17 Best Supplements & Protein Powders for CrossFit Reviewed 2024
As a CrossFit athlete, you train hard, and you want to see and feel the max benefits possible from each workout.
Protein powders and supplements are a great tool to add to your arsenal on your journey to the fittest athlete you can be.
I wanted to try a protein powder shake in the morning to shed a little fat, and maybe a pre-workout for a little boost, and found myself asking the internet and others around me.
“What are the best supplements for CrossFit athletes?”
I did my homework so now I can share what I found with you.
Here I have 17 of the best supplements for CrossFit I could find, how they benefit you, and what you should know before you choose.
Contents
- 17 Best Protein Powders & Supplements for CrossFit 2024
- Ascent Native Fuel - Whey Protein
- PROGENEX® Recovery
- Optimum Nutrition ZMA Muscle Recovery and Endurance Supplement
- Onnit MCT Oil
- SFH Pure Whey
- BCAA Branched Chain Essential Amino Acids Powder by BulkSupplements
- Pure Synergy Pure Radiance 100% Natural Vitamin C
- GREEN SURGE Green Superfood Powder Supplement
- Kill Cliff Post WOD Recovery Drink
- Arazo L-Carnitine
- Thorne Research Magnesium Citrate
- Pure Encapsulations B-Complex with Metafolin
- Xendurance Creatine - JB
- MegaRed Extra Strength Omega-3 Krill Oil
- Nuun Hydration: Electrolyte Drink Tablets
- RXBAR - Coconut Chocolate
- Genius Protein Powder
- Guide to the Best Supplements and Protein Powders for CrossFit Athletes
17 Best Protein Powders & Supplements for CrossFit 2024
Ascent Native Fuel - Whey Protein
Review: Whey protein is a fast digesting protein that is ideal post WOD and post workout. Your body can use about 20 grams of whey protein per hours, so supplementing with this amount is ideal for muscle recovery and growth.
Ascent Native Fuel Whey protein mixes well, tastes great and is easy on the tummy.
Pros
- 25 grams of whey protein per serving.
- Made in the USA.
- Sweetened with Monk Fruit, a natural alternative sweetener that does not impact blood sugar.
- Actually tastes good and won’t wreck your stomach.
Cons
- Contains soy Lecithin which helps it mix better.
Takeaway
Great taste and quality ingredients make this my choice for best protein powder for CrossFit.
PROGENEX® Recovery
- Feed Your Muscles: Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate helps your muscles rebuild and recover fast
- Tastes Great: Deliciously combines with water, almond milk or coconut water for a post-workout shake
- Used by athletes & everyday exercisers worldwide
- Incredible Results: Try it today & if you do not love it, simply return it, & we will refund your money
Review: Progenex is one of the best CrossFit supplement brands thanks in part to high quality supplements like this Recovery Whey protein drink mix.
This drink mix contains 23 grams of quick digesting whey protein making it an ideal post workout drink for CrossFit athletes and all gym goers.
What I love about this protein drink is it tastes good and won’t upset your tummy, something not all protein drink mixes can claim.
Pros
- 23 grams of quick digesting protein.
- Uses natural flavors and real cocoa powder for great taste naturally.
- Cold processed micro filtered whey.
Cons
- Contains sucralose and fructose as sweeteners.
Takeaway
One of the best protein powder for CrossFit athletes, and former sponsor of the CrossFit Games.
Optimum Nutrition ZMA Muscle Recovery and Endurance Supplement
- One 180 tablet container (60 day supply) of Optimum Nutrition Zinc Magnesium Aspartate Supplement
- Each 3-tablet serving of Optimum Nutrition Zinc Magnesium Aspartate supplement can be taken all at one meal or spread across meals throughout the day
- Contains a blend of Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6 designed to fill in gaps in micronutrient intake
- Contains Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6 to support the breakdown and transport of nutrients, help convert food into cellular energy and provide immune support
- This magnesium supplement formula is specially formulated for adults with an active lifestyle
Review: ZMA may help the athlete in several ways. Proponents of ZMA say it supports muscle health, your immune system and even sleep. Some male users swear it improves sexual health too!
