How IGF-1 and Natural Recovery Support Can Improve Performance, Endurance & Joint Health

Overview

CrossFit demands peak physical performance: explosive strength, intense endurance, and quick recovery. With WODs that push joints, muscles, and energy systems to the limit, CrossFit athletes are always seeking ways to train harder, recover faster, and stay injury-free.

This case study explores how deer antler velvet, rich in IGF-1, amino acids, collagen, and trace minerals, helped a competitive CrossFit athlete optimize recovery, improve stamina, and reduce joint discomfort—without stimulants or synthetic enhancers.

Meet the Athlete: Jason R.

• Age: 34
• Occupation: CrossFit coach & regional competitor
• Training Volume: 5–6 days/week, including strength, metcons, and mobility work
• Goals: Faster recovery between WODs, improved stamina, reduced joint inflammation

The Problem

Despite a clean diet and structured programming, Jason began noticing:

• Lingering muscle soreness (especially post-leg days)
• Nagging elbow and knee discomfort from repeated high-impact movements
• Fatigue during longer metcons and endurance workouts

“I felt like I couldn’t hit my top gear consistently,” he shared. “Recovery between sessions was dragging, and inflammation was creeping up more than I liked.”

The Protocol

Jason began using Elk Velvet Antler Liquid Extract – Advanced (2,000mg) daily for 30 days, focusing on:

• Morning use on an empty stomach (sublingual)
• Optional second dose post-WOD for heavy training days
• Continued use of his standard stack: creatine, omega-3s, and magnesium

Why Deer Antler Velvet?

Deer antler velvet is rich in naturally occurring:

• IGF-1 – Enhances cellular repair and oxygen utilization
• Collagen – Supports joint and connective tissue health
• Amino acids – Reduce muscle breakdown and support energy metabolism
• Chondroitin & Glucosamine – Natural compounds that help rebuild cartilage

This made it an ideal addition for joint support and performance recovery, especially for someone in a high-impact sport like CrossFit.

30-Day Results

• ✅ Noticeable drop in joint soreness, especially knees and elbows
• ✅ Improved energy during longer metcons and AMRAPs
• ✅ Reduced DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) after heavy squats and deadlifts
• ✅ Faster between-set recovery and improved sleep quality

“By week three, I felt like I had my second wind back. My knees weren’t barking after box jumps and cleans. I didn’t expect that level of joint relief.”

He also appreciated that the extract was natural, stimulant-free, and didn’t interfere with his sleep or adrenal health like some pre-workouts.

Coach's Take

According to Jason, deer antler velvet worked best as a foundational supplement, not a quick fix:

“It’s like tuning your engine rather than turbocharging it. You still have to train smart, but your recovery window gets tighter, and your body feels more resilient.”

He’s now recommending it to advanced athletes dealing with joint stress, recovery plateaus, or performance fatigue.