At a Glance
- Hydration and electrolytes matter before, during, and after training
- Caffeine can boost performance for strength sessions — but isn't for everyone
- Protein within an hour post-workout supports recovery
- All products mentioned are available at Alpha Athletic reception
What Your Body Needs
You don't need a sports science degree to fuel a good session. The right gym drinks and supplements come down to basics: give your body what it needs before, during, and after training, and you'll feel the difference in your performance and recovery.
Before: Hydration and energy. Starting a session dehydrated or running on empty means you're working against yourself from the first rep. Water is a given — electrolytes and a light energy source help you sustain effort through the full workout.
During: Replace what you're losing. Sweat costs you fluids and sodium. For longer or more intense sessions, sipping something with electrolytes keeps your energy steady and helps you avoid that mid-workout fade.
After: Recovery starts the moment you stop. Protein helps repair and rebuild muscle tissue, and rehydration brings everything back to baseline. The sooner you start, the better you'll feel tomorrow.
Hydramax
Electrolyte drink with coconut water (caffeine-free)
Mo's Pick
"Hydramax is my highest seller and my go-to recommendation for anyone who isn't sure where to start. It covers all your bases, hydration, electrolytes, energy, without caffeine, so it works before, during, or after your session. Sour Apple is my favourite, tastes like Apple Tango. The Pineapple Coconut is the other big seller here, proper piña colada vibes. If you only grab one thing from reception, make it this."
Made by Strom Sports, Hydramax is a lightly carbonated electrolyte drink built around real coconut water. Each 500ml can contains taurine for cellular hydration, magnesium gluconate, vitamin C, and cranberry extract for antioxidant support. Despite looking like an energy drink on the shelf, it contains zero caffeine — making it a genuine any-time option that works just as well on rest days as it does mid-session.
Cadence Core Hydration
Light electrolyte drink — refreshing and fizzy
Mo's Pick
"This is a great option after a hard cardio session or a circuits class, especially in warmer weather. It's light, fizzy, and refreshing. Does the job of getting electrolytes back in without feeling like you're drinking a supplement."
Cadence Core Hydration is a carbonated electrolyte drink with a clean, simple formula: 500mg sodium, 190mg potassium, and 30mg magnesium — the key minerals you lose through sweat. Zero sugar, zero caffeine, naturally sweetened with stevia, and vegan. It's less of a sports supplement and more of a genuinely refreshing fizzy drink that happens to put electrolytes back. Cadence also offer electrolyte sachets for those who prefer to mix their own — ask at reception.
Sugar-Free Red Bull
Caffeine boost without the sugar
Mo's Pick
"This is a favourite with the weights crowd. If you respond well to caffeine, a can before or during your session gives you that extra edge, more focus, more drive."
A 250ml can of Sugar-Free Red Bull delivers 80mg of caffeine alongside taurine and B vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B12) — all for around 10 calories with no sugar. Caffeine is one of the most studied performance supplements in sports science: research consistently shows it can increase power output, reduce perceived exertion, and improve endurance. Effects typically kick in 30–60 minutes after drinking, so timing it before your session is ideal.
Barebells Protein Shake
Ready-to-drink protein — 24g protein, no added sugar
Mo's Pick
"These sell fast, and that's because people actually like the taste. Most protein shakes are something you tolerate, but Barebells are genuinely good. Grab one on your way out and kickstart your recovery."
Barebells pack 24g of milk protein into a 330ml bottle at just 188 calories, with no added sugar and lactose-free. Available in Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, and Banana. They're designed for convenience — grab one on your way out, drink it within the hour, and you've ticked off your post-workout protein without needing to mix anything or plan ahead.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're new to workout nutrition or just want something that works across the board, grab a Hydramax before your next session. It covers pre, intra, and post — so you can't go wrong. Available at reception, or ask us if you'd like a recommendation.
