Pre-workout

Food

by Persephone - 2022-09-13 17:34:20

Great post, Sparrow. Lesly, I'm glad to have this conversation with you, but must say that I think you're being fed a lot of hype about supplements, possibly because you are being seen as an easy target for marketers. Not sure what your source of this information is, but trainers in a gym aren't generally qualified to offer information about nutritional supplements, in my experience at least - such information should come from a qualified medical professional.

beet root

by athena123 - 2022-09-13 18:27:59

I take beet root powder because of its antioxidants and nitrates which helps increase blood flow.

beets

by Persephone - 2022-09-13 19:43:08

While we're along the lines of the thread so far, wouldn't simply eating steamed beets be better? I object to the processing to a powder. If a food is ground into a powder, it is essentially highly processed food aka junk food, in my opinion. Although if one is in a situation where it's the only thing they've got, then it's better than nothing.

Why?

by AgentX86 - 2022-09-13 20:05:58

I have to ask what's the purpose?  What are you looking to for?  I looked at several "energy drinks", looking for potassium and magnesium (trivial amounts of both).  I can get sugar and salt more tasty ways than these gawdawful drinks.

BTW, the sugar in beets, and there is quite a bit, is the same as that in maple syrup. Yum! 😛

workout supplements

by Tracey_E - 2022-09-13 22:20:40

I spent 10 years doing CF. I don't know of anyone who consistently used pre-workout. They're basically caffeine so it's a fake boost. Most of my friends got jittery or flushed (from the niacin?) and didn't use them more than a couple of times. I never tried them, I can't handle caffeine any time much less before I want my heart to work hard. Proper nutrition and hydration will do more for your energy than any supplement. 

I fuel before and do a recovery drink after, usually a pouch of applesauce or half a banana before and BCAA in coconut water after. BCAA is also suggested as preworkout, so you could give it a try.  Taking it once isn't going to keep you from getting sore but when I use it consistently I notice I get less sore, so I believe there is something to it helping muscles heal faster. I also believe some drinks hydrate better after a hard workout than others because we need the electrolytes as well as fluid. I don't care for sports drinks because they're full of sugar and dyes. Most BCAA have sucralose and dyes so read the label carefully. This is my current clean favorite that still tastes good. 

https://drinkhoneybadger.com/products/bcaa?variant=31230816288820

Honeybadger

by AgentX86 - 2022-09-13 22:32:21

I don't see a nutrition label or any useful information at all.

Label

by Tracey_E - 2022-09-13 22:54:50

Scroll through the images, one is the label with ingredients and nutrition.

looking for potassium and magnesium

by Persephone - 2022-09-13 23:25:12

The only thing I've found that works for me (not pre-work out, just in general as a beverage) for potassium is low salt V8. It's sold in these sweet little cans that you can carry around in your daypack. Not sure about the magnesium because I don't know anything about the desired intake levels, but it's got some according to their website. As far as food sources of these nutrients, actual tomatoes can work pretty good, as well as avocados and beans.

Honeybadger

by AgentX86 - 2022-09-14 00:23:12

Thanks, Tracey.  Honeybadger doesn't seem to be a significant source of electrolytes.  The rest seems to be amino acids.  Some are essential, some there isn't any evidence that it's of use.  All are available in a normal diet.  Overall, it looks like it might be useful after a workout.

I thought low-sodium V8 had magnesium in it but apparently it doesn't have a measurable amount. It is a significant source of potassium. If it didn't taste so awful...

<https://www.campbells.com/v8/products/v8-vegetable-juice/low-sodium-vegetable-juice/>

Why not find proof of their value.......... Dream on !

by IAN MC - 2022-09-14 05:57:13

Bearing in mind the enormous cash value of the  gym / workout market wouldn't you think  that supplement manufacturers would be keen to set up clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of their products.

The fact that they  are not , speaks volumes !

It always amuses me that  so many people who happily swallow supplements are reluctant to take evidence-based pharmaceuticals.

Ian

Agent, electrolytes

by Tracey_E - 2022-09-14 09:22:55

The electrolytes come from the coconut water. 8oz has 600mg potassium and a decent amount of magnesium. I add the bcaa partially for the amino acid, mostly to cover the taste of the coconut water. Plain coconut water, ew 

I honestly didn't think it did much. I went through one canister of it and didn't buy more. Then I was getting more sore again, so I bought more. I don't know the science behind it or if it's just a placebo, but I figure it's better for me than Gatorade or Powerade, and coconut water is better than plain water. It's worked for me for years, so unless something better comes along or I hear something in it is harmful, I'm gonna keep with what works. 

Side note, it's too sweet for my taste so I do 8oz coconut water, 1 scoop bcaa, fill the rest of my 24oz bottle with ice and let it melt while I work out so I'm actually getting 16oz water also. 

Pre Workout

by doublehorn48 - 2022-09-14 13:45:16

In studies done with runners I've read the beet root juice will improve preformance around 4%. Drinking chocolate mike as a post workout replaces electolytes. But nothing will work as good as being 24 Years old. Let the rest worry about pre workout. Get in shape and everyone will ask you what you're taking.

Magnesium

by Good Dog - 2022-09-14 14:41:20

If you want a natural source of lot of magnesium; eat a couple handfuls of roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas). They are packed with it more than any other food that I know of. The best part is that they taste good! Of course, that is a matter of opinion.

Magnesium

by AgentX86 - 2022-09-14 17:16:55

The "best" (my cardiologist probably wouldn't agree) source of magnesium is dark chocolate. It only takes about 12oz. a day to get 100% of the minimum daily requirements, so eat more to be sure.

I found the best performance enhancer a 24yo on the elliptical in front of me.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program..

pre workout and supplements

by Rocko - 2022-09-15 21:31:33

New to this forum and am 2 weeks after  Medtronic Azure PM placement ( Afib , sick sinus, bradycardia.) 77 yr and always been active , nordic walking, hiking, Airdyne  fan bike and spin bike, weight training. I am a total rookie and so appreciate this forum, I have learned so much from forum members .

I have a list to go over with my cardiologist. Have been using good BCAA (before and during workout )  product,  creatine, and nicotinomide riboside choride . I have been taking magesium also and that was sugested and appoved by cardiology APRN. None are stimulants which with Afib is risky . 

Hopefully maybe with more energy after receivng PM , wont feel I need anything other than healthy diet. Am in the adjustment period right now. 

Magnesium

by Lavender - 2022-09-16 19:21:00

My cardiologist said all you need is one Dove dark chocolate mini per day. 😩 I can't eat chocolate due to issues with it but those of you who can-carry on!

pre work out

by laurieb03 - 2022-10-02 16:42:17

your best best is to eat a good meal before- choose a real protien source like cheese or egg and ad a carb like whole grain bread or oatmeal.

supplements are not supported by the fda and therefore many supplements do not contain what you think you are buying. also there is limited data on all of the supplements forpre work out.

food is the way to go.if you want additional nutriients just google-"foods high in magnesium"