To achieve maximum results from a workout or training session, how we fuel our body — both before and after a training session — plays an important role. A great way to boost workout performance, and maximize results, is by taking supplements designed specifically for the post stages of your workout.
After strenuous physical activity, post-workout supplements are designed to give our body the right mix of vitamins and micronutrients required to replenish nutrients and encourage muscle recovery.
In a previous blog post, we discussed the benefits of choosing the right pre-workout for your needs, such as increasing muscle mass. Today, we’re exploring how post-workout supplements enhance workout efficiency.
Post Workout Supplements Aid Muscle Recovery
Our muscles work hard to keep our bodies moving, breathing, and capable. All muscle is made of beautiful, strong, fibrous tissues that need to recover and rest after physical activity. Post-workout supplements for repairing muscle are a simple solution everyone can use. They provide support for muscles and aid muscle growth. They contain the nutritional elements muscles need to repair and regenerate stressed and torn tissue.
To shorten your post-workout recovery time and prevent sore muscles, choose a post-workout supplement with at least one of the following elements:
Leucine
Leucine is part of the family of amino acids classified as branched chain amino acids and commonly referred to as BCAA’s. Leucine is an especially useful BCAA supplement that athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness-conscious people often use to aid muscle recovery.
Collagen
Collagen is an essential protein that bodies use as the bricks-and-mortar of all human tissue — such as hair, skin, nails, and muscle. After vigorous physical exertion, muscles require collagen to help regenerate tissue damaged during training. Post-workout collagen protein powder supplements are widely used by fitness professionals as part of their nutritional supplement regime.
Vitamin C
Vitamins and minerals in the body help to reduce muscle recovery time as they are essential for muscles to resynthesize. To aid your body’s muscle repair process, be sure to get enough Vitamin C daily. Post-workouts fortified with vitamin C are an excellent way to ensure your muscles have what they need to repair after every workout.
Creatine
Creatine, a protein well-known for its ability to efficiently build muscle, is more known as a pre-workout protein powder ingredient. But, a post-workout supplement with creatine is also key for helping our tired muscles during the healing process.
Lower Effects of Oxidative Stress Response
Oxidative stress resulting from physical exertion is common after a high-intensity workout, such as endurance running or fitness competition training. Exercise-induced oxidative stress isn’t as harmful to the body as oxidative stresses caused by pollutants and poor health choices. Still, it can lengthen recovery time between workouts.
Sore muscles caused by inflammation are a telltale sign that exercise-induced oxidative stress has occurred. But, a properly formulated post-workout supplement can help reduce inflammation and the resulting sore muscle discomfort.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that is super at scraping away toxins and free radicals from our body. Often when we exercise, the process releases a buildup of pollutants stored in fatty tissue. Glutathione catches newly released contaminants post-exercise and flushes them away from the body.
Cherry Juice/ Cherry Extract
Tart cherry juice — flush with naturally occurring antioxidants — has been touted by fitness professionals for its ability to lower sore muscle recovery.
Replenish Lost Electrolytes With Post Workout Supplements
Taurine
Taurine in your post workout shake, drink, or snack will help your body replace the electrolytes lost through sweat during your workout. Taurine is believed to help muscles draw fluid into muscle cells.
Electrolytes
Replacing lost electrolytes after burning through a training routine is not difficult. Fluids fortified with sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphate, — or other minerals, is all that’s required. Streamline your recovery nutrition regime by choosing a post-workout with electrolyte minerals already added. Or, consider mixing your post-workout powder in a sugar-free sports drink.
Achieve Faster Results with Post Workout Supplements
Nutritional supplements are what many athletes, sports players, and bodybuilders use to achieve their physical and fitness goals sooner. And post-workout products are an important part of that process. Use quality post-workout powders from any of our three Fuel stores in the Greater Victoria Area to reduce injury risk, shorten recovery times, and enhance your health. Already know what you want? Visit our online store for an easy online shopping experience.
