Do Post Workout Recovery Drinks Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It's commonly thought that an athlete needs to get a drink into his or her system immediately after a workout. However, “as

long as you have it within that first 20 to 30 minutes

, especially if it's been 3-4+ hours since your last meal, you'll respond really well,” Casey says.

Do workout recovery drinks work?

It's commonly thought that an athlete needs to get a recovery drink into his or her system immediately after a workout. However, “as

long as you have it within that first 20 to 30 minutes

, especially if it's been 3-4+ hours since your last meal, you'll respond really well,” Casey says.

What's the best recovery drink for after workout?

  • Water. That's right, water. …
  • Chocolate milk. It's not just for kids! …
  • Fruit juices. …
  • Fruit smoothies. …
  • Sports drinks. …
  • Coconut water. …
  • Vegetable juices. …
  • Green tea.

Do recovery drinks help build muscle?

This can be for several reasons — to gain muscle mass in the long term and to help repair muscles and reduce pain in the short term. Most commonly, these drinks draw their protein from either whey or milk protein. Some studies have concluded that

protein shakes aid the recovery of muscle function after exercise

.

How do post workout drinks work?

While pre-workouts are an energy boost and help with endurance to make your workouts last longer, many post-workouts aid

in muscular recovery and muscle building

. Some post-workout supplements include glutamine, BCAAs, and casein protein. They help muscles recover and can increase muscle synthesis.

When should you drink post-workout shake?

Consuming protein powder after a workout will help your tired muscles recover faster and bounce back even stronger. We recommend having a serving of protein powder

within 30 minutes of exercise

for best results.

What's best to eat after workout?

  • Yogurt and fruit.
  • Peanut butter sandwich.
  • Low-fat chocolate milk and pretzels.
  • Post-workout recovery smoothie.
  • Turkey on whole-grain bread with vegetables.

How can I speed up recovery?

  1. Drink a lot of water. Hydrating after a workout is key to recovery. …
  2. Get enough sleep. Getting proper rest is easily one of the most effective ways to recover from any form or degree of physical exertion. …
  3. Eat nutritious food. …
  4. Massage.

What does a recovery drink do?

Recovery drinks, like our partner Fluid's Recovery drink mix, are great. They conveniently deliver

carbohydrate, electrolytes, fluid, and protein

and they are typically consumed immediately after exercise when your body is ready for rapid replenishment.

What should not eat after workout?

  • Sugary post-workout shakes. …
  • Processed energy bars. …
  • Low-carb meals. …
  • Sports drinks. …
  • Salty processed foods. …
  • Fried foods. …
  • Caffeine. …
  • Eating nothing.

What helps muscles recover after a workout?

  1. Rest and recover. Some R&R is good, too. …
  2. Apply heat (carefully). If your muscles still ache after 48 hours, try heat. …
  3. Get a massage. It can relieve muscle tension, boost blood flow, and increase the range of motion in your joints, Rulon says. …
  4. Take an anti-inflammatory.

Should you take protein on rest days?

It's also important to eat enough protein, even on rest days. Adequate protein intake supports the muscle repair that happens during rest. Active people need

1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day

. This should be evenly spaced throughout the day.

Why am I not sore after a workout?


As your body gets stronger, and your muscles adapt to the new type of movement

, you won't feel the soreness afterwards. As you progress through the physical change, the DOMS will reduce and, usually within a dozen or so workouts, you'll stop feeling it altogether.

What should I drink post-workout?

Rehydration is essential, especially if you've exercised intensely or broken a sweat. Replenishing your fluid levels improves muscle flexibility, builds strength, and prevents muscle soreness. Drink at least 16 ounces of water or healthy drinks, such as

coconut water, green or black tea, and chocolate milk

.

What happens if you drink protein shakes without working out?

Since protein contains calories,

consuming too much can actually make losing weight more difficult

— especially if you drink protein shakes in addition to your usual diet, and you're not exercising.

Is it OK to drink protein shake 1 hour after workout?

“For the average gym-goer,

eating a few hours after a workout should be fine

,” Rice says. It's worth noting that if your fitness goal is weight loss, then eating a post-workout protein supplement could work against you.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.