AMINO ACIDS are the building blocks of protein. The body utilises 20 Amino Acids but can only make half of these internally and must obtain the rest from dietary sources. Whey protein is one of the highest sources of these ‘Essential’ Amino Acids making whey-based nutritional supplements ideal for meeting daily protein requirements, especially among athletes and physically active individuals who have higher needs than the average person.
BULKING UP and increasing strength is important for many sports including those involving contact. Individuals with naturally lean builds and fast metabolisms can find it difficult to lay down muscle and put on the necessary weight required for their sport. Sports nutrition supplements can help in these situations providing extra kilojoules, carbohydrates and proteins and are available in a variety of different products. So even if you struggle with appetite you can obtain additional kilojoules in liquid form.
CARBOHYRATE is a macronutrient that is the primary fuel of the human body including working muscles during exercise. The nervous system which includes the brain cannot utilise any other energy source so it is vitally important that carbohydrate requirements are met for optimal physical and mental performance. After approximately an hour of exercise the body’s carbohydrate stores begin to deplete. In order to maintain the same intensity it is important to re-fuel with carbohydrate-based sports supplements that are easily consumed and well tolerated to alleviate any gastrointestinal discomfort for the duration of competition.
DIET. Contrary to popular belief this term is not about restrictive and wacky regimes but about fuelling your body with quality nutrients to balance energy output. A good diet is essential for athletes and should be strategically planned in terms of general meals and snacks along with pre, during and post-training periods to assist optimal performance and recovery. Sports nutrition supplements are specifically formulated to aid nutrient and fluid requirements and are conveniently packaged, portable and palatable for consumption around training times making them an ideal adjunct to a well balanced diet.
ENERGY and metabolism is what keeps you going day-in-day-out! Metabolic rate is the energetic cost of all the chemical processes that occur in the body and is largely genetically determined. That is, those with fast metabolisms often find it hard to gain weight despite large caloric intakes and those with slow metabolisms are prone to weight gain. If you are prone to the latter you can help boost your natural metabolism through exercise to develop muscle mass, and well designed nutrition strategies including high protein supplements. Given muscle is the most metabolically active tissue in the body this allows you to burn more energy 24hrs a day.
FAT is not the evil nutrient as often portrayed, it plays an important role in cell structure, the nervous system and metabolic process. However, it is the most energy-dense nutrient providing nearly double the energy per gram as carbohydrate and protein so it is important to be aware of how much you are consuming, and subject to individual nutritional needs make low fat choices wherever possible. Sports nutrition supplements in the Musashi range offer a wide selection of low fat protein powders, functional drinks and bars so you can always get the nutrients you need without over-doing the fat ingestion.
GLYCOGEN is the fuel providing energy for muscle contractions. It is derived from dietary carbohydrate and if muscle glycogen stores are saturated prior to competition the longer activity can be sustained at a high level making it a vital nutrient for endurance events. Glycogen stores need to be adequately replenished as part of nutritional recovery strategies with the greatest uptake into the muscle being within the first hour after exercise. One of the challenges faced by athletes in terms of adequate re-fuelling within the first hour after an event is that appetite is sometimes lacking and fluid is the only thing the body seems to crave. Liquid sports nutrition supplements with appropriate carbohydrate levels offer an ideal solution for those who find themselves in this situation.
HYDRATION is vital for athletes at all stages of competition as significant volumes of fluid are lost as sweat to cool the body during exercise. You need to be well hydrated prior to an event, drink throughout it and remember to hydrate as part of your recovery. In addition to fluid losses you also need to replace electrolytes, sodium and potassium which are also lost through perspiration. Liquid electrolyte replacement drinks are the ideal way to fulfill these needs during a workout and for re-hydration after a workout.
INSULIN is a hormone that is most well known for regulating the uptake of carbohydrate within the body. Insulin is released from the pancreas upon consumption of carbohydrate and allows the liver and muscles to store carbohydrate in the form of glycogen. Insulin has also been shown to play an important role in protein metabolism, having a positive effect upon muscle development when Amino Acids are present.
JOCKEYS VS JUDO. Athletes certainly do come in all shapes and sizes. Despite such wide physical characteristics between athletes competing in different sports nutrition strategies are equally important in preparing for all competitions. Jockeys and Judo competitors both participate in sports, where weight restrictions apply and ‘making weight’ prior to the competition is absolutely critical. Considering ‘weight loss’ rather than gain is more often the norm in the lead up to an competition and hence nutritional strategies need to be well designed to ensure all nutrients requirements are met without any unwanted kilojoules. In these instances sports nutrition supplements can be very useful.
KILLER ABS are well regarded in body sculpting but are not just for their aesthetic qualities. They are also important for athletic conditioning as the abdominal muscles are the foundation of human movement. Unfortunately the abdominal area is also susceptible to the accumulation of body fat. Anyone looking to strengthen their abs and reduce body fat in this area can benefit from a well designed nutrition supplementation plan providing vital nutrients without unnecessary kilojoules to help achieve that highly sought after 6 pack!
