Not sure if anyone has an answer for this, but I figured I'd ask since Xtend is becoming increasingly popular around here, so I assume people have done some research on it.

I basically put 2.5 scoops into my water bottle before each workout. Drink a little before, most during and the rest right after.

Is the 2.5 scoops per workout, combined for pre/during/post, enough to have any benefit or is it just making for some expensive piss?

I know some people that use up to 20 grams.

12 grams (little over 2 scoops) is fine.

I believe GTX uses X-tend... maybe he can comment :D

I use 2 scoops pre, 4 scoops during, 2 post.

Thanks, I know what is the "correct" usage. I'm just wondering if anyone knows if there's still a benefit with using the 2.5 scoops I use rather than none. It gets too pricey for me if I use 6-8 scoops/day.

Thanks, I know what is the "correct" usage. I'm just wondering if anyone knows if there's still a benefit with using the 2.5 scoops I use rather than none. It gets too pricey for me if I use 6-8 scoops/day.

That's exactly what I thought when I was researching the product. I estimated that I'd be taking at least 6 scoops a day, and realized I'd go through the $50+ jug in no time. I just couldn't work it into my budget:( Maybe one day when I'm raking in the dough:spaz:

I'm not sure. You might want to look into bulk bcaa (http://www.bulknutrition.com/?cPath=108).

Knowing your stats and goals would help.

I'm not sure. You might want to look into bulk bcaa (http://www.bulknutrition.com/?cPath=108).

I use bulk bcaa (http://www.bulknutrition.com/?cPath=108) in powder because it's affordable. If you don't mind being a mad professor you can mix a tasty concoction that rivals some of the more expensive products.

trueprotein.com has BCAA drink called BCAA Boost. I'll be ordering some of it soon, i'm just finishing up there plain BCAA's.

AI's excell is the same price as bulk BCAA's at 1000grams/1 kilo

Tis' what I'm using.

I'm not sure. You might want to look into bulk bcaa (http://www.bulknutrition.com/?cPath=108).

Knowing your stats and goals would help.
I've heard about the bulk BCAAs, but I heard they taste horrible and by the time you add flavorings, they don't seem to be that much cost effective. Perhaps I'm mistaken.

Right now I'm around 5'6", 153 lbs. and 12-13% body fat (pure guess - my chest looks like 25%, my abs like 10% :confused: ). My goals are simply to get as cut as possible by around May maintaining the muscle I have. I wouldn't mind putting some muscle on, but it's not necessary.

I don't follow any standard approach as far as nutrition goes. I know it's not the best route, but it's just how I am. I had like 1/3 tub of Xtend left from my cut last year, so since I've been back in the gym I've been using enough to fill my water bottle and am debating whether I should order another tub or not, keeping in mind I have no money to "waste" right now (nor will I for several years).

I tend to subscribe to the "expensive piss" theory. There doesn't seem to be much evidence that taking bulk BCAA's is beneficial.

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/135/6/1591S

I was in the same situation as you as I thought it was too expensive so I'm going to try the bulk stuff everyone's taste is different and if i can stand a can of plain tuna how bad can it be? I used 6 scoops of xtend on my workout days and 4 on my non workout days. The only difference i've seen is energy difference without it I feel drained. I also followed some advice where I only use BCAAs right after a workout then take my protein shake 30 min later and surprisingly I don't feel light headed anymore.

I'll say it again, for me, adding bulk BCAA's and other aminos to my diet is possibly the single most effective change to my regimen in the past few years.

I've tested it a number of ways and won't do without them (as long as I feel like spending money on supps).

I think my original question got a bit overlooked.

For those who find BCAAs effective, does anyone know whether only using 1/3-1/2 the prescribed amounts is still beneficial or if not using the suggested amount is a waste.

For a supplement like Xtend, or similar type bcaa/glutamine cocktails, I would reserve them for the periods where your training/nutrition is clicking on all cylinders and you are striving for a specific goal - all out lean mass gains, all out cutting endeavor with muscle preservation, a physique or powerlifting competition, or training for a certain sport. If the training is consistant (no missed days, lifts progressing) and the diet is strict with no straying, then I would use this type of product quite aggressively. For myself as an example, anywhere from 8-12 scoops centered around the workout.

Otherwise, it wouldn't make much difference. :)

IMHO

For a supplement like Xtend, or similar type bcaa/glutamine cocktails, I would reserve them for the periods where your training/nutrition is clicking on all cylinders and you are striving for a specific goal - all out lean mass gains, all out cutting endeavor with muscle preservation, a physique or powerlifting competition, or training for a certain sport. If the training is consistant (no missed days, lifts progressing) and the diet is strict with no straying, then I would use this type of product quite aggressively. For myself as an example, anywhere from 8-12 scoops centered around the workout.

