The Use Of L-Arginine Supplementation

Are you, as a bodybuilder, killing yourself in the gym to achieve that ripped look? Or perhaps you’re looking for a supplement that can help you to reach that goal.  If so, L-Arginine  or Arginine as it’s known in most circles, should be part of your daily regimen.  This supplement is a semi-essential amino acid that the body is capable of producing under certain conditions.  Many foods contain L-Arginine such as soy, whole wheat, nuts, and raisins.  Two functions of this amino acid are muscle growth, and fat reduction.  This alone makes it a great addition to a bodybuilder’s arsenal of nutritional supplements.

How Does L-Arginine Work to give you that Ripped Look?

L-Arginine is able to increase blood flow to muscles. By reducing the “water” under the skin, and in turn increasing vascularity, a bodybuilder can produce a “ripped look” that others strive for, yet find it somewhat difficult to achieve.  With the ease of this supplement to convert into nitric oxide, once dispensed into the blood; the blood vessels widen which allow your vessels and veins to show through.

L-Arginine Effects on Post-Workouts

If you are looking to diminish the recovery period between your workouts and minimize fatigue after training sessions; consider adding  L-Arginine to your post workout regimen.  This supplement is known to aid in the distribution of growth hormones via the release mechanism during sleep.  This causes the body to feel less drained after working out and enhances your recuperation process.  Arginine has also been identified as an active participant in the production of Creatine, which improves endurance during exercise and ups the intensity as well.

Best Ways To Take L-Arginine

To get the best benefits from Arginine, most trainers will recommend that you take 3 to 5 grams about 30 minutes to an hour before training.  This will help elevate blood flow to the muscles, which helps to promote muscle growth.  They also recommend taking an additional dose within an hour after you’ve eaten your last meal of the day.  This is just a recommendation, so you may want to start slowly with 1 gram before training and 1 gram after dinner.  Starting like this, you can figure out your tolerance to the supplement.  With increased dosages some known side effects of L-Arginine are nausea, headaches and diarrhea.  So, slow and steady will likely decrease your chances of experiencing these problems.

L-Arginine is an amino acid that plays an important role in helping a bodybuilder reaches a higher level of physical fitness.  By the body utilizing the Arginine and turning it into Nitric Oxide, vasodilation occurs causing increased blood flow to the muscle while working out and increasing muscle mass. While some people may attempt to eat foods rich in L-Arginine like nuts, grapes, raisins and soy; others realize that the best way to get the needed amounts for optimizing bodybuilding is by taking it in supplement form.  Every bodybuilder needs the right meal structure and nutrients to get the desired results.  By adding L-Arginine to your list of supplements you are well on your way to achieving your bodybuilding goals.