What is Nitric Oxide and What Does it Do?
Nitric oxide is a molecule consisting of nitrogen and oxygen. This molecule provides a number of benefits to the body that weight lifters and elite athletes are looking for. Nitric oxide, or NO2, increases blood flow to the muscles and also helps saturate the blood with oxygen. This is important because increased blood flow provides the nutrients your muscles need during an intense workout. When the blood is rich in oxygen it allows you to work out longer before experiencing the soreness that everyone who has ever lifted weights is familiar with.
When you lift weights you rapidly burn up the glycogen stored in your muscles and to continue giving your muscles the energy they need your body needs to metabolize glucose in the blood. When there is not enough oxygen for this to occur your body goes through a process called lactic acid fermentation in order to provide the energy your muscles need. It is the excess lactic acid that makes your muscles feel sore after a workout but because nitric oxide supplements oxygenate the blood and increase blood flow to the muscles, your muscles can work longer before this anaerobic metabolism occurs.
In addition to giving your muscles a good supply of oxygen rich blood, NO2 also stimulates the release of adrenaline and helps to numb pain. The pain numbing effects and the release of adrenaline allow bodybuilders and athletes to train longer and harder, completing a more strenuous workout and maximizing the time they spend in the gym.
Many bodybuilders and athletes use nitric oxide supplements as a regular part of their diet and workout routines. Some recommend cycling their supplementation, taking the supplement for a week or two and then taking a week off. Some people also cycle their supplementation by being on for a month at a time and then taking 2 to 4 weeks off. For best results, follow the directions on the packaging of your chosen supplement and consult a physician before starting any new diet, exercise, or supplementation program.