True Grit Post Reviews

Ingredients8.8

Effectiveness8.9

Mixability8.7

Value7.5

Taste8.9

Pros

Non-proprietary
Proven ingredients
Tastes great

Cons

Slightly expensive
Not widely available

8.6Overall Score

True Grit Post is the newest product from BodyBuilding.com, who claim it’s a post-workout powder designed with the most advanced scientific research yet.

In my experience, post-workout supplements are a mixed bag. There are a lot of ingredients that can be used and a lot of ways to mess it up.

However, BodyBuilding.com is known for quality products, so I decided to give True Grit Post a try.

What’s In It?

One of my favorite things about True-Grit Post is that it doesn’t hide the ingredient amounts in a proprietary blend. There isn’t any fancy-sounding matrix or special formulation, just clearly-labeled ingredients.

This makes evaluating the formula easy and shows the company isn’t trying to hide anything or get away with cutting corners.

BCAAs – 6 grams

Branched-chain amino acids are the king of post-workout recovery. They form more than 30% the amino acids needed for muscle growth and can be the difference between quick recovery and muscle soreness. ^[1]

The most important BCAA is leucine, which is the only amino acid capable of initiating protein synthesis. ^[2]

Because it’s so important, most BCAA supplements contain more leucine than the other 2 BCAAs. True Grit Post uses a 4:1:1 ratio, which is quickly becoming an industry standard for BCAA supplementation.

Creatine Monohydrate – 3 grams

Creatine is probably the most popular supplement on the market. It safely and effectively improves muscle-building ability and reduces post-workout fatigue. ^[3]

The normal creatine dose is 5 grams, slightly more than what True Grit Post contains. Since most people already take creatine, the smaller dose here shouldn’t be a problem.

Betaine – 2.5 grams

Betaine is a common compound in the body. Studies show supplementation improves muscle regeneration. ^[4]

Tart Cherry Extract – 480 mg

Cherry seems like an odd ingredient for a post workout supplement, but tart cherry extract has been shown to alleviate pain and fatigue after workouts. ^[5]

Ashwagandha Extract 125 mg

It sounds complicated, but ashwagandha is just a plant from India used in traditional medicine. Research on its effects shows ashwagandha supports healthy production of luteinizing hormone and reduces muscle tissue stress. ^[6]

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate 2 grams

L-carnitine L-tartrate is simply a variation of the amino acid carnitine, commonly used to improve fat breakdown. Studies show L-carnitine L-tartrate specifically increases growth hormone levels and muscle regeneration. ^[7]

How Much Does It Cost?

Right now True Grit Post is only available from the BodyBuilding.com store. I imagine this is due to it being a new product and that there will be a wider release in the future.

A 25-serving canister costs $32 + shipping. Paying more than $1 per serving for a post-workout powder is a little steep.

How Do I Take It?

The instructions are simple: Mix 1 serving (1 scoop) with 8 oz. of cold water in a glass or shaker cup. Use after your workout.

You can choose between three flavors: strawberry lime, watermelon, and fruit punch. They all taste great and mix easily.

Is It Worth Buying?

I think True Grit Post is a great product. The ingredients are solid, in good amounts, and it’s easy to use.

That being said, buying a brand-new product directly from the manufacturer is expensive. I recommend getting True Grit Post after it’s released to other stores and you can find a better price.

References

[1] Shimomura Y, et al. “Effects of squat exercise and branched-chain amino acid supplementation on plasma free amino acid concentrations in young women.” Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 2009 Jun;55(3):288-91.

[2] Layne E. Norton, Donald K. Layman. “Leucine Regulates Translation Initiation of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle after Exercise.”

[3] Odland, L. Maureen et al. “Effect of oral creatine supplementation on muscle PCr and short-term maximum power output.“ Medicine &Science in Sports & Exercise. (1997). 29(2):216-219.

[4] Cholewa JM, et al. “Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2013 Aug 22;10(1):39.

[5] Kuehl KS, et al. “Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain during running: a randomized controlled trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2010; 7: 17.

[6] Ahmad MK, et al. “Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males.” Fertil Steril. 2010 Aug;94(3):989-96.

[7]“L-carnitine L-tartrate.” National Cancer Institute – National Institutes of Health.