Sports nutrition is in great demand, popular with professional bodybuilders and amateur athletes. By studying the rating of the best online sports nutrition stores for 2022, you can decide on the choice of the right product, depending on the goal and cost.
About sports nutrition
Sports nutrition - supplement to the basic diet.A prerequisite before starting to take supplements is to properly adjust the main diet on your own (obtaining information from articles), consult a specialist (nutritionist, trainer, dietary supplement sales consultant).
The daily diet of an athlete should be balanced (the correct ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates). Mandatory menu products are cottage cheese, lean meats, eggs, fish (a large amount of protein for building muscle mass).
Distinctive features
The main advantages of special nutrition:
- Ease of use (any time, place) - you can accurately calculate calories, the number of elements.
- Quick - it takes a few minutes to prepare (make a protein shake, immediately eat an energy bar).
- Use (pre-, post-workout) when regular meals are not recommended.
- Quick assimilation of elements.
- Long shelf life.
- Cost - the price of protein in the supplement, a piece of meat.
Main types
There are 6 main types of additives:
- proteins;
- amino acids;
- gainers;
- vitamins, minerals;
- creatine;
- pre-workout supplements.
Proteins
Protein (protein) is the main building material of internal organs, the muscular system, a participant in many life processes of the body.
There are natural foods high in protein - meat, fish, dairy products (animal), nuts, beans, peas (vegetable).
Protein Supplements made in several types:
- Powder - stirred in water, milk, mixed with other products, may have an additional taste (fruity).
- Bars - ready to use.
- Included in the complexes.
There are types of protein by origin:
- meat - meat (low-fat varieties);
- egg (egg protein) - saturated with amino acids, the most expensive in terms of cost;
- casein (casein) - from dairy products, slowly digested, long-lasting feeling of satiety. Suitable for the period of diets, reception at night, has a low cost;
- whey protein - obtained from whey. It has three types (type of purification, concentration) - concentrate, isolate, hydrolyzate.
Proteins of slow assimilation - casein, has a low protein value.
Fast proteins are varieties of whey protein.
Concentrate (whey protein concentrate, WPC) - purified by coarse filtration, has 40-80% protein, fats, lactose, cholesterol (careful use for allergy sufferers). Budget option for weight loss, weight gain.
Isolate (whey protein isolate, WPI) - obtained by dehydration of whey. It is characterized by a high protein content (85-90%), the absence of impurities (fats, lactose), and an average cost. Suitable for reducing subcutaneous fat, gaining lean muscle mass.
Hydrolyzate (hydrolyzed whey protein, WPH) - maximum protein content, fast absorption. Suitable for: after training, waking up, strict diet regimen. Differs in high cost.
Protein release form - powder in jars, bags (0.7-1 kg), designed for 30 days - once a day. There are complexes of "multicomponent proteins" - a mixture of different types of protein of a certain proportion.
Amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The main functions of amino acids:
- acceleration of metabolism;
- restoration of the body;
- fat reduction;
- reduction of catabolic processes.
I distinguish three types of amino acids - nonessential (synthesized by the body), irreplaceable (come with food), conditionally replaceable.
Amino acids BCAA (branch-chained amino-acids) - substances that make up 35% of the entire muscular system. They consist of a complex of three essential amino acids - leucine, isoleucine, valine.
A common form of release is capsules. May be in powder or liquid form.
Gainers
Gainer - a protein-carbohydrate mixture of different ratios, increases the daily calorie content of the diet. Allocate carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed (fructose), slowly (starch).
Fast carbohydrates are recommended to be consumed before the start of a workout, for people of a lean physique. Slow - for weight loss, in the morning.
Vitamins, minerals
Vitamins are obtained from food, some are produced by the body. Main functions:
- B vitamins - metabolism, the work of the nervous system;
- vitamin C - improves immunity;
- vitamin K - participates in blood clotting;
- vitamin D - affects the calcium content of the human skeleton;
- vitamin E - restoration of the body.
Important minerals are calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium. Vitamin-mineral complexes differ in concentration, the ratio of individual substances, the form of release (capsules, tablets, injections, powders).
Creatine
Creatine is a carboxylic acid containing nitrogen. In the human body, creatine is produced from 3 amino acids (arginine, methionine, glycine). Provides energy to the entire muscular system. Additional reception allows:
- increase strength, mass;
- carry out long workouts;
- positive effect of power sports;
- increase in muscle volume.
Side effect is water retention.A positive result is the use of a complex with a gainer, protein.
Pre-workout complexes
Used before workouts. May contain:
- energy - a complex of substances that stimulate, increase the activity of the brain, the cardiovascular system (caffeine, ephedrine). Be sure to use carefully;
- creatine;
- BCAA amino acids;
- arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that improves blood circulation in muscles.
Additional types of sports nutrition - energy drinks, fat burners, testosterone boosters, preparations for joints, ligaments.
