Exercise Products

In the vast and ever-growing world of exercise and personal health, there always seems to be a new fad; a new machine, a new powder, a new drink, that will somehow – magically – tone, sculpt, and turn you from a flabby mess into a finely sculpted Adonis. Although many of these products are too good to be true, there are several tried-and-true exercise products that can be helpful for people with long, rigorous exercise programs.

Sports Drinks: Electrolyte-rich sports drinks such as Gatorade can replenish energy during long cardiovascular workouts or help people recover from rigorous exercise. These drinks, made up mostly of water, provide just enough carbohydrate to give the body a much-needed jolt of fuel. The problem is that many people consume sports drinks when they could just be drinking water; the benefits of sports drinks aren't noticeable unless you plan on working out steadily for longer than 30 minutes. If you're not planning on a long, arduous workout, then stick with water and avoid the additional 100 to 200 calories found in sports drinks.

Protein Supplements: Immediately after working out, the body craves and requires protein for muscle recovery and growth. Protein supplements allow you to quickly consume high-quality protein without packing in additional calories from fat and carbohydrates. Many brands of protein supplements -- which are sold in powder, bar or liquid form -- include a variety of other vitamins and nutrients that are extremely helpful in the diets of people who exercise.

Weight Gainer: Weight gainer formula is targeted toward men who are trying to add muscle and bulk to their frames. These formulas are high in protein and carbohydrate. They are intended to be high-calorie shakes packed with nutrients as a complement or replacement for meals made from real food. Some weight gainers may be effective, but most nutritionists will recommend protein supplements accompanied by a diet of lean meats and whole fruits, grains and vegetables.

Multi-Vitamins: It's easy to neglect basic daily vitamin intake when you're more focused on counting calories and consuming high amounts of protein. Multi-vitamins help ensure that you stay nourished even while you experiment with your diet to optimize your sessions at the gym.

Other Exercise Products

Not all exercise products involve things you eat or drink. For example, free weight training requires gloves and a back brace, Pilates and yoga requires a mat. Distance runners will need a good pair of running shoes and a trusty watch, as well as lightweight, breathable clothing that allows you to stay cool over time. The list goes on and on. Many of these exercise products can be purchased online, saving you the trip to the sporting goods store.