Sports nutrition is a key area of any sporting individuals understanding and awareness to perfectly fuel your body before and during activity and repair your body after activity. Correct sports nutrition can help reduce injury by helping your muscles hold the power required to maintain exercise.
Please note that this is a general guide and we recommend you seek independent nutritional advice if you are unsure.
Modern nutrition products are;
- Energy Bars
- Energy Gels
- Energy Tablets
- Energy Powders
All are convenient and easy to carry. Require very little prep. Most of the products are ready to go out of the packet or simply require mixing with water. They are just on the taste buds and stomach so they don't repeat on you during exercise.
Pre-event nutrition
- Carbohydrates are key to exercise as they are a macro-nutrient that provide energy to the blood stream and glycogen to your muscles.
Mid-event nutrition
- As the body can only store a limited number of carbohydrates, it is important to replenish your energy stores to maintain the intensity of your work out. When glycogen levels decrease your muscles will begin to use fat as its main fuel source. This is recognisable as a loss of energy and a feeling of tiredness. A wide range of gels, bars, and drinks to top up your energy levels during exercise are available from a number of brands. They are designed to deliver fast absorbing carbohydrates to the muscles to maintain your energy and improve performance during work outs.
Post-event nutrition
- Your body needs to be cared for post exercise as your body will need to be re hydrated and re energised. Most recovery products contain carbohydrates for glycogen renewal, protein and glutamine for muscle repair and also electrolytes to aid your hydration.
Energy Gels
Gels are now highly popular as they are lightweight, taste great and offer a quick kick to your energy levels. Most gels provide a highly concentrated mix of complex carbohydrates in a liquid mixture. There are lots of different flavours available.
Whereas an Energy Bar will offer slow release of energy, Energy Gels get sugars and carbs into the body fast. The brands are aware of the importance of flavour for this product and with such a large choice there will be something available that works for you. Many turn to the likes of Torq. Their flavour range consists of Raspberry Ripple, Apple Crumble, Strawberry Yoghurt and Forest Fruits to name a few. This type of energy doesn't last long though so be sure to read the brand recommendations for best results and consumption levels.