Supplements in martial arts
The nature of combat sports, as well as other sports in which endurance plays the main role, is associated with the maximum increase in the activity of the cardiovascular, muscular and nervous systems during a training session. It is very important that during this period fighter receives fully comprehensive training support. For this purpose, pre- and post-workout supplements were created.
In the preparations period for the competition, it is most important that all of these systems of our body show maximum efficiency, which will help athletes achieve the optimal sport form.
In order to increase the efficiency of the training period, special preparations are used, whose mixture of bioactive substances is focused on supporting the body before, during or after the training session. They are so-called pre-workout and post-workout supplements. As the name suggests, their use is based on periods of exercise.
How do these supplements work?
Pre-workout supplements
Pre-workout supplements are complex preparations that contain components that support physical activity. Usually, their ingredients are a group of three types of substances:
• substances whose purpose is to improve blood flow. We obtain this effect through increased nitric oxide synthesis. To this end, mixtures of various forms are used, including L-Arginine and L-Citrulline.
• substances supporting muscular endurance and endurance. This group consists mainly of the addition of Beta-Alanine, L-carnitine, or Rhodiola Rosea extract.
• stimulants that increase the activity of the nervous system. They allow better focus on training, increase activity and add motivation. The main products supporting the nervous system are caffeine or amino acids like L-Tyrosine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine.
Products addressed to endurance athletes, among others martial arts practitioners are usually composed to improve muscle energy management and overall endurance. Therefore, we often do not find in them a large number of substances that stimulate the production of nitric oxide, because an excessive muscle pump can make endurance training more difficult.
Instead of arginine, L-Citrulline is often used for this purpose, which acts as an auxiliary to the flow of nutrients through the muscle, and is involved in energy production. A small addition of pumping substances is designed to provide an effective supply of oxygen and nutrients, which extends the time in which our body can exert the maximum of its power and strength.
It is worth mentioning the addition of substances that stimulate the nervous system because their action is the most noticeable. Caffeine supports a more efficient nervous system work. It manifests itself through increased concentration, faster decision making and motivation to work harder.
Collagen supplements are important to support for endurance sports athletes, such as combat sports. The best-absorbed type of collagen is collagen hydrolysate. The addition of it in the pre-workout preparation is designed to support the joints, ensure their proper function and nutrition during intense physical effort. They protect the articular cartilage against overloads and excessive exploitation.
The best pre-workout supplement for fighter will provide us with full support throughout the training period. It will increase our endurance, improve oxygenation, have a positive effect on our concentration, and also protect our tendons and joints.
Stim Punch from Apollo Hegemony is an example of pre-workout containing effective amount of stimulants and nitric oxide boosters, which should highly help in your trainings.
Post-workout supplements
When it comes to post-workout products, their use in sport is slightly different than products for use before exercise. In these preparations, we also find the addition of beta-alanine or amino acids. However, their placement in the supplement has a different reason. These substances are to help accelerate the regeneration and repair processes of muscle tissue. Therefore, common additions to post-workout products are BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) or EAA (Exogenous Amino Acids) blends.
The mixture of branched-chain amino acids along with the addition of carbohydrates is designed to replenish amino acids exerted during exercise and initiate anabolic processes. There is also a reason for the addition of carbohydrate in such supplements. The purpose is to supplement lost muscle glycogen and support the super-compensation process, which is directly related to the increase in training adaptation and building aerobic capacity.
An important and often overlooked substance in this type of supplement is phosphatidylserine. A substance that exhibits properties that support anabolic processes while reducing catabolism, which furtherly helps in reducing cortisol levels. In the post-workout preparation, it is designed to promote anabolic processes. In scientific research, phosphatidylserine tends to improve overall sports performance, showing a wide spectrum of activity.
The post-workout preparation is mainly nutritional support for our body after exhausting effort. Its task is to restore homeostasis as fast as possible, by supporting energy for regeneration of the nervous system.
