Sports nutrition is in great demand, popularity among professional bodybuilders, amateur athletes. Studying the rating of the best online sports nutrition stores for 2024, you can decide on the choice of a suitable product depending on the goal and cost.
About sports nutrition
Sports nutrition is a supplement to the main diet. A prerequisite before starting to take supplements is to properly adjust the main food ration on your own (obtaining information from articles), to consult a specialist (nutritionist, trainer, dietary supplement sales consultant).
The athlete's daily diet must 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 meals:
- Ease of use (any time, place) - you can accurately count calories, the number of elements.
- Fast - takes a few minutes to prepare (make a protein shake, eat an energy bar straight away).
- Consumption (pre-, post-workout) when regular meals are not recommended.
- Rapid assimilation of elements.
- Long shelf life.
- Cost - the price of protein in a supplement, a piece of meat.
Main types
There are 6 main types of additives:
- proteins;
- amino acids;
- gainers;
- vitamins, minerals;
- creatine;
- pre-workout complexes.
Proteins (protein)
Protein (protein) is the main building material of internal organs, the muscular system, a participant in many processes of the body's vital activity.
There are natural foods high in protein - meat, fish, dairy products (animal), nuts, beans, peas (vegetable).
Protein Supplements are made in several types:
- Powder - stir in water, milk, mix with other products, may have an additional taste (fruit).
- Bars - ready to use.
- Part of the complexes.
Protein types are distinguished 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 absorbed, prolonged feeling of fullness. Suitable for the period of diets, reception at night, has a small cost;
- whey (whey protein) - obtained from milk whey. Has three types (type of purification, concentration) - concentrate, isolate, hydrolyzate.
Slow absorption proteins - 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).A budget option for losing weight, gaining weight.
Isolate (whey protein isolate, WPI) - is obtained by dehydration of whey. It is characterized by a high protein content (85-90%), absence of impurities (fats, lactose), average cost. Suitable for reducing subcutaneous fat, gaining lean muscle mass.
Hydrolyzed whey protein (WPH) - Maximum protein content, fast absorption. Will do: after workouts, waking up, strict diet regimen. Differs in high cost.
Protein release form - powder in cans, bags (0.7-1 kg), designed for 30 days - taking 1 time per day. There are complexes of "multicomponent proteins" - a mixture of different types of protein in 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;
- reduction in fat;
- decrease in catabolic processes.
There are three types of amino acids - nonessential (synthesized by the body), irreplaceable (come with food), conditionally nonessential.
BCAA amino acids (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. It can be in powder, liquid form.
Gainers
Gainer - a protein-carbohydrate mixture of different ratios, increases the daily calorie content of the diet. They release carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed (fructose), slowly (starch).
Fast carbohydrates are recommended to be consumed before the start of the workout, for persons of a thin 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, 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, ratio of individual substances, release form (capsules, tablets, injections, powders).
Creatine
Creatine - 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 indicators of strength, mass;
- conduct long training sessions;
- positive effect of strength sports;
- increase in muscle volume.
Side effect - water retention. A positive result is the use of a complex with a gainer, protein.
Pre-workout complexes
Used before training. May contain:
- energy - a complex of substances that stimulate, increase the activity of the brain, cardiovascular system (caffeine, ephedrine). Careful use is imperative;
- creatine;
- amino acids BCAA;
- arginine is a conditionally nonessential amino acid that improves blood circulation in muscles.
Additional types of sports nutrition - energy, fat burners, testosterone boosters, preparations for joints, ligaments.
Criterias of choice
The main selection criterion is the goal, what the supplement is for (increasing muscle mass, losing weight, increasing performance). Basic tips:
- The growth of strength indicators, muscle mass - complex protein and creatine. Creatine - with a transport system - carbohydrates.
- Increased physical activity - additional use of vitamin and mineral complexes, remedies for joints, ligaments, creatine and glutamine.
- Replacing proteins with amino acids - fast absorption, but higher price.
- Additional protection, muscle nutrition - glutamine, BCAAs (during, after training).
- To use pre-workout complexes on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before the start of classes.
- Mass gain - gainer, creatine.
- Snack - bars (proteins - weight loss, carbohydrates - weight gain).
- Weight Loss - Casein Protein (Fat Burners - For Bodybuilders).
- 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);
- cost.
Rating of the best online sports nutrition stores for 2024
The modern market provides stationary, online platforms for the sale of products, more than 30 specialized stores for sports nutrition.
The selection of online stores went through several categories:
- Popularity among visitors.
- A wide range of.
- Customer reviews.
- Convenient website interface.
- Payment methods, delivery.
- Pricing policy, discounts, promotions.
5LB.ru
Russian online store (2009), offers a large selection - 14,000 products, 165 brands.
The site design is outdated, with vertical menus, no pop-ups. Main menu categories:
- sale;
- markdown;
- essential goods;
- new items;
- proper nutrition;
- health;
- gift cards;
- gainers;
- proteins;
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- fat burners.
Separately on the main page are highlighted phone numbers, terms of delivery, payment, open stores, contacts, strengthening immunity.
Advantages:
- a large selection of well-known world brands;
- promotions, discounts, markdowns;
- free communication telephone;
- there is a blog, forum;
- franchise;
- payment - in cash to the courier, gift certificate, online VISA, MasterCard;
- there is a pickup, delivery by courier (Moscow), regions of the Russian Federation - Russian Post, express services;
- automatic calculation of shipping costs.
Disadvantages:
- outdated site functionality;
- no app for phones;
- no payment by electronic money;
- discounts are valid 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 - to 20,000 settlements.
