Raptor Advantage
Boxers typically train for 3-4 hours per day, 5-6 days/week. They need to have excellent anaerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and stamina to withstand grueling training. Although most boxers compete in bouts with 2-3 minute rounds, training for competitive boxers is very demanding. This includes running 3-5 miles per day, 2-4 hours of boxing conditioning and sparring in the gym, and resistance training. They also have to train heavily while trying to make weight which requires maintaining training while on a low calorie diet. The Raptor bar can help boxers gain a competitive edge by helping them optimize nutrient availability prior to and following training sessions.

The first nutritional goal for boxers is to provide carbohydrate to sustain blood glucose levels. This is particularly important during long training sessions and boxing matches in which boxers can’t ingest fluids or nutrients. Ingesting carbohydrate prior to training and competition is also important for boxers dieting in order to make weight. 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 boxers fuel training and competition.

The second nutritional goal to optimize performance of boxers 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 boxers recover from rounds. The Raptor bar contains high levels of sodium and calcium phosphate that can help boxers optimize aerobic performance and get the most out of their training sessions.

The third goal of optimizing performance of boxers is to minimize the catabolic and immune-suppressive effects of intense exercise. This can help boxers 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). Boxers who train twice per day while dieting are particularly susceptible for upper respiratory tract infections. Ingesting a Raptor bar within 30-minutes after training and performance can help boxers recover from intense exercise and tolerate training to a better degree.

Exercise

• 2-3 hours of endurance running per week
  
  
• 2-4 hours per day of boxing conditioning and sparring (5-6 days per week)
  
  
• 1-2 hours per week of resistance training and conditioning drills

Nutrition

• Carbohydrate to sustain blood glucose levels and exercise capacity throughout training
  
  
• 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