Maxifuel FAQ

Should I eat before training?

It is not advised to train on an empty stomach especially if you want to improve strength, endurance and performance. Aim to eat a small meal or snack 2-4 hours before your workout otherwise your will be more likely to feel lethargic, unmotivated and faint. Sports drinks, gels or bars are ideal for consuming on the way to an event or as a light snack to fuel your hunger.

I have heard caffeine will dehydrate me prior to a workout is this true?

Caffeine acts on the central nervous system, increasing alertness and concentration. It also stimulates adrenaline release which is thought to raise fatty acid levels in the bloodstream. Caffeine is thought to cause mild diuretic effects when the body is at rest however research conducted by several US studies suggests that consuming caffeine prior training won't cause dehydration but may increase performance. Eating a light snack containing caffeine such as a Viper Boost capsules, bars or gels 1 hour before a training session or event can help boost energy levels and increase concentration as well as performance.

Does training on an empty stomach help burn fat faster?

Many people believe that training on empty will help to shed fat faster.It is actually better to consume a meal 2-3 hours prior to exercise or a light snack 1 hour before to reduce chances of early fatigue and a dip in blood glucose levels.If you are training early in the morning and don't feel as though you can stomach food, you could try a Viper Boost gel or bar this will break your overnight fast and potentially increase energy and endurance levels.

What will happen when you don't eat before an exercise routine?

Starting an exercise with insufficient fuel can leave you feeling sluggish, lacking concentration and increase risk of injury.

Energy

If I am competing in several events on the same day, should I eat between events?

If you are competing in several events, you will need to rehydrate and refuel during your rest periods.Try to eat as soon as possible in-between events to allow for adequate digestion.This is an excellent time to consume a Viper Active gel. If you are feeling slightly dehydrated a sports drink such as Viper Active will deliver fluid fast.

How much should I aim to drink prior to an event or training session? (OR) how much CHO before a workout?

Dehydration can significantly impair concentration and energy levels. Aim to drink between 400-600ml of water or Viper Active during the 2 hours prior to the race or event to ensure sufficient hydration.For events that last longer than 90 minutes you will also need to consume extra carbohydrates in the form of energy drinks, bars and gels. To aid digestion and maintain blood sugar levels ensure you consume each of these with plenty of water.

Is it possible to consume too much water?

Although it is more common for endurance athletes (exercisers) to suffer from dehydration, consuming too much water is also possible. Over hydrating yourself by continually drinking plain water can dilute the blood sugar levels causing a condition called hyponatremia, this is where the blood becomes so diluted sodium levels fall.If your event lasts for more than an hour aim to consume sports drinks containing electrolytes and carbohydrate to ensure sufficient hydration. Sports drinks such as Viper Active contain sufficient electrolytes to ensure you do not further dehydrate the body.

How can I increase my VO2 max?

VO2max measures the body's ability to transport and utilize oxygen as an energy source during endurance exercise. Viper Active capsules contain a unique phosphate formula helping to increase VO2 max and boost endurance performance.

Recovery

Reloading muscle glycogen (OR) How much CHO do I need after a training session?

Whether you are hungry or not it is vital to replace lost fluid and fuel stores as soon as possible after exercise. Aim to consume 1g of carbohydrate her 1kg of body weight. Also including a little protein alongside carbohydrate will help to speed glycogen storage and aid muscle repair. Recovermax contains 55g of carbohydrate and 16.1g of protein per 75g serving encouraging muscle cells to uptake glucose and amino acid from the bloodstream.

Is it necessary to eat salty foods after exercise to replace lost sweat?

Consuming extra sodium from food is not necessary however you may benefit from a sports drink such as Viper Active. The electrolyte concentration will help the body to retain water and reduce urine output, thus encourage rehydration. Electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, in a drink will reduce urine output, enable the fluid to empty quickly from the stomach, promote absorption from the intestine and encourage fluid retention.

If I am not hungry after a hard training session, should I force myself to eat?

It is important to refuel and replenish muscle glycogen storage after a training session,if you do not fancy eating whole foods try consuming a liquid foods such as smoothies, yogurt based drinks or Recovermax which provides a 3:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein helps to aid muscle recovery as well as replenish glycogen storage.

Do I need to take a vitamin supplement or can I achieve all of my needs from a healthy balanced diet?

A healthy balanced diet will contain sufficient vitamins and minerals for an average person taking part in exercise 3 times a week. More intense training sessions, such as those carried out by athletes and elite competitors will benefit from Sports Vitamin supplementation,this is due to the increased oxidative damage caused by free radicals entering the body and the need for a larger dosage of antioxidants.

I tend to get sick in the build up to an important event or competition, how can I boost my immune system?

It is important to ensure you are consuming sufficient antioxidant vitamins to support the immune system and fight of potential illness and infections. Failure to meet your body's requirements especially during big events or pre-season can not only leave you feeling run down and fatigued but also reduce chances of competing at your best. Immune Support helps to boost your immune system keeping you fighting fit during demanding training periods.