LACTIC ACID is a breakdown product of glucose metabolism that accumulates in the muscle as a result of high intensity activity such as sprinting. The build up of lactic acid within muscle tissue ultimately leads to muscular fatigue and reduced performance. Certain substances are known to counteract the build up of lactic acid in the muscle and delay the onset of fatigue. Sports supplements such as MUSASHI RE-ACTIVATE contain such substances known as buffers. An intake of buffers are ideal for athletes competing in high intensity intermittent type sports to help alleviate lactic acid build up in working muscles.
MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT is vital to athletic performance. No matter how much ‘iron’ you are pumping, muscle growth cannot occur without appropriate nutritional support. Science has shown that ingestion of high biological value protein such as whey protein or an Essential Amino Acid supplement close to training times leads to significantly greater muscle mass growth. So make all your hard work pay off by giving your muscles the fuel they need to grow.
KILLER ABS are well regarded in body sculpting but are not just for their aesthetic qualities. They are also important for athletic conditioning as the abdominal muscles are the foundation of human movement. Unfortunately the abdominal area is also susceptible to the accumulation of body fat. Anyone looking to strengthen their abs and reduce body fat in this area can benefit from a well designed nutrition supplementation plan providing vital nutrients without unnecessary kilojoules to help achieve that highly sought after 6 pack!
LACTIC ACID is a breakdown product of glucose metabolism that accumulates in the muscle as a result of high intensity activity such as sprinting. The build up of lactic acid within muscle tissue ultimately leads to muscular fatigue and reduced performance. Certain substances are known to counteract the build up of lactic acid in the muscle and delay the onset of fatigue. Sports supplements such as MUSASHI RE-ACTIVATE contain such substances known as buffers. An intake of buffers are ideal for athletes competing in high intensity intermittent type sports to help alleviate lactic acid build up in working muscles.
MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT is vital to athletic performance. No matter how much ‘iron’ you are pumping, muscle growth cannot occur without appropriate nutritional support. Science has shown that ingestion of high biological value protein such as whey protein or an Essential Amino Acid supplement close to training times leads to significantly greater muscle mass growth. So make all your hard work pay off by giving your muscles the fuel they need to grow.
NUTRIENTS are vital for general health and athletic performance. The body utilises macronutrients such as fat, protein, carbohydrate and dietary fibre for predominantly energy and structure, whilst the micronutrients which include vitamins, minerals and trace elements play very specific roles within the body’s supporting structure and metabolic processes. Athletes have greater macro and micronutrient needs due to the amount of energy output and metabolic stress associated with high exercise loads and of training and competition.
OXIDATIVE STRESS occurs as a by-product of normal metabolic processes and leads to free oxygen radicals within the body. Increased physical workloads lead to the temporary increase in these free radicals and supplementation with antioxidants may help reduce oxidative damage. Sports nutrition supplements which are fortified with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are an ideal way for athletes to top up their body’s antioxidant levels to help them sustain a high level of training.
PROTEIN is a macronutrient that plays a vital structural and functional role in the human body. The average person requires 0.8g of protein per kilogram (ideal body weight) per day; however athletes have increased requirements for protein due to the need for muscle building and repair and greater metabolic activity. The recommendations for athletes are varied depending on individual needs but general guidelines suggest endurance athletes require up to 1.4g/kg per day and strength athletes up to 1.7g/kg per day which is more than double the requirements of the average person. High protein sports nutrition supplements can help athletes achieve their daily requirements.
QUARTER TIME is the time to start re-fuelling and rehydration strategies to replace what your body has used during the game. If you skimp on nutrient replenishment at this stage you will pay the price later in the match. As dehydration sets in, three things start to happen. 1) Electrolytes are lost heightening the risk of cramping. 2) Muscles are depleted of glycogen making them feel heavy. 3) Lack of energy and mental focus starts to diminish. The use of a carbohydrate-based, electrolyte fluid replacement is ideal for this stage of the game to help keep you fuelled and focused for a win!
RECOVERY after exercise is vital for athletes. At this time a complex range of nutrition-related issues need to be addressed including: restoration of liver and muscle glycogen stores; replacement of fluid and electrolytes (lost in sweat) and regeneration, to support muscle repair following the stress and damage associated with intense physical activity. When devising a nutrition recovery strategy the key components are: fluid, electrolytes, carbohydrates and protein. Fortunately sports nutrition supplements have been developed which provide the required nutrients in the correct ratios to put you on the path to recovery.
PROTEIN is a macronutrient that plays a vital structural and functional role in the human body. The average person requires 0.8g of protein per kilogram (ideal body weight) per day; however athletes have increased requirements for protein due to the need for muscle building and repair and greater metabolic activity. The recommendations for athletes are varied depending on individual needs but general guidelines suggest endurance athletes require up to 1.4g/kg per day and strength athletes up to 1.7g/kg per day which is more than double the requirements of the average person. High protein sports nutrition supplements can help athletes achieve their daily requirements.
