What times should I take Amino Acids each day?

For lean muscle and training support I get asked that question a lot. If you've been wondering, here's a guide you can use when you need it:

Micronised Creatine – After training is the best time, or with Breakfast:
Forget the urban myth about taking Creatine Monohydrate before training. The very best time for a serve is asap after training. Combined with a protein shake or carbohydrate drink works even better. Once loaded on Creatine (if you follow a loading plan) you only need one serve per day, and always make that soon after training on a training day. On days you don't train, breakfast time is the right time.

Beta Alanine – Pre Workout, or any other time:
Most people take a serving about 30 minutes before training, usually because it's a convenient time to take it along with the rest of a Pre Workout stack. This time may have some slight physical advantage if you want the very most training effect, but any time of day is good. 1 to 2 servings a day is the way to go, but if you really want to load up you can take it 3 times a day. Take it between meals, with water or a carb drink.

BCAA's – Pre Workout, During, and after Training:
There are a lot of different routines people follow with BCAA's. The general rules are that taking serves around training are the best times. So go for it about 30 minutes before, and also during, and after training. The most critical time is asap after training, and during training is a close second. Some people like to take servings at other times of day too, either with meals or between meals is ok. Extra servings like that may be useful support if on a serious cutting or gaining plan.

Glutamine – After Training:
Take this at least 2 times per day. One serving asap after training is the best time, and another serving with breakfast is ideal. If you are aiming to support growth hormone then take a serving before bed too. When on a calorie restricted diet it's ok to take it at additional times with water, any time of day you feel food cravings coming on. It may help you to block those feelings. One thing I've discovered about Glutamine is, when larger amounts per day are taken the benefits are much more noticeable. 

Pure Nitro – Pre Workout:
Take 1 to 2 times per day. The best time for a serve is 30 minutes before training, and any other time for a second serve will cover you well. Taken with some carbs may help it along. About 30 minutes before bed may be of help for Growth Hormone support.

Pure Citrulline Malate – Pre Workout:
Take 1 to 3 times per day between meals. Always have one of these serves about 30 minutes before training, that's the best time. Carbs may help this one too, but aren't necessary if you are watching calories.

Leucine EAA – After Training:
Take 1 to 2 times per day, or more if your goals are serious. Taken at the same time as you have a protein shake or protein meal is a good habit. The best time to take Leucine is asap after exercise, along with a protein shake. More regular doses of Leucine may be useful when on a low carb diet or training harder, that's why some people have it every time they eat a meal, or between meals.

Pure Taurine – Pre Workout:
Take 1 to 2 times per day. The best time is to take one of these serves about 30 minutes before training, and anytime is ok for another serve. If you take it before bed it may help improve the quality of your sleep. Relax, Taurine isn't a stimulant as commonly thought, that's not the reason it's in most energy drinks.