Speed Up Muscle Growth and Anabolism with These Top-Rated Stacks
Post-workout supplements continue to evolve. Manufacturers are pulling out all the stops to help you grow muscle mass, recover faster, and prepare for your next workout at the gym.
The best post-workout supplements feature the best formulations on the market.
Not only will they help you achieve your post-workout goals, but your long-term health goals as well.
This guide will also break down the ingredients, trends, and other pertinent information about these first-rate post-workout products.
We’re sure bodybuilding enthusiasts – professional and recreational alike – will benefit immensely.
Table of Contents
Quick List: Best Post-Workout Supplements 2020 Edition
The best post-workout supplements harness the powers ingredients and “stacks” that deliver superior results.
More on these later, but for now here is a quick list of the Best Post-Workout Supplements:
#1. Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout – Meet the creatine-driven post-workout which helps increase muscle mass and ward off muscle and connective tissue damage. Performance Lab website |
#2. KAGED MUSCLE RE-KAGED – Kris Gethin’s signature post-workout. The manufacturer describes it as “a complete package to serve every aspect of your post-workout needs.” KAGED MUSCLE website |
#3. JACKED FACTORY POWERBUILD – The “Post-Workout Recovery and Growth” formula and a “true post-workout muscle-building supplement,” per its official website JACKED FACTORY website |
#4. MuscleFeast Recover – We dubbed this the “Perfect Post-Workout Which Pulls Out All the Stops.” Muscle Feast website |
#5. Do Vitamins PostPump – The only “Pure Workout Recovery Supplement” which gives you benefits without the B.S. Do Vitamins website |
Or, read on to learn about the trends, ingredients, and other tidbits about the Best Post-Workout Supplements.
Post-Workout Supplements 2020 Developments
In a nutshell, savvy customers know modern post-workout supplements are more than just about building serious muscle mass. They do just about everything to prepare you for the next workout.
Whether it’s replenishing depleted glycogen and electrolyte stores or shortening recovery time, the best post-workout supplements are up to the daunting task
When you take post-workout supplementation seriously, you are maximizing the results of your workouts. Moreover, you are inching toward your fitness goals day in and day out.
Taking a go-to post-workout supplement can help you get the body you want and take your health to the next level.
Increased Muscle Mass
One of the primary objectives of post-workout supplements is to help you gain more muscle. When you feed your muscles at the appropriate time, they will grow bigger before you know it.
Post-workout supplements do this by regulating anabolic hormones, increasing muscle energy, and paving the way for building blocks of muscle development, among other things.
Today’s post-workouts feature muscle-building ingredients such as creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Some of them even include protein (particularly fast-absorbing whey protein) to help you make the all-important transition from a catabolic (muscle breakdown) state to an anabolic (muscle-building) one after a hard workout.
The clear takeaway: building muscle mass is the primary goal of post-workout supplements.
Muscle Protection
As we usher in 2020, there are a plethora of nutrition plans people follow. Among these include:
- Keto Diet
- Intermittent fasting
- Mediterranean Diet
- South Beach Diet
In addition, some individuals also adhere to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or fasted cardio. Granted, these fitness plans can help you torch fat in conjunction with healthy eating.
Depending on your fitness and nutrition plans, the chances of packing on more muscle mass could pose as a daunting challenge.
On that note, it’s imperative your protect your hard-earned muscle mass. Post-workout supplements will help you do just that.
Take l-glutamine, for example. We’re talking about the most abundant amino acid in the human body. It helps you preserve muscle mass. Some studies even say it can increase human growth hormone (HGH) levels.
If you spot a post-workout supplement with l-glutamine, give it a shot. It’s a sure bet to help you maximize your gains in and out of the gym.
Increased Hydration
If you want to maximze your workouts, you have to increase your hydration. For one, the body’s cells need water to synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is a form of energy the muscles require for optimum function.
The more intense your workouts, the more ATP your muscles need. Therefore, it’s imperative you drink water and stay hydrated.
Dehydration also has dire consequences on your cardiovascular system. When you are in this state, your heart needs to pump blood harder. Your heart rate will increase.
Long story short, adequate fluid intake helps maintain blood volume for more efficient exercises.
Proper hydration also helps maintain proper body temperature. Adequate blood volume results in several processes:
- Sweating
- Facilitation of nutrient and oxygen delivery to the muscles
- Removal of waste products from the muscles
Some studies also reveal restricted fluid intake while exercising in the heat increases interleukin-6 (an inflammatory agent) and cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Fortunately, the best post-workout supplements include hydrating components such as coconut water. These have an impressive electrolyte profile which helps you recover faster.
