Supplements For Pre- And Post- Workout

Whether you’re planning a bike ride or going to a fitness class, you’ll want to get the most out of your exercise. What many people don’t realise is that their nutrition can dramatically impact their performance.

You’ve probably already heard about the benefits of supplements. However, if you take the wrong thing at the wrong time, you might as well not take it at all! In this article, we talk you through the best supplements for pre- and post-workout.

Pre – Workout Supplements

The type of pre-workout supplement you take will depend on what you what to achieve from your exercise. If you want to push yourself and try to reach a new PB, creatine can help you do more. As a non-essential dietary compound, creatine is used by the body to power short bursts of intense exercise—whether that’s a sprint across the football pitch or helping you cycle to the top of a sharp incline.

Although the liver does produce small quantities of the compound, taking a creatine supplement, like those created by MaxiNutrition could also help. Creatine is also the most thoroughly researched sports supplement in the world, so you can feel at ease when taking it in accordance with the provided guidelines.

For those who want to boost their weight loss, fat burners are also an option. They work by stimulating the body to increase energy levels and therefore improve fat loss. Before you take them, you should always read the label to find out if they are suitable for you. Stick to herbal options rather than chemical ones, as chemical fat burners can have serious side effects.

Post – Workout Supplements

Post-workout nutrition is just as important as your pre-workout nutrition, as it can help to rebuild and repair your muscles. Despite this, it is often overlooked. You’ll need an adequate intake of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Following exercise, your muscles will be in a state of breakdown so you may benefit from a supplement to help get the nutrition you need quickly.

In terms of supplementation, protein shakes are a great option, as they’re packed with proteins that can help you maintain your muscle, increase lean muscle mass and develop larger muscles. While this may seem like a natural choice for those looking to body build, it can also have a positive impact on general fitness enthusiasts, as it helps to replenish the proteins lost through exercise.

BCAA’s are another popular supplement that are often taken during and after workouts. An acronym for branched chain amino acids, BCAA’s are essential amino acids that occur in the body to help trigger protein synergy, supply energy to the muscles and preserve lean mass. Taking them as a supplement is a good way to top up your BCAA levels.

Ultimately, supplements depend on what your goals are. Someone who is not looking to put on muscle should perhaps avoid creatine, while virtually anyone who exercises and doesn’t have great nutrition will benefit from protein shakes. Experiment, see what works for you and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

What supplements do you use?! …and how do they aid your training?! …any supplements you are keen to know more about?! 

Elle