An exercise program geared towards increasing muscle strength and mass require proper nutrition, the necessary components for extensive muscle building and recovery. The body needs a source of energy and protein. Energy is utilized during the lift and proteins provide the materials for the body to rebuild during the recovery phase. Without recovery, muscles do not regenerate and are unprepared for the next workout routine. Therefore it is essential to provide valuable nutrients at the proper time.

During the lift muscles will require a source of energy. The most immediate source is energy released in an energy-supplying molecule called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. When this happens ATP is converted to Adenosine Diphosphate. The muscles no longer have an immediate source of energy when stores of ATP become depleted. The end result is tired muscles and pain. The pain is the result of lactic acid, a by-product produced when the muscles utilize another energy source, sugar. Nutrition supplements providing creatine is a way to provide more ATP allowing a more extensive lift routine for a longer period of time. Creatine is absorbed into the muscles and converted to phosphocreatine. The phosphate group from this compound aids in the production of more ATP so that supplies do not become completed. 

Another important period where nutrition is important is the recovery period following the lift routine. Extensive exercise, particularly lifting, causes small tears in the muscle fibers. This is perfectly normal. Muscles need both energy and protein to provide the materials needed to rebuild muscle fibers during recovery. Supplements made from whey, or milk, protein is generally regarded as the best source of protein for muscle recovery. Supplements may be taken as a solid nutrition bar or a protein shake and are absorbed quickly to provide protein as an immediate source of amino acids, raw materials for rebuilding muscles.

Supplemental nutrition also provides a special group of amino acids called branched chain amino acids. These amino acids are precursors that initiate protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is a necessary process for rebuilding muscles. 

Proper body building nutrition is a combination of nutrients required for providing energy during an extensive workout routine and a period of recovery. It is not only essential to include proper nutrition but scheduled it at proper times. Carbohydrates and creatine provide the energy for muscles to use during the workout. Creatine in particular can allow a longer more extensive workout preventing muscle from early fatigue. Protein and amino acids provide the raw materials for the body to rebuild. Combined, good nutrition and a nutrition schedule provide the maximal benefits for a bodybuilding program.

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