Did you know that one of the most effective things you can do to strengthen your muscles and burn fat actually happens after your workout is done? You can make the most out of your sweat session with one very simple habit: getting a dose of collagen. 

With so much information out there, many people wonder what post-workout supplement is best. We hear a lot about how protein in general supports muscles, but what about collagen, specifically? The research around collagen peptides and body composition is strong. We’re breaking down exactly how collagen builds up lean muscle to boost your results. 

What is collagen?

First, let’s back up a bit and talk about the basics. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is the primary building block of our skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue  — and it plays a crucial role in how our bodies function. As we age, we naturally produce less collagen and our existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate. 

Supplementing with collagen peptides replenishes our stores, and it has been shown to support glowing skin, healthy joints, and strong muscles. 

“If you look at how muscles are built, there is about 10% collagen in a healthy muscle, and it plays an important function in muscle performance,” says Tonja Lipp, health and nutrition scientist with GELITA, a global leader in collagen peptides, who we work with to bring you the highest-quality collagen. 

Collagen created specifically for muscle support

There are many varieties of collagen — and different types provide different benefits. At Sparkle Wellness, our goal is to deliver the most effective, scientifically-backed forms of collagen to match your goals. 

That’s why our Muscle Boost Powder is made with BODYBALANCE Bioactive Collagen Peptides, highly specialized collagen peptides tailored for muscle strength and lean body mass. 

“We see in all the clinical research with BODYBALANCE that supplementation, in combination with resistance exercise, leads to an increase in lean muscle mass, which is the active tissue in your body and which you want to increase. At the same time, you have a decrease in body fat, which is the inactive tissue. We also see that muscle strength increases,” says Lipp. “It’s a totally new approach to muscle support, strength, and body composition, which ultimately can change the body composition in a good way.”

 Let’s look at the science behind these perks. 

How does collagen impact muscles?

More and more research supports the fact that collagen peptides support strong, healthy, and lean muscles. 

In a recent study published in Acta Physiologica, young and healthy men were given either 15g of BODYBALANCE Collagen Peptides or a placebo once a day for 15 weeks, in addition to doing resistance training three times per week. Those who took the peptides saw significant improvement in their muscle volume and strength compared to those who took the placebo. A 2019 study of premenopausal women showed that women who took 15g of BODYBALANCE daily and strength trained three days a week enhanced their leg and grip strength substantially.   

Researchers are still investigating exactly how collagen peptides enhance muscles, but evidence suggests that it’s a ‘multifactorial approach.’ One possible factor is that BODYBALANCE stimulates the mTOR pathway, which helps enhance protein synthesis. Our bodies require a balance between protein synthesis (creating protein molecules) and protein breakdown (breaking down protein molecules). When we have more synthesis than breakdown, that’s when we build more lean muscle. 

How does collagen help burn fat? 

As collagen peptides increase strength, they also decrease fat mass. In the 2019 study, women who took collagen peptides saw a significant decline in their percentage of body fat. In another recent study, participants who supplemented with BODYBALANCE in addition to strength training reduced their fat mass and waist circumference. 

How does this work, exactly? Researchers believe that the particular amino acid chain along with their unique weight and length in the BODYBALANCE collagen peptides stimulate production of AMPK, an enzyme that leads to an increase in fatty acid metabolism. This provides more energy for the cells and can result in a reduction of fat mass. 

Who benefits from collagen?

People of all ages and activity levels can reap the rewards. Research has shown benefits for both men and women, younger and older groups, people who train regularly and those who are newer to exercise. No matter who you are, says Lipp, “If you have a good workout regimen and you supplement with BODYBALANCE, you really can achieve these benefits.”

When should you consume collagen?

For the best results, experts like Lipp recommend having collagen within 60 minutes of your workout.  

How much collagen should you have? 

Enjoy one serving (three scoops) of the Muscle Boost Powder. It mixes up easily in water, tea, yogurt, smoothies, and more delicious foods and drinks. You can choose from Mixed Berry, Orange, or No Flavor — all are gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, and made with no artificial colors or sweeteners.  

Ready to feel stronger and leaner? Post-workout nutrition is important. Learn more about our BODYBALANCE Collagen Muscle Boost Powder and stock up here!