When do you take energy gels while cycling?
Wondering when you should take these supplements? Unless you are a track cyclist pushing out megawatts, we recommend you take a liquid energy gel after at least one hour of exercise. The frequency and volume of gels consumed depend on your body’s metabolism and training intensity.
Typically, the recommendation ranges from one to three electrolyte energy gels per hour after that first hour. However, if you don’t take enough, you will experience energy slumps and possible hunger pangs. Inversely, if you consume too many, you might start to get sluggish as your body uses energy to convert the calorie excess.
The best approach with sports energy gels is to take the recommendations on the pack but monitor yourself carefully. If you are training for a particular event, start your nutrition planning early and see how you perform by making tweaks here and there. Don’t leave it to race day to figure out what’s best for you!
Every individual is unique, as is their session on the bike, training goals and physical ability. So, if you’re taking cycling seriously, why not see an accredited sports nutritionist to get the best results and tailor a nutrition plan bespoke to you?
How do energy gels work?
Carbohydrate energy gels contain simple sugars that your body absorbs into the bloodstream as glucose, thus spiking your energy. Muscles and organs then absorb the glucose from the bloodstream, using it as body fuel. Just remember that you have no control over which muscles absorb the glucose, so sending it all to the legs isn’t possible!
What is an isotonic energy gel?
Science In Sport developed the world’s first isotonic gel. Its thick and highly concentrated substance provides energy to muscles faster than other gels. Moreover, it does not require additional water to be consumed, which helps minimise the chance of you taking in too much fluid and becoming uncomfortably bloated. If you’re after suggestions, we’re big fans of the popular SIS GO Plus in blackcurrant.
If you’re interested in other products, you can also shop energy bars, nutrition powder and rehydration tablets here. We’ve got everything you need to power up and perform!
Need more help with energy gels?
We hope we’ve given you ‘food for thought’! However, if we can help answer any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Meanwhile, if you’re scouring the web looking for a gift for a cyclist in your life, consider a BikeChain E-GiftCard. This is a great way to ensure they receive exactly the kind of present that will bring a smile to their dial. It also makes shopping easy for you!