Optimum nutrition ZMA contains balanced levels of the three main ingredients, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin b6, in the preferred forms.
Pros
- 5 mg of Vitamin B6, 450 mg of Magnesium Aspartate and 30 mg of Zinc.
- Fair per serving price.
- Helps promote deep restful sleep.
Cons
- Some users report waking up feeling tired.
Takeaway
Sleep like a baby and recover like a champ by morning time!
Onnit MCT Oil
- 100% pure premium MCT oil with lauric acid, harvested from coconuts. Onnit MCT Oil is sustainably sourced and contains no palm oil, the leading constituent in most MCT oils. Free of fillers, additives, and flavoring.
- MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) are a beneficial fat that’s easily converted into fuel in the form of ketones, one of the brain’s primary sources of energy as well as a vital source of ATP energy for the body. Onnit MCT oil is excellent for those adhering to a ketogenic diet, which utilizes fats rather than carbs for energy, a state known as ketosis. MCT oil is a perfect supplement for other low carb diets, like the Paleo diet, and for weight management support.
- Onnit MCT Oil is tasteless and odorless, making it great for smoothies, protein shakes, salad dressings, unheated sauces, and more. Not recommended for use with styrofoam or any other foam-based material.
- Great with coffee. Onnit MCT oil is a bulletproof way to turn your morning cup of Joe into a creamy, delicious source of sustained energy for the day, supporting mental focus and clarity. Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan-Friendly.
- A superior alternative to coconut oil for MCTs. Coconut oil is great, but it contains relatively small quantities of MCT’s, particularly C8 (Caprylic Acid) and C10 (Capric Acid). These two forms of MCT are especially valuable because they take fewer steps to convert to caloric energy than the other saturated fat forms found in coconut oil.
Review: Want to last longer and be less sore? Research says MCT oil can help the CrossFit athlete increase endurance and decrease lactate, the substance that makes you feel sore after a grueling WOD.
Onnit MCT oil is pure, with NO palm oil, and flavorless so you can cook with it, put it in coffee and more.
Pros
- Completely flavorless.
- Contains NO palm oil- unlike other brands.
- Organic non GMO and sustainably sourced.
Cons
- Pricy.
Takeaway
A high quality MCT oil that should be on every CrossFit athletes list of best supplements for CrossFit training.
SFH Pure Whey
Review: SFH Pure whey protein drink mix stands out from the rest because it uses all natural ingredients, including Stevia and natural vanilla flavor.
Plus it has NO soy. The whey is minimally processed and sourced from grass fed cows in New Zealand and Australia. Interesting.
Pros
- Sweetened with Stevia, a natural sugar alternative.
- Uses Sunflower Lecithin vs Soy.
- 23 grams of fast digesting Whey protein.
Cons
- A little pricy.
Takeaway
This SFH Pure Whey is one of the best supplements to take for CrossFit recovery.
BCAA Branched Chain Essential Amino Acids Powder by BulkSupplements
- ✔️ BCAA for Muscle Mass: Branched Chain Amino Acids 2:1:1, or BCAA supplements, are building blocks of protein and helps promote muscle growth.* Not only do our BCAA supplements are for muscle mass, this BCAAs Amino Acids in powder form are essential amino acids for the body! This BCAA capsules, or BCAA supplement, makes them perfect for anyone who are looking to pack on size.*
- ✔️ Muscle Recovery with BCAAs: BCAAs Amino Acids are essential for protein synthesis, which is necessary for muscle recovery and repair.* Whether you're an athlete or just starting out, proper muscle recovery is key to success.* Don't let tiredness slow you down - our BCAA 2:1:1 powder may help promote muscle recovery after a strenuous activities for athletes and anyone who wants to get active.*
- ✔️ Supplement you daily activity: Adding BCAAs to your supplement routine with 2:1:1 ratio, a perfect ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine for optimal absorption and performance. Branch Chain Amino Acids Supplements, in BCAA powder form, can help you reach your daily protein goals, and support your overall health and fitness goals.*
- ✔️ Unflavored, Gluten Free & more: Our BCAA 2:1:1 powder is unflavored and free from artificial flavors, so you can mix it with your favorite meal or drink to get your daily source of these essential amino acids for your strenuous activities. Plus, it's also gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of our Branched Chain Amino Acids powder, BCAA 2:1:1!
