Taking the best post workout supplement you can find is crucially important to aid in muscle growth, recovery, and provide the body with vital nutrients. There are hundreds of Post workout supplements currently on the market that vary in their aim and purpose which can make choosing the right one a confusing and daunting task. Bodybuilders, athletes, and weekend warriors all follow different workout routines and supplement regimens so what supplement works for one may not be the best choice for the other. After reviewing dozens of different post workout supplements I started to realize that there were certain characteristics that make up the best.
Furthermore, post workout supplements are constantly evolving to address different needs. Some want an all in one supplement that contains not only BCAA’s and L-Glutamine, but also Protein and Creatine, while others just want a good BCAA and L-Glutamine supplement for their post workout needs.
Here is a quick breakdown of the 3 categories:
Total Nutrient Category
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The supplements in this category are all-in-one post workout supplements that are intended for those individuals that want their Creatine, Protein, BCAA’s and Glutamine combined all together into one supplement. These supplements primarily contain:
- Protein
- Creatine
- BCAA’s
- L-Glutamine
- L-Arginine
- Other nutrients
Major Nutrient Category
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These supplements are your typical post workout supplements that many associate with post workout recovery. These post workout supplements are intended for people who already have Protein and/or Creatine, but need a supplement that can assist as a post/intra workout supplement to aid in recovery and/or prolong their workouts. These supplements do not contain Protein or Creatine but do contain:
- BCAA’s
- L-Glutamine
- Other nutrients
Essential Nutrient category
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The supplements here are straight up BCAA supplements that are used as an intra/post workout supplement. Bodybuilders who use these supplements are just looking to increase their BCAA consumption several times a day in order to speed up muscle repair and rebuilding. These supplements may have some additional nutrients that assist with absorption but they do not contain Protein, Creatine, L-Glutamine, L-Arginine. Again they only contain:
- BCAA’s
- Absorption nutrients
Best Post Workout Supplement – Total Nutrients
The 5 major ranking categories of quintessential post workout recovery are:
- MUSCLE BUILDING COMPLEX – The most important aspect of post workout supplements are how much did your muscles recuperate and grow. What you’ll find in this category is Protein, Creatine, Beta-Alanine, Citrulline, and L-Arginine – all of which are paramount to building valuable muscle.
- ANTI CATABOLIC COMPLEX – After a tough workout your muscle are depleted of nutrients which causes your body to begin to feed on your muscle tissue for food and energy. We don’t want or need that side-effect. The anti-catabolic complex stops this from happening and puts your body back into the muscle building anabolic state. Here you’ll find carbohydrates, L-Glutamine, Alpha Ketoglutarate, Thiamine, and Riboflavin amongst others.
- BCAA COMPLEX– Branched Chain Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein synthesis and refers to the essential amino acids Leucine, Isolucine, and Valine . They aid your body in faster muscle recovery, muscle growth, and can also aid in weight loss as well as increase endurance.
- ELECTROLYTE COMPLEX – Electrolytes are ionized minerals that help the human body and vital organs carry out normal functions through chemical electric signals. Electrolytes are essential for maintaining normal bodily functions and they are easily depleted after a tough workout. Potassium, Sodium, and Calcium are typically found here.
- OTHER NUTRIENTS – This category is reserved for any additional nutrients that have been included into these supplements that also have positive effects on health and recovery. Anti-Oxidants, additional vitamins and minerals and various herbs are what make up this category.
*This list will often change due to new post workout supplements hitting the market so check back often for revisions and updates.
**All supplements are gauged based on 5 categories from 0-10
with 0 being the lowest rating, and 10 being the highest rating**
#1 – BioRythym: Afterglow
QUICK REVIEW:
BioRhythm’s post workout supplement Afterglow is a very well balanced and complete supplement. It contains a healthy 20g protein a whopping 7.5g L-Glutamine, 2.5g BCAA’s, 1g KreAlkalyn, 30g simple and complex carbs., and a whole slew of vitamins and minerals. You can buy a single RTD bottle, a 20 pack, or you can get it in powder form. Not too many people are aware of Afterglow because BioRhythm is not as well-known as Muscle Pharm, VPX, or BSN, however Afterglow has an impressive list of ingredients that well versed bodybuilders are sure to take note of. Of, and the drink also taste very good so it will go down nice and smooth every time you mix one up.
