Xtend BCAA vs Xtend Ripped

When it comes to masters of BCAAs, Xtend have long established themselves as innovators. With a history of producing superior BCAA formulas they are still the industry leaders in the BCAA category. Find out the different between 2 of their popular products Xtend BCAA vs Xtend Ripped.

With the ever growing Xtend family comes some potential confusion between their various products. The original Xtend is by far the number one selling BCAA. Xtend ripped being more of a newcomer is certainly gaining more traction as time goes on. The slight difference in the name may elude partially to what the products are all about, but here we will take a good look at the two so you can decide on which member of the Xtend family will join yours.

Product Review – Xtend BCAA

Xtend is a popular intra-workout BCAA that is seemingly simple yet is an extremely effective product. The results driven formula has been on the market for a number of years and continues to grow in popularity. Each serving contains 7 grams of branched-chain amino acids in the scientifically proven ratio of 2:1:1. This original formula also contains added proprietary blend of hydration-inducing electrolytes, Glutamine and Citrulline Malate. This helps to ensure you get the most out of your training session performance wise.

Branched chain amino acids or BCAAs serve several purposes in the muscle itself. They are an incredibly valuable tool when it comes to increasing lean muscle mass and recovery from physical activity.

As we have already touched on, the Xtend formula has the BCAA ratio of 2:1:1. This is of particular importance when lean muscle gain is your primary goal.  BCAAs promote protein synthesis, and one particular BCAA, leucine, activates a key pathway in the body also known as mTOR that stimulates muscle protein synthesis.

The popularity of this product extends far beyond the role of BCAAs being a catalyst for gaining lean muscle mass. The inclusion of glutamine aids in decreasing muscle soreness and enhancing recovery which is one of the significant aims of the Xtend product.

The two other powerhouse ingredients of 1000 mg Citrulline Malate and also Vitamin B6. Citrulline is a well researched supplement which has the purpose of supporting the nitric oxide pathway in the body and B6 with the role of supporting protein metabolism.

The power of BCAAs in Xtend means that both central and peripheral fatigue are significantly reduced. BCAA’s also have the added advantage of improving mental focus during exercise.

Xtend BCAA Product Highlights

• 7 grams of BCAA per serving in the scientifically researched ratio of 2:1:1.
• 3.5 grams of Leucine for muscle protein synthesis.
• Catalyst for muscle protein synthesis.
• Enhances recovery and reduces muscle soreness.
• Inclusion of 1 gram of Citrulline Malate, Vitamin B6 and 2.5 grams of glutamine.
• Superior electrolyte blend for hydration especially during prolonged or intense bouts of exercise.
• Zero carbohydrates or sugar.
• Can be consumed before, during or after training or for use for added hydration or during weight loss phases.

Xtend BCAA – Top Flavours

If you are a flavour lover then Scivation has not disappointed here with their Xtend BCAA flavour selection. With a whopping 10 flavours there is something to suit any individual.

If you are a sweet lover then Blue Raspberry Ice or Strawberry Kiwi Splash might be for you. If you are wanting something a little more subtle then Lemon Lime Squeeze or Watermelon Explosion are a refreshing treat.

Although we do love all of the flavours, our personal favourites are Glacial Grape and Mango Madness and Tropic Thunder.

When to take Xtend BCAA?

Evidence based research suggests that consuming BCAAs before, during and after exercise can stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Having that steady flow of BCAAs into the muscles will ensure that there is a shift in net muscle protein balance form negative (or muscle protein breakdown) to positive or muscle protein synthesis.

Xtend BCAAs can be enjoyed at anytime and if hydration is an issue then the formula is perfect for maintaining an adequate level of hydration with the added electrolyte blend in the formula.

Product Review – Xtend Ripped

Think of Xtend Ripped as a super-charged fat burning version of the original Xtend BCAA formula. Together with all of the benefits and ingredients in the original formula, Xtend Ripped boasts itself to be a revolutionary cutting formula that promotes lean muscle growth with the neat addition of Conjugated Linoleic Acid or Capsimax®.

Xtend Ripped is stimulant free and has the aim of liberating more fatty acids for use during exercise allowing you to be well on your way to achieving your ideal body composition goals.

Ripped BCAA also boosts your workout by reducing exercise fatigue and exhaustion. Xtend Ripped also has the addition if the amino acid L-Carnitine Tartrate, which is highly effective in weight loss and may have a positive impact on cognitive function.

Xtend Ripped Product Highlights

• Contains the same 7 grams of BCAAs in the 2:1:1 ratio that is in the original formula.
• 3.5 grams of Leucine for muscle protein synthesis.
• Contains the same 2.5 grams of Glutamine, 1 gram of Citrulline Malate as the original formula.
• 5o mg of Capsimax® Cayenne Fruit Extract to help aid fat loss.
• Aids in boosting metabolism to ensure that the fast burning process is working more efficiently and at a greater rate.
• Aids in building lean muscle mass and preserving muscle while also working as an aid to enhance fat loss.
• Effective in enhancing overall athletic performance and increasing adaptations to exercise.
• Helps to reduce cravings especially during phases of dieting.
• Stimulant free so can be used in place of fat burners if you are stimulant sensitive.

Xtend Ripped – Top Flavours

Scivation Xtend Ripped doesn’t quite boast the extensive flavour list to that of the original formula. The flavours however, still do not disappoint with something that will be sure to suit every flavour preference.

With flavours such as Orchard Splash, Strawberry Kiwi, Watermelon Lime and Blueberry Lemonade there is certain to be a flavour to help you be well get ripped and shredded.

When to take Xtend Ripped?

As a dietary supplement mix one scoop of Xtend Ripped into 250-500 mls of water and shake well. As this supplement is a little different to the original formula it is best to take no more than two scoops per day on training and non-training days.

Non-training days Xtend Ripped can be used between meals to help in reducing any food cravings, increase satiety and as an effective metabolism booster.

Can you stack other products with Xtend BCAAs or Xtend Ripped?

Part of the beauty of Xtend BCAAs and Xtend Ripped is that they can be stacked with other supplements to make their potent formulas even more beneficial.

Both products are stimulant-free, so if you are a caffeine fiend you may wish to stack with caffeine or pre-workout to supercharge your workouts to the max.

Creatine is also an incredibly important supplement in terms of increasing lean body mass during training. Adding Creatine to your Xtend of choice will turn it into an incredibly effective ergogenic nutritional supplement.

So which one should I choose?

BCAAs have proven their value when it comes to building lean muscle mass and aiding in repair and recovery. Some damage to the muscles during physical activity is largely unavoidable however such products as Xtend BCAAs and Xtend Ripped ensure that training performance is optimised, recovery is enhanced and muscle soreness and degradation reduced.

The original Xtend BCAAs can be consumed no matter what your goal. If weight loss is your primary aim then Xtend Ripped is the ideal intra-workout weight loss supplement that will still provide you with all of the benefits of the original formula including increasing lean muscle mass. If the original sounds more like you then it can be staked with other supplements to create a highly individualised supplement that is suited specifically to your ideal outcome.