- ⭐ High Quality: Our BCAA 2:1:1 powder is manufactured according to cGMP Standards to ensure the highest quality for manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and holding operations. We third party test our BCAA pills or BCAA capsules at multiple stages during production, procedures and equipment to ensure compliance, standards and consistency.
Review: Branched Chain amino acids are made up of the three muscle building amino acids-leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
During intense exercise, BCAA levels naturally fall and cause fatigue. Supplementing with BCAA may prevent fatigue and help you feel less tired. This Bulk supplements powder is a very economical way to get BCAAs in your diet.
Pros
- Pure BCAA powder.
- Great Price.
- Highly Rated supplement by Labdoor.com.
Cons
- Contains non-GMO corn.
Takeaway
The best value BCAA and on my list of good supplements for CrossFit.
Pure Synergy Pure Radiance 100% Natural Vitamin C
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC VITAMIN C: Each bottle (90 capsules) unites our organic camu camu extract and organic acerola cherry extract with 10 additional antioxidant-rich organic berries and fruits to yield a 100% natural form of vitamin C.
- IMMUNE & COLLAGEN SUPPORT: Protective antioxidant that helps bolster a strong, responsive immune system; encourages natural collagen production.
- POWERFUL, NATURAL, GENTLE: 120 mg of potent, 100% whole food vitamin C per serving; powerful benefits while being gentle on stomach, and absolutely NO synthetic ascorbic acid added.
- THE SYNERGY DIFFERENCE: Based in Moab, UT, The Synergy Company is a Certified B Corp committed to pure, organic ingredients that help you achieve your highest health. All products are manufactured in the USA with US and imported ingredients.
- REAL INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST DAILY: Certified Organic, Whole Food, Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Corn-Free, and Kosher. Suggested use: 1 capsule once or twice daily with or without food.
Review: CrossFit athletes may deplete Vitamin C stores with consistent strenuous workouts.
Research shows that while the average population may not see much difference, athletes have been able to reduce the number of colds they get by 50% when they take Vitamin C.
Pure Synergy Vitamin C is made from natural plant sources which are superior to manmade ascorbic acid.
Pros
- Plant sourced vitamin C.
- NO ascorbic acid.
- Vitamin C reduces Muscle damage, muscle soreness and fatigue.
Cons
- Naturally sourced vitamin C is more expensive that Ascorbic acid.
Takeaway
Vitamin C helps the athlete in countless ways and is one of the best supplements for CrossFit athletes.
GREEN SURGE Green Superfood Powder Supplement
- Delicious Green Superfood Blend: Packed with organic powdered greens, essential micronutrients, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to optimize your nutrition plan and detoxify the body. Green Surge superfood juice is made with keto-friendly organic superfoods like spirulina powder and wheatgrass powder for a daily boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Daily Antioxidant & Immune Support: The organic superfoods, vegetables, and fruit powders in Green Surge provide an unmatched antioxidant profile with just one scoop to neutralize free radicals, detox the body, support overall health & immune system. Take Green Surge and set the foundation to your health and well-being. Enhance your daily power smoothie or juicing routine!
- Support Gut Health & Digestion: This greens powder features a comprehensive probiotic blend that nourishes your gastrointestinal (GI) tract with friendly microorganisms. These probiotics work to optimize digestion, promote gut health, and improve nutrient absorption. We also made sure to include prebiotic inulin FOS which feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome.
- Promote Energy & Vitality: Promote overall health, vitality, and energy levels. GREEN SURGE contains fiber, green tea extract, and grape seed extract which promote satiety, prevent cravings, and act as prebiotics for a healthy GI tract. In turn, this supports the immune system, energy throughout the day, and proper body function.
