Achieving your fitness and bodybuilding goals can be realized given the many ways that are available at your disposal. Every day, there seem to be new ways to do it right. While most are complete nonsense, there are still those that are backed by research and science, and one can say that they work. In fitness, the focus should be on 3 things:
Here is a quick preview of our top 16 favorites:
#1, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
#2, Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout
#3, Recovery by Optimum Nutrition
#4, BCAA Power Powder by Labrada Nutrition
#5, Optimum Nutrition Essential AmiN.O. Energy
#6, AfterShock by Myogenix
#7, GlycoFuse ReGen by Gaspari Nutrition
#8, MusclePharm BCAA 3:1:2
#9, Post JYM Active Matrix
#10, AMINO X
#11, Recover Mode by Evlution Nutrition
#12, Vintage Build by Vintage Labs
#13, Cellucor Alpha Amino
#14, SciVation Xtend BCAAs
#15, GROWTH SURGE
#16, Dark Matter
- Proper workout
- Proper food and sustenance
- Proper recovery
The last phase of the workout process is all about recovery. Unfortunately, this is always often overlooked, albeit critical to one’s workout routine.
To recover effectively, supplements play a major role. Supplements give the body essential vitamins and minerals that can speed up the recovery process and muscle repair. There are also recovery supplements that you can take while you exercise. Doing so can aid in faster healing and muscle improvement.
Take note, however, that recovery supplements are different from muscle-building supplements. They are often confused with each other but know that they are different in terms of the ingredients used.
Table of Contents
The Difference between Recovery Supplements and Muscle Building Supplements
While the two kinds of supplements share the same purpose of bulking up muscles and making you stronger, the method used has made all the difference. To better understand the difference between these two supplements, here’s a rundown of their disparities:
Muscle Building Supplements – as the name implies, these are kinds of supplements that make the muscles bulky and big. The main ingredients found in these supplements are protein and amino acids. Amino acids are fundamental because they serve as the muscles’ building blocks. On the other hand, protein is the one in charge of muscle rebuilding.
Recovery Supplements – these are needed so you’ll have to regain your energy from hours of working out at the gym or training. Bodybuilders and athletes need to take this so the muscles will heal faster. The main ingredients found in recovery supplements are the
following:
These supplements have one thing in common – they either have protein, which has natural BCAA, or Branched-Chain Amino Acids or has BCAA alone making it a good protein powder ideal for post-workout. BCAAs are necessary ingredients in muscle recovery.
Apart from muscle recovery, you also get to boost your immune system, utilize body fat, reduce soreness, eliminate muscle breakdown, hasten recovery time, and bring forth renewed energy levels.
Why Do You Need to Recover Supplements?
Mainly because it brings convenience. After your workout, not everyone has the time to prepare a well-balanced food that is pack with proteins, nutrients, and vitamins. This is not possible at all times. This is where supplements come into the picture.
For amazing results, you may also pair your post-workout supplement with the best creatine, mass gainer, and test booster. All of these will boost your workout and provide the gains that you need. The following are the top list of the best of the best recovery supplements in the market today in no particular order:
Catalyst recovery by Strength
This supplement mainly focuses on muscle recovery, development, and repair. It has Glutamine, Creatine Monohydrate, the right dose of BCAA’s, electrolyte blend, and other ingredients that are backed by science and clinical research.
This is manufactured by a reliable and trusted manufacturer, is affordable weighs against other products in the market, extraordinary ingredient profile contains anabolic recovery mix and muscle hydration mix, and most of all, it tastes good.
BCAA Energy by EVLution Nutrition
This is designed to help you recover fast, help in performance before, during, or after a workout, and boosts one’s energy. Its ingredients are mainly natural energizers, high-quality BCAAs that have a combination of L-alanine, Beta-Alanine, and Taurine, and antioxidants from green tea and green coffee.
This gives you the boost and energy that you can get from energy drinks and coffee. It can be consumed while training or after a workout. Mild energy is consists of 1 serving. But if you want a more intense one, you can have 2-3 servings of this supplement. This has zero carbs, calories, and sugar, and has the highest quality of BCAAs.
#1, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine
At present, this supplement is considered to be highly rated and contains the purest BCAA powder in the market. Manufactured by a respected and trusted manufacturer that is known to provide premium ingredient standards, this product has complete 100% transparency on ingredients, exceptionally effective, does not have unnecessary fillers, colored dyes, and additives contains coconut water powder, reasonably priced, and tastes good.
The L- Glutamine contained in this supplement is a naturally occurring amino acid that increases blood alkalinity and growth hormones. The 1 gram coconut water powder in this supplement aids the body in proper hydration due to all electrolytes lost during workouts.
This supplement is a good anti-inflammatory, stimulates eye and skin health, balances insulin levels and blood glucose, and helps in proper kidney functioning.
