Exercising plays a central role in your efforts to stay fit and healthy. Sticking to the right kind of diet is equally important, but achieving that body of your dreams will require you to spend some significant amount of time at the gym.
But then again, it is not an easy setting and following a regular exercise routine religiously. Making such a thing a habit can prove to be a hurdle.
In essence, you need to develop a good gym routine that has a suitable exercise plan, and only after that can you focus on nourishing your body to ensure that you can exercise faster and smarter to attain the best results.
As for what you eat to support your efforts at the gym, you can add some supplements to your diet and options range from recovery supplement to protein powders, fat burners, and intra-workout supplements.
We will focus on the best intra-workout supplements and how they can help you achieve your exercise goals.
A Look at the Top 10 Intra-Workout Supplements
1) Controlled Labs Purple Wraath Intra-Workout
Controlled Labs created the powerful intra-workout supplement Purple Wraath. This supplement provides a rounded-out and effective product as it specifically targets various aspects of performance as well as recovery thanks to the beta-alanine, citrulline malate, amino acids, BCAAs, as well as much more.
The Pros:
- Better nutrient absorption;
- Quick to absorb;
- Comes at an affordable price;
The Cons:
- Only one flavor available - grape.
What a single serving contains:
- 7 g PurpleEAA complex (this is an amino acid complex) and includes arginine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine.
- PurplEndurance complex, this contains ginger, beta-alanine, and citrulline malate.
Summary:
Overall, Purple Wraath contains many of the essential ingredients in a good intra-workout supplement making it a good product. This option is affordable and efficient. However, it is available only in a grape flavor if this doesn't bother you.
2) Scivation Xtend Intra-Workout Catalyst
The Pros:
- 7 grams BCAA per serving;
- Added glutamine and citrulline malate;
- Excellent value for money;
- Comes in a good choice of flavors;
- Mixes easily.
What a single serving contains:
- 1170 mg electrolyte blend, consisting of potassium chloride, sodium chloride and more.
- 25 g carbo triplex blend, consisting of maltodextrin, cluster dextrin, and waxy maize.
- 5 g glutamine
- 7 g BCAAs (2:1:1 ratio), consisting of 5 g leucine, 1.75 g isoleucine, and 1.75 g valine.
- 1 g citrulline malate
Summary:
As a dietary supplement, mix one scoop per 8-10 oz. of water. Shake well and consume during exercise on training days, or throughout the day on non-training days. This highly effective and affordable product is our top recommendation.
3) Beast Sports Nutrition Aminolytes
Beast Sports Nutrition has created an effective, yet simple, intra-workout supplement, Aminolytes. This supplement gives the body what it needs to have a strong workout since it combines large doses of BCAAs along with electrolytes, amino acids plus more.
The Pros:
- Possible to take during and after a workout;
- Extremely affordable;
- It has a good taste.
The Cons:
- Carbohydrates are not included to give energy;
- Only a choice of 3 flavors.
What a single serving contains:
- 6 g BCAAs, these consist of valine, isoleucine, and leucine.
- 8 g amino acid blend, this consists of beta-alanine, methionine, lysine plus more.
- 25 g electrolyte blend, this consists of sodium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, and potassium phosphate.
Summary:
Overall, Beast Sports Nutrition Aminolytes provides a way to make a positive difference to your workout. If you are looking for a boost at the gym, this supplement contains all of the key ingredients. However, Aminolytes does not contain any carbohydrates.
4) MusclePharm Amino 1
MusclePharm has created this effective and simple intra-workout/recovery supplements. Amino 1 is good as an intra-workout booster or a post-workout drink to aid recovery as it contains BCAAs and blends to encourage hydration and energy.
The Pros:
- Easy to mix;
- Created by a reputable company.
The Cons:
- Expensive for what you get.
What a single serving contains:
- 3 g BCAAs, these include valine at 1 g, leucine at 5 g and isoleucine at 500 mg.
- 4,775 mg cellular energy blend, this includes carnitine, alanine, and more more.
- 2,323 mg amino hydrate blend, this includes coconut water powder, beetroot extract, and more.
Summary:
Looking at Amino 1 overall, this product gives a solid base of amino acids as well as a good boost of energy.
5) Six Star Intra-Workout Amino Max
The people behind MuscleTech, the #1 selling bodybuilding supplement brand in America, have created Six Star Amino Max, so you can feel confident that you have a formula that you can put your trust in.
When you workout you need to be aiding your body in supporting protein synthesis and cut down on how much protein is broken down when you are training, Six Star Amino Max provides the branched amino acids your body needs to do this.
You also get the addition of coconut water and electrolytes. You can trust Six Star Amino Max to give you the best in taste, results, and formula.
Who Is Six Star Amino Max Designed For
- Men and women who are active;
- Bodybuilders;
- Athletes;
- People involved in strength training;
- Enthusiasts for fitness;
- Endurance athletes.
