Raptor Advantage
BMX and motocross competitors typically train for 3-4 hours per day, 5-6 days/week. They also compete in multiple heats per day typically during a multi-day event. They need to have excellent anaerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and stamina to withstand grueling heats that cause significant fatigue. Although most BMX and motocross competitors compete in heats lasting between 3 and 25 minutes in duration, training for competitive BMX and motocross competition is very demanding from a physical and mental standpoint. The Raptor bar can help BMX and motocross competitors gain an edge by helping them optimize nutrient availability prior to and following training sessions.

The first goal in optimizing performance of BMX and motocross competitors is to prevent dehydration. BMX and motocross competitors are susceptible to becoming dehydrated because they often compete for prolonged periods of time in hot and humid environments and must wear heavy clothing. Recent research indicates that athletes may need more electrolytes than typically found in sports drinks in order to maintain hydration during intense exercise. The Raptor bar contains recommended levels of sodium and other electrolytes needed to promote hydration and help reduce the incidence of muscle cramping during exercise. In addition, the Raptor bar contains glycerol which has been shown to help promote fluid retention. Therefore, ingesting a Raptor bar prior to competition and between heats can help BMX and motocross competitors retain the fluids they need to perform at their best.

The second nutritional goal for BMX and motocross competitors is to provide carbohydrate to sustain blood glucose levels throughout competition. This is particularly important during events that may last 4-8 hours and athletes may not be able to eat meals between heats. The Raptor bar contains a mixture of fast, intermediate, and slow releasing carbohydrates that can provide a sustained release of carbohydrate over time. Ingesting a Raptor bar 30-60 minutes prior to training can help racers fuel training and competition.

The third nutritional goal to optimize performance of BMX and motocross competitors is to provide nutrients that can enhance exercise performance. Research has shown that sodium and calcium phosphates and β-alanine can help buffer muscle acidity and increase anaerobic threshold. In addition, sodium phosphate supplementation has been reported to increase maximal aerobic capacity. Having a good aerobic capacity can help BMX and motocross competitors recover from heats. The Raptor bar contains high levels of sodium and calcium phosphate that can help BMX and motocross competitors optimize aerobic performance and get the most out of their training sessions.

The fourth goal of optimizing performance of BMX and motocross competitors is to minimize the catabolic and immune-suppressive effects of intense exercise. This can help BMX and motocross competitors recover from workout to workout. The Raptor bar contains the right amount and type of protein and amino acids that can help minimize catabolism during exercise and promote protein synthesis after exercise. The Raptor bar also contains a rich source of antioxidants (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, selenium, Coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, and taurine) that have been reported to minimize the effects of intense exercise on muscle damage. In addition, the Raptor bar contains high levels of nutrients that support the immune system (i.e., L-glutamine, Vitamin C, zinc). Ingesting a Raptor bar within 30-minutes after training and performance can help BMX and motocross competitors recover from intense exercise and tolerate training to a better degree.

Exercise

• 2-3 hours of endurance exercise per week
  
  
• Multiple 3-25 minute heats throughout a multi-day event
  
  
• 1-2 hours per week of resistance training and conditioning drills

Nutrition

• Carbohydrate to sustain blood glucose levels and exercise capacity throughout daily events
  
  
• Nutrients that support anaerobic capacity and anaerobic threshold
  
  
• Protein/amino acids and antioxidants to reduce muscle breakdown, oxidative stress, and muscle damage from exercise
  
  
• Nutrients to promote recovery and support the immune system following exercise
  
  

Refueling

• Consume a moderate to high carbohydrate/low fat meal 3-4 hours prior to training sessions
  
  
• Ingest one Raptor bar 30-60 minutes prior to training sessions and/or events
  
  
• Consume 1-2 cups of water and/or sports drinks every 15-20 minutes during training
  
  
• Ingest one Raptor bar within 30 minutes following training sessions and/or events
  
  
• Consume enough fluids to regain weight lost from exercise (3 cups per pound lost)
  
  
• Consume Raptor bars as a nutrient dense snack between meals and training sessions