Boost your Endurance

By Hugh Renny


Having the 'competitive edge' is what distinguishes a winning performance from the rest. Dedication to rigorous training schedules and fuelling the body with optimum nutrition are of fundamental importance but human physiology has its limits and, when striving to be the best it is possible to be, any additional factors which augment athletic performance are naturally attractive. Recent years have seen a huge increase in the use of sports supplements for this reason.

Sports supplements not only contribute to an athlete's optimum nutrition but within the range currently available are products which will assist the rate of muscle development; will boost the quantities of substances found naturally in the body with a known important role in deriving muscle power from the energy gained from food and still others that will enhance muscle endurance allowing increased training intensity and consequently greater stamina and effort prior to the onset of fatigue.

The use of supplements for added performance is not a recent innovation. Creatine, protein powder and caffeine, which can all be taken prior to a training session, have been considered for many years to have a positive effect. Whilst considerable data exist relating to their use, in terms of ergogenic sports nutrition aids, creatine is likely to be the most widely researched.

With on-going use and accumulation of associated knowledge, multi-supplement products combining substances that contribute to optimum nutrition with those which give best athletic performance have been developed. Jack3d is one such product. The six supplements which have been combined in Jack3d are present in quantities felt to be safe when taken regularly and are caffeine, creatine, beta alanine, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG), schizandrol A and dimethylamylamine (DMAA).

Of the ingredients within Jack3d caffeine has potentially the most known side-effects which include restlessness, facial flushing, digestive upsets, involuntary muscle twitching, increased heart rate, insomnia and more frequent urination. Each scoop of Jack3d contains around 100 mg of caffeine and, as a general guide, healthy individuals used to some caffeine intake, will tend to begin noticing these effects above about 400 mg per day. AAKG may also induce digestive upset but this is far more likely in diabetics. Beta alanine is generally well tolerated but only effective to a limited dose. Beyond this dose there is no demonstrable performance gain but a tingling sensation can occur in the skin. Whilst there are currently no long term studies on DMAA use, current information suggests it is safe to take in the limited quantities within Jack3d but its use at higher doses is not recommended. Of the remaining two supplements, creatine's safety profile tends to be well recognised and whilst only limited information exists regarding schizandrol A, there is no suggestion at present that in the doses in which it is present in Jack3d, it does more harm than good.

The unique combination of ingredients within Jack3d has much to offer the competitive sportsperson. Individually arginine will encourage improved blood flow and consequent delivery of nutrients to fuel muscles. AAKG, although relative temporary in its effect does increase peak muscle strength and power and whilst this effect tends to be small when used alone, in combination with creatine there appears to be a superadded result. Beta alanine is a synthetically produced amino acid. Research has shown that by increasing the concentration of carnosine within muscle the amount of power produced prior to fatigue increases. The extra focus and increased fat burn associated with caffeine is well known and DMAA, a plant extract, also has a stimulant effect. Whilst both products are present in Jack3d they are in limited quantities as it has also been shown that beyond a certain level, stimulants cease to have a beneficial effect and do in fact detract from performance. Schizandrol A, also sourced from plants, is common within Chinese medicine. Some animal studies do exist regarding its benefits but its true contribution to human performance is far less well known. Suggestions are that it offers anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects along with being helpful to parts of the nervous system and liver.

To enjoy the greatest benefit from jack3d, as with all supplements in the market place, stated doses and other manufacturers instructions should be closely adhered to. The body naturally produces endorphins in response to intense exercise leading to a definite 'feel good' factor. Using supplements to build on this in a positive way is only achievable to a point as the fine division between maximising performance and detracting from it is easily crossed.

It is healthy to be competitive but it is also important to be healthy in order to be competitive. A first class training programme coupled with optimum nutrition and the appropriate use of supplements is undoubtedly the way to increase endurance and achieve optimum performance.




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