QUARTER TIME is the time to start re-fuelling and rehydration strategies to replace what your body has used during the game. If you skimp on nutrient replenishment at this stage you will pay the price later in the match. As dehydration sets in, three things start to happen. 1) Electrolytes are lost heightening the risk of cramping. 2) Muscles are depleted of glycogen making them feel heavy. 3) Lack of energy and mental focus starts to diminish. The use of a carbohydrate-based, electrolyte fluid replacement is ideal for this stage of the game to help keep you fuelled and focused for a win!
RECOVERY after exercise is vital for athletes. At this time a complex range of nutrition-related issues need to be addressed including: restoration of liver and muscle glycogen stores; replacement of fluid and electrolytes (lost in sweat) and regeneration, to support muscle repair following the stress and damage associated with intense physical activity. When devising a nutrition recovery strategy the key components are: fluid, electrolytes, carbohydrates and protein. Fortunately sports nutrition supplements have been developed which provide the required nutrients in the correct ratios to put you on the path to recovery.
SATIETY is a physiological state whereby there is a feeling of satisfaction and no longer a desire to eat. Foods high in protein and dietary fibre are well known for their role in creating a state of satiety, which will help you feel full for longer curbing your appetite. Musashi has a variety of high protein, high fibre products which can assist with this. Amino acid supplements such as phenylalanine (available in free form) trigger the release of a hormone called CCK which is also known to assist with satiety.
TRAINING efficiency is the crux of improved athletic performance for both resistance and endurance athletes alike. Pre, during and post-training nutrition and supplementation strategies based on sound science are integral to a well designed training program and may help take you to the next level athletically. Supplements such as MUSASHI RE-ACTIVATE which contains AAKG have been shown to assist with improved training performance when taken prior to training. This is due to the supplement increasing blood flow which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles. This bolsters the capacity to train at a higher intensity which may lead to long term performance improvements.
URINE colour can be an indicator of hydration levels. When in a hydrated state urine colour is usually a pale clear-yellow which normally becomes progressively darker as the body is going into a dehydrated state. Starting an event dehydrated will affect performance. Liquid sports nutrition Supplements can assist with hydration requirements
TRAINING efficiency is the crux of improved athletic performance for both resistance and endurance athletes alike. Pre, during and post-training nutrition and supplementation strategies based on sound science are integral to a well designed training program and may help take you to the next level athletically. Supplements such as MUSASHI RE-ACTIVATE which contains AAKG have been shown to assist with improved training performance when taken prior to training. This is due to the supplement increasing blood flow which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles. This bolsters the capacity to train at a higher intensity which may lead to long term performance improvements.
URINE colour can be an indicator of hydration levels. When in a hydrated state urine colour is usually a pale clear-yellow which normally becomes progressively darker as the body is going into a dehydrated state. Starting an event dehydrated will affect performance. Liquid sports nutrition Supplements can assist with hydration requirements
VITAMINS and minerals are micronutrients that play vital roles within the body. Active individuals place great demands on their bodies and their micronutrient requirements are likely to be higher than the average person. Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron or calcium can be very detrimental to performance so nutritional supplements fortified with vitamins and minerals are an ideal way for athletes to top up their daily vitamin and mineral requirements.
WHEY PROTEINS are one of the highest quality protein sources available in terms of their ability to provide the correct amino acid profile, which maximises human protein synthesis including skeletal muscle. Many athletes in particular those who engage in resistance and strength training have a genuine need for high quality proteins around training time if they wish to help maximise their muscle growth. Whey Protein Isolate based supplements are an ideal choice for such athletes as they are considered to have one of the highest biological value of all dietary protein sources.
XPLOSIVE POWER is an important component to many sports. This high octane energy in the form of ATP is generated from the Creatine Phosphate System within the muscle. The Creatine Phosphate System has a high energy output but is very quickly depleted of fuel within a minute. It is possible to load your muscles with additional fuel for this system via creatine supplementation strategies which can aid performance in sports where explosive, short duration activity such as sprinting is required.
YOUNG AND OLD alike can equally benefit from a well designed nutrition and supplementation program. Young athletes can have huge energy requirements due high training loads in conjunction with needs to support normal growth and development. Older athletes may have more specific requirements to help counteract the normal effects of aging and the toll that years of training has placed on the body. The Musashi range caters for athletes of all ages and stages. From 6 foot (and still growing), adolescent basketballers with high kilojoule and protein requirements to 60 year old runners with permanent injuries who use glucosamine to assist with joint health and mobility – Musashi has a solution.
Zzzz. Along with good nutrition adequate sleep (at least eight hours a night) is one of the most important things you can do for recovery when training hard. The Amino Acid Tryptophan (which is naturally present in whey proteins) is a precursor for the neurotransmitter melatonin which has been shown to assist with a restful nights sleep.
