Hello cyclist friend! Are you always looking for new ways to improve performance on your bike? Would you like to know which cycling supplements are right for you and how they can help you achieve your fitness and cycling goals? If yes, then you are in the right place.
Knowing how to keep a balance between nutrition and cycling is definitely the right key to face your cycling trip in the ideal way.
But beware, not all supplements are the same and not all are suitable for all cyclists. So, get ready to find out everything you need to know about which supplements to choose and when to take them to ride stronger and for longer.
What are the 5 essential supplements for cycling?
Cycle touring is an activity that requires a lot of stamina and muscular strength. Supplements can help cyclists improve their performance and increase their energy during long rides. For this reason, supplements can be part of the travel kit for your cycling trip.
We at Bikeit recommend 5 cycling supplements in particular:
1. Creatine: the best supplement for muscle strength
Creatine is a very popular supplement among athletes practising endurance sports such as cycling. This supplement helps increase muscle strength by improving the body’s ability to produce energy during exercise.
Creatine is usually taken in powder or tablet form and can be taken before, during or after training.
2. Coffee and green tea: cycling supplements for energy and concentration
Coffee and green tea are two natural supplements that can help cyclists improve their energy and concentration while cycling.
- Coffee contains caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and increases concentration.
- Green tea contains theanine, an aminoacid that helps reduce stress and mental fatigue.
Both supplements can be taken before cycling to increase energy and concentration.
3. Omega-3: supplements for cardiovascular health and inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their benefits for cardiovascular health and inflammation, but can also be beneficial for cyclists. In fact, these supplements help improve cardiovascular health and reduce muscle inflammation.
Omega-3 can be taken in the form of food supplements or can be found in foods such as fish, nuts and flax seeds.
4. Proteins: muscle-building supplements
Proteins are essential for building muscle and repairing muscle tissue damaged during exercise. Cyclists who want to build strong, resilient muscles can supplement their diet with protein.
Protein supplements can be taken in the form of powder or protein bars and can be taken before or after training.
5. Electrolytes: cycling supplements for hydration and performance
Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain the body’s water balance. During cycling, the body loses many electrolytes through sweating, which can cause dehydration and impair performance.
Electrolyte supplements can therefore help maintain the body’s water balance and improve performance during exercise.
When to take cycling supplements?
Now that we have seen which supplements are essential for cycling, it is important to understand precisely when to take them to maximise their effects.
Before the ride
The cyclist’s breakfast is an essential element of an ideal cycling adventure, so certainly, before cycling, taking some supplements can be essential to make the most of your cycling experience.
Many supplements can be taken before cycling to improve energy, muscle strength and concentration.
Creatine, coffee, green tea and Omega-3, for example, are all supplements that can be taken before cycling to maximise their effects.
In addition, drinking an energy drink containing electrolytes can help maintain the body’s water balance and improve performance.
During the ride
While cycling, it is important to maintain the body’s energy and water balance.
For this reason, carbohydrate and protein supplements can be useful for providing energy during exercise, while electrolyte supplements can help maintain the body’s water balance.
In addition, drinking an energy drink while cycling, again, can help maintain energy and performance.
After the ride
After cycling, the body needs to repair damaged muscle tissue and restore energy.
Certainly, protein and carbohydrate supplements can be taken immediately after cycling to help the body repair muscle tissue and restore energy.
In addition, Omega-3 supplements can help reduce muscle inflammation and speed up recovery.
Summary of the 5 cycling supplements
- Creatine: for muscle strength
- Coffee and green tea: for energy and concentration
- Omega-3: for cardiovascular health and inflammation
- Proteins: for muscle building
- Electrolytes: for hydration and performance
Book your bike trip with Bikeit
Certainly, cycling supplements can be useful for cyclists wishing to improve their performance and increase energy during their cycling holiday.
However, it is important to choose the right supplements and take them at the right time to maximise their effects.
Before taking any supplement, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or dietician to ensure that it is suitable for your needs and health.
Remember, nutrition and cycling are two essential elements that must be perfectly balanced so that you can enjoy your cycling adventure to the fullest, along the best cycling routes, with Bikeit.
Are you satisfied with the advice on cycling supplements to take? Are you ready and loaded to jump on your bike seat and enjoy the nature around you? So, what are you waiting for?