Top 3 Supplements for Crossfit Competitions

Crossfit as a sport is high intensity and varied. It is great for strength building and conditioning as well as overall fitness because WODs incorporate cardio, heavy lifting, mobility work, flexibility, and body control. Participants complete a vast array of different exercises such as HIIT training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, gymnastics, powerlifting, kettlebell, strongman, and calisthenics (body weight exercises). Supplements tailored towards functional fitness can be a vital tool in helping you to progress in your training and achieve results throughout competitions.

So here are 3 top supplements recommended to help you along the way…

1. WOD FUEL – You’re bound to need some ammunition for your workout. Competitions can be long days and intense, leading to rapid depletion of your energy reserves, so carbohydrate availability is key.

Designed to replenish salts, nutrients, and glycogen stores, WOD FUEL uses a quality carbohydrate source you can use to replenish glucose throughout competition day and between events. It will ensure you continue to work consistently right through to the latter stages without fatigue setting in. WOD FUEL is formulated using a branded low osmolarity cyclic dextrin called Cluster Dextrin® as an energy source. The benefits are that it digests quickly in the gut which reduces the risk of gastric distress during your workout - Something that can be a common occurrence with simpler carb alternatives such as maltodextrin or dextrose. Cluster Dextrin® is a high branched cyclic dextrin that is digested quickly but is absorbed by muscles at a steady rate providing a sustained energy source without spiking blood sugar levels. This boosts endurance performance. Trials have shown that athletes given highly-branched cyclic dextrin experienced significantly reduced rates of perceived exertion (RPE) compared to those that were given sports beverages containing maltodextrin [1].

It also contains citrulline malate a nitric oxide enhancer that will aid blood flow to assist the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to where it is needed. This will enhance energy levels and delay muscle fatigue. Studies have shown it to reduce post exercise RPE and muscle soreness [2].

To assist endurance and recovery an optimal dose of BCAAs have been added, alongside L-Glutamine. L-Glutamine can increase the speed of recovery and reduce muscle soreness [3], helping to promote the replenishment of glycogen stores after bouts of intense exercise.

Available in a range of fruity flavours with natural flavouring and no added sugar, just mix with cold water and consume during exercise.

2. PRE WOD – A good pre workout is priority if you are looking to improve your focus, boost energy levels, improve endurance, and reduce lactic acid build up during competition. Pre WOD will give you the motivation and stamina you need to get through the day. It combines key ingredients along with AstraGin® - a patented plant derived compound that improves your body’s capacity to absorb key nutrients including amino acids, proteins, and glucose, to ensure you experience maximum benefit from every serving.

Essentials to the formula include:

Citrulline malate to boost blood flow. This will deliver nutrients and oxygen to the muscles more efficiently and prevent the build-up of fatigue, decreasing levels of soreness after, to help you recover faster.

Caffeine and guarana for a natural energy and concentration boost.

Creatine to support energy needs.

Beta Alanine which has been shown to enhance muscular endurance during high-intensity exercise [4]. It reduces the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles, helping you to work at higher intensities for longer.

Consume one serving of PRE WOD just 20 to 30 minutes prior to exercise to improve your focus. It will ensure you are buzzing for your competition and ready to get stuck in. Try its tangy and tasty flavours such as Rainbow Candy, Juice Lemon, and Cherry Cola Bottles.

For an even more powerful boost to your workout try PRE WOD Xtra – This is WOD Powders’ strongest pre workout product to date. It includes additions such as Juniper Berry – with potent antioxidants for anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the patented ingredient EnXtra®. This plant extract of Alpinia galanga works synergistically with caffeine and can prolong and enhance the vigilance and concentration effect whilst impeding unpleasant caffeine crashes.

3. ELECTROLYTES

During long and intense competition days it is important to stay well hydrated and replenish electrolytes lost through sweat – these are salts and minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Pressure and temperatures you’re performing under can be high, and you’ll certainly want to avoid fatigue as well as any additional symptoms of dehydration such as headaches, light headedness, and cramping. Electrolyte RX can help you to sustain your physical performance. Electrolytes are vital to maintain fluid balance, aid muscle contraction, nerve function, energy metabolism and support normal blood pressure. Electrolyte RX contains all the main electrolytes which are sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, along with the addition of coconut water powder for optimum hydration.

WOD Powders have carefully considered the formula to provide the most favourable ratio of electrolytes - including high doses of sodium for maximum benefit. Low calorie and naturally sweetened it is suitable to consume before, during and after exercise. There are refreshing flavours to choose from including Mixed Berry and Orange & Mango.

If you are interested in CrossFit and functional fitness WOD Powders will give you transparency on our labels so that you know the exact amounts of each active ingredient. With carefully crafted formulas incorporating high quality and science backed ingredients you can take your CrossFit competition performance to the next level. For detailed ingredients and further product information visit www.wodpowders.co.uk where you will get free shipping on all UK orders over £10.

Disclaimer: WOD Powders is not associated with CrossFit® in any way and these opinions are separate from the CrossFit® brand.