- Manufactured in a cGMP-Certified Facility: Unlike many dietary supplements, all Jacked Factory products are manufactured under stringent quality control standards to ensure proper purity and potency. This formula is completely free of harsh chemicals, fillers, artificial food dyes.
Review: Most nutrients and necessary trace elements the body needs are found only in whole foods, not isolated supplements.
That’s why a well-rounded diet and whole food super food supplement like Green Surge benefits the CrossFit athlete.
With Wheatgrass, collard greens, spinach, spirulina and more, this green superfoods drink mix will give your body a boost.
Pros
- Contains Spirulina, spinach, broccoli, wheat grass.
- Includes Digestive enzymes so you get the most from what you eat.
- Probiotics to optimize gut health.
Cons
- Label does not list carbs, per manufacturer, Green Surge has 4.51g of carbs.
Takeaway
A great source of micronutrients, trace minerals, phytonutrients and digestive aids.
Kill Cliff Post WOD Recovery Drink
- REST, RECOVER, REPEAT: Here at Kill Cliff, we love a good energy drink, but we're aware of the possible dangers of using unnatural ingredients in energy drinks. We wanted an energy drink with a strong caffeine buzz coming from a natural source, with no artificial sweeteners... so we made one.
- CRUSH IT ANYTIME: Our recovery drink is perfect for after a long workout, ride, run, sporting event, or any other fitness activity. The added electrolytes and vitamins help your body to hydrate and recover after physical activity, so you can perform even better during your next workout.
- NATURALLY AWESOME: Our all natural energy drinks provide a clean source of caffeine, sourced from green tea, to give you a cleaner, smoother energy boost while keeping the health of your body in mind. Plus, all flavors and sweeteners are derived from natural ingredients, (that means no sugar!) that your body thank you for.
- INGREDIENTS THAT DONT SUCK: This is not your average energy drink. Alongside its 25 mg of clean caffeine and natural sweetener, this drink is packed with essential vitamins, like B-Vitamins, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium, and healthy ingredients, like ginger root, ginseng root, and green tea.
- KILLER BENEFITS: This vitamin-packed drink acts as much more than an energy boost. Its vitamin blend provides your body with antioxidants, immune, brain, and metabolism support, along with muscle function. Plus, its sugar-free formula means it keeps your glycemic index down, avoiding sugar spikes and crashes.
Review: Kill Cliff Post WOD recovery drink is a simple, refreshing alternative to energy drinks or soda, plus it contains ingredients that help you recover after a hard workout.
Pros
- Ginger, Ginseng and Green Tea.
- Vitamin B12, B3, B2, B5.
- No sugar and Only 20 Calories per can.
- Sweetened with Stevia and Erythritol.
Cons
- Expensive per serving price.
Takeaway
Refreshing and helpful post WOD drink.
Arazo L-Carnitine
- Calcium enhanced super formula; the extra 330mg of Calcium per serving greatly boosts metabolic rate, muscle strength, and bone health; added Calcium boosts results when combined with L-Carnitine
- Supports athletic performance and stamina; faster muscle recovery, delay exhaustion
- Burns fat to help lose weight; promotes muscle growth and fat loss during workouts
- Healthy heart; transports fatty acids to support your cardiovascular energy levels
- Reliable; made in a GMP certified facility in America and third party safety tested for purity; trusted for ingredient safety, nutritional value and label accuracy
Review: L-Carnitine is an excellent supplement for the CrossFit athlete. It is known to decrease fat, Decrease lactate and muscle soreness, decreases fatigue and muscle damage.
As a bonus, it also helps cognition and alleviates symptoms of depression. Pretty amazing supplement, right?
I really like this Arazo brand because each pill has 500 mg of L-Carnitine making it a good deal.
Pros
- Each pill has 500 mg L Carnitine (2 tablet serving has 1000 mg).
- Great price.
- Large bottle, lasts 2 months if full serving is taken every day.
Cons
- Pill is large.
