From energy mouth spray to endurance gummies, we test products to fight fatigue
DO you ever feel like you don’t have the energy to try a workout? If so, you are not alone.
Nearly half of British people say they lack the time or energy to exercise.
If you need to give yourself a kick-start, there are several pre-workout formulas that claim to help boost mental and physical fatigue.
Today, Jane Atkinson puts three to the test.
ENERGY MOUTH SPRAY
FUN is described as a great alternative to coffee and energy drinks that delivers an instant hit of alertness and clarity from a concentrated blend of Balinese turmeric and tamarind, mixed with distilled water, pineapple flavour and stevia sweetener.
It has no caffeine, sugar or calories and is described as great for focus at work, pre-gym energy, or for a boost when out in the evening.
It says six sprays will give you a pep like a cup of coffee, while 12 is on a par with an energy drink. I think that is pushing it a bit.
I sprayed it under my tongue. It has a pleasant tropical taste and not overly sweet. But I needed ten to feel like I’d had a coffee.
On sale to over-18s only and is £20 for a 30ml bottle (240 sprays), thefunspray.com/uk.
BRAIN POWDER SACHET
BRAIN Powder Nootropics Energizer from Davinia Taylor’s Will Powder company says it gives a boost of energy and mental clarity.
This contains 1,000mg of the amino acid taurine, the organic compound choline bitartrate and the chemical glucuronolactone (which sounds scary but can naturally be made by the body), all of which improve athletic performance.
L-phenylalanine and 200mg of caffeine (same as about two cups of coffee) boost alertness and L-theanine helps clarity.
Just add one sachet to a minimum of 300ml of still or sparkling water.
I tried the strawberry daiquiri flavour. It is an amazing pink colour and was a sharp, refreshing drink.
This gives you a buzz! Great before a run.
From £1.40 per sachet, willpowders.com.
ENDURANCE GUMMIES
MYPROTEIN Pre-Workout Gummies are great if you are on the go.
Each gummy contains just 20mg of caffeine, so if you are not used to drinking coffee, you can take it slowly.
There are amino acids – 800mg of citrulline and 400mg of taurine – plus B vitamins that help with psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
These taste great – a sweet blueberry flavour.
Although they are great if you’re not used to caffeine, the downside is the sugar.
The largest ingredients are glucose syrup, sucrose and sugar.
Then it is beef gelatine, so definitely not one for vegetarians.
60 gummies on special offer, £16.43, myprotein.com.