Supplements
Dietary supplements are essential for cyclists. Apart from naturally available nutrients, a cyclist should include glucose, vitamin and protein supplements to improve his/her their overall health, endurance when out riding and speed up recovery times after exercise.
Supplements provide you with energy, endurance, performance efficiency, mental focus, and electrolyte replenishment. Protein supplements aid in muscle repairs. Using glucose supplements gives you energy while vitamin supplements add immunity against diseases. Before buying supplements, make sure you read the label to ensure there is nothing in them that may have a detrimental effect on you and if in doubt, consult your doctor first.
Supplements are essential if you are heading out for a long ride. The most common supplements used on longer rides are energy and fluid replacement. Electrolyte supplements come in tablet and powdered form which you add to water. It is a good idea to add these just before you leave. Some electrolyte replacements can be prepared the night before without loosing their effectiveness but generally is best to add them to your water bottle just before you leave. You should always wash your bottle out when you return from your ride, it’s important for good hygiene. Shotz electrolyte tablets can be easily carried in your jersey pocket; help prevent cramping and replace important electrolytes on your ride.
Energy bars and Gels are great for giving you that much needed boost. They are easy to consume as you ride and should always be followed with a good gulp of water which helps them dissolve quicker and find their way into your blood stream. As a rule you should drink a minimum 200ml of water with every bar or Gel consumed. Powerbar, Endura and Shotz manufacture Gels and ride bars; there is an assortment of different flavors for you to try.