Buy BioRythym: Afterglow
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#2 – Universal: Torrent
QUICK REVIEW:
Universal’s Torrent is a great post workout supplement that contains all of the major post workout supplement categories but barely misses the mark due to a low protein amount. Aside from the lower 20g of protein, Torrent contains a great post workout matrix. The Anti-Catabolic Leucine Complex found in Torrent is important for triggering anabolic functions in the body and is what makes this post workout supplement different than the rest. The Creabolic Complex contains 3 different creatine compounds that put your total creatine intake at 3g per serving. Another highlight of this product is the Waxy Maize complex that has shown to quickly inject simple carbs into the blood stream thereby inducing an anti-catabolic effect.
Buy Universal: Torrent
#3 – Optimum Nutrition: After Max
QUICK REVIEW:
After Max made by Optimum Nutrition is the most complete post workout supplement to date. It contains all the major recovery and growth factor nutrients that are vital to replenishing your tapped fuel stores and promoting increased muscle growth and recovery. The 1:1 ratio of protein to carbohydrates is the perfect post workout combination that you’ll never have to think about. All you do is add your scoops and consume. No more guessing how much protein or how much carbohydrates you need. Plus, per serving, After Max contains a whooping 40g of Protein, 5g of Creatine, 5g of Glutamine, Carbogen and Aminogen for increased element absorption into the blood stream. To round of After Max, there’s a whole spectrum of vitamins and minerals as well as healthy digestive enzymes that all assist in optimal post workout recovery.
Buy Optimum Nutrition: After Max
#4 – MHP: Dark Matter
QUICK REVIEW:
Although Dark Matter has a lower protein count at 16g per serving, Dark Matter was designed to do one thing – force feed your muscles. Dark Matter consist of a 3 pronged approach: WaxiMAX, HydroSIZE, and ProSYNTHAGEN. WaxiMAX is a low viscosity high molecular weight osmotic waxy maize starch intended to replenish glycogen and supports cell volume. HydroSize is the muscle expansion portion consisting of 2 forms of Creatine – Creatine Pyruvate and Creatine Gluconate. ProSYNTHAGEN is the last stage of Dark Matter that consist of fast and slow digesting proteins as well as a full spectrum of Amino Acids.
Buy MHP: Dark Matter
#5 - VPX: NO-SyntheSize
QUICK REVIEW:
VPX is a well-known supplement manufacturer that is famous for several popular supplements like Redline and NO Shotgun. NO SyntheSize is a stimulant-free post workout supplement that is designed to build muscle using superior ingredients. To start off, the Protein Hydrolysate Matrix is made up of fast and slow digesting proteins for a more sustained approach to muscle feeding and with a full spectrum of Amino Acids to accompany it, this protein matrix is dead on. What’s more impressive is the Proprietary Muscle Volumizing, NO2, Insulinotrophic matrix. This portion of NO-SyntheSize is made up of 5 Creatine variations: Creatine Taurinate, Creatine Gluconate, Creatine Ethyl Ester, Creatine Magnesium Chelate, and Creatine Monohydrate. It is also comprised of Citrulline Malate, Beta Alanine, and L-Arginine.
Buy VPX: NO-SyntheSize
Best Post Workout Supplement – Major Nutrients
The 4 major ranking categories of quintessential post workout recovery are:
- ANTI CATABOLIC COMPLEX – Your Glutamine stores are usually tapped after you finish a grueling workout. It’s very important to restore it to regain energy and stamina.
- BCAA COMPLEX– Branched Chain Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein synthesis and refers to the essential amino acids Leucine, Isolucine, and Valine . They aid your body in faster muscle recovery, muscle growth, and can also aid in weight loss as well as increase endurance.
- ELECTROLYTE COMPLEX – Electrolytes are ionized minerals that help the human body and vital organs carry out normal functions through chemical electric signals. Electrolytes are essential for maintaining normal bodily functions and they are easily depleted after a tough workout. Potassium, Sodium, and Calcium are typically found here.
- OTHER NUTRIENTS – This category is reserved for any additional nutrients that have been included into these supplements that also have positive effects on health and recovery. Anti-Oxidants, additional vitamins and minerals and various herbs are what make up this category.
*This list will often change due to new post workout supplements hitting the market so check back often for revisions and updates.