Otherwise, it wouldn't make much difference. :)

IMHO
You bring up an interesting point. With my diet and training all over the place, and no specific goals (other than just leaning out for summer), perhaps BCAAs are of no use to me right now.

While we're here, if you happen to read this, any thoughts on Gatorade during a workout as opposed to water?

You bring up an interesting point. With my diet and training all over the place, and no specific goals (other than just leaning out for summer), perhaps BCAAs are of no use to me right now.

While we're here, if you happen to read this, any thoughts on Gatorade during a workout as opposed to water?

Well, unless your weight training sessions are endurance oriented and Xtend (no pun intended :p ) into the 2-3 hour time frame, which it shouldn't, then I'd go with water. Then again, I'm not an advocate of simple sugars during and post training. In my opinion, they're overhyped.

I think my original question got a bit overlooked.

For those who find BCAAs effective, does anyone know whether only using 1/3-1/2 the prescribed amounts is still beneficial or if not using the suggested amount is a waste.


Karatetricker,...

I haven't been in the supplement game for very long, but in the short period of time I have, about a year, I can tell you I have done a lot of research, and a lot of simple testing,...I'm 45 years old, 5'8", 166lbs today, and currently successfully cutting. Quite a few months ago, I began using BCAA's. I just couldn't spend the $$ on the more expensive pre-packaged products. I found also, that a good number of them had other ingredients, ie, "stimulants" that I didn't want anyway. I decided to give the bulk powder a try, even knowing it would taste horrible. This, based on others opinions. I have to say, pretty much as Hort has, that BCAA's, are one of the best supplements a lifter could use, if they were to use a limited approach to supplementation. A bit of research will turn up some pretty good information on the importance of BCAA's for recovery, and to help keep you from becoming catabolic. The blend of Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine, at the ratio offered in BCAA products, is thought to be the best combination of the most important aminos, as they relate to keeping your muscles in an anabolic state. Some manufactures offer Glutamine added to their BCAA blend as well. I don't know enough about Glutamine yet to comment. Some feel it's very important, others don't.

I began "Megadosing, as many do, but after a while decided to back it off. I train very intensely, but I'm not a "Big" guy, and figured I didn't need the mega size dose. The recovery benefits remained, and I can make a tub of the powder last a great deal longer. A GREAT, deal longer.

Here is where it gets interesting,...I use to mix my BCAA's with Christal Light, to cover the taste. Works like a charm,...Love the orange. Even at a very reduced amount than what the directions call for. I would use a 20oz. packet in 32oz. of water, and sometimes even more. I ran out one day, and didn't want to go without my BCAA's so I just started taking it straight,...It wasn't long, and it didn't bother me at all,...It's just a matter of getting use to it,...:tu:

Everybody is different, but still using a light dose of BCAA's, like 6gr per workout, my recovery is good. Even after killer " Leg days ", that include 4 sets of 20 rep squats,..:D

Don't drop the BCAA's if you can help it. It's one of those things that's working. It's just not in your face obvious,....

>>>--->

KT: I think I would advise you to save your money for now. You mentioned that cost was a big factor, so I would say spend money on food, a quality multi, and MAYBE a protein powder (if you're finding it difficult to get in enough protein during the day). If your budget already has a multi (and protein if you plan to use that) factored in, and you still have a few bucks you want to spend, perhaps look into a fish oil, or maybe even creatine (yes I like creatine while cutting). Or just save your money for more grapefruit, oatmeal, and steak. ;)

I think BCAA would be better if you do two things (these two things are based completely on my own experience):

1. Decrease bodyfat a little bit. In my experience it tends to be more useful when my bodyfat is a bit lower.

2. Get a more strict routine. I think it could be beneficial with an instinctive type of dieting routine, but I think it will be more beneficial when things are dialed in better and you are more strict.

On the subject of amounts, well I'm not sure. I base most of my suggestions here on experience. I don't have any experience with 2.5 scoops pre/during/post. Currently I use that exact 8-12 number Mastover gave. In the past I've done less amounts of Xtend, but it was combined with Beverly's BCAA caps. So I cannot really comment on how effective that low amount would be.

Actually, scratch that, a little. Several years ago I can remember mixing small amounts of bulk bcaa (SciFit I believe) into whey+dex+malto+creatine postworkout, but there's nothing good to report from that. I didn't notice any difference, and my diet wasn't exactly great during that time anyway.

Gatorade: What do your workouts look like? And your goals are completely about cutting bodyfat? We're not trying to work on performance on the basketball court or anything? If it's all about physique goals, and if your workouts are not that long, I would probably stick with water.