BCAA's: Good for off-season or save for contest prep?

**Koubs** · 04-10-2009, 09:27 PM

What do you guys think? Do they have a place in your diet during the off-season or are they best utilized during contest prep??

My thoughts are that since during the off-season I eat more meals and more calories... so having those bcaa's don't really seem necessary...

But during contest prep, you're doing more cardio, eating less calories, etc... That I could see more of a reason to supplement with BCAA's... I'm trying to decide if it's worth the money to supplement with this year round or just during contest prep... your thoughts??

**The Ultimate Warrior** · 04-10-2009, 10:05 PM

I used to use them all year around, but I cut them out during the offseason because I believe they are a waste of money when your already taking in so much high quality food...Especially in your protein powders. During the offseason, a quality whey will have more than enough aminos in 1 serving to supply you with optimal results. I do use them during pre contest in the morning after fasting all night before cardio and if i need more cardio after training.

**Wheels** · 04-10-2009, 10:32 PM

Dave P and many others state that taking BCAAs, in addition to your protein intake and other food, is a waste of time. Personally, I use BCAAs on an empty stomach before Cardio and I think they help while dieting to help preserve lean tissue. BCAAs are cheap, so I don't feel guilty taking them year round.

**Frosty** · 04-10-2009, 10:36 PM

Great for preserving lean mass when cutting, and great for stimulating protein synthesis when gaining, in my opinion.

**anthony1992** · 04-11-2009, 02:03 PM

I take 5g of BCAA before and after every workout

**nutratroy** · 04-11-2009, 02:42 PM

BCAA's can not be taken with animal protein feedings.

BCAA's work wonders when taken upon empty stomach & before and during workouts & between meals if one can afford them. Lord knows I have spent tons on Extend in the past until chain'd out came long

**smvmuscle** · 04-12-2009, 05:53 AM

year round is the best way to go when it comes to BCAA's......recommend for pre or post and even during training.

**BigBilly** · 04-13-2009, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by smvmuscle

year round is the best way to go when it comes to BCAA's......recommend for pre or post and even during training.

why not a shake post?

**buster12** · 04-13-2009, 07:17 PM

BCAA's are great! I just got some chain'd out and can't wait to use it!

**red barraca** · 04-13-2009, 08:15 PM

whole food can not be reinvented!

**thepump** · 04-13-2009, 08:19 PM

i take morning befor work out after work out befor bed taking in some extra L-GLUT.

45GRAMS OF IT IN POWDER THE BEST WAY TO GET THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.

**buster12** · 04-13-2009, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by thepump

i take morning befor work out after work out befor bed taking in some extra L-GLUT.

45GRAMS OF IT IN POWDER THE BEST WAY TO GET THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.

Agree with powder. I can't stand those horse pills....