How to Get the Best Results Using Intra Workout
What is a Free Form Amino Acid?
Think of free form amino acids as the individual building blocks of protein, ready to be absorbed straight away. Examples include L Glutamine, L Arginine, Beta Alanine and L Leucine, as well as combinations like Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) (which are a free form combination of three amino acids).
Unlike traditional protein powders, which deliver around 19–20 amino acids together in fixed ratios, free form amino acids allow you to supplement with pure, isolated aminos in higher amounts. That’s why they’ve long been popular among athletes — you can target exactly what your body needs, when it needs it.
Because they’re carbohydrate- and fat-free, free form amino acids are especially useful before, during, and after training, when you want fast absorption without heaviness.
How Are Free Form Amino Acids Made?
The most common method of producing free form amino acids today is through fermentation. This usually starts with natural sources like sugar cane, starches, or molasses, which are used as the base material. From there, a controlled fermentation process creates amino acids of pharmaceutical-grade purity.
While the science behind it is complex, the end result is simple: highly pure, consistent, and effective amino acids.
In the past, amino acids were sometimes produced from less appealing sources, such as duck feathers via hydrolyzation. Those methods are now outdated, having been replaced by today’s cleaner, more reliable fermentation techniques.
Is Intra Workout More Like BCAAs or Protein?
In terms of how the ingredients are made, Intra Workout is more like BCAAs, as the blend contains the three branched-chain amino acids along with 12 other free form amino acids (15 in total).
But in terms of its final composition, Intra Workout is more like whey protein or another complete protein source. That's because it delivers the full spectrum of amino acids, including all Essential Amino Acids (EAAs), which support muscle growth, recovery, and performance.
Unlike whey or casein, Intra Workout is completely dairy-free. Each amino acid is created individually through fermentation, making it faster to absorb and easier on digestion.
Essentially, Intra Workout is a clean and effective substitute for whey protein – whether that's WPI, WPC, Protein Matrix+ or any other protein blend you may enjoy. A single serve is similar in size to a regular protein shake, yet the total amino acid content is equal to (or even higher than) a typical whey shake.
Why Intra Workout Shines During Training
As the name suggests, Intra Workout is designed to be taken during your training sessions — and that’s where it really stands out.
A 25g serve provides:
- 6.7g BCAAs
- 12g EAAs
- 5.5g L-Glutamine
Because these are 100% free form amino acids, they’re absorbed rapidly, making them perfect for keeping your muscles fuelled while you train.
- Training on an empty stomach? Go for a full serve to support energy, recovery, and performance as you work out.
- Already well-fed? A half serve (12.5g) works well as a lighter replacement for a standard BCAA or EAA drink.
Do I Still Need BCAAs and Glutamine Too?
That depends on your goals and routine.
BCAAs on their own are a great option for supporting energy during training and helping reduce muscle soreness. Many people enjoy them for their simplicity and rapid absorption. Glutamine is also a popular addition for recovery support.
With Intra Workout, you’re getting both already built in. A single serve provides:
- 6.7g BCAAs
- 5.5g Glutamine
That means Intra Workout can cover the same bases as those supplements, while also delivering the full spectrum of EAAs. For many people, this makes it a convenient “all-in-one” choice.
Still, if you prefer to use standalone BCAAs or Glutamine for flexibility in your stack, they absolutely have their place. It really comes down to whether you like to keep things simple with one product, or customise with separate aminos.
How to Fit Intra Workout Into Your Supplement Stack
While Intra Workout is designed to be taken during your training sessions, that’s not the only way you can use it.
Depending on your routine, Intra Workout can also fit in here:
- Post-training alternative
Instead of a whey or plant-based protein shake, you can use a full serve of Intra Workout after training. It gives you a complete amino acid profile in a lighter, faster-absorbing form. - All-in-one solution
Keep things simple by having half a serve during training and another serve afterwards. This covers both intra- and post-training nutrition in a single product. - Hybrid stack
Use Intra Workout during training, then enjoy a whey or plant-based protein shake afterwards if you prefer the traditional “milky shake” experience.
Is Intra Workout Always The Best Fit?
Intra Workout is a very versatile product, but there are occasions where other proteins might perform better.
Because it’s made of free form amino acids, Intra Workout is absorbed very quickly. That’s great for fuelling your muscles during a session, but less ideal when you need longer-lasting, sustained nutrition.
- Between long meal gaps: If you only eat three meals a day and have big gaps between them (say, breakfast and lunch), Intra Workout won’t keep you satisfied for long. If you do want to use it in this situation, pair it with slower-digesting foods like yoghurt, nuts, or cheese to balance things out.
- Before bed: The rapid absorption of Intra Workout makes it less effective overnight. A slow-release protein like Micellar Casein is a better choice here, as it provides a steady supply of amino acids while you sleep.
Ben Crowley, founder of Australia's top sports supplement brand, Bulk Nutrients, combines two decades of industry experience with a commitment to employee work-life balance and career growth.
A firm believer in quality, Ben founded Bulk Nutrients to provide affordable, high-quality products, even amid global challenges.
Apart from business, he enjoys family time, outdoor activities, and adrenaline-charged car projects.
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