If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best recovery supplement for cyclists is, then we recommend Performance Lab® SPORT Maintain as the best one.
How do you feel after completing a tough training ride?
If you’re like most cyclists, you might feel sore and tired, and those sensations seem to last forever.
That’s why it’s critical to find the best recovery supplement.
These products help to restore your muscles and energy levels while helping you to prepare for your next ride.
Keep reading to identify the best recovery supplement for you.
Here are the top recovery supplements we’ll be reviewing:
- Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine Muscle Recovery Capsules
- Post JYM Active Matrix
- Garden of Life Sport Vegan Post Workout
- XTEND Sport BCAA Powder
- Performance Lab® SPORT Maintain
Smart Recovery for Cyclists
When you’re in the middle of a tough ride, the blood vessels in the lower half of your body expand.
If you immediately stop riding, then all of that excess blood simply pools in your feet and legs.
This is a condition that can leave you feeling lightheaded, but the outcomes can be worse than that because it makes it difficult for your body to circulate oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to your legs and remove metabolic waste.
Since such circulation is essential to recovery, it makes sense to take steps such as foam rolling and eating high-protein foods.
What if these steps aren’t quite enough?
Perhaps you are getting super sore after your rides. Or, maybe you are looking to shorten the time between your training rides.
In these and other circumstances, it may be wise to look for a recovery supplement.
Supplements for Cyclists
Supplements effectively are products that are used to supplement an athlete’s diet. Supplements are available as capsules, powders, gels and other forms.
Additionally, supplements may be designed to be consumed before, during or after a workout.
As you might expect, pre-workout and during workout supplements are formulated to do things like increase energy levels, improve performance, and stimulate stamina.
Post-workout, or recovery, supplements have a different purpose.
They may be intended to replace salts and minerals lost during a ride, aid with faster recovery, prevent cramping and reduce muscle breakdown.
Science-Backed Ingredients
Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements generally are not regulated by the FDA.
This means that supplements are not required to be put through clinical trials to prove that they will actually do what they are advertised to do.
As a result, there are plenty of supplements on the market that are not all that they are cracked up to be.
They may be filled with ingredients that don’t actually do anything.
Instead, the manufacturers of these products rely on slick advertising and packaging, and perhaps a celebrity endorsement.
Unfortunately, these products will not help to prevent sore muscles after a ride or assist with a faster recovery.
It further is possible that some of these products may have detrimental effects or uncomfortable side effects.
Accordingly, it is sensible to look for a recovery supplement that is based on scientifically backed ingredients.
Some of the safest and most effective of these ingredients include creatine, beta-alanine and branched chain amino acids.
All of these ingredients have been extensively researched, which means that you can rely on them to do what they are advertised to do without potentially causing you harm.
Capsules or Powder?
The most common forms of the best recovery supplements for cyclists are capsules and powders.
Capsules can be swallowed just like any supplement or medication in pill form. Powders are intended to be mixed into water, a protein shake or another liquid.
Which one is most effective?
The reality is that both capsules and powders can be equally effective. What really matters is the ingredients.
However, some people simply can’t stand to swallow pills and capsules.
Having to potentially swallow several capsules after a workout or on recovery days can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
For them, it may be sensible to look for a powdered recovery supplement that dissolves efficiently and has a pleasing taste.
If you can’t find a powder that tastes good, try mixing it with something else like protein powder or consider diluting it with more than the recommended amount of water.
Slow Release Products May Be Best
When you’re recovering from a tough ride, you want a supplement that goes to work quickly.
This means that it’s advantageous to seek out a supplement that describes itself as being fast absorbing.
A fast-absorbing supplement is one that is quickly picked up by your blood stream, which means that it can go to work faster.
However, that is just one part of the equation.
It also may be exceptionally beneficial to use a supplement that promises quick initial absorption and then a long cycle of activity in the body.
Remember, the longer the supplement remains active, the more repair work it does.
Best Recovery Supplement Reviews
Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine Muscle Recovery Capsules
While L-glutamine is known in some circles for its ability to help with gastrointestinal health, ulcers and even brain function, this amino acid also is known to boost athletic performance.
Perhaps more critically to cyclists, L-glutamine is known to aid in recovery from endurance exercise.
Accordingly, taking a supplement that contains L-glutamine may be a good way to ensure that you’re better prepared for your next training session.
Glutamine is naturally found in the human body. In fact, it’s one of the most abundant amino acids.
However, it can become depleted during long-distance training sessions, which means that this could be an essential supplement.
In just two capsules, users receive 1,000 mg of L-glutamine with Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine. This is an excellent dose for maintaining muscle growth and recovery.
Unfortunately, some unpleasant side effects may be associated with using this supplement. Users have reported experience intense stomach pain and diarrhea.
Pros:
- Replenishes essential glutamine after long training sessions
- A dose is just two capsules
- May boost athletic performance
Cons:
- Some users report experiencing stomach pain and diarrhea
Post JYM Active Matrix
Post JYM Active Matrix contains numerous potentially helpful ingredients like glutamine, Branch Chain Amino Acids, creatine and beta-alanine.
Also in the formula is taurine, which can help to fight muscle cramps. This can be extremely desirable if you are bothered by cramps on your rest days or even during your workouts.