Reduced Pain and Discomfort
Intense exercise can result in some pain and discomfort. Seasoned bodybuilders know this. The good news: post-workout supplements help ward off connective tissue, joint, and muscle issues so you can prepare yourself for your next training session accordingly.
There are plenty of ingredients which can help you achieve this goal. More specifically, anti-inflammatory components help you regain mobility and sleep better, among other things.
Less inflammation also keeps cardiovascular and other serious health issues at bay.
One such component you can find in some of today’s post-workout is turmeric. Curcumin, a bright yellow compound of turmeric, has some post-workout benefits.
According to the March 2017 issue of the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov), “Supplementation with six grams of curcumin and 60 milligrams of piperine each day between 48 hours before and 48 hours after exercise-induced muscle damage shows an effect on the recovery of some aspects of the muscle function 24 hours and 48 hours after the exercise.”
However, the study also notes “this effect is limited to the loss of power during the one-leg six-second sprint” the participating 16 rugby players experienced.
Nevertheless, post-workout supplements should help you ward off any unwanted muscular discomfort.
Post-Workout Ingredients to Look for in 2020
Creatine
Creatine is a naturally-occurring compound which is one of the top sports nutrition ingredients on the market today.
Experts have studied creatine for more than 200 years. A vast majority of the findings conclude it’s one of the safest supplements around.
Creatine’s main role is to help sustain ample adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in muscles.
The body stores roughly 95 percent of its creatine in the muscles in the form of creatine phosphate, which helps replenish ATP levels. High creatine levels allow you to perform intensely during rigorous workouts.
In terms of strength training, creatine helps because the ATP energy it supplies is critical for short-burst exercises.
In fact, one study concluded creatine supplementation helped increase a one-rep max bicep curl by an impressive 15 percent increase in resistance.
Because creatine intake results in increased workout intensity, it can assist an individual increase muscle mass.
Plus, it helps enhance “muscle force recovery after eccentrically-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals,” per the June 2, 2009 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (via NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov).
- Creatine monohydrate is the most popular type of creatine on the bodybuilding market simply because of its effectiveness. It’s also the cheapest form of creatine. Some experts argue creatine monohydrate’s poor solubility hinders its performance. However, its pros still outweigh its cons.
Protein
Truth is, many post-workout supplements don’t include protein. The reason: many supplement manufacturers believe the other components should suffice.
While they make a strong case, protein strengthens your post-workout formulation.
Simply put, protein helps build and repair damaged muscle tissue. Your muscles go through some serious wear and tear during a tough workout.
Taking a post-workout supplement with fast-absorbing whey protein helps you make the transition into an anabolic or muscle-building state.
Experts have no consensus on the best timing for protein supplementation for muscle growth. Nowhere is this more evident in its diversity: you can find it in pre-workout, protein, and post-workout supplements alike.
- When you’re on the market for protein in a post-workout supplement, try one with both fast-absorbing (whey protein concentrate or whey protein isolate) and slow-absorbing protein (casein protein). These components will help you remain in an anabolic state for a longer period of time.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. For their part, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids. This means the body cannot synthesize them. You must obtain them from whole food sources and supplements. There are three BCAAs:
- Leucine: The most anabolic amino acid which helps kickstart the muscle protein synthesis (MPS) process by activating the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Some studies suggest leucine also helps preserve muscle mass and increase satiety for more fat loss.
- Isoleucine: This BCAA helps increase endurance, repair muscle tissue, ward off muscle wasting, maintain a positive nitrogen balance, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Leucine: This BCAA helps increase endurance, repair muscle tissue, improve sleep quality, quell anxiety, suppress appetite, and increase muscle mass.
In a nutshell, BCAAs can help you reach optimal muscle energy, growth hormone, and amino acid levels to help you recover faster from any vigorous exercise session. You can take them so you can remain in an anabolic state anytime and anywhere.
Standalone BCAA supplements typically follow a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio. That means it has two servings of leucine for every serving of isoleucine and leucine. Experts believe this is the most effective BCAA ratio on the market.
Coconut Water and Salt
Coconut water is a great inclusion in any post-workout supplement. The key lies in its impressive electrolyte profile (particularly its potassium content) and its ability to rehydrate the body after a rigorous training session.
