How to improve performance by optimizing recovery

Minimize oxidative stress

Free radicals are a by-product of almost every biochemical reaction, and while our body works to keep them under control with endogenously produced antioxidants; factors like aging, illness, mitochondrial damage and exposure to environmental toxins can all reduce our antioxidant supply. While they’re not all bad, free radicals that are left unchecked can cause damage to cells and put our body in a state known as oxidative stress – which is basically the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress can impair the body’s ability to recover from physical, mental and emotional stress – influencing how you perform in your everyday life.

The increase in free radicals that occurs with exercise has been studied for over 40 years. During exercise, the body’s energy demands are increased - and it’s these physiological changes that accelerate the production of free radicals (which can lead to oxidative stress). But exercise isn’t the only thing that increases free radicals in the body – we're also exposed to them from our diet, lifestyle, environment and daily stress.

How MitoQ helps

MitoQ is a revolutionary formulation of CoQ10 that is taken up directly by the mitochondria of the cell, replenishing antioxidant reserves right at the site of many biochemical reactions, helping to reduce oxidative stress. By supporting your cells’ powerhouse (the mitochondria), MitoQ supports performance and recovery in more ways than one.

How MitoQ supports performance and recovery:

• Aids in exercise performance, helping with muscle power and output
• Helps you achieve faster performance times
• Supports everyday mobility
• Supports powerful movement, mobility and strength as you age
• Less mitochondrial damage post-exercise
• Helps mitigate DNA damage after exercise.

Try creatine

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements you can find. The performance-enhancing effects of this amino acid have been highlighted in over 60 studies, and many gym-goers and endurance athletes rely on this supplement to support their recovery. Creatine has been shown to support high intensity exercise and power, while also increasing lean muscle mass. In addition to supporting exercise recovery and performance, there is also a significant amount of research that supports its cognitive enhancing properties. Studies show that creatine may help reduce mental fatigue under particularly demanding circumstances (for example, increased mental activity and sleep deprivation). Additionally, creatine can also increase levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - an androgenic hormone that has been shown to enhance strength.

Stay consistent

While rest is important (and totally necessary), staying active and being consistent with exercise has been shown to support energy and reduce oxidative damage. People who participate in regular exercise produce more mitochondria and therefore, generate more energy. Those that train more often, generally build up stronger antioxidant defenses, meaning they accumulate less free radicals at any given exercise intensity, in comparison with people who are untrained. This study suggests that in order to get the most out of your exercise routine, taking advantage of consistent movement of any kind will better support recovery from any oxidative stress that’s generated from the exercise itself. Picking an exercise routine that you can stick to and continuing to show up for yourself can do wonders for your recovery and overall performance.

Maintain your electrolytes

Hydration is crucial for anyone who participates in regular exercise, but sometimes water isn’t enough. Any deficit in fluids that one exercise session takes from you can potentially compromise performance in your next session and impair your recovery if your fluids aren’t adequately replaced. To effectively restore hydration after a session, getting in enough fluid while also replacing electrolytes is essential. In addition to their ability to enhance energy and support performance, electrolytes are vital for proper functioning of the brain and body.

From everyday tasks like studying or working at your desk to socializing, having a sufficient amount of electrolytes helps the brain function at its best. While they are crucial for recovery, maintaining your electrolyte stores in the body will support overall health and performance. The most common types of electrolytes are sodium, potassium and magnesium.

Take adaptogens

Adaptogens are compounds that help the body adapt to stress of all kinds. They have been used for thousands of years to support the foundations of the body, making it easier and less taxing to achieve all the things you want to in life. They’re used to support healthy energy levels, cognition, endurance and both mental and physical stress. Studies show that adaptogens may support stress-related impairments, physical performance and the regulation of cortisol to minimize the impact of stress on the body.

Optimize your recovery with adaptogens:

• Ashwagandha: known to reduce stress and cortisol to support the stress response and promote recovery post-exercise.
• Rhodiola rosea: traditionally used as an adaptogen to reduce stress and help the body resists stress and exhaustion, Rhodiola has been shown to reduce perceived stress – helping you work harder and perform more efficiently. Some studies show that this herb may also support strength gains.

Help the body recover with MitoQ adrenal +balance

The MitoQ® patented molecule is the world-first mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that works to address free radicals at the source and can help to address cell stress – and support the recovery from stress of all kinds. Paired with powerhouse ingredients Sensoril® Ashwagandha, Rhodiolife® Rhodiola and Maritime Pine extract, MitoQ adrenal + balance can support your mitochondria and support your body through everyday stress in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.