L-Arginine (No2, PumpTech)

This has become very popular in the last few years. When I used to lift at World's Gym, it seemed like No2 drinks were standard preworkout starter.

Definition and Science

L-Arginine is naturally occurring amino acid. It is not produced by the body, but it is consumed in a variety of foods, including almonds and peanuts. It aids growth hormone production, helps eliminate free radicals, and helps the immune system. It is also a precursor to the gas Nitric Oxide. This aides vasodiolation. In plain English, it increases blood flow and helps pump more blood, and therefor oxygen, into the muscles. For this reason, it is also used to help male sexual disfunction. It "pumps you up."

Risks

Too much can lead to upset stomach or diarrea. If you have problems with your vascular system (heart trouble), you should check with your doctor. You should start out in smaller amounts to determine its effect on you.

Usage and Benefits

Arginine comes in pill form (PumpTech, NoS) or mixed into pre-workout drinks (Pumped Fuel, e.g) . These drinks usually have a bunch of caffeine. Check the label. If you take the pills you take a few in the morning and a few preworkout. Dosage is dependent on body weight.

You know that "pumped up" feeling you get in your muscles when you lift? You look bigger for the next few hours after the workout and feel buff. Arginine helps you keep that "pumped" look longer. It also gets you more pumped than you would normally. When you take this and lift, you will look bigger, fast, but it will be artifical. Once you stop lifting and taking the arginine, you'll loose the result. However, the extra oxygen the blood brings to your muscles will let you squeeze an extra rep or half a rep. That little bit of extra endurance to finish helps you push your muscles to maximum failure.

Final Thoughts

L-Arginine definately works. These products are on the expensive side, but you will notice effects almost immediately. When I was using it, I was lifting heavy and not boxing, so I can't comment on its effectiveness as part of a boxer training. I would put it on the list behind Glutamine, Creatine, and Whey Protein for boxing, but if you are into lifting, it's great stuff. I know that if I'm sparring, I wouldn't want the extra pumped feeling this stuff brings, but if you lifting on non-boxing days, you might find it useful. If you belong to a gym that sells the preworkout drinks, try those a few time before investing in an expensive bottle of NoS or Pumptech.