Does beta-alanine improve long distance running?
Theoretically, beta-alanine should improve performance in several activities, especially high intensity or longer duration ones. Let's take a look at what the research says!
Theoretically, beta-alanine should improve performance in several activities, especially high intensity or longer duration ones. Let's take a look at what the research says!
We don't think of protein as a way to improve cardiovascular performance in the same light as we do with strength gains. If protein improves strength, does it also do the same with cardio? More specifically, does soy protein improve cardiovascular performance?
Creatine is a somewhat rare supplement in that there is plenty of evidence that backs its use. It improves strength, enhances recovery, and increases muscle mass. It does not however, work on every activity. The evidence on creatine use to improve aerobic activity, high intensity exercise, sprints, and decrease...
There are quite a few supplements which claim to reduce muscle damage; creatine is one of them. The implications of this claim is quicker recovery, reduced soreness, and increased performance gains. There has been plenty of research conducted on whether or not creatine supplementation reduces muscle damage.
What we know about creatine means that it should be a perfect match for this short but high intensity type of exercise.
There are fundamental problems with supplementing creatine in order to improve aerobic performance. While creatine definitely helps improve anaerobic performance, there is much less evidence to suggest it does the same in an aerobic environment.
Sports Drinks Commercially available sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade contain carbohydrates, electrolytes, and other nutrients. These products claim to improve rehydration and provide energy to keep workouts going longer. This presumably leads to increased strength, endurance, and overall performance gains. Given these claims, do we really need to consume...