Max Muscle Nutrition’s Anabolic Recovery Matrix, better known as A.R.M. is the perfect post-workout recovery drink. The elite product engineers that head Max Muscle Nutrition’s Research & Development team went to work in order to create an optimal blend of vital nutrients needed in the post-workout/anabolic window. They then worked to consolidate these nutrients into one convenient, powerful product: A.R.M., which has been a increasingly popular product for Max Muscle Nutrition’s customers in Stone Mountain GA and nationwide.
“As a firefighter, I need to maintain peak physical condition at all times …. I’ve been taking A.R.M. by Max Muscle Nutrition post workout for the past few months. Not only do I feel stronger and more recovered, but I have confidence that Max Muscle Nutrition puts the best ingredients in their products,” said Manny Ponce de Leon, 39, an Anaheim Firefighter/Paramedic in Southern California.
What is it?
The science of recovery shows that there are three critical requirements for optimal muscle recovery and repair following an intense exercise session. First, is the replacement of fluids and electrolytes. Second, is the rapid replenishment of muscle glycogen. And third, is the replacement of amino acids to support the muscle rebuilding process and minimize muscle protein breakdown.
To support protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, each serving of A.R.M. delivers 28 grams (56 percent DV) of the highest quality blend of whey protein isolate (WPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) available. A.R.M. contains the Muscle Akt/mTOR and p70 S6k Activator Blend. Muscle Akt/mTOR and p70 S6k kinases are muscle enzyme activators of protein synthesis and they are supported by the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) along with arginine, citrulline malates and the same proprietary blends found in Max Muscle’s Cx3 including CreaPure, Creatine MagnaPower and Creatine Pyruvate.
The BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine) found in A.R.M. – particularly leucine – have anabolic effects on protein synthesis, muscle cell growth and decreasing the rate of protein breakdown (degradation). This effect is most beneficial post-exercise. Additionally, these agents activate a pathway in muscle that is upregulated during the hypertrophy (increase in muscle size) phase.
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A.R.M. also contains the functional glutamine peptides found in GlutaMatrix, including the Gluta-Tri Triple Fusion Blend (L-glutamine, glutamine peptides [L-alanyl-L-glutamine, L-glycyl-L glutamine (from hydrolyzed gluten)]. Special receptors in the intestine facilitates maximum and intact absorption of glutamine peptides to allow the glutamine to be delivered to the muscles, promoting a rapid recovery from exercise and supporting lean muscle mass.
Each serving of A.R.M. provides 32 grams of multi-source carbohydrates with rapid to extended absorption rates, including waxy maize starch (amylopectin), maltodextrin, fructose and dextrose. These various carbohydrates give users an array of carbohydrates at varying levels on the glycogen index. A.R.M. provides the ideal forms and amounts of carbohydrates to pack glycogen in muscles for maximum recovery.
What is the Anabolic Window?
Immediately after exercise, your body needs nutrients, and boy does it need them fast! Your post-workout nutrition should include a quality protein source and some fast-acting carbohydrates.
Max Muscle is unique in the capacity that it is a manufacturer of fine nutritional supplements, yet promotes diet first (this is why Max Muscle Stone Mountain employees are nutrition-certified and write nutrition plans). But post exercise, whole food is not appropriate. Whole food takes too long for your body to process and your muscles can’t wait that long. Making your post-workout meal a drink allows your body to get the nutrition it needs ASAP and allows for a quicker gastric emptying time, meaning you’ll be eating again sooner.
Your body is very insulin-sensitive, so any carbohydrates the body intakes at this time will be put towards restoring muscle glycogen instead of being stored as fat. Additionally, this insulin spike and subsequent carbohydrate intake allows you to rapidly shuttle in nutrients such as BCAAs. This immediate meal does not go towards your metabolic requirements, so be prepared to get hungry again reasonably quick and go for some whole food (anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours after your post-workout drink). Many studies show that the immediate anabolic window may actually extend for hours afterward, so be sure to consume a sufficient nutritional intake in the proper proportions from quality food sources continuously, not just immediately after exercise.
Adrian Blanco is a customer who has been on a Max Muscle Nutrition meal plan for more than a year. In that time, Adrian has learned the value of the anabolic window. “A key lesson I have learned is to optimize the anabolic window. It’s a huge tool to use to your advantage so I never miss my shot of A.R.M. after training.”
Who is it for?
A.R.M. was not just made with the athlete in mind. In fact, it is an all-level recovery supplement for both men and women. Anyone seeking optimal recovery from their workouts should be using A.R.M.
A.R.M. contains several vital ingredients for the body’s post-workout window, these ingredients can be expensive to buy separately. Even if you are just taking a few of them, A.R.M. immediately becomes the most cost-effective solution to your post-workout needs. “I used to take my creatine, glutamine, BCAAs, electrolytes, protein and carbohydrate products separately. Ever since A.R.M. was released, I’ve been able to consolidate it into one, convenient, quality product,” says jiu-jitsu student Ben Russack. Contact your local Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach at Max Muscle Stone Mountain and find out if Max ARM is right for you.
By Matt Cooper, CFNC
Find A.R.M. at Max Muscle Nutrition store in Stone Mountain