#2, Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout
This is known to be a restorative post-workout drink for healthy gains and sports nutrition. It boosts the growth of muscles with less soreness, protects the muscles from free radicals and breakdown, and controls inflammation.
It doesn’t consist of harmful additives, colorings, and synthetic flavors. It is soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. If your main objective is to gain muscles and up your performance level, this supplement is perfect for you.
#3, Recovery by Optimum Nutrition
This is a protein powder that is ideal for athletes and weightlifters who are into gaining muscle mass. It is considered to be one of the topmost products in the market if you want to wake up the next morning feeling rejuvenated and not sore.
This supplement is highly rated because of its effectiveness. It brings forth effective results and the taste is superb as well. This is recommended for those who are not into losing weight and fats. This is high in calories and sodium, and therefore not suitable for people who aim to lose weight. For women, this supplement is best paired with a fat burner.
The 2:1:1 Recovery by Optimum Nutrition is manufactured by a reliable and trusted manufacturer. This is for extreme gains and consists of premium quality ingredients.
#3, BCAA Power Powder by Labrada Nutrition
This supplement made use of fermented BCAAs (7g), electrolytes, coconut water extract (1g), and fermented L-glutamine (3g). If you are on a vegan diet, this supplement is perfect for you.
#4, Optimum Nutrition Essential AmiN.O. Energy
This is a BCAA powder that is produced to boost one’s focus, energy, and muscle recovery. This is manufactured by the industry’s best that knows exactly what Every weightlifter, bodybuilder, and athlete needs. This is a great use during and after workouts, consists of premium quality ingredients has a great taste and is super affordable. It is the cheapest one sold in the market today.
#5, AfterShock by Myogenix
This supplement is a classic favorite of most weight lifters and bodybuilders. It is a mix of glutamine, maltodextrin, creatine, carbohydrates, and BCAAs. It contains the right amount of protein for muscle building and is known to be faster in relieving muscle soreness weigh against its competitors. The taste doesn’t offend as well. You can try its many different flavors, so you’ll be sure to enjoy this drink after your workout. Just make sure to blend or mix it well as it will result in a chalky texture. But other than that, this drink remains the best among the rest.
#6, GlycoFuse ReGen by Gaspari Nutrition
Working out would have you lose magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium. This is why you needed to replenish all lost nutrients with an equally nutritious and effective post-workout supplement such as the GlycoFuse. To avoid painful cramps the next day, this supplement should be taken and will have you recover in just a few hours after lifting. It is made by Gaspari Nutrition that introduces OSM Technology. Taking this supplement will guarantee stomach clearance and decrease the level of osmolality in the body. This is synthetic coloring-free and only uses natural coloring.
#8, MusclePharm BCAA 3:1:2
This comes with a capsule and powder supplement that has a different kind of ratio as per BCAA. IF you want just BCAA on your supplement, this is the way to go. Yes, the ingredient is simple but is still effective.
#9, Post JYM Active Matrix
Many ingredients found in Post JYM can also be found in Pre JYM such as beta-alanine, BCAAs, taurine, creatine HCL, and betaine. This can be taken before and after a workout for optimum effect and muscle growth. This is why these two supplements should go together as you can train like an animal using the Pre JYM supplement and recover like a pro with the Post JYM.
Post-JYM also contains glutamine and carnitine that are both essential in rapidly ramping up post-workout overhaul. Dextrose can also be bought separately as a way of controlling your carbs and modifying your post-workout practice.
This supplement mainly consists of powerful ingredients such as BCAAs (6 g) in a 3:1:1 ratio perfect for muscle growth, creatine HCL (2 g) for exemplary endurance, strength, and muscle growth,
Carnipure L-carnitine L-tartrate (2 g) for effective testosterone too and recovery, CarnoSyn® beta-alanine (2 g) as strength booster, muscle performance, power, growth, and endurance, glutamine (3 g) for fast healing and growth, betaine (1.5 g) for improved power and strength throughout your workout, and BioPerine® (5 milligrams) for better absorption of active and important ingredients.
#10, AMINO X
This supplement is created to support your stamina during the workout and helps you recover fast post-workout. This is stimulant-free and presents a 10-gram blend of BCAAs along with essential amino acids, L-Alanine, Taurine, and L-Citrulline. AMINO X has 5 different flavors that provide nutritional support for just about any kind of workout.
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) found in mostly all post-workout supplements contain three types of amino acids — Valine, Isoleucine, and Leucine. The body must have these through a supplement or from food. BCAAs act as a source of energy by the cells in the muscle, which help counterbalance the breakdown of muscles during training and aids in the recovery and repair after working out.
#11, Recover Mode by Evlution Nutrition
This is a supplement created to help the body rebuild faster during an intense workout. It also helps with endurance and strength. It contains high-quality BCAAs (5g), natural energizers, and energy boosters, making it a perfect partner for your workout routine.