Coconut water also supplies the body with sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium for maximum hydration.
In addition, coconut water has low sugar content. In fact, it has a similar fluid-retaining ability as a sports drink’s. These make it an attractive option for serious athletes.
Instead of consuming a sports drink laden with sugar and artificial food colorings, coconut water is the better alternative.
Some of today’s supplement manufacturers combine coconut water with sodium. Scientific evidence suggests this combination helps accelerate post-workout hydration. You can find it in powdered post-workout supplements, sports drinks, or capsules.
Pomegranate Extract
This Iranian fruit-bearing tree contain powerful bioactive components which experts call ellagitannins. These help boost the cellular renewal process and keep free radicals at bay.
In terms of post-workout benefits, pomegranates help ward off muscle soreness and speed up muscle recovery time. Plus, pomegranate extract also helps keep oxidative stress at bay.
Researchers credit this to pomegranates’ high polyphenol (a powerful antioxidant compound) content. When you keep your oxidative stress in check, you ward off potential muscle damage.
Finally, pomegranate extract’s high antioxidant content keeps inflammation in check. When you supplement with this component, you will keep your connective tissues, muscles, and joints in tip-top shape.
What are Customers Looking for in Post-Workout Supplements in 2020?
Clean Ingredients
Post-workout supplement enthusiasts want a clean label in 2020. Bodybuilding supplement customers generally don’t want a product with artificial food colorings, additives, preservatives, allergens, genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), and harsh “other ingredients.”
Gelatin capsules are not a viable option since they have questionable origins. Plus, companies may use artificial food colorings such as FD&C Red No. 40 or FD&C Yellow No. 6 to increase their customer appeal.
Nowadays, vegan formulas are the better alternative since they rely on all-natural ingredients.
In addition to vegan post-workout supplements shortening your recovery time and keeping muscular discomfort at bay, they also have additional long-term health benefits.
Convenience
A majority of post-workout supplements come in powdered form. You can easily bring your post-workout to your gym and enjoy its benefits after a brutal workout.
Times have changed. Many consumers are gravitating toward post-workout supplements in capsule form. The reason: convenience.
People live generally busy lifestyles. Taking a post-workout supplement in capsule form is as easy as one-two-three. Chug it down with water, and you’re all set.
Research-Based
Customers want post-workouts with science-backed formulations. Supplements with clinical dosages also get their attention.
There are many finicky consumers – they can’t make up their minds on what supplement they’ll stick to over the long haul. A science-backed product will help them whittle down the field considerably.
Tried and tested components usually produce the best possible long-term results.
Today’s post-workout supplements feature research-backed ingredients such as creatine, protein, coconut water, and pomegranate extract. That’s a great deal for the customer. He is sure to get his money’s worth.
How Best 5 Supplements Rates and Ranks the Best Post-Workout Supplements of 2020
For general information on purchasing high-quality supplements, please check out the Best 5 How to Buy a Good Supplement guide. In terms of the best post-workout supplements in particular, here are the criteria we used in our ratings:
- Combinations: Post-workouts which have superior stacking strategies usually come out on top.
- Healthy: First-rate post-workout supplements have the long-term health of consumers in mind.
- Quality: Top post-workouts use branded and patented ingredients which reflect quality.
- Research: We give precedence to products which rely on science- and research-backed ingredients.
- Service: Companies with excellent customer service (e-mail and phone correspondence as well as return, refund, and exchange policies) set themselves apart from the rest of the pack.
- Value: We like post-workout supplements which give customers a fast return on their hard-earned investment.
- Cleanliness: Post-workouts with no fillers, artificial colors, synthetics or preservatives earn great reputations among customers.
We also take into account which companies have a strong online presence and good reputation. These manufacturers are more likely going to stand behind their products.
Best Post-Workout Supplements 2020 Edition
#1: Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout
Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout sets the trend for post-workout formulations in capsule form. This powerful supplement ramps up muscle ATP energy and growth hormone levels for maximum exercise performance.
Its 500 milligrams of pomegranate supply potent antioxidant levels so you can ward off muscle and connective tissue damage. This product also combines 350 milligrams of Himalayan pink salt and 1,250 milligrams of organic coconut water crystals for maximum hydration.
In a nutshell, Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout features most of the in-demand post-workout components this year. This supplement is all about maximum gains and convenience. Customers can’t ask for anything more.
Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout Summary |
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Ingredients: Sodium (from Himalayan Pink Salt) 140 mg, Creatine (as Creapure® pH10) 1,000 mg, Pomegranate (as P40p™) (40% punicosides 50% polyphenols) 500 mg, Organic Coconut Water Crystals 1,250 mg, Himalayan Pink Salt 350 mg, Plantcaps® Pullulan Capsule, NuFlow® Rice Concentrate | ||
Clean Label: Yes. Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout is a clean supplement from top to bottom. | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. The manufacturer uses Plantcaps® pullulan capsules which have excellent bioavailability. They also contain an ample amount of prebiotics for improved gut function. | ||
Stimulant-Free: Yes. Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout has no stimulant content whatsoever. | ||
Price: $40 for a 120-capsule bottle | ||
Any Deals? Yes. $76 for a 240-capsule bottle (five percent savings) and $108 for a 360-capsule bottle (10 percent savings), free worldwide shipping on orders over $200 | ||
Service: 24/7 customer service, online web form (get a response within 30 minutes), 30-day guarantee on first order | ||
Official Website: https://www.performancelab.com | ||
Read our in-depth Performance Lab SPORT Post-Workout review | ||
#2: KAGED MUSCLE RE-KAGED
KAGED MUSCLE RE-KAGED is the signature post-workout supplement of famous bodybuilder and fitness icon Kris Gethin. This is the so-called “complete package to serve every aspect of your post-workout needs,” per the manufacturer’s official website.
The company was’t kidding when it made that claim. To start things off, KAGED MUSCLE RE-KAGED has a solid 28 grams of fast-absorbing whey protein isolate per scoop. Ample servings of l-glutamine, betaine anhydrous, and creatine hydrochloride complete this vaunted formulation.
As if those weren’t enough, this supplement also has good fats (coconut oil powder and sunflower lecithin), Prohydrolase® (for efficient protein digestion), and stevia (a natural sweetener which helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels).
It’s abundantly clear KAGED MUSCLE RE-KAGED boasts of one of the most balanced post-workout formulations anywhere. This one’s a sure bet in terms of speeding up exercise recovery and ramping up muscle mass.
KAGED MUSCLE RE-KAGED Summary |
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Ingredients: Calories 160, Total Fat 3 g, Total Carbohydrate 5 g, Whey Protein 28 g, L-Glutamine 3 g, BetaPower® 1.5 g, Creatine HCl 1.5 g, Prohydrolase® 280 mg | ||
Clean Label: No. Contains sucralose, a synthetic sweetener. | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. The manufacturer uses regular supplement powder. | ||
Stimulant Free: Yes. | ||
Price: $39.99 for a 2.07-lb. container (20-day supply) | ||
Any Deals? Yes. KAGED MUSCLE’s Military and First Responder Program offers special prices to military personnel, firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel. | ||
Service: Yes. Customer service web form, e-mail, and chat, 30-day money-back guarantee or exchange, | ||
Official Website: https://www.kagedmuscle.com | ||
Read our in-depth KAGED MUSCLE RE-KAGED review | ||
#3: Jacked Factory POWERBUILD
Jacked Factory POWERBUILD is the “Post-Workout Recovery and Growth” formula and “a true post-workout muscle-building supplement,” per the manufacturer’s official website.
This product gives KAGED MUSCLE RE-KAGED a serious run for its money in terms of comprehensiveness. Jacked Factory POWERBUILD harnesses the powers of glutamine, leucine, creatine monohydrate, betaine anhydrous, and beta-alanine.
The manufacturer tops it all off with stevia leaf extract, one of the few healthy sweeteners on the market (along with monk fruit extract). It gets better: this is one of the best-tasting post-workout supplements around. We’re certain it’ll please your taste buds.
Truly, Jacked Factory POWERBUILD is one post-workout supplement which lives up to its billing.
