Sports supplements, gear, and accessories have been around for quite some time and people love them. They are basic things that are supposed to improve your performance during a training session. Some of us are really busy during our day and we just need something to “boost” us in order to train harder. In this article, we’re covering energy gels, what they are and why you should consider using them.
Sport supplements
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Before we begin talking about energy gels, let’s start with the basics of supplements. Sports supplements are usually bought in order to “enhance” our performance at the gym by improving our diet. There are a few very important macronutrients when it comes to diet. Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats, and Fiber. Most common supplement that is bought is the whey protein. People use it to get the extra protein in their body in order to fully recover and maximize muscle growth. Another famous supplement is weight gainer. It’s basically a lot of carbohydrates and sugars in powdery form. It is mostly used by people that are known as “hard gainers” (people that can’t gain mass easily due to fast metabolism or other reasons). There are many other widely used supplements as well. Like pre-workouts and creatines. But, we’re going to leave these for another time. Let’s get back on the topic.
Energy Gel
If you’re a person that is working out regularly, you’ve probably already heard about these products. Especially if you’re a long distance runner, cyclist or any type of an endurance athlete. If you’re not, however, we’ve got you covered.
Energy gel is a food rich with carbs that will allow you to last longer during your workout and feel more energized. They are designed to be digested and absorbed really quickly by your body. They are mostly made out of maltodextrin and fructose.
Why should I use an energy gel?
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Athletes that are performing real long sessions such as cyclists, swimmers, and runners should constantly fuel up their body in order to feel good and energized during their workout. While you exercise, your body uses the carbohydrates in order to provide energy. If you are not consuming enough carbs you won’t be having the needed energy to continue with your training session. Consuming energy gels will prevent glycogen depletion. It is scientifically confirmed that consuming carbs during exercise sessions that last more than an hour will improve your metabolic response and the overall athletic performance. Most of us that have day jobs, families or any other big responsibilities may not be able to fully focus on our diet. Exercising requires a very specific diet and a lot of dedication. That’s the biggest reason why sports supplements and diet enhancers are so popular. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) advises all athletes to consume from 35 to 70 grams of carbs for each hour they exercise during their day. Consuming an energy gel will provide you exactly the amount you need in order to be set up for your session.