**All supplements are gauged based on 5 categories from 0-10
with 0 being the lowest rating, and 10 being the highest rating**
#1 – MusclePharm: RE-CON
QUICK REVIEW:
Recon is the best post workout supplement that does not consist of protein or creatine. It contains Carb Max™ – A 3 Stage Delivery System that is made up of Glucose Polymers, Dextrose, and Inulin. The Anabolic Primer Matrix is a 3:1:2 BCAA Blend of essential and non-essential amino acids. The Recovery Accelerator has L-Glutamine, L-Arginine, and L-Pyroglutamic Acid and it works along side the Muscle Extend Matrix that includes Beta-Alanine, Citrulline Malate, Suma Pfaffia Pariculate) Root), and Ginger Extract (Zingiber Officinale)(Root). The last part of Recon consist of a Anti-Stress And Adaptogen Matrix, a Muscle Detoxifier, and a Reload Matrix. Recon would of scored higher if it contained Protein and/or Creatine, but to be fair, Recon can easily be accompanied by a protein supplement and/or a creatine/pre workout supplement.
Buy MusclePharm: RE-CON
#2 – Evogen: Cell K.E.M.
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Cell K.E.M. by Evogen is a great post workout supplement if you’re looking for something that doesn’t contain protein. Its true intent is to be used alongside Evogen’s other successful pre workout supplement – EVP, however Cell K.E.M. is also a great stand-alone product as well. The 4:1:1 Growth Acceleration Complex is made up of BCAA’s to start. Then the Recovery Augmenting/Anti-Catabolic/Anti-Oxidant Complex consists of L-Glutamine, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacinamide, and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride. The Osmotic Expansion/ATP-Enhancing Complex found here is made up of Arginine Alpha Keto-Glutarate, Creatine Gluconate, Citruline Malate, and L-Norvaline. Finally, the Electrolyte Infusion/Hyper Hydration Complex which consist of Sodium Citrate, Di-Potassium Phosphate, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Tri-Magnesium Phosphate, and Sodium Chloride.
Buy Evogen Cell K.E.M.
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#3 - SciVation: Xtend
QUICK REVIEW:
SciVacation Xtend is a top intra/post workout supplement that has been around for several years now. The foundation of this supplement is the “7000 mg of BCAAs in an ideal 2:1:1 ratio of Leucine:Isoleucine:Valine” followed by 2500 mg of L-Glutamine. Although Xtend is advertised as mostly an intra-workout supplement, the benefits of utilizing it as a post workout supplement are equally beneficial. The rest of this supplement’s ingredients consist of Vitamin B6 to help with BCAA absorption and 1:1 ratio of 1000 mg of Citrulline Malate which helps increase training intensity and ATP turnover. Also included in Xtend is the Electrolyte blend to increase and restore hydration levels in the cells. SciVacation has always produced quality supplements, but Xtend is perhaps the most well-known and well-respected of the bunch. Bodybuilding.com has over 1500 real reviews and over 1400 people have recommended it making this supplement a very safe bet.
Buy SciVation Xtend
#4 – Axis Labs: N’Gage
QUICK REVIEW:
Axis Labs N’Gage is a post workout supplement that contains some of the best sources of nutrients you can find. Utilizing Ajipure BCAA’s AND L-Glutamine, N’Gage receives top ratings in both the Anti-Catabolic and BCAA categories. Ajipure is a manufacturing process whereby the nutrients are derived from high quality botanical sources. “AjiPure® Amino Acids are strictly derived from botanical sources and are instantized for optimum bioavailability and absorption.*” Provided all things being equal N’Gage could’ve grabbed the top spot as the best post workout supplement for this section, however it fell short in the other categories. By not including an electrolyte profile and nothing more than vitamin B6, N’Gage fell a bit short, however what is not included in my ratings system that should be mentioned is the great customer feedback regarding the excellent taste and mix ability of the product. So if high quality BCAA’s and Glutamine is what your after followed by superior taste and mix ability than Axis Labs N’Gage is your supplement.
Buy Axis Labs: N‘Gage
#5 -Universal: Atomic 7
QUICK REVIEW:
Universal’s Atomic 7 is another solid post workout supplement that has been receiving some great reviews by the bodybuilding community. The nutrient profile make up is very similar to Axis Labs N’Gage, and to the untrained eye, you wouldn’t see any real differences between the two, however they are there. The major differences and the reason why N’Gage holds a better rank than Atomic 7 first in the amount nutrients in each ingredient is less than N’Gage, second the source of these ingredients not as good as N’Gage, and third factor although not as important, is the taste and mix ability is slightly less desirable. Of course, Atomic 7 is fine post workout supplement and anyone who purchases it will definitely get their money’s worth, but for anyone who is really comparing the two, there are some noteworthy differences that do separate one from the other. The only other difference between the two is Atomic 7 contains 500 mg of Taurine.
