Amino acids are building blocks for proteins that are part of every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. There are 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential because you need to consume them through food. The protein in your body plays a role in immunity, carries out chemical reactions, transmits signals, and provides structure and support to your cells. That being said, amino acid supplementation may be beneficial...

Olympic Karateka: Gakuji Tozaki My name is Gakuji Tozaki. I am 28 years old, and I participate in the Traditional Japanese Karate-Do for Team USA. I am currently training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Premier Leagues, and Series A. Above all, I train every day to become a better karate practitioner than I was the day before. Biggest athletic accomplishment so far: ANOC (Association of National Olympic Committees) World beach...

Amino acids, BCAAs in particular, have benefits for before or during your workout, and after as well. The time immediately following exercise is ideal for triggering muscle synthesis, preventing muscle damage, and starting the recovery process. It also is an ideal time to reduce fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, is the breakdown of muscle fibers, including the physical separation of the fibers...

Why Does Muscle Soreness Hurt So Good? There is a chemical called dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure and happiness, that is released when we exercise (7). This reaction may play a part in astigmatism that many think muscle soreness is correlated with a good workout or muscle growth. While being sore might feel oddly satisfying, it is not a reliable sign that there has been stimulated...