Protein Shakes
These are an obvious choice for gym goers who strength train. In the gym, lots of people are shaking up some mix of their favorite protein to help recover after their workout. You can get the most out of a post-workout shake by drinking it within 30 minutes of completing exercise. You can grab a shaker bottle from any nutrition store and have your favorite powder ready to go inside. Just add water and shake!
Chocolate Milk
Believe it or not, fitness lovers LOVE their chocolate milk (assuming they haven’t given up dairy). Chocolate milk is the perfect mix of protein from milk and carbs from sugar to give your body the energy it needs to recover from a hard workout. Drink this after you’ve had a long run, or a long weightlifting session and your achy muscles will thank you!
Water
The fancy drinks are great, but water is always the most important thing you can sip at the gym. You need water to help your body function and avoid dehydration. Especially if you’re working out in hot weather, you should hydrate before your workout, after and even during. You’ll maintain your energy and avoid painful muscle cramps if you stay hydrated.
Sharita Jennings is a health policy attorney, ACE certified group fitness instructor and nutrition specialist. She leads fitness classes in Washington, DC and provides online coaching and tips on her site, GetFitLikeThat.com.