If you dislike taking capsules, you’ll appreciate that this is a powder supplement that can be mixed into water, a protein shake or another beverage.
I appreciate that so many of the ingredients in this supplement are backed by science. This means that there is a greater chance that it will actually do what it is advertised to do.
Plus, this product is available in several flavors like fruit punch, lemonade and mandarin orange, giving you an opportunity to discover one that you actually look forward to drinking.
Despite containing some really promising ingredients, more than one user has reported adverse reactions that may include general itchiness and jitteriness.
It may be that with so many different ingredients involved, the chances are increased that you’ll have a bad reaction to one of them.
Pros:
- Available in many flavors
- Contains numerous science-backed ingredients
- Mixes well
Cons:
- May cause unexpected side effects like general itchiness or jitters
Garden of Life Sport Vegan Post Workout
Garden of Life Sport Vegan Post Workout is a reliable recovery supplement for cyclists.
In it, you’ll find ingredients such as pea protein, organic orange juice powder and organic cane sugar that are designed to assist with muscle repair after a tough training session.
Using this product also may mean less muscle soreness while shortening the recovery time needed in between training sessions.
If you are looking for the best recovery supplement for cyclists and you are careful about following an organic diet, then this may be the right product for you.
It’s plant based and gluten-free.
With ingredients like turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory properties, and holy basil for aiding in stress relief, this is a good supplement for overall wellness.
If you are a competitor, then you will appreciate that this recovery powder has been tested to ensure that it’s free of banned substances.
Unfortunately, many users say that the taste of this product is simply terrible. It also doesn’t help that this powder does not mix well, which leaves you with a gritty drink.
Pros:
- All organic ingredients
- Lots of extra vitamins and minerals
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- Bad taste
- Does not mix well
XTEND Sport BCAA Powder
Packed with amino acids and electrolytes, XTEND Sport BCAA Powder ensures that you get the muscle repair and hydration that you need after a grueling ride.
The ingredients in this drink powder are pretty simple and straightforward. On the label, you’ll see things like citric acid, malic acid, magnesium and potassium.
The really important ingredients are the L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine, all of which are branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs. The will help with muscle repair between training sessions.
Another powerful ingredient is the electrolyte blend that is designed to ensure that you get rehydrated as quickly as possible.
When you’re properly hydrated, then your body is much more efficient with recovery and repair, making this a critical component.
Without caffeine or other stimulants, you don’t have to worry about jitters. Plus, there’s no sugar so there’s no concern over spiking your blood sugar too much after a workout.
Nonetheless, some people complain that this powder is really difficult to mix.
Pros:
- Great for hydrating after a tough ride
- Contains plenty of amino acids
- No sugar or caffeine
Cons:
- Doesn’t mix well enough
Performance Lab® SPORT Maintain
Performance Lab® SPORT Maintain earns a spot on this best recovery supplement list thanks to ingredients such as creatine monohydrate and beta-alanine.
With 3,000 mg of the former and 1,600 mg of the latter in each dose, users are likely to receive the support for muscle growth that they desire.
Creatine supplements are considered to be among the safest and most effective of all recovery ingredients.
Similarly, beta-alanine has been clinically proven to be safe and effective, especially when taken in a formulation with an extended release period.
These caffeine-free capsules are unlikely to cause jitters. Plus, this supplement is designed to be taken on rest days during which muscle growth continues.
The manufacturers of Performance Lab® SPORT Maintain claim that it can “stimulate” anabolic activity on rest days for as much as 12 hours, which means that you may be able to maximize your gains even on days when you’re not working out.
Maintain has been tested for the presence of banned substances, and it is allergen- and gluten-free.
Doses are relatively large. The recommendation is to take three capsules each morning and another three each afternoon on rest days.
One bottle contains 60 capsules and is considered a one-month supply.
These vegan-approved capsules are backed by science, which is something that I really appreciate.
However, I wish that they were easier to obtain as they currently are only available from the manufacturer’s website.
Pros:
- May provide up to 12 hours of anabolic nourishment on rest days
- Backed by science
- Healthy and vegan-friendly
Cons:
- Only available through the manufacturer’s website
Related: Click here to read our full review of Performance Lab® SPORT Maintain
Final Thoughts
Most cycling coaches emphasize the need for sleep, good nutrition and foam rolling after a tough training ride or race.
That’s because practices like these help to speed up recovery and prevent sore muscles. Moreover, good recovery techniques can go a long way toward preparing athletes for their next training run.
However, sometimes those habits aren’t quite enough. This means that there’s a need for finding the best recovery supplement.
After reviewing many of the most highly recommended products, I believe that Performance Lab® SPORT Maintain is the one that is most likely to deliver on its promises.
The science-backed ingredients are clinically proven to be safe and effective, which means that you can trust them to actually help to heal your hard-working muscles.
Another favorable characteristic of this product is its slow-release formula. This means that it stays active in your body longer than the competition, which gives you a greater opportunity to recover.
Though Performance Lab® SPORT Maintain is only available through the manufacturer’s website, I believe that the formulation is beneficial enough to warrant a bit of inconvenience.
