Classic BCAA

Great question. If you’re already taking a protein powder -hopefully it’s Vintage Brawn™!- the best time to do so is immediately after you lift weights. (Vintage Brawn™ is unique in that it can also be used a meal replacement at other times of day, such as breakfast or before bed). Having a protein shake after you lift weights helps stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and thereby promote muscle growth and recovery. While a BCAA supplement like Classic BCAA provides similar benefits, it is better suited for use in between meals, when muscle protein synthesis tends to be the lowest. Using Classic BCAA like this will help smooth out the ebb and flow of muscle growth, resulting in better gains over the long term.

To get cut up, or “shredded”, first and foremost you need to reduce your body fat. (We all have some!) This usually requires that you reduce your caloric intake, whether by eating fewer carbs in particular (e.g. as with a diet like keto) or eating fewer calories across the board (e.g. as by eating smaller portions). Any time you lose body fat on a calorie-reduced diet, you’re almost certain to lose muscle alongside. Taking Classic BCAA and a high-quality protein like Vintage Brawn™ will help you protect, and even enhance, your lean muscle while you melt off the fat on top.

Yes. Taking BCAAs before and/or after cardio can help preserve lean muscle and enhance recovery. Keep in mind that if you’re looking to actually gain muscle, then you’ll need to be doing plenty of resistance exercise, i.e. lifting weights. It’s worth pointing out here that many people increase their cardio when they are trying to get cut up. At the same time, they are typically eating fewer calories. This can create a “perfect storm” for muscle loss. It’s not something to be alarmed about –we’re not talking about major muscle losses here! On the other hand, muscle isn’t easy to come by, so every bit counts. Supplementing Classic BCAA under these circumstances can be thought of as an insurance plan against such losses.