Everyone who steps into the gym has a goal in mind, and all have one thing in common: the search for faster recovery and increased strength. With intra-workout supplements, it’s easier to reach that goal. Read on to learn more about intra-workout supplements and their benefits.
What Are Intra-Workouts?
From a prefix that means within or in-between, an intra-workout supplement is one taken during a strength or cardio workout. With an intra workout from Raw, you’ll feel rehydrated, refreshed, and ready to tackle the next exercise.
Intra-workout supplements typically come as powders that are easy to mix and drink. Nutrients are readily absorbed by the body, giving it the fuel needed for a strong finish. What makes intra-workouts so great? We’ll get into their ingredients in the sections below.
BCAAs
Branch-chain amino acids or BCAAs are the building blocks of vital proteins. They support recovery and muscle growth, but they also provide fuel for tough workouts. The average serving is five to ten grams and includes amino acids like L-valine, L-leucine, and L-isoleucine.
Beta-Alanine
While it’s not a BCAA, beta-alanine is equally important for muscle building, fatigue reduction, and recovery. Known for the skin tingles it induces, beta-alanine is usually found at concentrations ranging from three to five grams per serving.
Carbs
If an intra-workout supplement lacks carbs, it doesn’t have the most readily available form of energy. The human body metabolizes carbohydrates quickly during workouts, preventing catabolism or muscle loss. Most intra-workouts contain the fast-absorbing carbohydrate dextrin at a concentration of ten to 20 grams.
Creatine
Bodybuilders and lifters know creatine for its mass-building abilities, but it has other benefits. Creatine assists in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate or ATP, which stores muscular energy. The body produces very little ATP on its own, and a three- to five-gram dose of creatine is all that’s needed for the best results.
Electrolytes
While the other ingredients in Raw intra-workout supplements focus on recovery, growth, and energy, electrolytes are just as important. We all sweat during tough workouts, and we all need to replenish the nutrients we lose. Prevent muscle cramps by choosing an intra-workout with ten to 20 grams of electrolytes per serving.
Why Take an Intra-Workout?
There are quite a few reasons to take intra-workout supplements. Not only do they boost energy, but they also help in other areas, including:
- Energy. The quick-absorbing carbohydrates in an intra-workout offer a fast energy boost that keeps you going.
- Hydration. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other electrolytes put back what your body loses as it sweats. When the body is hydrated, it performs better.
- Performance. The BCAAs and creatine in intra-workouts help the muscles work effectively, allowing you to set new personal records.
- Recovery. BCAAs and creatine also facilitate muscle recovery and regrowth.
If you tend to keep workouts short and light, you may not need an intra-workout supplement but longer and more intense gym sessions call for them. Chris Bumstead, a five-time Mr. Olympia champion, recommends Raw supplements for the most strenuous workouts.
Take Intra-Workouts for Maximum Results
Now that you’ve learned what intra-workouts are and what they do, it’s time to get started. Raw Nutrition carries the best intra-workout supplements for increased endurance and faster recovery. Whether you’re a bodybuilder or a cardio junkie, our intra-workouts will give you the boost you need.