What Are the Advantages of Using Six Star Amino Max
- Gives 8g of BCAAs, the ratio per 2 scoops is at the ideal 2:1:1;
- Gives the essential amino acids which the body cannot produce by itself; valine, isoleucine, and leucine;
- Provides taurine, this has been clinically proven to give better performance for athletes involved in endurance training;
- Electrolytes and coconut water are added;
- Assists in the reduction of muscle breakdown;
- L-glutamine, the conditionally essential amino acid is included;
- The mTOR muscle-building pathway can be activated with the inclusion of leucine;
- No sugar and no aspartame;
- It has a great taste.
Suggested Use:
One to two scoops should be mixed in 8 to 16 oz of water. The entire label, as well as the directions, should be read before using the product.
6) Kaged Muscle In-Kaged Fuel
In-Kaged is all about fueling and hydrating the body. Within the Intra-Workout Category, this represents a 'paradigm shift.'
Why You Should Consider Taking Kaged Muscle In-Kaged
- Patented Carnosyn;
- It has been tested by a third party;
- Natural flavors are used;
- It contains coconut water powder;
- It offers exclusive PurCaf Caffeine;
- It does not contain soy lecithin.
The Guarantee: These products have all been tested regarding potency and purity by a third party laboratory.
Suggested Use:
As a dietary supplement, mix a single scoop with 16-20 oz of water and take while exercising on days that you are training and during the day on days when you are not training.
7) MuscleMaxx BCAA Apocalypse Intra-Workout
- It's intra-workout;
- It contains Glutamine Taurine and B12 vitamin;
- Acts as a dietary supplement;
- Contains 50 servings;
- No other content;
- Sweeteners are Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose.
The idea is simple, the main force that moves the anabolic power of protein is those aminos such as BCAAs, they are what will build muscle.
When you have an intense workout at the gym, you need BCAAs and other aminos like Taurine to stop muscle loss and really set you up for success. Use cold water to mix it, drink it down, hit the iron and reach for the stars!
Suggested Use:
Take a full scoop mixed in 5 to 6 z of water before an intense training session. It's great for before you start the intense activity. Make sure that you stay hydrated.
8) Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA Train + Recover
Getting both your focus and your energy boosted before a workout is important. Then you want to make sure that you get recovery kick-started by having a protein shake after your workout.
BCAAs can deter muscle tissues from excessively breaking down, and electrolytes can give your performance a boost when you are working out. Patented Wellmune is all about giving your immune system the support it needs for your workout.
The tropical flavors make this endurance supporting powder easy to drink which means regular sipping during a workout is easy to achieve. When it comes to intra-workout support, this is really setting the bar.
Suggested Use:
One scoop should be mixed with 10-12 oz of cold water.
9) Almax Nutrition Aminocore
For quick anabolic growth, Amnicore is the ultimate product for taking when working out. It does not contain any banned ingredients and has been tested by a third party in this regard.
When taken during periods of intense training, this supplement improves the body's ability to build muscles that are lean and hard by two main processes:
- Gives a 350% increase in anabolic muscle building signaling;
- During an intense session, it decreased muscle tissue breakdown.
The Instaclear 3-phase solubility: Freeze-dried BCAAs and high dose BCAA technology, along with a taste that can't be matched make Amnicore a drink for every workout that mixes easily.
This supplement is 100% Pure Pharma Grade 45:30:25 ratio BCAA. Lactic acid is buffered to a greater extent with the addition of Ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) which also helps to increase the L-Leucine levels where the muscle is. Other bioavailable B-Vitamins are also included which provide extra metabolic energy.
According to research, along with intense resistance training 8,180 mg BCAA in the ratio 45:30:25 will improve muscle cell signaling which will improve the protein growth by 35%.
Suggested Use:
One scoop during athletic activity or weight training will aid protein growth and improve muscle recovery. For days which are not training days, it can be taken without food. One scoop should be mixed with 17 oz of water and stirred or shaken. It can be taken during workouts.
10) MuscleTech MyoBuild 4X Amino-BCAA
This is the most advanced BCAA formula that the market offers! It has a 4:1:1 ratio of BCAAs with the best dose according to scientific studies of leucine, valine, betaine, tart cherry and more to help in the building of muscle, improving strength, aiding recovery and bringing down the catabolic activity!
The mission is that of creating the best effective supplements which will build strength and muscle as well as increase performance. With more than two decades of success and holding formulas that have been fully disclosed this is superior science leading to superior results!
Suggested Use:
One scoop should be mixed with 8 oz of water and taken following a workout. For a fuller impact mix two scoops with 16 oz of water for a post-workout drink.
Within 24 hours the maximum intake is two scoops. The complete label, as well as the directions, should be read before using the product.
What You Should Know About Intra-Workout Supplements Before Buying
Exercising plays a central role in your efforts to stay fit and healthy. Sticking to the right kind of diet is equally important, but achieving that body of your dreams will require you to spend some significant amount of time at the gym.
But then again, it is not an easy setting and following a regular exercise routine religiously. Making such a thing a habit can prove to be a hurdle.
In essence, you need to develop a good gym routine that has a suitable exercise plan, and only after that can you focus on nourishing your body to ensure that you can exercise faster and smarter to attain the best results.
As for what you eat to support your efforts at the gym, you can add some supplements to your diet and options range from recovery supplement to protein powders, fat burners, and intra-workout supplements.
