Five Quality Post-Workout Drinks

Trying to find the perfect liquid concoction to rebuild your muscles after a workout can be a difficult task. Often times, what works for one person does not exactly impact another in the same way. Bodies are fickle creations, and, although they have some striking commonalities, they function individually and respond in a variety of ways.

So, as you try to find the perfect post-workout drink to revitalize and enhance the muscles you just spent a couple of hours destroying, know that you have to tinker and experiment. See what works best for your body and what provides you with the results your desire.

Here are a few of my personal favorites. Although some require a little prep work, others are amazingly simple.

Chocolate Milk:Believe it or not, that special treat at dinner for having a good math test in fourth grade is actually a high quality supplement for workout recovery. With each cup containing 8 to 11 grams of protein, essential to any post-training intake, the milk has a comfortable blend of fast-acting whey protein (20%) and slow-acting casein protein (80%). Keep the fat content down by using skim milk.

Cytomax: Although occasionally bitter, Cytomax has two critical elements: carbohydrates and electrolytes. The lost fluid from the training session must be replaced, so the influx of electrolytes does the trick, and the drink helps to raise sodium levels.

Cytovol: In a mere 8 ounces of this liquid, you'll find 10 grams of carbs, 6 grams of protein, and high levels of both sodium and potassium. Unlike certain post workout shakes, Cytovol is flexible and can also be used before and during training.

Endurox R4: Driven for the recovery phase, this drink is loaded with carbs, protein, sodium, and potassium. The comfortable blend protects muscles while stimulating growth. One of the best you can buy.

Whey-based shakes: A personal blend, try combining the whey protein with 1 to 2 cups of almond milk, 1 cup of fresh fruit, and ice to create thickness. Throw it in the blender and in minutes you'll have a shake that is low in calories and high is recovery elements.

Sources:

http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding_200/247_fitness_tip.html
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/shop/tp/sportsdrinks.htm
http://www.helium.com/items/319437-determining-the-best-sports-drinks?page=3