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The Importance of BCAAs Pre & Post Workout for Beginners

by Ryan Steven

Two months ago, I had a pretty stubborn opinion on sports nutrition supplements. And it wasn’t favorable. Thinking that I tried everything—from all “natural” products to personalized pills, powders, and potions curated based on my fitness goals—I was constantly disappointed.

When you spend $60 on a product that leaves you feeling sluggish, it’s hard to find the motivation to go to the gym, and even harder to seriously commit to your self-improvement. Instead of building a bridge, a lot of these products presented me with new obstacles.

Until I found XTEND® or, more accurately, until a friend recommended it to me. Because I certainly wasn’t seeking anything out on my own, not anymore.

I had to do my research first, though. I trusted my friend’s recommendation, but our bodies and fitness goals couldn’t be more different. And like I said, I was stubborn. My wallet—and more importantly, my gut—were skeptical of these things.

I’m a 28-year-old man, 5’11’’ and a whooping 140 pounds. Your typical string bean.

Why I Started Using XTEND® BCAA Supplements

Naturally, I want to add mass while also increasing my strength, and improving my overall health, both physical and mental.

After spending some time reading product reviews and learning more about XTEND® --- and in particular about the XTEND® NSF Sport* certification, I was more than compelled to give it a try.

*From XTEND®: The NSF Certified for Sport® badge means that the product has been subjected to rigorous testing and protocols required to become certified for sport. This program is recognized by the NFL, NFL Players Association, MLB, MLB Players Association, PGA, LPGA and Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports.

If it’s good enough for the NFL, it’s good enough for me!

I ended up buying what a beginner like myself would need:

  • XTEND® Original: Hydrating electrolytes with performance ingredients to help you refuel, repair, and recover.
  • XTEND® Ripped: The BCAA drink with the same benefits of XTEND®, but with an added a layer of ingredients crucial to burning fat and achieving a lean, shredded look.
  • XTEND® Pro: All the incredible benefits of BCAAs with ultra-pure whey protein isolate to help maximize muscle recovery, retention, and growth.

A modest ensemble, if I do say so myself, especially when presented with such a huge family of products.

What are BCAAs? The Importance of Branched Chain Amino Acid Supplements

The common thread among them all? A huge serving of BCAAs, or branched chain amino acids. These bad boys make up a third of our dietary essential amino acids and are critical to building and repairing muscle fiber. Because our bodies can’t synthesize BCAAs, we need to rely on food and supplements. That’s where XTEND® comes in.

Using a clinically studied, 2:1:1 ratio, all XTEND® Supplements packs a massive punch of BCAAS, seven grams to be exact. Just the right amount your body needs to maximize your workouts and minimize the aches and pains of recovery.

At the time of this blog post, I’ve regularly been taking those four supplements in various combinations, but typically: a scoop of XTEND® Original or XTEND® Ripped right before, and/or during my workouts.

Then, a scoop of XTEND® Pro Whey Isolate once I’m home, post-workout . If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll have a second scoop as a well-earned late-night snack. My recommendation? A scoop of XTEND® Pro Chocolate Lava Cake flavor, banana, and peanut butter for a quick smoothie.

Benefits of BCAAs Before & After a Workout

There are three main reasons why XTEND® has won my loyalty, and why taking this product has provided a totally unique and separate experience than other supplements on the market: more motivation, more power, and a recovery sweeter than the XTEND® Original Mango Madness flavor.

Pre-Workout Motivation

And not just physical, although it does immediately get you off your bum. Taking XTEND® BCAA supplements before my workout also gave me the mental motivation to move, and—for the first time ever—made me excited to workout. This mental high lasted throughout the entire workout, giving me the much-needed push to start moving and stay moving.

Post-Workout Recovery & Power

Although not as immediately obvious as the motivation and stimulation, after a few days of XTEND® I tapped into an energy reserve that I didn’t know I had. I was pulling more weight, pushing reps harder and farther, and no longer feeling fatigued toward the end of each set. I always thought I was a low energy person, having skipped the gym for an embarrassing length of time or, even worse, leaving halfway through my workout. Shameful, I know. But not anymore!

A Sweeter Recovery & Reduced Muscle Soreness

One of my fears about returning to the gym post-quarantine was the soreness. It would be wicked, no doubt about it, and would definitely interrupt any routine that I set for myself. But with XTEND®, I’m no longer dragging my feet, or avoiding the stairs after leg day. There was still some soreness, of course—no pain, no gain. But it was less severe, more manageable, and didn’t push me off track.

Two months in, the only regret I have is not taking XTEND® sooner.

The impact has been immediate and has improved my physical and mental health. I’m motivated, energized, and more importantly, have been able to develop a healthier relationship with fitness.

Check out XTEND BCAAs for yourself—your reps will thank you

Date April 27, 2022
Category Recovery