What Are BCAAs and How Do They Help in the Gym?

Boost Performance, Recovery, and Results with Branched-Chain Amino Acids

If you’ve been in the gym scene for a while, you’ve probably heard of BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids). But what are they really - and do you really need them?

BCAAs consist of three essential amino acids: Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. These amino acids can’t be made by the body and must come from your diet or supplements.

Why do they matter?

Here’s what BCAAs do for your fitness journey:

• Improved muscle recovery: BCAAs help repair muscle tissue faster, meaning less soreness and quicker bounce-back between workouts.

• Reduced muscle breakdown during exercise, especially during longer or fasted training sessions.

• Promotes muscle growth, especially when paired with resistance training - Leucine plays a key role in muscle protein synthesis (the process of turning protein into muscle.)

• Boosts endurance and decrease fatigue, helping you push harder during workouts.

• Supports fat loss: BCAAs can help preserve lean muscle mass while you’re in a calorie deficit. Remember, the more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest!

While whole food protein sources are always king, BCAA supplementation can be a great intra-workout or post-workout tool to keep you fueled and recovering like a pro.

At Accountable U Fitness, we focus on what really works - and BCAAs are one tool we recommend when used properly. Want to learn how to integrate supplements with smart nutrition and training? Let’s talk.