Athletes are always looking for ways to get the most out of their workouts. Whether it’s running or biking further, or getting the most from a bodybuilding regimen, the quest for the ultimate combination of workout-aiding supplements never ends. This search for the best in sports nutrition can lead to seemingly unlikely combinations. As a case in point, let’s look at CytoSport’s Cytomax and Muscle Milk.

What Are Muscle Milk and Cytomax?
CytoSport developed the blend of protein and creatine found in Muscle Milk for bodybuilders and other athletes who are looking to build strong, lean muscle mass. Muscle Milk’s special combination of EndoCreatine, Lean Lipid fats, protein powder, peptides, and amino acids has proven effective at building muscle mass and helping athletes recover quickly from workouts. Sold in a powdered mix, this supplement is easy to prepare and formulate for your exact needs.

Cytomax isn’t as common in the gym. More likely, you’ll find it in the bottles of long-distance runners, cyclists, and triathletes—people who are looking for an energy drink that provides clean-burning carbohydrate fuel. Its ingredient blend of lactates, amino acids, and carbs gives them what they’re looking for, and lowers lactic-acid levels and improves oxygen utilization along the way.

Why Carbs Matter
If you’re an endurance athlete, you’re used to thinking about carbs—but if your workouts tend more toward pumping iron than logging miles, you may wonder what the big deal is. It’s simple—your body can only store so much fuel for your muscles, and when that’s gone, performance suffers. Your body tries to burn fat, an inefficient process, and then turns to the only thing left—protein from your muscles. Since fat and muscle don’t provide energy quickly enough to keep you going, you just plain run out of gas. It’s what runners and cyclists refer to as “bonking.”

To beat the bonk, you’ve got to ingest calories. Carbohydrate-based calories burn quickly, so they’re perfect for the task. That’s why most sports drinks are packed with simple sugars, usually sucrose and fructose—hence their sweetness. The majority of them, whether it’s Powerade or Gatorade, are mostly sugar water with salt added.

Cytomax Keeps You Going Strong
The problem with sugars is that they can turn to fat unless you burn them all up. But if you fuel with Cytomax, you don’t have to worry, since it contains no sucrose—just electrolytes, lactates, and a pinch of sodium. The energy from Cytomax burns cleanly in your body, so Cytomax keeps you working at peak levels longer. You’ll train harder, and burn calories without burning muscle.

Fuel Up for Success
So next time you’re getting ready for a hard set at the gym, mix together some Cytomax and Muscle Milk and give it a try. You’ll be giving your body the two things it needs for the maximum payoff: energy to burn while you work out (Cytomax), and a sophisticated blend of proteins and other nutrients to build muscle (Muscle Milk).

Best of all, you won’t have to choke down a disgustingly sweet and chalky beverage to get it done. Muscle Milk is a perfect mixing medium for combining with Cytomax and comes in a variety of tasty flavors, like Chocolate Malt, Blueberries and Cream, and Peanut Butter Chocolate. So drink up, and enjoy getting more out of your workout!

—Ken Nail