Criterias of choice
The main selection criterion is the goal for which the supplement is needed (increase in muscle mass, weight loss, increase in performance). Key Tips:
- The growth of strength indicators, muscle mass - a complex protein and creatine. Creatine - with a transport system - carbohydrates.
- Increased physical activity - additional use of vitamin and mineral complexes, means for joints, ligaments, creatine and glutamine.
- Replace proteins with amino acids - fast absorption, but higher price.
- Additional protection, muscle nutrition - glutamine, BCAAs (during, after training).
- Pre-workout complexes should be consumed on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before the start of classes.
- Mass gain - gainer, creatine.
- Snack - bars (protein - weight loss, carbohydrates - weight gain).
- Slimming - casein protein (fat burners - bodybuilders).
- To study the composition - additional substances (vitamins, minerals, BCAAs).
Before buying, you should pay attention to the characteristics:
- composition (natural, the minimum amount of artificial additives, dyes);
- the presence of contraindications, allergic reactions;
- product quality certificates;
- manufacturer (domestic, foreign);
- price.
Rating of the best online sports nutrition stores for 2022
The modern market provides stationary, online platforms for the sale of products, more than 30 specialized stores for sports nutrition.
The choice of online stores was held in several categories:
- popularity among visitors.
- A wide range of.
- Customer reviews.
- Convenient site interface.
- Methods of payment, delivery.
- Pricing policy, discounts, promotions.
5LB.ru
Russian online store (2009), offers a large selection - 14,000 products, 165 brands.
The design of the site is outdated, with a vertical menu, no pop-ups. Main menu categories:
- sale;
- markdown;
- essential goods;
- novelties;
- proper nutrition;
- health;
- gift cards;
- gainers;
- proteins;
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- fat burners.
Separately, on the main page, phone numbers, terms of delivery, payment, open stores, contacts, strengthening immunity are highlighted.
Advantages:
- a large selection of well-known world brands;
- promotions, discounts, markdowns;
- free telephone connection;
- there is a blog, a forum;
- franchise;
- payment - in cash to the courier, gift certificate, online cards VISA, MasterCard;
- there is pickup, delivery by courier (Moscow), regions of the Russian Federation - Russian Post, express services;
- automatic calculation of shipping costs.
Flaws:
- outdated functionality of the site;
- no app for phones;
- no payment by electronic money;
- Discounts apply if the order amount is more than 10,000 rubles.
Body Factory
Eco-hypermarket, "Online market for a healthy lifestyle." Offline platform - Kolpino, Kolpinsky district of St. Petersburg. They offer more than 6,000 products, 200 brands. Delivery - in 20.000 settlements.
Design - light background, green, black font color. Horizontal menu:
- geolocation, number of points of issue (Moscow - 1475);
- there is a callback service;
- order status;
- payment, delivery;
- contacts (phone, e-mail);
- Login Registration.
Main categories:
- Sports nutrition (division by composition, type, purpose, time of admission).
- Beauty and health (active longevity, care for organs).
- Vitamins and minerals (age-related, antioxidants).
- Diet food (groceries, spices, healthy sweets, nut butters).
- Outfit and accessories.
- Herbs and extracts (names in alphabetical order).
- Brands, shares.
Ability to filter by taste, weight, cholesterol, lactose, gluten.
Advantages:
- availability of different types of food;
- the opportunity to buy a sampler (12-28 g);
- prices;
- a full description of the categories (composition, reviews, delivery);
- order a free call;
- 5% discount for a new customer;
- promo codes, promotions;
- Vegetarian Card additional 7% discount;
- rating of reviews (Yandex market);
- online payment with Qiwi, Yandex.money, MIR, Visa, MasterCard;
- there is pickup, delivery by Russian Post, SDEK, Boxberry, MaxiPost;
- are engaged in charity - the Strong People Foundation.
Flaws:
- Promotions page not updating
- registration without using social media accounts;
- only 100% prepayment;
- free delivery - only to points of issue, branches of the Russian Post.
marketdo4a.com
Russian brand. Founder - Alexander Storoshchuk. Start of work - 2013: the first retail store (Novosibirsk), online store - delivery (Russia).
Range:
- sports nutrition;
- equipment, accessories;
- women's, men's sportswear.
Sports nutrition is represented by products of Do4a Lab's own production since 2016 (116 products), foreign brands (400+). Do4a Lab products are imported raw materials (Germany), no harmful dyes are used, affordable prices, quality certificates.
The network has 59 stores in Russia, including Nizhny Novgorod - 2, Rostov-on-Don - 2, Moscow - 1, Yakutsk - 1. There are stores in Kazakhstan, Belarus.
Payment methods - by card on the site (VISA, MIR), Apple Pay, Google Pay.
The design of the online store is a white background, the main colors are orange, black. The interface of the main page is clear and convenient. There is horizontal navigation, drop-down lists.
Advantages:
- a large assortment;
- own production;
- free shipping (order over 999 rubles);
- delivery in 1 day (if there is a store nearby);
- authorization by social network accounts (Odnoklassniki, Facebook, VKontakte).
