The post-workout zone is a two-hour window during which supplying the body with the proper nutrients can make or break your last and next workout. There are several key supplements that every fitness individual should consider taking for their post-workout recovery, including protein, glutamine, and creatine.
Protein
Protein is a necessary component of losing weight, gaining muscle, or toning. Protein helps build and repair muscle tissue after a strenuous workout session. If your body doesn't receive the amount of protein needed after a workout, it will break down muscle from other places in the body in order to repair the muscle tissue that was used during the workout. Consider drinking a whey protein shake or eating a protein bar after your workouts. In a 2009 interview, celebrity trainer David Kirsch stated, "Afterward, you want to have some protein and carbs. Protein shakes are ideal with berries, some peanut butter, or almond butter. It's refilling your body back up with nutrients post-workout." Some popular brands to try are CytoSport Muscle Milk, BSN Syntha-6, and World Wide Sport Pure Protein Bars.
L-Glutamine
Glutamine is naturally located and used in the stomach and immune system to maintain maximum performance. During an intense workout session, glutamine levels are reduced by about 50 percent. Glutamine is necessary for protein metabolism, and it also helps prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue after training. This supplement is commonly used by bodybuilders and those looking to really increase muscle mass. Glutamine can be taken in the form of a capsule or powder and can be added to your protein shake, water, or favorite drink. Try Optimum Glutamine 1000 Caps, MHP Glutamine-SR, or IDS L-Glutamine with MSM.
Creatine
The body makes creatine from amino acids found in the liver and kidney. Creatine first became popular among track athletes for sprinting, but later exploded in the world of sports and fitness. Taking an oral creatine supplement--serum or powder--helps improve overall performance, build lean muscle tissue and provide energy for training that involves short bursts of effort. When your body has reached maximum efforts, creatine aids in allowing the body to work harder for longer periods of time. Compared to protein and glutamine, creatine also improves the recovery process from weight training or any intense exercise. BSN Cell Mass is a top seller in the market, along with BSN NO-Xplode and USPlabs Jack3d.
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