Buy Universal: Atomic 7
Best Post Workout Supplement – Essential Nutrients
The 2 major ranking categories of quintessential post workout recovery are:
- BCAA COMPLEX– Branched Chain Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein synthesis and refers to the essential amino acids Leucine, Isolucine, and Valine . They aid your body in faster muscle recovery, muscle growth, and can also aid in weight loss as well as increase endurance.
- OTHER NUTRIENTS – This category is reserved for any additional nutrients that have been included into these supplements that also have positive effects on health and recovery. Anti-Oxidants, additional vitamins and minerals and various herbs are what make up this category.
*This list will often change due to new post workout supplements hitting the market so check back often for revisions and updates.
**All supplements are gauged based on 5 categories from 0-10
with 0 being the lowest rating, and 10 being the highest rating**
#1 -Magnum Nutraceuticals: DNA
QUICK REVIEW:
DNA by Magnum Nutraceuticals takes the top spot for best post workout supplement in the Essential Nutrients Category. DNA comes in pill form and the recommended dosage is 8 pills per serving. It contains “7 sources of BCAAs, including the latest Ethyl Ester & Ketoisocaproate Calcium technology.” These types of essential amino acids are absorbed quicker into the body thereby speeding recover and protein synthesis. The other nutrients found in DNA are vitamins B6, B12, B3, and folic acid which aside from increasing natural energy levels, B vitamins also play a role a cell and tissue repair. The last point I like to make about DNA is it contains 1000 mg of L-Arginine. By including Arginine into the matrix, you have the perfect delivery system for your highly absorbable nutrients. The reviews of other bodybuilders have been very good so obviously DNA has been really delivering on the goods. This is a great product and I highly recommend it.
Buy Magnum Nutraceuticals: DNA
#2 – BSN: AMINOx
QUICK REVIEW:
AMINOx made by BSN is a top notch post workout supplement because it contains a whopping 10 g of Amino Acids and instead of standardized aminos, the amino acids here are micronized which does increase absorption because the particles are smaller and can enter the bloodstream quicker. AMINOx also contains 500IU of Vitamin D as well as 160 mg of sodium. This product also contains something called “Efforsorb EnDura Composite” which is unique in that it creates an Effervescent effect when mixed in water. This is very similar to Alka-Seltzer, but instead of helping a stomach ache, you’re helping your muscle recover. The taste is great and the mixability is second to none. The cost is around $20 per 30 servings which is a bargain. This is a great post workout product and is sure to please even the most savvy bodybuilding enthusiast.
Buy BSN: AMINOx
#3 – Gaspari Nutrition: BCAA 6000
QUICK REVIEW:
So who isn’t a fan of Gaspari Nutrition products? They have consistently produced high-quality supplements and BCAA 6000 is no exception. To start, BCAA 6000 is comprised of a 4:1:1 ratio of essential amino acids. 4000 mg of L-Leucine, 1000 mg of L-Valine, and 1000 mg of L-Isoleucine. BCAA 6000 also contains vitamins B6 and B12 for added natural energy and cell repair. The cost is very comparable to AMINOx and it comes in tablets at about 180 per container which should last you a solid 30 days. The bottom line with this product is that it works and the reviews so far from others definitely reflect that.
Buy Gaspari Nutrition: BCAA 6000
#4 – MHP: BCAA 3300
QUICK REVIEW:
BCAA 3300 is another 4:1:1 ratio blend of essential amino acids. The other main ingredients here are comprised of 1.7 mg of Riboflavin and 1.5 mg of vitamin B6. The bottle contains 120 tablets which will last you an even 30 days. The recommended serving portion is 4 tablets compared to 6 or 8 with some of the other BCAA pill form supplements. I like MHP supplements, but in my opinion, the milligrams are lower than some of the other supplements like BCAA 6000 which contains 6000 mg or Aminox which contain 10000 mg of amino acids. For me, this portion size is not enough for my big frame, but it is more suitable for people who weigh no more than 160 lbs. If you weigh more than that then you might want to consider something else.
Buy MHP: BCAA 3300
#5 – Beverly Int.: Density
QUICK REVIEW:
Density by Beverly Int. is a post workout/recovery supplement that is very straight forward with their approach. It contains all 8 essential and non-essential amino acids at 500 mg each. The only other major ingredient is 50 IU of Vitamin E. The recommended serving size is 5 tablets and the bottle contains 150 tablets in all which is 30 servings. As far as ranks are concerned, it ranked lower than the others because for the average lifter or someone who is cutting weight, this is a fine supplement, but for those of us who are high-output lifters than it may not be enough to support our growth. Either way, you will benefit from taking this supplement, but to what degree is hard to determine.
Buy Beverly Int.: Density
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