Gatorade G Series

In a quest to find a post cardio workout recovery drink I was delighted to stumble upon Gatorade's G Series drinks (01 Prime, 02 Perform, and 03 Recover). 

As part of my P90x workouts I have been taking a post workout recovery drink (Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Supplement) which supports lean muscle and exercise recovery. 

Studies show that with proper nutrition during the 45-60 minutes following exercise you can increase your body's ability to recover more than 100%.

Two scoops of this Body Fortress stuff mixed with skim milk gives me what I need after a lifting workout.  I have taken this same drink after cycling or aerobics type exercises.  The problem for me is that it is too thick and upsets my stomach a little bit after a high intensity cardio workout.  Plus it is not a thirst quencher.  The drink helped me recover quickly and was less sore after a hard ride, but it was just something with this drink after cardio workouts that did not agree with me. So it was time to find another drink.

Then I stumbled upon the Gatorade G Series.  I often drink Gatorade G series 02 during a ride, but never tried the Prime or the Recover in this series.  I have been drinking Gatorade for years so I am familiar with their products.

I don't have any extensive or scientific evidence to share with you, but what I can tell you is the experience I have had with each of the Gatorade G Series drinks.

01 Prime (Before)

Per Gatorade, the 01 Prime contains a concentrated blend of carbs, B vitamins and electrolytes, delivering energy and helping to sustain your body's ability to burn additional carbs when taken 15 minutes before competition.

I have taken this a few times and I have noticed a little extra boost during the early stages of my workout. The 4oz package was easy to tear open and was easy to drink.  A lot of people take energy gels that have a a lot of consistency with them.  The 01 Prime was easy to drink and was more liquefied than gels.  Like all Gatorade products it did have a bit of a sweet taste. 

02 Perform

This is, I think, pretty much the same old Gatorade we have all grown up with.  It delivers a unique formula of sodium, potassium and essential carbs to your muscles and mind. 

Again, it does have a sweet kick to it and most of the time I mix this 02 with water in my bottles on the bike.  The 02 does come is a low calorie version for the calorie conscious out there.  My favorite flavors are lemon lime and grape.

Water works great during most of my cardio workouts.  However, if I know I am going to be doing longer rides I will usually bring along an 02.  It just seems to give me the ability to maintain or exceed my limits.  I have done longer rides with just water and seems I always hit that wall.  With the 02 that wall does not exist.

03 Recover

This is the drink I was most excited to try because I have been looking for post workout (specifically for cardio) that tastes good, quenches my thirst, and provides the protein my muscles are graving after a workout.

If I have done a hard cardio workout I will usually drink the 03.  So far I haven't had any stomach issues with this drink.  I wish their was a little more protein in them.

The first time I had the 03 was after a 12 mile sprint on my bike.  I pushed my limits pretty hard that day.  I drank the 03 after the ride and I felt hydrated and refreshed.  I did notice later that evening and the next morning that I wasn't as sore as I normally would be after a ride like that.

The only flavor I have had is the lemon lime orange mix and it was good.

Summary

I will not always do the 3 drink system with every workout.  If I know I will be doing a high intensity cardio workout I will do the system because I know the benefits I will get from them. 

I have not had a chance to use the system during an event but look forward to the day I can.

After all is said and done I think I have found a fueling system my body needs before, during, and after hard cardio workouts.  The G Series drinks are readily available and fairly easy to find in your local grocery store.  I will still use the other whey protein shakes after my lifting workouts because that is what I am use to taking for those activities.

No everyone likes Gatorade so it really comes down to personal preference.  I would encourage you to try the 3 drink system at least once.  Do a workout with just water one day and the next time you do the same workout use the G Series and feel the difference.

It's not a miracle drink.  It won't turn you into Michael Jordan or Usain Bolt, but it will allow you to push your own personal limits.