So what exactly is R1 Pre-amino? … A pre-workout OR BCAA supplement? Well, in the famous words of a little taco eating girl “Por que no los dos?” (Why not have both?). The synergistic blend of different nutrients, usually only found in pre-workouts OR BCAAs, results in enhanced cognition, physical performance AND muscle recovery. As a result, R1 Pre-amino is the perfect pre-workout supplement AND/OR muscle recovery aid with an added cognitive enhancer. So whether you’re looking to switch to a muscle caring pre-workout or add an afternoon pick up (think coffee that actually helps with muscle recovery) you need to try R1 Pre-amino!
How do “pre workouts” work?
Pre-workouts usually contain a mixture of key amino acids and sources of caffeine to boost both mental and physical performance. R1 Pre-amino contains these key compounds including:
- Beta-Alanine – helps to produce a protein called carnosine that can regulate muscle acidity preventing the build up of nasty by-products (such as lactic acid) that are associated with muscle fatigue.
- L-Citruline – a precursor of nitric oxide which improves blood flow and consequently delivery of oxygen and energy to working muscles (check out the previous article: ‘N.O idea about Nitric Oxides’ for more detail)
- Caffeine (sourced from Green Tea Extract and Organic Coffeeberry) – R1 Pre-amino contains 100mg of active caffeine, a clinically proven dosage to increase adrenaline and dopamine release to enhance both mental and physical performance.
So… you have reason to believe that a pre-workout will help you train HARDER. However, what most pre-workouts don’t disclose is that the intense euphoric pre-workout high will not last long. FACT: Intense exercise tears muscle fibres and often results in an inability to climb stairs after leg day. Most pre-workouts don’t contain any nutritional support once you leave the gym.
As a result of fatigue and muscle soreness, it is common for pre-workout double scoopers to evolve (think >6 coffees), to build motivation to face the gym again. While stock standard pre-workouts/coffee enables you to train at 101% in the short term, they wont save you from a nasty case of DOMs (Delayed onset of muscle soreness). Any form of intense exercise can benefit from supplements that support not only muscle performance but also recovery and growth. That’s why R1 Pre-amino combines a pre-workout nutrient profile with BCAAs.
Why add BCAAs?
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids AKA basic building blocks of proteins. They are essential because the body is unable to make them, so you need to consume them in your diet. BCAAs not only make up proteins, but also play an important role in activating metabolic pathways, which enhance protein synthesis (such as the MTOR pathway). As a result, BCAAs play an integral role in muscle recovery, growth and performance… for more information about BCAAs check out a previous article “Supplement spotlight on: EVL BCAA energy.”
R1 Pre-amino: All-in-one
In summary, R1 Pre-amino is an all-in-one supplement blending the benefits of pre-workout with a BCCA supplement. It only makes sense that a supplement that maximises performance and reduces fatigue also supports recovery. Plus, on hot summer days, a naturally sweetened ice-cold strawberry kiwi beverage (my favourite flavour), is far more appealing than the office instant coffee.