How to Beat Anabolic Resistance (And Close the Gap Again)
You've felt it. Recovery that drags. Power that fades. Rides that used to feel easy now feel like survival.
It's not your effort. It's not your age. It's anabolic resistance — and there's a way to overcome it.
Or keep reading to learn more ↓
You're Not Imagining It. And You're Not Alone.
The quiz confirmed what you already felt.
Something's changed. Recovery's slower. Power's fading. The gap keeps opening.
Now you know the name:Â anabolic resistance.
The question is — what can you do about it?
Your muscles need a stronger signal to trigger repair after 40. We'll explain why.
The science of leucine, mTOR, and why essential amino acids cross the threshold when protein can't.
When to take it, how to use it, and what to expect when your muscles finally start responding again.
Energy
Confidence
Strength
Muscle
Here's What's Actually Happening
If you've read this far, you probably already know:
After 40, your muscles become resistant to the signal that tells them to rebuild.
You eat protein. Your body receives it. But the response is muted.
Scientists call this anabolic resistance — and it's why:
→ Recovery takes longer than it used to → Power numbers drift in the wrong direction → You're working harder but going slower → The gap keeps opening on Saturday morning
The problem isn't your training. It's the rebuild signal.
Your muscles aren't hearing it loud enough anymore.
What If You Could Send a Louder Signal?
Here's what the research shows:
The key to triggering muscle protein synthesis (MPS) — the rebuild process — is leucine, an essential amino acid.
Leucine acts like a switch. When enough of it reaches your muscles, it activates the mTOR pathway and tells your body:Â "Time to repair. Time to rebuild."
The problem after 40:
Your muscles need MORE leucine to flip that switch. The threshold is higher. The same amount of protein that worked at 30 doesn't trigger the same response at 50.
The solution:
A concentrated dose of essential amino acids (EAAs) — with leucine at the centre — that crosses the threshold and sends the signal your muscles need.
Not more protein. AÂ stronger signal.
Bare Essential Aminos was designed specifically for bodies over 40.
Protein Is Good. But It Might Not Be Enough.
Let's be clear: protein is essential. You need it. Keep eating it.
But here's what most cyclists don't realise:
| Whole Food Protein | Protein Shake | EAAs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absorption Time | 2-3 hours |
40-60 Mins |
15-20 Mins |
| Leucine Content | Variable |
2.5g per 25g Serve |
2g per 5g Serve |
| Calories | 150-300+ |
100-150 |
~20 |
| Digestion Required | Yes |
Yes |
No - absorbed Directly |
Unlike protein powders that need to be broken down before your body can use them, Bare EAAs are absorbed directly—delivering the right amino acids in the right ratios at the right speed.
It's not about eating more protein. It's about giving your body the precise signal it needs to build.
The Mechanism: How EAAs Overcome Anabolic Resistance
The leucine threshold:
Research shows that older muscle requires approximately 2.5-3g of leucine in a single dose to maximally stimulate MPS. Most protein meals deliver 1.5-2g — below the threshold.
The mTOR pathway:
Leucine activates the mTOR signalling pathway, which initiates muscle protein synthesis. Without sufficient leucine, the pathway doesn't fully activate — even if total protein is adequate.
The absorption advantage:
Free-form EAAs don't require digestion. They're absorbed directly into the bloodstream and reach muscle tissue in 15-20 minutes. Whole food protein can take 2-3+ hours to deliver the same amino acids.
The research:
Studies on older adults show that leucine-enriched essential amino acid supplementation can restore MPS response to levels comparable to younger individuals — effectively overcoming anabolic resistance.
Bottom line:Â EAAs deliver the right amino acids, in the right ratio, at the right speed, to trigger the rebuild response your muscles need.
| Timing | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-ride | Prime muscles for the effort, reduce breakdown during the ride | |
| During long rides (in your bidon) | Offset amino acid depletion on 2+ hour efforts | |
| Post-ride (immediately after) | Send the rebuild signal fast, before you even eat | |
| Morning (on rest days) | Stop overnight muscle breakdown, support daily recovery |
What This Means on Saturday Morning
The Gap Won't Close Itself
You've done the training. You've put in the hours. But if the signal isn't getting through, the recovery won't come.
Bare Essential Aminos helps your muscles hear the rebuild signal again.
Protein is essential — keep eating it. But after 40, your muscles may not respond as well to protein alone. EAAs provide a concentrated signal that can help trigger the rebuild response when protein isn't enough.
Most cyclists take it post-ride for fast recovery, or pre-ride to prime muscles. On longer rides (2+ hours), you can mix it in your bidon. On rest days, morning is ideal.
Yes — it mixes clean in water. Some cyclists add it to their hydration mix on longer rides.
BCAAs contain only 3 amino acids. EAAs contain all 9 essential amino acids your body needs for complete muscle protein synthesis. BCAAs alone can't fully trigger the rebuild process.
Most cyclists report feeling a difference in recovery within 2-3 weeks of consistent use. Cumulative benefits build over 6-8 weeks.
Yes — Bare contains only amino acids. No banned substances, no stimulants, nothing on the WADA prohibited list.
All products are made in South Africa in SAHPRA-approved manufacturing facilities.
1. Wall, B.T., Gorissen, S.H., Pennings, B. et al. (2015). "Aging Is Accompanied by a Blunted Muscle Protein Synthetic Response to Protein Ingestion." PLOS ONE. — Demonstrates reduced MPS response to protein in older adults.
2. Katsanos, C.S., Kobayashi, H., Sheffield-Moore, M. et al. (2006). "A high proportion of leucine is required for optimal stimulation of the rate of muscle protein synthesis by essential amino acids in the elderly." American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. — Shows older adults need higher leucine concentrations to trigger MPS.
3. Paddon-Jones, D., Sheffield-Moore, M., Zhang, X.J. et al. (2004). "Amino acid ingestion improves muscle protein synthesis in the young and elderly." American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. — Demonstrates EAAs effectively stimulate MPS in older populations.
4. Dickinson, J.M., Fry, C.S., Drummond, M.J. et al. (2011). "Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activation is required for the stimulation of human skeletal muscle protein synthesis by essential amino acids." The Journal of Nutrition. — Confirms mTOR activation is essential for EAA-stimulated muscle building.
5. Mitchell, W.K., Williams, J., Atherton, P. et al. (2012). "Sarcopenia, dynapenia, and the impact of advancing age on human skeletal muscle size and strength." Frontiers in Physiology. — Documents the 1-2% per year muscle loss after 40.
6. Ferrando, A.A., Wolfe, R.R., Hirsch, K.R. et al. (2023). "International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Effects of essential amino acid supplementation on exercise and performance." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 20(1). — The ISSN's official position on EAA supplementation, confirming: free-form EAAs stimulate MPS more effectively than equivalent protein; aging requires greater leucine proportion to overcome anabolic resistance; EAA supplementation enhances functional outcomes in anabolic-resistant populations.
7. Jäger, R., Kerksick, C.M., Campbell, B.I. et al. (2017). "International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. — Establishes protein and amino acid recommendations for athletes.
8. Churchward-Venne, T.A., Breen, L., Di Donato, D.M. et al. (2014). "Leucine supplementation of a low-protein mixed macronutrient beverage enhances myofibrillar protein synthesis in young men." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. — Demonstrates leucine enrichment enhances MPS.