Jacked Factory POWERBUILD Summary |
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Ingredients: L-Glutamine 5 g, L-Leucine 4 g, Creatine Monohydrate 3 g, Betaine Anhydrous 2.5 g, Beta-Alanine 2 g, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate 2 g, BioPerine® Black Pepper Fruit Extract 5 mg | ||
Clean Label: No. Contains silicon dioxide. | ||
Advanced Delivery: Yes. Features BioPerine® Black Pepper Fruit Extract for better nutrient absorption. | ||
Stimulant-Free: Yes. Jacked Factory POWERBUILD has no stimulant content. | ||
Price: $35.99 for a 450-gram container (20 servings) | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Get 10 percent off from your first order after subscribing to the company’s messenger list. The company also offers free shipping for orders over $49 in the continental U.S and international orders over $149. Finally, you can get a 30 percent off code for any personal online product purchases once you join the JF ARMY. | ||
Service: Customer service web form and e-mail, 90-day hassle-free money-back guarantee | ||
Official Website: https://shop.jackedfactory.com | ||
Read our in-depth Jacked Factory POWERBUILD review | ||
#4: MuscleFeast Recover
MuscleFeast Recover “is a combination of our amazing Premium Protein Blend and CarboLean, further enhanced by a strong dose of the amino acid l-glutamine and micronized creatine monohydrate,” per the manufacturer’s official website.
Three level scoops give you a whopping 44 grams of fast- (hydrolyzed whey and whey protein isolate) and slow-absorbing protein (casein protein). The 44-gram CarboLean blend combines maltodextrin, waxy maize, and dextrose to facilitate the recovery process. Throw in five grams of micronized creatine and six grams of l-glutamine, you have another well-rounded post-workout supplement.
When we said MuscleFeast Recover pulls out all the stops, we weren’t kidding. One of the most reputable bodybuilding supplement manufacturers does it again.
MuscleFeast Recover Summary |
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Ingredients: Total Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat <1 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Sodium 53 mg, Potassium 227 mg, Total Carbohydrates 44 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Sugars 15 g, Protein 44 g, Vitamin A 6%, Calcium 48%, Phosphorus 8%, Vitamin C <1%, Iron 0%, Magnesium 8%, L-Glutamine 6 g, Creatine 5 g | ||
Clean Label: Yes. | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. Regular supplement powder. | ||
Stimulant-Free: Yes. MuscleFeast Recover contains no stimulants. | ||
Price: $55.99 for a seven-lb. container (30-day supply) | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Free shipping on all orders in the continental U.S. The company also offers military and first responder discounts. | ||
Service: Customer service web form and toll-free hotline, 30-day return policy | ||
Official Website: https://www.musclefeast.com | ||
Read our in-depth MuscleFeast Recover review | ||
#5: Do Vitamins PostPump
The manufacturer claims Do Vitamins PostPump is “the only pure workout recovery supplement” which helps increase muscle mass, strength, and power; keep muscle soreness at bay, speed up recovery time, and improve anaerobic endurance, per its official website.
Do Vitamins PostPump keeps it simple. Its formulation boasts of creatine monohydrate, betaine anhydrous, BCAAs, and l-carnitine l-tartrate. Better yet, the manufacturer uses branded ingredients. Only a few post-workout supplements reach that stratosphere. That’s saying something about this product’s top-notch quality.
We’re confident this is one post-workout supplement which will give you benefits without the B.S.
Do Vitamins PostPump Summary |
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Ingredients: Creatine (as Creapure®) 3000 mg, Betaine (as BetaPower™) 1250 mg, L-Leucine (as AjiPure®) 1500 mg, L-Isoleucine (as AjiPure®) 750 mg, L-Valine (as AjiPure®) 750 mg, L-Carnitine (as Carnipure™) 500 mg | ||
Clean Label: Yes. Do Vitamins PostPump’s formula is as clean as a whistle. | ||
Advanced Delivery: No. The manufacturer uses plain powder. | ||
Stimulant-Free: Yes. Do Vitamins PostPump has zero stimulant content. | ||
Price: $39.95 for a 232.5-gram container | ||
Any Deals? Yes. Free shipping on U.S. orders over $75, Get a 10 percent gift card on your first order upon signing up for the company’s newsletter. The company also offers military and other service discounts. | ||
Service: Customer service e-mail, five-star return policy | ||
Official Website: https://dovitamins.com | ||
Read our in-depth Do Vitamins PostPump review | ||
Conclusion on the Best Post-Workout Supplements of 2020
Expect a wider array of post-workout supplements as 2020 progresses. Manufacturers continue to diversify for the convenience of their customers.
Today’s post-workouts come in powder and capsule forms to meet your health and fitness needs. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Any of these five formulations we included in our Best Post-Workout Supplements article will exceed your expectations. They will also give you a fast return on your investment.
If you want the best, then we recommend Performance Lab Post to help you recover quicker after workouts. To buy or learn more, visit: www.performancelab.com
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