So…as January is slowly creeping towards February, we expect that you have already grabbed this new year by the horns and thrown yourself headfirst into a running regime. Everyone’s running style is different, we know this, but have you ever considered taking supplements to boost performance?
Sprinting your way to victory every day can be both physically and mentally draining…not to mention challenging, especially with this freezing cold climate – oh Summer where are you! Maybe you are a casual runner and lace up for a mile or two, or maybe you are training for an up-and-coming marathon? Stamina is required for both of these and taking care of your body is vital. Alongside a healthy diet, you can utilise supplements to your advantage to give you that extra spring in your step either as a pre-workout treat, or to replenish your system after the strenuous activity. Obviously, you shouldn’t use these as a food replacement, after all, you need to be making sure you consume enough calories. However, here at Innermost, we have some of the best supplements for running on the market - full of all the good vitamins to help you go that extra mile! Without further ado, let’s introduce you to these…
Pre-Workout Supplement
Some of you may quickly grab the nearest snack bar you can find as you head out the door – but have you ever considered an alternative option? Running can be high-intensity, especially if you are frequently taking on steep terrains. Well, fear not here - pre-workout supplements will ensure you gain enough energy, power, and stamina to easily tackle the hilliest of environments. Generally speaking, these are best taken about half an hour before your run to really allow the ingredients to set in. Looking for a new pre-workout supplement? Discover our very own Energy Booster powder. Not only is it vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and lactose-free…as well as winning awards (just bigging ourselves up here), but it is also full of the essential active ingredients needed to increase endurance and stamina, and reduce the stress caused by an intense running session. The active ingredients include:
- BCCA Complex: There are nine essential amino acids of the twenty, and three of these are called branched-chain amino acids or otherwise known as BCAAs. The most important ones, taking these will improve muscle growth.
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Citrulline Malate: This is another amino acid but this time it is combined with an organic salt called malic acid. Once consumed, it can enhance performance by reducing tiredness and increasing the body’s nitric oxide. In return, oxygen is pumped more thoroughly through the body due to heightened blood flow.
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Maca: Maca has a rich history, with its roots spanning back to Peru. Fast forward to today, and it is now being used to reduce physical and mental workout stress.
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Guarana: This ingredient has a whole host of benefits – not only does it have a caffeine content to keep you prepped, but it also is known to improve memory, mood, performance, and reaction time. A real Amazonian gem!
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Caffeine: Now we all know what caffeine can do to the body, but have you ever thought that it can also work as a pre-run supplement too? Best taken black without the extra dairy and caffeine – a cup of this will give you that extra buzz of energy to perform for longer and harder.
- Vitamin B Complex: The complex vitamin B – we won’t list out all the different b’s here. However, these eight essential vitamins are not only great for combating workout fatigue, but also improve both hair and skin health. A win-win situation.
For those who are eager to try this tasty supplement, we suggest adding about 10g to 300-400ml of cold water, shaking to your heart’s content in a shaker – or our Innermost shaker, and enjoy!
Post-Recovery Supplement
You don’t just have to consider your pre-workout fuel when running, as when your body finishes its gruelling exercise, it needs something to bring it back from its exhausted state. Yes, after an intense workout, it is always vital to gradually wind down with a soothing stretch, but you need to consider that many of the calories you consumed before have now been used up in the process. Fuel, fuel, fuel. Yes, your stomach may instantly rumble and all you can think about is a takeaway, chocolate, or crisps…but this will get you nowhere. Ignore your brain, and instead combat this thought with a nice plate of wholesome protein and veggies whilst rehydrating with our Fit Protein powder. Again, this protein-packed supplement is suitable for many dietary needs, not only is it vegan but it is also GMO-free, gluten-free, palm oil-free, and soy free. Available in a variety of flavours, the following active ingredients will replenish lost energy whilst repairing and supporting muscles:
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Vegan Protein: Protein is important for recovery – it accelerates muscle growth and also helps to rebuild muscle fibers from the stressful nature of the run. So, for those runners who consume high amounts of the stuff, in the long run (pardon the pun) they are less likely to experience a sprinting-induced injury.
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Cocomineral: We need a lot of water to keep our bodies functioning, and this powdered coconut water will ensure you get the right amount of rehydration. This tasty powder contains copious amounts of potassium which is great for toping up those essential electrolytes lost through sweating.
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Magnesium: Another key mineral, magnesium keeps the heart healthy and beating steady, improves bones strength…and helps to reduce blood pressure. In general, it balances and normalises the body.
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Rhodiola Root: This flowering plant has been known to relieve the effects of exertion whilst reducing the amount of stress and tiredness in the body. Mentally it is also great for the brain as in a study it was known to improve both learning and memory function. Body and mind are in check here.
- Pink Himalayan Salt: It is like normal salt…but pink, and better! Interestingly enough, this small piece of rock actually contains an incredible 84 traces of minerals – who would have thought huh? Some of these include magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
To consume this, we suggest doing so within 45 minutes of your run. Add 40g of this powder to 250-350ml of water…or milk if you prefer a milkshake, and shake. Not only this, but this convenient protein supplement can also be a tasty addition to your porridge to liven up your morning routine, or even baked into your healthy protein bars.
Other Innermost Supplements For Running Recovery
Surprise, it does not stop there and at Innermost we have some other supporting supplements to ensure you get the most out of your run whilst springing back fit and healthy after:
- The Power Booster – Use for high-intensity runs, and great for sprinters!
- The Recovery Capsules – What it says on the tin, for those wanting a fast recovery why not try these?
- The Health Protein – This supports overall health and will ensure your body is prepped and rearing to go!
- The Focus Capsules – To combat the blues and get your mind in the right head space for exercise, fix this with these nifty capsules.
Summary
There’s no defeat in admitting that we all need a little help along the way – right? Here at Innermost, we stand behind those wanting to commit wholeheartedly to a running plan, and that’s why we support the use of supplements to ensure these sessions are combated head-on and with full force. Yes, please don’t take pre-workout and after-workout supplements in replace of your three meals a day…with snacks of course, but when consumed in the right way the results can be uplifting. So, put your best foot forward, fuel your body with the right nutrients and vitamins, and get sprinting. We are behind you every step of the way
