The best pre and post-workout powders to help get you moving
If you’ve been hearing some chatter about pre and post-workout recovery supplements, it’s probably because they’re kind of a big deal right now.
Once upon a time, protein was king. But now a range of other workout-related supplements have hit the shelves. They offer a bunch of different ingredients, specifically blended to help you get the most out of your gym session.
A 2019 pilot study, Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on Strength, Endurance, and Mood, found that “consumption of pre-workout supplements can enhance muscular endurance.” Which is great news for those of us who want to push ourselves a little further.
What types of ingredients do they have?
As we know, protein helps our muscles repair after a workout, right?
But what other ingredients are generally found in post-workout recovery supplements? Think carbohydrates, branched chain amino acids, creatine, magnesium, B vitamins and more.
Some of these are best consumed as a pre-workout supplement, others are formulated to support you for post-workout. And some may help to support your performance during your workout.
But, as always, we recommend you touch base with your health professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Pre-workout supplements
Pre-workout powders are specially formulated to be taken before your workout to support your energy. Unlike a protein shake, they’re usually fruity and light, so you won’t feel too full.
Nutra Organics Clean Energy Raspberry Lemonade
Nutra Organics Clean Energy is a pre-workout powder to support your physical and mental performance - in a delicious raspberry lemonade flavour. Containing stimulating botanicals, magnesium, B vitamins and more!
Musashi Pre Workout Purple Grape
Musashi Pre Workout Purple Grape is a surprisingly delicious blend that also contains coffee bean extract and essential amino acids – as well as creatine.
Botanika Blends Power Potion Pre Workout Powder Strawberry Kiwi
If you’re looking for a non-stimulating pre workout powder look no further this power potion formulated to be used before physical activity, exercise and gym workouts. Containing creatine, coconut water, amino acids and more.
If you’re looking for something that’s gluten-free and vegan friendly, we can’t go past HAPPY WAY Charge Up Watermelon and Pineapple. It’s a pared back mixture that contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals all especially picked to help support your movement.
White Wolf Nutrition Preworkout Lemon Twist
Another great option for a pre-workout powder is the Australian-made and vegan-friendly White Wolf Nutrition Preworkout Sour Lemon Twist. It also comes in Pineapple Coconut and Sour Watermelon flavours. Could we just take a moment to appreciate the pineapple coconut flavour? It’s a pretty exciting combo.
PROTEIN SUPPLIES AUST Spark Straw & Passionfruit
On the hunt for a pre-workout powder with zero artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners? Try PROTEIN SUPPLIES AUST Spark Straw & Passionfruit.
Post-workout supplements
What’s the first thing you do after you finish your workout? Give yourself a high five of course. The Australian government recommends adults do 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous intensity physical activity a week. So, good work!
If you’re considering doing more than a high five, an after workout powder or supplement of some sort may be right up your alley to help support recovery.
HAPPY WAY BCAA Powder Green Apple
We can’t say for certain, but HAPPY WAY BCAA Powder Green Apple claims to be the best tasting post-workout recovery supplement on the market. Big call, right? Well, you might just have to try it and be the judge yourself.
Vital Performance Protein Formula
Remember when we said protein is king? Well if you’re looking or a protein formula designed for active recovery, look no further than vital performance protein formula. Designed to support muscle function and recovery with pea protein, L-Glutamine, manganese and magnesium.
Rehydrate & recover
PROTEIN SUPPLIES AUST Restore Hydration Recovery Rasp Lemonade
And if you want to focus on your hydration as well as recovery, PROTEIN SUPPLIES AUST Restore Hydration Recovery Rasp Lemonade might be a great addition to your drink bottle.
Intra workout
There are a bunch of products developed to help keep you fuelled and hydrated as you sweat.
Musashi Intra Workout Watermelon
One of our favourites is Musashi Intra Workout Watermelon.Specifically designed for intra-workout consumption to meet your workout needs. Formulated with minerals, amino acids, and more. that may help support performance and reduce fatigue.
EHPlabs Beyond Bcaa Kiwi Strawberry
Beyond Bcaa is an intra-workout formula designed to support recovery, performance and hydration. PSA, it comes in other delicious flavours too!
Find out what’s right for you
Formulated sports supplements are not s sole source of nutrition and should be consumed in conjunction with a healthy, varied diet, active lifestyle and an appropriate exercise program. Not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women. They should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision.
Not sure where to start? Talk to a qualified health professional about your routine and which products may help support you.
Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board December 2021.