The Recovery Mode by Evlution Nutrition has zero carbs and calories. Each serving contains L-Glutamine (3g), L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (1g), Creatine Monohydrate (25g), CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine (6g), Betaine Anhydrous (5g), BCAAs (5g) consisting of Leucine (2.5g), Valine (1.25g), and Isoleucine (1.25g), Vitamin C (90mg), L-Taurine (1g), Calci-K (1g), Vitamin E (60 IU), Phosphorous (90mg), Chloride(150mg), Patented Creatine HCI (750mg), Sodium (170mg), Potassium (150mg), Vitamin D (500 IU), Calcium (180mg), and Black Pepper Extract (3mg).
Just imagine the massive amount of nutrients and vitamins that this supplement has! The ingredients speak for their effectiveness.
This is manufactured by a US company named Evlution Nutrition that has an excellent reputation for providing the best quality workout supplement in the industry.
#12, Vintage Build by Vintage Labs
This 3-in-1 essential muscle builder has everything you need to have after intense training to experience the full potential and benefits of muscle gains. Amino acids offer new muscle building blocks, the L-glutamine for faster muscle healing, and creatine for added strength.
This supplement doesn’t have artificial flavors, comes with an easy-to-mix powder, and tastes good, too. Created by Vintage Labs, it is considered to be among the fastest developing supplement brand on Amzon.com. This product is made in agreement with the FDA’s strict guidelines, so you’re certain that what you’re getting is an excellent one.
#13, Cellucor Alpha Amino
This is a supplement that is considered to be highly effective and a popular post-workout drink mix. It is designed by industry leaders and is formulated to provide amino acids for the muscles and electrolytes to better assist in hydration.
This contains 14 potent amino acids, HydroMax, chia seeds, and coconut. It is available in 5 flavors and tastes good. Each serving has an amino acid complex (5g) comprised of alanine, arginine, glutamine, and other potent amino acids. It also has a hydration formula (5g) that is consists of coconut water powder, taurine, and raw chia seed. Lastly, it has a BCAA matrix (5g), which includes BCAAs such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine.
The maker of this powerful supplement is Cellucor. It is one of the most respected and largest supplement brands in the market. It was founded in the year 2002 and has ever since garnered a huge following. This company also has a wide array of fitness products to choose from.
#14, SciVation Xtend BCAAs
This is a kind of supplement that is meant to be consumed during your workout routine so that you will have a smooth recovery afterward. It has combined powerful recovery ingredients and BCAAs with both fast and releasing carbs.
Each serving contains a carbo triplex blend (25g), which is comprised of waxy maize, cluster dextrin, and maltodextrin. It also has an electrolyte blend (1,170mg) consisting of trisodium citrate dihydrate, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride. This also has amino acids that are comprised of citrulline malate (1g) glutamine (2.5g), leucine (3.5g), valine (1.75g), and isoleucine (1.75g).
This product is manufactured by SciVation. Not as big as its competitors, but it is fast becoming a name in the sports and nutrition industry. SciVation’s supplements are designed by professionals to deliver optimal results sans the junk that is usually found in lower-grade supplements.
#15,GROWTH SURGE
This supplement is made to help in the swift recovery of muscles after an intense workout. During the recovery process, it makes use of the anabolic window, making it possible for the muscles to receive all important nutrients and amino acids.
This contains four potent nutrients as BioPerine Black Pepper Extract (5mg), Betaine Anhydrous (5mg), L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (2g), and Creatine Monohydrate (3g). This supplement is manufactured by a US company named Jacked Factory that offers extremely efficient formulations from innovative ingredients. It offers free shipping in the US.
#16, Dark Matter
This is an effective post-workout supplement for athletes and bodybuilders alike. This is manufactured by MHP and is created to accelerate glycogen replacement and protein synthesis in the body as fast as possible. Dark Matter has all the effective ingredients necessary for post-workout recovery and overall nutrition.
MHP Dark Matter Post-Workout Muscle Growth Accelerator
Each serving has a glucose polymer, insulin amplifiers, and waxy maize. It also has a Protein complex with isoleucine, valine, and BCAA’s leucine. Finally, this supplement also comes with Creatine complex with creatine manpower, creatine monohydrate, and many more.
It is made by Maximum Human Performance that has been in the industry for almost two decades now. While not as huge as the other industry leaders, this company boasts of its excellent track records in making top-quality supplements.
Conclusion
The listings mentioned are based on consumer reviews to help you to take your pick on what supplement suits you best. Remember, each person’s body is different. What may be effective for you, won’t be effective for another person. So, choose what suits your physical and nutritional needs.
If you’re looking for the perfect Multivitamins for you, check out our list of the Top 10 Multivitamins
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