Sports Supplements: What Does an Athlete Need Before and After Workout?

A professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who just started hitting the gym needs to know what happens to their body after training and exercise. The body goes through a lot of strain after any physical activity. It uses up the energy stored in the body and breaks down the muscles in the process. 

Anyone who is physically active should consider taking supplements to help their body recover faster after each workout. Brands like Optimum Nutrition have a wide variety of nutritional and energy supplements that aid in muscle and energy restoration. Those who engage in a continuous training program should also look into pre-workout supplements that can help the body get an extra boost of energy.

Pre-Workout Vs. Post-Workout Supplements

Pre-workout supplements can give additional energy before starting any exercise. Different energy-boosting formulas have a blend of caffeine or creatine. Some incorporate amino acids such as branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and beta-alanine. Taking these supplements can significantly increase athletic performance and decrease tiredness and fatigue.

Caffeine is a known brain stimulant that can help athletes stay alert and energised. Creatine, on the other hand, is a natural substance that improves strength and increases muscle mass. It is recommended to take it before a high-intensity workout. 

BCAAs are useful in decreasing muscle soreness and preventing muscle fatigue which is common, especially for those who are new in their training. Instead of breaking down muscles, the body can use BCAAs as an alternative energy source. Lastly, beta-alanine supplements can help in increasing muscle endurance and performance.

For post-workout, muscle recovery is often a challenge for many active individuals. Sometimes, athletes fail to continue their scheduled training program because their bodies couldn’t recover fast enough. Post-workout supplements such as protein and carbohydrates are the perfect combination for repairing muscle tissues. After vigorous exercise, the muscle can experience micro-tears and damage. A more intense and prolonged workout can increase the breakdown of muscle proteins. This is why protein supplements like protein powders should be taken to recover the essential amino acids in the body. 

Protein alone is beneficial for body recovery, but a combination of protein and carbohydrates can improve the process. The body loses both glucose and glycogen after each workout. Increased intensity and time of physical activity also increases the amount of energy consumed. Carbohydrates can aid in refuelling this lost energy.

These supplements are readily available from brands like Optimum Nutrition and can easily be added to daily routines to avoid overtraining and allow faster recovery for the next gym or training session.

Other Tips for Faster Body Recovery

Aside from taking supplements, the following tips are helpful in getting optimal results:

• Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is important in restoring the muscles as well as repairing the central nervous system. Those who want to build their muscles should also get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Growth hormones are released while the body is at full rest.

• Strengthen the Immune System: A stronger immune system means that the body has more endurance for physical activities, and faster body recovery can also be observed.

• Have a Protein and Carbohydrate-Rich Diet: As mentioned, a combination of protein and carbohydrates is good for restoring energy and giving proper nutrients to the body.

• Keep Hydrated: The body loses a lot of body fluids when exercising. Drinking water can prevent stress caused by heat and helps maintain normal body functions while performing.

Pre-workout and post-workout supplements are helpful in giving additional energy and in muscle recovery and body repair.