Working out is essential to living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Whether it comes to going to your local fitness centre, exercising at your own home gym or simply taking the reins and exercising by yourself, personal fitness has evolved to be more popular than ever before.
The Right Workout for the Right Body
Thanks to advancements in our understanding of fitness, the body and biology, personal fitness trainers, dieticians, nutritionists and more can scientifically find the ideal workout regime for each individual, depending on your very own unique body type and personal fitness goals.
The proper supplements such as protein powders and shakes are only beneficial if used for the right purpose. Therefore, your first step should always be to plan out your own goals and exercises before deciding on whether protein supplements are the right choice for you.
The 2 Main Workout Types - What Are They?
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Aerobic Exercise - Crucial for many body functions, this form of exercise specializes in speeding up your heart rate and breathing. With major examples including running, swimming, hiking and more, aerobic exercise specialise in building endurance which reduces risk of injury, lowers risk of diabetes, heart attack and more.
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Anaerobic Exercise - Otherwise known as strength training, whether it’s lifting dumbbells and bars, squats, push ups or burpees, this is a must for building muscle and bone strength. This helps to stimulate bone growth, help with weight control, reduce stress/anxiety and more.
At the end of the day, the most crucial role both of these exercises play in the body are mental and not physical. For one, not only do both reduce risk of stress and anxiety, but also risk of depression by releasing endorphins which reduce your body's perception of pain and is sometimes known as the body’s “happy hormone”.
Protein’s Role in the Body
While protein is a wide-ranging molecule with various uses in the body such as: 1) balancing pH, 2) improves your immune health by helping to form antibodies, 3) transporting and storing nutrients throughout the body, 4) acting as a chemical messenger and more.
However, the main purpose of proteins in the body is the growth and maintenance of the body’s tissues and bones. With a wide array of proteins, your body uses them to build, and repair the body’s muscle tissues.
Therefore, when it comes to protein shakes and supplements, they will be at their most efficient if the main focus of your workouts are strength training-based. If you are a beginner or getting back into fitness, aerobic exercise to improve your endurance is the best way to go and we would suggest holding off on protein shakes and powders until later.
The Right Protein Powder For You
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Best Weight Loss Powder
Naked Whey Powder - At a moderate price point, Naked whey powder is a low carb option whose mild flavour and easy mixability as well as versatility, being available in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavorus have lent it high scores among critics. Their unflavoured versions are also free of added sugar and only contain one ingredient: whey protein concentrate.
Nutrition Stats per 2-scoop (30 gram) serving (unflavoured):
Calories: 120
Carbs: 3 grams
Fat: 2 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Protein: 25 grams
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Best Strength Athlete-Based Powder
Ladder Whey Protein Powder - Popular among ardent gym goers and professional athletes, the ladder whey protein powders’s strains of probiotics mixed in with its protein concentrate make for a great balance of muscle growth and immune/digestive health. Although pricey, it is NSF Certified for Sport and its loose solution makes for a versatile and easy to mix post-workout protein shake, available in chocolate and vanilla flavours.
Nutrition Stats per 1-scoop (38.9grams) serving:
Calories: 130
Carbs: 6 grams
Fat: 1 gram
Sugar: 3 grams
Protein: 26 grams
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Best Casual Gymgoers Powder
BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder - This unflavoured casein protein powder is a great boost for a pre or post-workout shake. A good source of calcium at 578 mg or 45% of your daily recommended intake, it’s crucial for supporting and maintaining bone health. Produced in a facility that is certified by NSF International, you can be sure that this versatile powder is great to use, whether in smoothies, batters or more!
Nutrition Stats per 4-tablespoon (30 gram) serving:
Calories: 106
Carbs: less than 1 gram
Fat: less than 1 gram
Sugar: less than 1 gram
Protein: 25 grams
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Best Lactose-Intolerant Powder
NOW Sports Egg White Protein - Sold at an affordable price, this protein powder is a gem for the lactose-intolerant crowd. Additionally certified by Informed Sport, a third-party organisation that ensures supplements are made free of banned ingredients, its plain yet smooth makes it ideal for shakes, smoothies and even baked goods.
Nutrition Stats per 1/4cup (20-gram) serving:
Calories: 80
Carbs: 2 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Sugar: 1 gram
Protein: 16 grams
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Best Plant-Based Powder
Ritual Essential Protein - A high-end brand, this protein powder is composed of organic pea protein sourced from only non-GMO farms as well as by local, sustainable farming practises. Ritual Essential Protein provides the whole health package of 0 added sugar and being a rich source for fiber, iron and calcium. Unfortunately, it’s only available in one flavour: vanilla.
Nutrition Stats per 1-scoop (30 grams) serving:
Calories: 115
Carbs: 3 grams
Fat: 2 grams
Sugar: 0 grams
Protein: 20 grams
What Protein Powder/Shake Is Best For Me?
At the end of the day, only you know the answer to this question. If you are currently an intermediate or expert gym-goer or regularly exercise at home or at your local community centre, protein powders can be an excellent method to boost your results.
Looking for a way to get easy results from the comfort of your own home? With Fitness Avenue, get high-quality local exercise equipment from our online fitness store today! Book your order today for a free delivery and get everything from barbells and benches to medicine balls, resistance bands and more!