We all know how important that post-workout protein shake is – it stops muscle tissue breakdown and kickstarts the anabolic (muscle-building) process.

But why wait until after your workout to give your muscles a beneficial boost of amino acids?

A potent combination of ingredients

Research suggests that drinking a supplement during (or even before) workouts that contains a mix of amino acids and other ergogenic (performance-boosting) compounds can encourage the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis (muscle tissue development), reduce next-day muscle soreness and stiffness, and help accelerate recovery after an intense workout.

Depending on its formulation, sipping on a suitable supplement during a training session can also offer additional benefits by reducing fatigue and improving both mental and physical performance with stimulants and other compounds.

Choosing the best intra-workout

When selecting an intra-workout, it is best to choose products that contain researched and scientifically-validated ingredients that are therapeutically dosed to ensure they deliver results.

Products that are formulated with research-backed ingredients and without proprietary blends ensure you know what you’re getting, exactly how much of it there is, and that it works!

It’s all about the aminos

The right intra-workout feeds and builds muscle, boosts endurance and strength, even when you’re not training.

Branched-chain amino acids

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are the foundation of any good intra-workout. BCAAs play a key role in almost every process in the human body, but especially muscle building and repair.

Beta-alanine

This is another important amino acid that no intra-workout supplement should be without. Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring, non-essential beta-amino acid. When combined with histidine, beta-alanine increases carnosine levels in skeletal muscles, which aids in an array of muscle-building and endurance benefits.

Taurine

This amino sulfonic acid is a popular ingredient found in many energy drinks because it plays a key role in energy production in the body.

One of taurine’s major functions is the regulation of the respiratory chain in the heart. A taurine deficiency can lead to impaired energy metabolism and reduced ATP generation. Therefore, maintaining optimal levels through intelligent supplementation can contribute to healthy heart function.

Taurine also increases the action of insulin, improving glucose tolerance, and acts as an antioxidant. And, more importantly, it aids healthy muscle contractions, while assisting the body to get rid of the waste that causes muscle burn.

Carbs for energy

A rapidly digested and absorbed carbohydrate source is another key ingredient. Fast-digesting carbs will fuel your muscles throughout your workout and replenish glycogen both during and after your workout. Some good choices would be Dextrose, HBCD (Cyclic Dextrin) or Maltodextrin or Palatinose.

A good intra-workout like NPL’s Amino Armour provides the body with a constant supply of amino acids, carbs and protein. These ingredients contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and will ensure you get the most out of your workouts!