Amino acids - how important are they really?

[Rickyboy]

I am on a strict/tight budget though...are they worth it?

[Montague]

This is only my opinion:
Make sure you are meeting your daily protein intake from food and maybe 1-3 shakes.
If you have some expendable money left after that, then YES, aminos are a good idea.
Specifically, I would focus on either a BCAA mix, straight Leucine, or even HMB, as these benefit your muscles on multiple levels.

I will qualify my sentiments above by saying that (once my protein requirements are met) there are other supplements I would buy before investing in aminos, but to answer your question: YES, I believe they are worth it based on my past and current experiences.

[JAM]

I agree if you eat enough protein then the supplements are not much of a concern, and some extra nutrition in the form of amino acids is not a bad idea.  I do like BCAA's for when you are dieting and calories are low or restricted.  I find they give me energy during my workout when used with water and sometimes a little juice to mask the taste.    

[Montague]

I agree if you eat enough protein then the supplements are not much of a concern, and some extra nutrition in the form of amino acids is not a bad idea.  I do like BCAA's for when you are dieting and calories are low or restricted.  I find they give me energy during my workout when used with water and sometimes a little juice to mask the taste.    

I tried using 1g of HMB before my workouts for a while and was surprised to feel a slight bump in performance.
Granted, it was nothing "magical," but when a non-stimulant based OTC supplement yields a noticeable improvement in the gym, that's amazing in my book.

The common recommendation for HMB useage is 1g three times per day.
I'm going to try this for about a month in lieu of my usual pre-workout BCAA's.