Your fitness program is only as good as the nutrition plan that complements it, as what you eat can change how you feel before, during and after a workout. Because exercise and nutrition go hand-in-hand, you can choose from a variety of nutrition products designed for different workout benefits such as energy, weight loss, hydration or muscle development. Which nutrition products you should choose depends on your individual fitness program and fitness goals.
Pre-Workout
Pre-workout nutrition products are designed to be consumed about 30 to 45 minutes before any type of exercise, including strength or cardio training. These products are available in ready-to-drink supplements, pills or powders. One of the most common pre-workout products are protein shakes that include whey protein for muscle development. Products with caffeine increase energy levels and decrease fatigue, while creatine products are commonly used by athletes or bodybuilders to increase muscular power and strength while decreasing recovery time.
Post-Workout
Post-workout nutrition is essential to repair muscles and replenish glycogen stores The nutrients in post-workout products support lean muscle development and recovery through protein and glycogen synthesis. Protein shakes with a small amount of carbohydrates can be used by anyone including bodybuilders, athletes or general fitness enthusiasts. The protein source for the shakes can include whey concentrate, whey isolate, casein, soy or egg protein.
Electrolyte Replacement
During a workout, your muscles use electrolytes such as sodium and potassium for proper muscle function and contractions. As you become dehydrated, you must replace these electrolytes to continue exercising at a high level. Nutrition products designed for electrolyte replacement are available in sports drinks or electrolyte tablets that can be dissolved in water. These nutrition products are used by cyclists, triathletes or runners when completing longer workouts lasting more than 30 minutes or in hot weather.
Thermogenics
Weight loss is one of the most widespread fitness goals, and thermogenics nutrition products are designed to improve your potential for reaching that goal. Thermogenics can be found in seven basic categories ranging from stimulant thermogenics, stimulant-free fat burners, carb blockers, fat blockers and appetite suppressants. You should choose the right thermogenics product that matches your individual workout program, fitness goals and overall nutrition plan.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Eating and Exercise: Five Tips to Maximize Your Workouts; December 2010
- Nuun: What Is Nuun
- Bodybuilding.com: Post-Workout Supplementation For The Athlete; Craig Ballantyne
- LA Personal Trainer: Pre-Workout Supplements
- MayoClinic.com: Sports Nutrition; March 2009
- Bodybuilding.com: Fat Loss Guide
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