Just curious if anyone has ever tried any type of supplements used for working out (or other reasons), that increase blood circulation/ dialates blood vessels? I dunno if this would help remedy arm pump/ hand numbness at all, but I was curious! Supplements I speak of are things like Niacin, Magnesium, Arginine, etc. I don't have medical journals to back it up, but from what I know, and have heard from some people who workout, they thought they noticed better workouts after using Arginine (an amino acid), due to increased blood flow.

Now from what I read in another thread, arm pump is where blood flows into the muscles and cant flow back out as fast as its going in. So, I guess that may lead these supplements to either a) do nothing different besides possible bring on the onset of arm pump quicker because the vessels bring the blood in flow more to begin with?, increase flow out of the muscles enough (unless its strictly proportionate). or C) do nothing.

I am not a dr...but i do play one on tv. Jk...but I was actually wondering if any of the more medically incline people could chime in with any opinion, fact, or otherwise.

End of the day riding with your legs, etc, etc is probably the best remedy....but for my hand numbness on just one hand...im not so sure, and for the fact I believe I also have either a) circulation issues cuz my hands get hella cold real fast in winter and take a few to warm up sometimes. and maybe some CT in my right hand since my wrist feels achy sometimes, lil weak if i use it a lot, and my thumb and first 2 fingers get numb, but i had another topic for all that! lol.

So the supplements?

If your armpump is caused in part by infequent riding, go try a sample pack of SportsLegs.

http://www.sportlegs.com/what/what.asp

I ride a CR500, and the sports legs make a noticeable difference in armpump and apparent fatigue caused by lactic acid build up.

soooo, i should basically take a magnesium and calcium supplement? lol....jk, but I think you could find the ingredients cheaper. Thanks for input tho, may try those 2 supps, which I believe are the real active ingredients, I mean...ive heard for years a glass of milk after working out can alleviate some of the soreness..

could actually add a vit D (or w/e dose is in a regular multi-v) onto that which would probably help the calcium absorb easier.

I started C4 Extreme by Cellucor sold at GNC 30 minutes before I ride.  Once you are warmed up and sweating a little, heart rate up it really releases the lactate and blood and you can hang on better.  It really works for me, as does the therapy I have been doing but this really allowed my hands to not get to so tired and the rides have been better.  It has Beta Alanine and it works for me, maybe its placebo effect but I was very please with the two test rides.

Edited by Towelie, 07 April 2012 - 07:46 PM.

Good to know because I just bought that c4 today.

Do people use pre workout supps for riding as they would before a workout at the gym?

I have used a few preworkout before long rides or races. Noxplode, NaNo Vapor, N.O. Shotgun, Jack3d...ect. All of which contain the same basic ingredients. I don't have a really bad time with arm pump anyways but the supplements seemed to help a little, the main thing I noticed was I had more energy later in the race than I usally do. It works the same when I workout with them. If your wanting to try using supplements please take my advice and FOLLOW THE LABEL!!! If you never used them they can be pretty stout for some people put you on your butt. They can become a very useful tool in riding and training, but you do not need to become dependant on them, it can be very easy.

Edited by ktm113mcp, 19 April 2012 - 05:35 AM.

Gnc sales endurance booster that have used befote workout and during. I have also put it in a camelbak. Seems to help over all performance.

For me its mostly tension, mentally.   Can ride the same terrain at the same pace and never get pump till it becomes a race or event. The little extra tension from the excitement of the start etc makes you grip too much.  Once you settle in it goes away.
Same with unfamilar cliff hanger type terrain,. You tense and arms pump.
Anything that takes you.out.of your comfort  zone.  As you ride race more.often itll be more natural and youll pump less. If it e
Were just mineral deficiancy it would get worse as the ride went on, most riders pump at the beggining.

J_WR2fitty, on 02 February 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

Laugh all you want, but a calcium-magnesium supplement will work. I've done it in the past with excellent results. I don't remember the dosage though.

 Sheriff245, on 17 May 2012 - 07:13 AM, said:

Was actually LOL'ing at the sportlegs supplement because the main ingredients are basically calcium and magnesium....and I said I could probably buy those two supplements alone a lot cheaper. Sooooo....

Edited by J_WR2fitty, 17 May 2012 - 07:42 PM.

 J_WR2fitty, on 17 May 2012 - 07:38 PM, said:

Sorry I didn't get that. English isn't my language so I tend to miss things sometimes...

And you are right. Buy a good cal-mag supplement (can be bought for cheap) and try it, it worked well for me and many people I know.