Energy Gel
A detailed discussion of everything you need to know about energy gels.
Energy for runners
Running is a high intensity activity. The body uses a combination of protiens, carbohydrates and fats to burn energy. However, carbohydrates are the most efficient form of fuel available to burn. Carbohydrates are nothing but sugar and they store and transport energy. If the body runs low on carbohydrates, runners commonly experience
hitting the wall
and hence perform
carbohydrate loading.
What is energy gel?
Energy gel is a gel with a very thick consistency and it provides carbohydrates to the body. Energy gel is also referred to as endurance gel, sports gel, nutritional gel and carbohydrate gel.
How are energy gels available?
Energy gels are available in gel packets. Each packet has a strip with a small notch at the top. The packet is approximately 4.5 inches long and narrow at the top. The packet can be peeled off at the notch to reveal an opening of approximately 1 inch.
How to use energy gels
Step by step use of energy gels
The recommended use of an energy gel is 15 minutes before starting a run and 30-45 minutes after starting the run(or any endurance sports).
However, if you have a high carbohydrate meal before starting a run, the first gel for 15 minutes before the run may be skipped.
Energy gels are then to be used every 30-45 minutes during the run. The packet has can be peeled off at the notch and an intake of energy gel has to be followed with a drink of water.
The exact intake of the gel varies for every athelete depending on their metabolism, body weight and fitness level.
How to carry energy gels
Energy gels can be carried in the pouch of the
fuel belt
. They can also be carried in pockets of shorts or t-shirts.
Ingredients of energy gels
Energy gels contain three major ingredients:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Carbohydrates
Different energy gels are available with and without caffeine.
Do energy gels help?
Energy gels provide carbohydrates which are necessary for
efficient metabolism. Carbohydrates may also be consumed from
sports drinks
instead of energy gels.
Where do you buy energy gel?
Energy gel can be bought at any sports stores, running stores, REI or online.
Which is the best energy gel?
This question although logical does not have an answer.
Every athlete is different in terms of his or her metabolism, body type, fitness level, weight etc. So, no one energy gel is the best energy gel. The best way to find the right gel for you is to try one gel for each run and see which one you like the most and works best for you.
Energy Gel reviews of Gu and Luna Moons including some personal favorites are discussed here.
Types of energy Gel
- Gu energy gel
- Roctane ultra endurance energy gel
- Powerbar energy gel
- ClifShot energy gel
- Hammer gel
- Carb boom energy gel : safe for vegan vegeterians
- e-gel energy gel
- Cytomax gel
- Accel gel
Also available in a different form are
- Clif Shot Blocks
- Luna Moons
- Jelly Beans
- Powerbar Gel Blasts
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