We shall focus on the intra-workout supplements and how they can help you achieve your exercise goals.
What Are Intra-Workout Supplements
Intra-workout supplements are products taken during the workout sessions with the aim of enhancing performance levels and extending endurance to make the user run faster, lift more, and last a long time when exercising.
Most of the intra-workout supplements in the market also have ingredients that kick-start the recovery phase before the workout session ends.
The market has different intra-workout supplements with some that are a combination of various elements that make them highly versatile and efficient blends.
The majority of the supplements target different aspects of y.our intra-workout nutrition to provide you with the necessary ingredients needed to maintain high energy levels and a stable performance peak so that you can achieve more when at the gym.
The products also contain amino acid supplements that can jump-start the recovery phase while also protecting your muscles.
A good number of the intra-workout supplements out there come in powder form meaning they are mixed with water or any suitable liquid such as milk before consumption.
A Blender Bottle is an ideal item you need for mixing the supplements, and you can carry the bottle and drink from it when at the gym. The container will keep the mix from clumping up.
Common Ingredients in Intra-Workout Supplements
Intra-workouts are often referred to as during-workout supplements, and they are a blend of various ingredients. However, the ingredient profiles will usually vary from product to product, but the most notable components in the intra-workout mixes include:
- Electrolytes;
- Beta-Alanine;
- Caffeine and other stimulants;
- Carbohydrates;
- Vitamins & Minerals;
- Creatine;
- Amino acids (especially BCAAs).
Benefits of Using Intra-Workout Products
Intra-workouts provide numerous benefits varying depending on the type of blend used, the desired goals, and the body type.
The supplements can provide one user increased endurance and energy while offering more power and boosting recovery in another user with the rigorousness of both instances varying.
The intra-workout supplements are nutritional blends design to support your exercising plan. They can increase your endurance levels while also improving the quality and increasing the expected results of your workout efforts.
Possible Side Effects
In most cases, the side effects of intra-workout supplements are mild with little to no negative issues. Nevertheless, some of the notable sides effects worth a mention include:
1) Tingling Skin
Beta-alanine is one of the standard ingredients found in most intra-workouts. Beta-alanine causes some tingling on the skin a short while after taking the supplement.
It is a relatively normal and harmless reaction through one worth knowing before using intra-workouts. The body will soon adjust to it once it gets used to the beta-alanine.
2) Bloating
Intra-workouts also have creatine which causes minor bloating in some individuals. Creatine causes the muscles to retain water thus aiding in increasing and maintaining your performance levels.
But the extra amount of water increases weight, and this makes the user feel bloated due to the water weight gain. The water weight does drop once the body stops receiving creatine.
The above side effects are what most people have complained about, but there are other different issues brought to the light. Severe side effects of using intra-workout will often be attributed to not using the instructed dosage (taking more than recommended).
Note: If you have any health conditions, we highly recommend using any supplements featured on this website after consulting with a doctor.
How to Take Intra-Workout Products
We recommend taking intra-workouts during your exercise sessions. Your choices and use will be governed by the length and intensity of your workout session.
For instance, you should take a serving of the intra-workout supplement when you get to the gym if your workout is less than an hour to allow it enough time to give the desired effect.
If your exercise session lasts for more than an hour, you should take another dose of the supplement when you are almost halfway through your exercising.
In short, if your workout will last around 90 minutes, you should take your shake 30 minutes into the exercise session right before you start getting tired.
The supplement will be less effective if you take it when your body is spent. Use a BlenderBottle to make the intra-workout shake to avoid dealing with clumps when taking the shake at the gym.
Regarding the dosage, stick to the recommended dose by checking and following the instruction in the packaging labels for the right serving size. Avoid taking more than the instructed about, not unless with the guidance of a doctor.
What to Look for in a Good Intra-Workout Supplement
You are likely to find and use the best intra-workout supplement if you compare various products and blends so that you make an informed choice. Below, we have shared some insights on what to look for in the supplements.
Included Ingredients
Check the ingredients used to blend the supplement and see if you find BCAAs, carbs, and creatine among others. Also, take a close look at the quantities and then compared that information with other products.
Value for Money
When spending money, affordability is something that we all go for; however, that does not imply that you go for the cheap stuff of poor quality. When looking for intra-workouts, you should find something that fits your budget while also give you the desired impact.
Start with knowing the per-serving cost of each product eyeing blends that have $0.75-$1.50 per serving, depending on the ingredients.
Brand Recognition
Take note of the manufacturer and then find out as much as you can about their reputation.
Pick intra-workouts made by trustworthy companies and all the recommendations we have listed below are from highly reputable manufacturers but feel free to shop elsewhere and do enough research beforehand.
Taste and Texture
Since intra-workout supplements are to be taken every time you plan to head to the gym; you should look for products with good taste and blends well with water or any other suitable liquids.
Determining this can be a hurdle if you are not sampling the product before you buy it. So, you can rely on intra-workout supplement reviews to get ideas of what people say about some of the top products in the market.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the information above has shed some light on what you should know so that you make an informed choice when buying the best intra-workout supplements.
Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Kaira
