REPAIR: Anabolic Protein Blend

Perhaps the most important post-workout nutritional strategy scientifically discovered in the past decade has been the effects of whey and leucine on muscle protein synthesis and increases in lean mass. An intense exercise session, whether it is anaerobic or aerobic, is extremely damaging to the microstructure of the muscles used. The timing of ingesting anabolic supplements, such as whey protein and leucine combinations immediately after exercise exhibits a positive protein balance (i.e. muscle hypertrophy). The combination of a protein, essential amino acid, carbohydrate drink further enhances this effect. The different types of protein in AFTERMATHs Anabolic Protein Blend can alter the rate of absorption into the muscles for a sustained effect on recovery and repair. Leucine has also been shown to reduce muscle catabolism with ingestion and reduce central fatigue by reducing the bioavailability of tryptophan, thus enhance adaptations to training. Overall, the regular use of a protein blend after exercise not only promotes gains in muscle mass and recovery, but helps enhance the training effect in subsequent exercise bouts. Higher quality training plus faster recovery equates to enhanced results.

REPLENISH: Insulinogenic Secretagogue Blend

Spiking the bodys insulin after a workout is one of the best ways to promote muscle recovery as well as initiate the anabolic effects of insulin. When simple carbohydrates are included in a post-workout shake, they trigger a spike in insulin. Insulin has a couple of actions in the muscle.

First, insulin works with the increase in blood glucose (from the carbohydrates in the post-workout formula) and assists with the uptake of glucose into the muscle cell. Because glycogen is one of the primary sources of fuel during weightlifting and general workouts, it must be replenished quickly to ensure the best possible recovery. If glycogen repletion is diminished, subsequent workouts over the next few days will suffer.

Second, insulin suppresses the breakdown of muscle after exercise. In conjunction with protein consumption after exercise, high glycemic carbohydrates assist in decreasing muscle protein breakdown and increase the anabolic effects of whey protein,resulting in greater muscle protein synthesis. Thus, overall, the combination of ingredients in AFTERMATHs Insulinogenic Secretagogue Blend are intended to spike insulin to facilitate both glycogen repletion and protein synthesis, which is indeed synergistic to the effects of AFTERMATHs Anabolic Protein Blend.

RECOVER: Muscle Protection Blend

All types of exercise promote the releases of free radicals. The utilization of oxygen during exercise increases the amount of energy that needs to be produced from the mitochondria. At the same time, free radicals are produced. Free radical production can impair metabolic processes, such as protein synthesis, membrane lipid protection, and DNA replication. After intense exercise, damage to the microstructure of the muscles needs to be repaired. In a post-workout recovery drink, antioxidants (Vitamins A & E, alpha-lipoic acid, etc.) are beneficial, as well as added branched chain amino acids to aid in recovery.