Muscle soreness is a common side effect of training. Allowing your body to recover properly is an important aspect of a well-rounded fitness routine. If the muscle isn't allowed to recover, you see reduced results in progress. It can also impact energy levels and increase the risk of injury during your next activity. To maximize your post-workout recovery consider including these top 5 supplements into your routine.
1. Magnesium
After a workout, magnesium helps to relax the muscles. It helps to support muscle function, maintain electrolyte balance, and reduce fatigue by speeding up recovery of muscles. As magnesium is known to support sleep quality, it should be taken immediately after exercise or before bed.
2. Glutamine
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, making up more than 60% of the amino acid pool in the muscles. You can support your body's ability to recover from exercise by supplementing with glutamine. Glutamine helps to improve protein synthesis, support digestive health, and enhance the immune system.
3. Ashwagandha
One of the most effective adaptogens available as a supplement for muscle recovery is ashwagandha. Ashwagandha, as an adaptogen, enhances your body’s ability to adapt to stress. It assists in muscle recovery by helping speed up muscle growth, relieve pain, and reduce lactic acid levels.
4. CoQ10
Studies have found that supplementing with CoQ10 can improve aerobic power, anaerobic threshold, exercise performance, and recovery after exercise. Supplementing with CoQ10 may also help you increase muscle strength and muscle size by increasing the number of fast-twitch muscle fibers you carry.
5. Protein
Proteins are essential for muscle repair and regeneration, but whey protein is particularly fast absorbing, easy to digest, and contains the highest concentration of BCAAs of any protein source. It's best to consume it immediately after exercising.
Enhance your workout performance with fitness supplements like acetyl l-carnitine, green tea, triple strength omega-3 fish oil, and more. View our full line of fitness and recovery supplements.
References
7 supplements for Muscle Recovery. ISSA. (n.d.). https://www.issaonline.com/blog/post/7-supplements-for-muscle-recovery
Caballero-Garcia, A., & Cordova-Martinez, A. (2022, June 10). Muscle Recovery and Nutrition. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9230724/
Lippman, K. (2022, December 24). 5 supplements for Muscle Recovery. ASFA. https://www.americansportandfitness.com/blogs/fitness-blog/5-supplements-for-muscle-recovery
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Office of dietary supplements - dietary supplements for exercise and athletic performance. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ExerciseAndAthleticPerformance-HealthProfessional/