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We all have reached that part of a workout where our energy seems depleted and we just can’t wait for it to end. While the clock reveals it’s not time to throw in the towel, it can be hard to find that drive to push forward when the body now feels heavy and moves slow. This could be an indication to start introducing energy chews or other sports nutrition products in your workouts.

This is especially the case for those training for an endurance event such as a marathon, triathlon, obstacle 5k, etc.

If you are exercising for longer than 45 minutes to an hour, you need to add fuel to your tank to prevent “breaking down” or “running out of energy” to complete the workout.

Not only does it help keep your muscles “fed” with energy (which comes mainly from carbohydrates, which breaks down to glucose), but energy chews are also beneficial for those looking to take their performance to the next level. It provides that extra burst of energy and pep in your step in order to be able to pick up the pace or add in another rep.

What It Is & What It Does

Energy chews are made of simple sugars that provide calories and carbs to provide the muscles with the fuel needed to continue to contract and move the body.

It doesn’t typically contain protein or fat, which is why some brands can be harsh on the stomach.

Some energy chews also contain sodium and potassium, which are important for staying hydrated since these electrolytes are lost when you sweat.

When exercising, the body uses stored glucose called glycogen. When those stores are used up, it’s time for more glucose.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, athletes need 30-60g of cards per hour.  Carbs are the body’s preferred source of energy. Carbs break down to glucose which is then used to create what is known as ATP, or energy in the cells. The more intense a workout is, the more ATP it requires. This means more glucose needs to keep replenishing these stores.

Essentially energy chews help deliver a quick dosage of glucose to the body so that performance doesn’t suffer.

When Do You Take Energy Chews?

Keep in mind that going for a 3-mile light jog doesn’t require the need to consume energy chews. These are more for mid-to long-distance runners such as half marathoners, marathoners, and ultrarunners, as well as cyclists, triathletes, and power performance athletes.

Each brand of energy chew might have its own directions, so follow the product label for usage. A general rule of thumb is to consume the chews every 45- to 60 minutes of exercise. Even if you are feeling good close to an hour in, don’t wait to consume. This is to prevent “bonking” or “hitting the wall” that can come on suddenly.

The idea is to be ahead of the game and fuel in time. Make sure to also wait for 45- to 60-minutes before consuming more energy chews to prevent too much sugar from hitting the bloodstream.

Keep in mind that since these are straight-up carbs, the lack of protein and fat can hurt the stomach in some. Kramp Krusher energy chews are designed to prevent this. It is made from dextrose for fast absorption and gentle digestion.

Kramp Krushers also feature electrolytes for cell hydration and better muscle to brain communication thanks to its magnesium, copper, potassium, and iron. It also prevents cramping associated with muscle fatigue in endurance athletes.

Get your Kramp Krusher energy chews here.