Sports Supplements

Another quick interim blog before I give De Mystery boots their next test.  I know a lot of guys (and to a lesser extent girls) use supplements in some form or another to help with their training and recovery.  I will give a quick rundown of the major product groups and their effectiveness.

1. Protein Powders: A quick convenient way to add extra protein to your diet, ideal for post workout as they are fast to consume and quick to digest rushing amino acids to the torn muscle tissue for repair and growth.  A shake after training is ideal for gym or track sessions.
2. Hydration Supplements: Commercially available as PowerAid , Lucozade Sport or the more popular in America Gatorade in most supermarkets, corners-hops or petrol stations they are a convenient and tasty way to replace fluids and lost muscle glycogen.  These drinks are proven to enhance performance over water alone.  Try buying a tub of powder form on line and mixing it in your own drinks bottle  when you need it to save money in the long run.
3. Multivitamins: A great addition to even a well balanced diet as the demands of hard training athletes are more than the average person. 
4. Joint Supplements: Primarily Codliver Oil and Glucosamine & Chondroitin are most commonly used and if you do a lot of road work they are invaluable for your ankles, knees and hips.
5. Creatine: Mainly for weight trainers, this is one of the few supplements that can live up to its claims (it doesn't work for all people).  The exact mechanism isn't know, but there are two main hypothesis A) That it forms Phospho-Creatine in your muscles providing a phosphate molecule during the crebs cylcle of muscle contraction, and B) It draw additional water into muscle cells making them bigger and more turgid.  Basically increasing size and strength in training individuals.

Thats a quick synopsis of the most popular supplements on the market.  A bit of kit that is often over looked in ones equipment arsenal for gaining the tactical advantage.

If you want any more advice on the minefield that is sports nutrition post a comment and I'll give my best answer.

Next up, back to boots, clothing bags and bits.