Flaws:
- only 100% prepayment;
- order - after registration;
- no app for phones;
- no online connection for consultations;
- delivery 6-8 days from a warehouse (St. Petersburg), if there is no store nearby.
bodybuilding.com
Online store, fitness community (USA). It has been operating since 1999, for a month - 29-33 million visitors from all over the world, 9.5 million registered community members.
Website design - white background, blue inscriptions. Intuitive interface, horizontal menu of the main categories. There is a choice of countries, but there is no Russian version.
Wide range of products:
- Sports nutrition.
- Sportswear.
- Trainers.
- Training accessories.
- Individual training programs (fitness plans) from famous bodybuilders, fitness models, trainers.
- Articles (healthy lifestyle recipes, diets, exercises), video tutorials.
The entire range is 20-30% lower than at other points of sale, there are certificates of product quality.
Advantages:
- assortment (high quality, famous brands of sportswear);
- the cost is automatically converted to the main currency of the country;
- there are discounts of 25-30% (certain time);
- there are coupons (5-25% additional discounts), gift cards;
- money back guarantee - in case of non-compliance of the ordered goods;
- worldwide delivery - 8-21 days to Russia;
- payment - Visa, Mastercard;
- convenient site - it is enough to know the basics of the English language;
- online consultation of a sales manager, trainer;
- registration - through Facebook;
- there is an application (Google Play);
- high popularity in social networks, youtube channel.
Flaws:
- there is no Russian version of the site;
- free shipping - for US residents.
fitnessbar.ru
A network of stationary sites for sales - 14 objects (St. Petersburg).
The store's website is characterized by a clear interface, high-tech functionality.
The top horizontal menu offers the main categories:
- Catalog (sports nutrition, sports equipment, equipment, clothes, miscellaneous).
- Goals (gaining muscle mass, losing weight, general health, strengthening joints and ligaments).
- Brands (28 world companies in alphabetical order).
- Ratings (most popular, top 10 products, top 10 brands, top 10 ingredients).
Additionally, new items, top categories, our offers are highlighted.
The main page contains - products of the day -10%, news, reviews, video projects.
Advantages:
- modern site;
- a large selection of sports nutrition from different manufacturers;
- sorting goods by additional filters - the main ingredient, purpose, form of release, number of servings;
- discounts, bonus system (1 ruble - 1 point);
- cashback - up to 10%;
- fast delivery calculation;
- delivery throughout Russia;
- payment by card on the site, in cash;
- online specialist consultations;
- free communication with the manager;
- protection of personal data - registration after confirmation of SMS on the phone.
Flaws:
- cash payment - pickup, for Moscow, St. Petersburg;
- registration without social networks;
- there is no way to evaluate the product;
- no play store app.
iHerb.com
Online hypermarket (USA). The company has been operating since 1996. The first products are dietary supplements (the basis is St. John's wort). There are 4 distribution centers in the United States, 1 in South Korea. Presented 32.000 certified products, a large number of exclusive products. Delivery - all over the world. Employees are from different countries (Australia, Vietnam, China, Belarus, Russia).
Pleasant, understandable website design - white background, yellow-green colors. Top panel - change language (13 options), destination, currency.
The horizontal menu presents:
- Shop (supplements, sports, beauty, bath products, groceries, healthy home, baby products, pet supplies).
- Brands (navigation by manufacturers).
- Health (division by organ systems, health of children, men, women, the elderly).
- Promotions, samples, the best.
- Search for goods.
- Account login.
- Basket.
Separately highlighted in different colors, search products:
- vegan. vegetarian;
- gluten free;
- dairy-free;
- organic;
- kosher;
- without GMO;
- for diets (paleolithic, keto).
There are headings:
- New.
- Offers.
- Probes.
- Bestsellers.
- Present.
- iTested - goods that have passed laboratory testing (composition, presence of heavy metals, microorganisms).
Receipt methods: Boxberry, Russian Post, Pony Express.Delivery fee - an amount equal to 4 US dollars, courier free - order, the amount of 60 US dollars.
Payment by online cards.
Advantages:
- clear, modern website design;
- simple interface for selection, purchase, sorting;
- application (Google Play, App Store);
- a wide range of certified products;
- there is a section of communication with brand representatives;
- referral program - 5-10% discount;
- regular promotions, discounts;
- low prices;
- free shipping (certain order amount);
- payment by various types of cards;
- there is a blog with articles about healthy lifestyles, expert advice;
- is engaged in charity (to children of the whole world);
- warnings about import rules to Russia, customs information (import ban: raw seeds, nuts, kava kava, hemp seeds).
Flaws:
- there is no callback ordering function;
- no delivery to the territory of Crimea;
- additional consultations in the customs service of the Russian Federation for certain categories of products (prohibitions, availability of permits, licenses).
Conclusion
Online stores provide a huge selection of various products, including sports nutrition. Knowing the features, types of the desired product, you can quickly select a product, order it online, saving time and money.