first break. Just a few sips will do you. This allows one to dig into round two. And a few more sips after round two makes the third set more bearable. And finish off at the end, for recovery.
Why Optima?
– Chris Gilbert at C1 Fitness, a local supplement and fitness expert recommended this product to us. He knows supplements like a rocket scientist knows rockets.
– No added sugars or carbs (0 carbs! You feel much “cleaner” after consuming.)
– No noticeable negative side effects
– No artificial aftertaste, enjoyable
– Grape reminds you of a Grape Crush taste
– Mixes well in water
– 2:1:1 ratio of amino acids (standard BCAA ratio)
– Has added Electrolyte (increased hydration) and Glutamine (reduces Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS))
-NSF for Sport Certified = High Quality
Disclaimers, Like a galore of ’em
We are not doctors nor certified nutritionists. We do our research and find what works best for us. Also, the links are to Amazon and we might make a penny or few if you click n buy, so I guess you can say we have a vested interest…really we just have a huge interest in your health!
References:
https://examine.com/supplements/branched-chain-amino-acids/
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=154041
https://supplementreviews.com/nutrakey/bcaa-optima
https://www.facebook.com/chris.gilbert.54584
http://supplementreviewpal.com/review-of-optimum-nutrition-bcaa-pro/
Optima Flavors
Tahitian
Grape
Raspberry
Green Apple
Strawberry/Watermelon
Published: 8/2017