Best supplement for cycling recovery

In cycling, supplementation is really important before, during and after exercise

Too often, it is mistakenly thought that supplementation to replenish energy is only needed before or during a ride. On the contrary, it is precisely at the end of training that the body most needs to replenish nutrients. Today we are talking about the best supplement for cycling recovery.

During sporting performance, be it amateur or competitive, mind and body are put to the test, the body is subjected to intense and prolonged exertion, a lot of energy is expended and the concentration to complete the workout without succumbing to fatigue is at its highest level.

At the end of the ride, the muscle fibres have been damaged and burn, lactic acid makes itself felt, stress hormones have been released and fatigue suddenly sets in. It is precisely at this time that the body is most in need of care, attention and to replenish all the nutrients lost during the activity. A good recovery strategy allows the athlete to perform at his or her best every time.

Nutrition during recovery

After physical activity, the organism needs to be hydratedneeds to be hydrated by drinking plenty of water or hydrosaline drinks and to regain energy by taking products or foods rich in high-quality, rapidly assimilated carbohydrates and proteins. Carbohydrates will initiate the restoration of muscle glycogen stores, used during exertion, proteins will initiate muscle repair, and water and hydrosaline drinks will replenish fluids and mineral salts lost through sweating.

Depending on the athlete’s physique, training intensity and supplementation before and during exercise, between 0.8 and 1.2 g of carbohydrates per kg of body weight and 20-25 g of protein can be taken. It is also very important to assume antioxidant and detoxifying substances to eliminate toxins and reduce the formation of catabolites that are created after physical activity and slow down muscle recovery.

In addition to proper hydration and nutrition, specific products such as supplements are very important to contribute to the cyclist’s overall wellbeing and recover in a targeted manner both energetically, muscularly and mentally. Supplements are not a substitute for nutrition, but can be valuable allies in recovering from the high energy expenditure due to intense muscular work over long periods of time.

Best supplement for cycling recovery

Supplementation for recovery is aimed at helping the physique recover better and faster after a great effort. There are many products on the market, in ampoules, gels, powders and bars, for post-activity, so it is important to know which nutrients to focus on.

• L-glutamine: is the most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue. Its function is to protect the immune system and during exercise it prevents muscle destruction by neutralising the action of cortisol. Taken after training, it reduces recovery time, prevents loss of muscle mass and helps restore glycogen stores.
• Branched-chain amino acids: also known as BCAAs, make up 33% of the protein in muscle and are not produced by the body, so it is essential to supplement them. After physical activity they play a very important role in the regeneration of muscle fibres damaged by intense work, they also alleviate pain in the legs after a long ride, facilitating subsequent training.
• Mineral salts : very important for the body, must be replenished at the end of a workout as they are lost through sweating during activity. Magnesium, sodium and potassium carry out important biological processes involved in normal muscular and energy function, reduction of fatigue, electrolyte balance, and aiding the athlete’s recovery.
• Vitamins B1, B5, B6 and B12: contribute to normal energy metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue by aiding recovery.

Sprintade: integration for cyclists

Cycling is the endurance sport par excellence. It requires great physical exertion and concentration, so supplementation before, during and after exertion is very important for optimum performance.

Sprintade products allow cyclists, amateur and professional, to assimilate active nutrients very quickly thanks to highly concentrated formulations and the choice of innovative formats, such as liquid, gel and chewable gums, which are easy to use and transport. Sprintade makes supplementation available in every context, also that of endurance sports such as cycling, and allows specific nutrients to be supplied when the athlete needs them most.