You must have heard about pre-workout supplements for body builders and athletes. However, do these also work for runners? Is it a good idea to take such a supplement to boost your energy level from 0 to 10 straightaway?

It is true that just like other professional sportsperson, runners also need high levels of energy to run properly and reach the finish line on time.

If you have been through a marathon, you will understand how it feels and what it takes to finish the race properly. Your lungs start to burn and you suddenly feel very low on energy. Your legs also begin to ache badly. However, with proper supplements, you can easily boost your endurance and energy levels.

Why Should You Use A Pre-Workout Supplement For Running?

There are various types of workouts. Similarly, each workout has its own set of requirements. There are some pre-workout supplements that are designed for high-intensity and weight training routines. Having such a supplement for runners is practically useless.

On the contrary, runners need something that helps to boost their endurance levels says Drench Fitness. When you run, you will notice that starting the run is not the toughest part. It is to keep going that is more challenging.

What Should A Runner Look For In A Pre-Workout Supplement?

Depending on stimulants for a runner is not a good idea, since running is rather tough on your entire body. Stimulants tend to boost your energy levels for a short period of time. However, once the effects wears off, you will feel more burned out and exhausted.

Thankfully, there are some nutrients that can easily help improve the levels of stamina and endurance in your body. If you are a runner, you should get sufficient amount of amino acids, carbs, as well as, beta-alanine. These enhance the endurance levels for a long time unlike stimulants.

Carbohydrates

Usually, it is seen that professional body builders tend to avoid supplements that are rich in carbs. However, for a runner, it is important to have sufficient amount of carbohydrates on a regular basis. This nutrient is highly essential in boosting your energy levels in order to perform cardio workouts for a long period of time. Ask any marathon runner and you will come to know that carbs are very important to help you get across the finish line.

Carbs can produce glycogen in your body. This is normally stored in your muscles. When you are in need of energy, your body turns to the stored glycogen. If your body has a sufficient storage of glycogen, you may expect to get proper supply of energy for a long period of time.

Beta-Alanine

In the world of fitness and health, beta-alanine is a budding supplement. This is useful for boosting your endurance levels. It is basically a type of amino acid and several researches have revealed that beta-alanine can also increase your lean body mass, apart from boosting your endurance. This nutrient can work like a charm as a pre-workout supplement. However, you may still take doses of beta-alanine during other times of the day.

BCAA

BCAA or branched chain amino acids are highly important for boosting your endurance levels and toning your overall body mass. In fact, it is one of the primary nutrients found in supplements used by professional body builders and athletes. It is also useful in shedding unwanted fat from your body.

Benefits of Pre-Run Supplements

There are several health benefits of having the right pre-run supplements for runners. Some of these benefits are discussed below.

• If you have the right pre-run supplement, it can effectively reduce perceived effort.
• Pre-run supplements can also help your body use the already stored fat as the primary source of energy whenever it is needed the most.
• Runners need lean and strong muscles in order to run properly and effectively. Pre-run supplements can help you with better muscle gains.
• Top of the line pre-run supplements can also boost the endurance levels of your muscles, so that you can run for a long distance without making your muscles tired.
• Running for a great distance requires a better overall respiratory health. Pre-run supplements can also help improve your respiratory fitness.
• According to tests, pre-run supplements can also improve your rate of metabolism by almost 30%.

If you search at the various stores in town, you may come across several varieties of pre-workout supplements that are designed for runners. However, if you are planning to start on such a supplement for the first time in your life, it is always better to go through the ingredients and also go through some user reviews. These will help you get an idea whether the product is suitable for you or not. It will also be a good idea to consult with a doctor if you are on a regular medication of any type.