Takeaway
Lean out and increase energy without caffeine using L-Carnitine.
Thorne Research Magnesium Citrate
Review: Magnesium is an excellent supplement for athletes because it promotes restful sleep, a key factor in recovery after a strenuous workout.
I take magnesium every single night and I notice a difference in sleep quality when I skip my nightly dose. I like the Thorne Research brand Magnesium Citrate because this form of magnesium is very bioavailable.
Pros
- 135 mg of Magnesium Citrate – a highly bioavailable form.
- Dairy, soy, wheat and allergen-free capsules.
- Thorne Research tests all ingredients for purity before encapsulating them.
Cons
- The capsule is large.
Takeaway
Excellent Magnesium supplement for recovery promoting good night’s sleep.
Pure Encapsulations B-Complex with Metafolin
- Nervous System Support: Supports the nervous and cardiovascular system plus healthy nerve and blood cells; also supports hair, skin and nails*
- Cognitive Support: Methylated Folate (Metafolin L-5-MTHF) and vitamin B12 support healthy cognitive function, memory, and energy; also supports G.I. tract*
- Premium Cellular Energy Support for Women and Men: B vitamins support metabolism of protein and conversion of carbohydrates into energy*
- Supports Cognitive Health: This vitamin B complex supplement supports memory, energy, and metabolism*
- Pure Difference: What we leave out matters, too; Pure Encapsulations products are free from common allergens, artificial or unnecessary ingredients, and GMOs
Review: The B vitamins are key players in metabolizing Carbs, fat and protein so your Body can use them as energy.
B1 is used by your cells to create ATP, your body’s energy source. Pure Encapsulations brand B-complex contains the best forms of Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, Folate, Niacin and Biotin. It is a very high-quality supplement.
Pros
- Contains Folate in the Metafolin form (L-5-MTHF).
- Contains methylcobalamin form of B12.
- No added allergens or other junk.
- Small capsule size.
Cons
- More expensive than B Vitamins that use inferiors forms of B-vitamins.
Takeaway
High quality B-complex to increase energy naturally.
Xendurance Creatine - JB
- 100% pure creapure
- 1000 mg of lactate
- Increase strength & power
- Increase energy & speed recovery
- Labdoor tested for sport - certified free of banned substances
Review: Creatine is essential for any athlete. The average person burns through about two grams of creatine per day. Athletes who lift weights, like CrossFit athletes, need even more.
Creatine is used to help your body recycle ATP, the energy source of your cells. 3 to 5 grams a day is ideal for the CrossFit athlete.
Xendurance Creatine contains 4 grams of creatine and 1 gram of lactate per scoop. Lactate is included in the formula because it helps maintain energy production and is great for endurance based exercise.
Learn more about Creatine here.
Pros
- Contains 4 grams of Creatine, the ideal maintenance dose for most athletes.
- Includes one gram of lactate, which helps energy production during endurance based exercise.
Cons
- Expensive per serving price.
Takeaway
A perfect blend of Creatine and Lactate for recover and endurance.
MegaRed Extra Strength Omega-3 Krill Oil
- ANTARCTIC KRILL OIL: Krill is one of the world’s most abundant and sustainable organisms. MegaRed only sources krill from the Antarctic where krill is most abundant.
- OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENT: MegaRed Omega 3 Krill Oil has been shown to significantly increase your omega 3 index in just 30 days. Supportive research has shown that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
- HEART HEALTH: MegaRed Omega 3 Krill Oil supplements provide an optimal combination of omega-3 fatty acids and the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin to support heart health in a once daily softgel.
- 3X MORE PURE: MegaRed with PureTechTM is 3x MORE PURE than regular krill oil. Salts and other impurities are removed to provide the purest krill oil on the market.
- NO FISHY AFTERTASTE and EASY ABSORPTION: Krill Oil is carried in a phospholipid form which is better absorbed by the human body and because it's krill oil as opposed to fish oil, MegaRed Krill Oil has no fishy aftertaste or odor.
