Muscle Recovery with NOW Foods BCAA Big 6

"Disclaimer: I received a supply of Now Foods BCAA Big 6 formula and a shaker to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

I have used BCAA’s before – Branch Chain Amino Acids – as part of muscle recovery after a tough strength training workout.  I was working with a trainer who knew I would be sore the next day, and she suggested I get some BCAAs. I bought a powdered lemonade formula from another brand and I honestly couldn’t stomach the taste.  Fast forward to this spring when I was working with a sports nutrition coach and she was helping me with post-race recovery. She suggested adding Glutamine to my post race protein shakes for recovery. This had no taste and seemed to work well.  I was anxious to try the BCAA Big 6 from Now Foods because it had a variety of ingredients, including glutamine.

I received 2 jars of Grape Flavor and 2 jars of Watermelon, along with a shaker.

Each 1 scoop serving of BCAA Big 6 has:
-25 calories
- 7 g carbohydrates
- 240 mg sodium
- 5000 mg BCAA formula
-1000 mg L-Citruline, L-Glutamine and Taurine
Available flavors: watermelon and Grape

So what exactly is a BCAA and why do I need it?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are nine essential amino acids in total, but there's a key trio that helps you maintain muscle: leucine, isoleucine, and valine
In general I knew they were helpful for muscle soreness, but here’s what this product is designed to do specifically: (from nowfoods.com)

• Endurance & Recovery*
• 6 Amino Acids / 8,000 mg
• Vegan, Caffeine Free

BCAA Big 6 is an advanced caffeine-free sports supplement formulated to support exercise endurance and recovery from intense workouts.* BCAA Big 6 features branched-chained amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle retention and recovery, and betaine to help maintain fluid balance during exercise.* BCAA Big 6 also has taurine, which can further support endurance.* BCAA Big 6 includes L-citrulline and L-glutamine to complement this formula.

I like to add collagen to it and whip it up in the blender, so it gets nice and frothy!

Ok, so now time to put it to the test a bit.
Since I was already familiar with it’s use as muscle recovery, I used it for body pump, my main strength training workout. I drank it immediately following my body pump workout, and before my 3 mile run. I tried watermelon first. I found the taste a bit strong, I would definitely dilute it next time. But, I did end up with negative splits!

I was intrigued by the idea that it could help my endurance during a run.  However, I have so many forms of liquid competing for my attention already – coffee beforehand, water and Gatorade endurance during.  How in the world could I fit in BCAAs too? I am testing this out. I may try combining it in with Gatorade together for a long run.

But for now, I’m focused on using it for recovery.  I used it right after the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon last weekend, and felt really good after.

Recovery...and bling!

And I am convinced that it helps me after a strength workout. I have tried the grape flavor, and I like it.  I think it is a helpful tool when I have multiple workouts – like a body pump workout followed by a run. I was able to drink it during class and after the run.

The formula sells for $49.99 for a canister – but you can save 20% with code 20NOWFOODS on amazon.com or use link https://www.amazon.com/promocode/A1G65M39SCQHX5

Give it a try and see what you think! If you do try it, let me know your thoughts!
 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.