Should I take diet supplements pre- and post-workout?

Hi Stuart,

The Recovery XS is fine but if you're a big guy or are a young, lean, active male who has trouble putting on muscle, you could have a serving and a half or two servings instead of one,

For pre-workout, go with an essential amino acid (EAA) product (6 grams of EAAs) and take it just before you hit the weights. This is the most proven pre-workout supplement strategy for increasing the muscle-building process (called "protein synthesis"). You can also use a "pre-workout" or "NO" product. These have ingredients that increase levels of nitric oxide for a better pump and they usually contain caffeine and sometimes other stimulants. Caffeine increases muscle endurance and probably muscle strength in some scenarios and increases focus and drive.

Some bodybuilders, athletes, etc use the heavy stimulant DMAA (1,3 dimethylamylamine, often labelled as geranium or geranium oil). It gives you a major stimulant effect and some people find this very motivating but it is too strong for some people and it actually constricts blood vessels, resulting in potentially-dangerous blood pressure issues. This constriction is actually the opposite of what you want during training and may also actually reduce exercise performance and recovery. I would advise against using products containing this ingredient but some people swear by it, so it's your choice.

As far as a pre-workout EAA product, I usually use EAA Stack by Universal or for tablets, Amino Acid Prototype 216 by MuscleTech but there are other good products out there too

Hi Mark,

Thanks a lot for your reply! Exactly the type of answer I needed!

Just so I know, in terms of getting the correct amount of protein and carbs pre workout, would I be better to just use the amino's plus a high protein/carb food or get a supplement that contain aminos + protein (like whey) ?

Recovery XS is great for post workout, mixing it with water instead of milk post workout would be better though.

Why would you recommend that Stuart? I thought the nutrients milk contains would be a better post workout shake?

I believe it would slow down the intake of the protein and carbs due to the fat content which is obviously not what you need post workout so for that reason water is your best choice post workout with your recovery xs.