Review: Krill oil contains a more bioavailable form of DHA than Fish oil, which is why I prefer it. In fact, one study says you need a dose 1/3 the amount of fish oil to see the same rise in DHA.
Plus Krill oil does not give you those nasty fish burps. Athletes who train hard deplete their Omega 3 levels, which increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
Krill oil is an easy way to get the Omega balance back in their favor.
Pros
- 500 mg of Krill oil in EACH soft gel.
- 3 times as pure as other krill oil brands.
- Fair price per serving.
- Absolutely NO yucky fish aftertaste.
Cons
- Must be stored in cool dark location.
Takeaway
Best supplement to get your Omega 3 levels up.
Nuun Hydration: Electrolyte Drink Tablets
- Nuun Sport is an Electrolyte-Rich Sports Drink Tablet, enhanced with electrolytes and bursting with delicious fruity flavor. Mix with water for a hydrating beverage to keep you powering through your next workout
- Nuun Sport Drink Tablets enhance your workout and/or your work day naturally through improved hydration. Keep a tube in your gym bag, car, purse, hiking pack or anywhere you'll want to mix up a healthy, replenishing drink. Gluten free
- Nuun’s Drink Tablets use no artificial flavoring or sweeteners (sweetened with high-quality Stevia only) and are keto-friendly. Nuun Sport is designed with optimized electrolytes and Non-GMO ingredients for clean, guilt-free hydration
- At first look, you’ll notice Nuun Sport’s snazzy packaging makeover. We hope that our new look will help to better identify the Nuun product that’s right for you
- Box contains one tube of each flavor: Lemon Lime, Tri-Berry, Citrus Fruit, and Orange. Four tubes and 40 servings total.
Review: If you have seen any football games lately, you have no doubt seen the Gatorade the players drink.
They drink it for the replenishing electrolytes the drink has, but the only problem is all the added sugar the popular sports beverage has.
That’s why NUUN Hydration Drink tablets are a better option. Nuun has no sugar, is totally portable because it is a tablet, and has the same recovery promoting electrolytes as popular sports drinks.
Pros
- Easy to carry tablets in sealed tubes.
- Simply drop a tablet in a bottle of water for an instant recovery drink.
- Carbs, sweetened with Monk Fruit and Stevia.
- Contains Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Vitamin C
Cons
- Watered down flavor.
Takeaway
The best post workout supplement for CrossFit to replenish electrolytes.
RXBAR - Coconut Chocolate
Review: These delicious protein bars contain 12 grams of protein per bar and are made with real, whole food ingredients.
Each bar has 3 egg whites, 6 almonds, 4 cashews, 2 dates a dash of sea salt and no added sugar. The “No Funny Business” protein bar.
Pros
- 100% Whole Food ingredients.
- 12 grams of high quality protein.
- 12 bars per package.
Cons
- 210 calories and 22 grams of carbs per bar.
Takeaway
Hands down, best protein bars for CrossFit! Taste and ingredient quality cannot be beat.
Genius Protein Powder
- TRANSPARENT PROTEIN ISOLATE POWDER BLEND - With Casein and Whey Protein Isolate, Genius Protein offers both slow and fast release ingredients to create an excellent all natural protein powder for women and men. Our label keeps things simple and transparent to ensure you know exactly what our product provides.
- WEIGHT LOSS & LEAN BODY MASS - Genius Protein benefits from the inclusion of casein, which can boost satiety and help to curb hunger and snacking cravings. Casein protein powder can also support the body's management of cortisol and assist your pursuit of a better lean body composition. Beat the hunger with meal replacement shakes that include a Genius touch.
- NATURAL PURE PROTEIN POWDER - If you want to supplement your workouts with an all-natural muscle builder, there's no need for fancy tricks or gimmicks. Keep it simple and consume two grams of protein per pound of muscle.
- BACKED BY THE GENIUS PROMISE - No fillers, dyes, artificial flavors, or artificial sweeteners. Enjoy the natural taste of our Lean Cocoa, designed to offer a whey protein powder chocolate lovers can love without an ounce of guilt!
