Without question, there aren’t many more satisfying sensations than achieving a powerful muscle-swelling pump after a workout. But did you know that ‘The Pump’ increases muscle growth too?
Everybody who has ever lifted weights, bodybuilders, athletes and even weekend warriors know what ‘The Pump’ is. They also know how it is quite possibly the most psychologically motivating sensation while working out. You feel swole!!
Aside from the mental and aesthetic benefits associated with the pump, what you may not know is that achieving peak vasodilation supports new muscular development. That’s right!
The pump — scientifically identified as exercise-induced hyperaemia — is vital to creating the most anabolic environment conducive to new growth.
(Vasodialation- the dilatation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure. )
(Anabolic- The phase of metabolism in which simple substances are synthesized into the complex materials of living tissue. ie. building muscle.)
How Does It Work
So here’s the scientific explanation of how the pump actually promotes new muscle growth. The release of nitric oxide helps to increase the relaxation of the endothelial cells, smooth muscles that line the blood vessels, causing the expansion of the lumen of the blood vessel (the middle space of a blood vessel where blood flows through).
As the lumen expands, blood flow is enhanced, resulting in peak vasodilation. Blood plasma is the primary channel through which nutrients, amino acids, testosterone,growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are delivered to your starving muscles. Therefore, by feeding your system more blood, you transport elevated amounts of the various muscle building catalysts directly to your hardworking muscle cells.
The pump also powers growth is through the role of oxygen. Increasing the delivery of oxygen-rich red blood cells to your starving muscles accelerates the speed at which your system is able to cleanse itself of muscle toxins such as ammonia.
The removal of ammonia and other metabolites allows bodybuilders to recover more quickly between sets and perform more repetitions, which could result in better growth stimulus and adaptive growth in response to micro-tears at the muscle fiber level. Amino acid supplements like Muscle Martini and Xtend also help with decreasing ammonia in the muscle cells.
Achieving maximum vasodilation also allows your body to quickly deliver metabolized amino acids and nutrients that are derived from your pre- and post-workout nutrition, and shuttle them directly to your starving muscles. This allows for enhanced muscle recovery and growth.
Since the pump is the life force of new muscle growth and recovery, you can’t waste this beautiful gift!
Make sure you have a high protein meal that is low in fat immediately after your workout. During the initial 30-60 minute window post workout, your muscles are like a sponge. They are ready to absorb all the nutrients you can give them. FEED YOUR MUSCLES!
Protein and amino acids are the building blocks of all your hard earned muscle. Protein makes your muscles happy 🙂
I hope these tips help keep you pumped, motivated and swole!
Committed to your fitness success and the next phase of your journey,
Derek Kuryliw, Certified Sports Nutritionist & Personal Trainer Slim Fit Diet & Fitness, CEO/Founder …for questions or comments [email protected] or 727.851.SLIM
Try the ultimate fitness experience of my fitness bootcamps. Every night is a new challenge of athletic and explosive training for all ages, previous injuries and ability levels,PLUS…our all new summer schedule!! http://newportricheybootcamps.com/
