Active Recovery for Athletes: Benefits and Best Practices
Active recovery involves performing low-intensity exercises like jogging or swimming after a high-intensity training session.
HMB has a large body of research on athletes training in various modals, similar to those of CrossFit movements.
The published studies on HMB have training protocols that often involve movements like squats, deadlifts, sprints, presses and interval sprints on rowers and bikes (3, 9, 12, 18)
How do you know if a supplement works? Test it out on athletes doing the same training as you!
In study after study, HMB has been shown to improve your performance in the training you are doing. Strength athletes increase strength, endurance athletes improve VO2 max, for example (18)
For CrossFitters, this means HMB is a supplement that will impact all aspects of your performance, making you a better all-round athlete.
HMB has a large body of research on athletes training in various modals, similar to those of CrossFit movements.
The published studies on HMB have training protocols that often involve movements like squats, deadlifts, sprints, presses and interval sprints on rowers and bikes (3, 9, 12, 18)
How do you know if a supplement works? Test it out on athletes doing the same training as you!
A 2016 study found that as we get older, the amount of HMB we have in our body decreases. On top of this, taking HMB regularly is also shown to slow muscle wasting as we age.
For Masters athletes, the natural age-related decline in musculature is obviously not something the doctor (or coach) ordered. HMB could be a great supplement for this ever increasing CrossFit athlete population. If it means we'll be doing muscle ups in our 80s, then we’re all for it.
OK, so the topic of injuries in CrossFit can be a controversial one, but let’s face it, it’s physical activity at high intensity and sometimes injuries happen. Whether it’s shoulder impingement, a lower back injury or torn up hands, being unable to train sucks, and so does the time it takes to return to the level you were at before you got injured.
HMB has an anti-catabolic effect, meaning it slows muscle breakdown in conditions like inactivity and bed rest (18). For the injured athlete, this means that taking HMB may be a great way to slow the muscle wastage due to inactivity. Get your hands on some HMB for the next time you get that wrist strain from heavy cleans.
How much HMB should I take?
Most studies have shown positive results with 3 grams a day for average individuals. It is best to split it into three - 1 gram servings spread throughout the day.
Are there any negative side effects to HMB?
Extensive clinical studies have been conducted to specifically evaluate the safety of HMB and no negative side effects have been recorded in either men or women whether young or elderly.
Who should NOT take HMB?
HMB has been shown to be completely safe to take in research studies on exercising adults both young and old, however it has not yet been tested on the following:
• Pregnant women
• Women who are breast feeding
• Children
If you are on any medications or have a medical condition, you should always consult with your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.
Active recovery involves performing low-intensity exercises like jogging or swimming after a high-intensity training session.
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