- THE SMART PROTEIN FOR MUSCLE GROWTH & WEIGHT LOSS - Protein plays an incredible role in losing weight & building muscle naturally, did you know that? Investing in a quality protein is key
Review: Genius protein powder is one of my favorite protein powders because it uses a blend of 50 % fast digesting Whey protein and 50% slower digesting Casein protein, so you get the benefits of both.
Pros
- 24 grams of protein bar serving.
- Protein sourced from grass fed cows.
- Casein protein helps you ward off hunger.
- Whey protein is quickly available for muscle repair and recovery.
Cons
- Contains 2 grams of cane sugar per serving – not low carb.
Takeaway
High quality tasty protein drink mix with both whey and casein protein.
Guide to the Best Supplements and Protein Powders for CrossFit Athletes
What Keep in Mind Before Buying Supplements
Do your research!
Supplements do not require FDA labels but that does not mean they are all safe to take.
Supplements can have side effects and interactions with other medications you take.
Some supplements may make you sleepy (like magnesium and melatonin), while others might keep you awake all night (like Caffeine, Teacrine, Dynamine to name a few).
Some may interfere with antidepressants. Be diligent and take responsibility for your health by finding out what the ingredients in your supplement do.
Prepping for the CrossFit Open and 2024 CrossFit Games
As we head into the 2024 CrossFit open you might be thinking about supplementing to give you the edge you need to stay in you’re “A” game.
Pre Workout Boost
Pre-workouts give you the energy and focus you need to give each workout your best.
Whatever WOD is thrown your way as you work your way to the CrossFit games, a good pre-workout for CrossFit can give you just the boost you need to get to the next level.
Recovery and Sleep
Sleep and recovery are super important when you are training hard. Get an edge by guarding your sleep and recovery time. Night time recovery aids are a good way to insure you get your ZZZZs.
Sleep regulates hormone levels, especially Growth Hormone and cortisol levels. Sleep is necessary to rebuild muscle, regain endurance and strength.
Your body needs time to recover to maintain focus and reaction time too.
Allowing your body enough time to recover and making sure you get good sleep simply cannot be stressed enough.
Check out Shawn Stephenson’s Sleep Smarter for 21 tips on getting the best sleep possible.
Hydration and Replenishing DURING Your Workout
The CrossFit games are no stranger to hydration related scares. It is not unheard of to see athlete who needs emergency care, suffer muscle cramps or even be unable to finish a competition because they were not adequately hydrated.
Be sure and have a hydrating recovery drink on hand and don’t get caught off guard.
What are Key Elements (Ingredients) to Look for in Supplement for CrossFit?
The most popular and arguably the most helpful ingredients are:
- Creatine – a muscle building supplement that is heavily involved in ATP production.
- Beta alanine Increases physical performance and aids in muscle gain.
- BCAAs – three amino acids that work to build muscle because they are used in protein synthesis. BCAAs levels drop during exercise, and BCAA supplementation keeps levels high, which prevent fatigue.
- Omega 3 – fights inflammation, reducing post-workout pain.
- Protein either Whey or Casein – to replenish protein stores so the body can maintain and build muscle.
- Electrolytes – electrolytes are lost when you sweat, and they play a role in preventing dehydration. Your body needs more than water to maintain proper hydration.
- Vitamin D – many athletes do not have optimal levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is used in testosterone production, cognition and it supports the immune system.
- Magnesium – many people are deficient in this critical nutrient. Magnesium helps sleep and a deficiency hinders good sleep. Athletes lose magnesium through sweat, so supplementation may be necessary.
Is it Worth it to Buy?
If your diet is not perfect, nor your sleep routine on point, using the best supplements for CrossFit may not be a bad idea.
I’m sure, as an athlete, you do your best to stay healthy and take care of your body.
But…
In this culture, staying up late, lots of nighttime screen time, working hard, and eating out are common and these things get in the way of a great diet and ideal sleep habits.
In my opinion, supplements are a helpful tool and worth it to use.
I hope you found some helpful tips and ideas in the list of best supplements for CrossFit 2024.
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