Post Workout Supplement

High-intensity workouts produce huge amounts of damage in your muscles, which is actually one signal for your body to get bigger and stronger. The problem is, when putting this type of stress on your body, it first responds by increasing circulating cortisol and reactive oxidative species, causing more and more breakdown and potentially placing the body in the ever-feared catabolic environment. This is the exact moment when the body responds best to post workout supplement which a time called the anabolic window. It's during this window that the proper nutritional actions can turn around the catabolic environment created by your training session and kick-start recovery for your next workout.

The Best Post Workout Supplement Ingredients:

Beta Alanine

Beta alanine makes all of these wonderful benefits possible by supporting the increase in carnosine levels in the muscles. Higher carnosine levels directly correlate to gains in lean muscle mass. This supplement is ideal for post-workout as it protects all of that hard work you put in at the gym, ensuring your muscles are saturated with the nutrients they need. It also is one of the most tested post-workout ingredients.

 Betaine Anhydrous

A variety of studies have been performed on betaine anhydrous, confirming its wonder-like powers. In one study, those supplementing with betaine anhydrous noticed a huge jump in the total amount of volume they were able to handle as well as an increase in the number of repetitions per set. Put simply: more weight for more repetitions. For guys looking to pack on muscle mass, this is extremely important! This means you will be able to maximize your hypertrophy, resulting in larger gains of muscle.

Creatine Monohydrate

Used for decades in the bodybuilding and general fitness population, creatine lives up to its reputation. Creatine monohydrate has been shown to vastly increase strength, power, and muscle size while giving you that “pump” that you are always looking for during your workouts. It’s able to be taken pre, intra, and post-workout but the real magic comes in when you take it post-workout. This is due to the dire need to replenish the ATP within muscle cells.

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate

When it comes to recovery, nothing has your back quite like L-Carnitine L-Tartrate. When you’re sore, chances are, you aren’t pushing yourself as hard as you should be. This is but one of several great reasons to supplement with L-Carnitine L-Tartrate. Studies show that this powerful ingredient has the ability to dramatically reduce muscle soreness and muscle tissue damage.

Leucine

A very popular and highly respected ingredient found in BCAA supplements, this branched chain amino acid is the ideal post-workout nutrient. Research has shown leucine to be one very powerful amino acid, playing an important role in protein synthesis and creating an anabolic environment within the body, ideal for growth. It also prevents muscle breakdown.

The most common banned ingredient in pre-workouts is DMAA. According to the FDA, DMAA can "elevate blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems ranging from shortness of breath and tightening in the chest to heart attack." It is particularly problematic when consumed with caffeine. You also need to consider the amount of stimulants in a post workout supplement. A product with a heavy dose of caffeine (over 200 mg) combined with synephrine and other stimulants, such as yohimbe, can cause problems if you're not careful especially if you have an existing heart condition.