Design - light background, green, black font colors. Horizontal menu:
- geolocation, number of pick-up points (Moscow - 1475);
- there is a service for ordering a call back;
- order status;
- payment, delivery;
- contacts (phone, email);
- 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).
- Equipment and accessories.
- Herbs and extracts (names in alphabetical order).
- Brands, promotions.
The ability to filter by taste, weight, cholesterol, lactose, gluten content.
Advantages:
- availability of different types of food;
- the ability to buy a sample (12-28 g);
- prices;
- full description of categories (composition, reviews, delivery);
- ordering a free call;
- 5% discount for new customers;
- promo codes, promotions;
- Vegetarian Card additional 7% discount;
- rating of reviews (Yandex market);
- online payment by cards Qiwi, Yandex.money, MIR, Visa, MasterCard;
- there is a pickup, delivery by Russian Post, CDEK, Boxberry, MaxiPost;
- doing charity work - the Strong People Foundation.
Disadvantages:
- the stock page is not updated;
- registration without using social media accounts;
- only 100% prepayment;
- free delivery - only to pick-up points, Russian Post offices.
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 Do4a Lab's own products since 2016 (116 products), foreign brands (400+). Do4a Lab products are imported raw materials (Germany), no harmful dyes are used, reasonable prices, quality certificates.
The chain has 59 stores in Russia, including Nizhny Novgorod - 2, Rostov-on-Don - 2, Moscow - 1, Yakutsk - 1. There are stores in Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Payment methods - by card on the site (VISA, MIR), Apple Pay, Google Pay.
Online store design - white background, main colors: orange, black. The interface of the main page is clear and convenient. There is horizontal navigation, drop-down lists.
Advantages:
- a large assortment;
- own products;
- free shipping (orders over 999 rubles);
- delivery in 1 day (if there is a store nearby);
- authorization by accounts of social networks (Odnoklassniki, Facebook, VKontakte).
Disadvantages:
- only 100% prepayment;
- order - after registration;
- no app for phones;
- there is no online connection for consultations;
- delivery 6-8 days from the warehouse (St. Petersburg), if there is no store nearby.
bodybuilding.com
Online store, fitness community (USA). It has been operating since 1999, per month - 29-33 million visitors from all over the world, 9.5 million registered members of the community.
Site design - white background, blue inscriptions. Intuitive interface, horizontal menu of main categories. There is a choice of countries, but no Russian-language version.
Wide range of products:
- Sports nutrition.
- Sportswear.
- Trainers.
- Training accessories.
- Individual training programs (fitness plans) from famous bodybuilders, fitness models, trainers.
- Articles (recipes for healthy lifestyle, diets, exercises), video tutorials.
The entire range is 20-30% lower than at other points of sale, there are product quality certificates.
Advantages:
- assortment (high quality, famous brands of sportswear);
- the cost is automatically converted to the main currency of the country;
- discounts are 25-30% (certain time);
- there are coupons (5-25% additional discounts), gift cards;
- money back guarantee - in case of discrepancy of the ordered goods;
- worldwide delivery - 8-21 days to Russia;
- payment - by Visa, Mastercard;
- convenient site - just know the basics of the English language;
- online consultation of a sales manager, trainer;
- registration - via Facebook;
- there is an application (Google Play);
- high popularity in social networks, youtube channel.
Disadvantages:
- there is no Russian-language version of the site;
- free shipping - for US residents.
fitnessbar.ru
The network of stationary sales sites - 14 objects (St. Petersburg).
The website of the store is characterized by a clear interface and high-tech functionality.
The top horizontal menu offers the main categories:
- Catalog (sports food, sports equipment, equipment, clothing, miscellaneous).
- Goals (gaining muscle mass, losing weight, general health, strengthening joints and ligaments).
- Brands (28 world companies alphabetically).
- Ratings (most popular, top 10 products, top 10 brands, top 10 ingredients).
Additionally, new items, top categories, our proposals are highlighted.
The main page contains - products of the day -10%, news, reviews, video projects.
Advantages:
- modern website;
- a large selection of sports food from different manufacturers;
- sorting of 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%;
- quick calculation of delivery;
- delivery throughout Russia;
- payment by card on the website, in cash;
- online specialist consultations;
- free communication with the manager;
- protection of personal data - registration after confirmation by SMS to the phone.
Disadvantages:
- cash payment - self-pickup, for Moscow, St. Petersburg;
- registration without social networks;
- there is no way to evaluate the product;
- there is no play market application.
iHerb.com
Online hypermarket (USA). The company has been operating since 1996. The first products are dietary supplements (based on the herb St. John's wort). There are 4 distribution centers in the USA, 1 in South Korea. Presented 32.000 certified products, a large number of exclusive products. Delivery - worldwide. Employees are from different countries (Australia, Vietnam, China, Belarus, Russia).
Nice, clear site design - white background, yellow-green colors. Top panel - change the language (13 options), destination, currency.
The horizontal menu presents:
- Shop (food supplements, sports, beauty, bath products, groceries, healthy home, baby products, pet products).
- Brands (manufacturer navigation).
- Health (division by organ systems, health of children, men, women, elderly people).
- Stocks, samples, the best.
- Search for goods.
- Login to your account.
- Basket.
Separately highlighted in different colors by searching for products:
- vegan. vegetarian;
- gluten free;
- dairy-free;
- organic;
- kosher;
- without GMO;
- for diets (paleolithic, keto).
There are headings:
- New.
- Suggestions.
- Samplers.
- Bestsellers.
- Presents.
- iTested - products that have passed laboratory testing (composition, presence of heavy metals, microorganisms).
Receiving methods: Boxberry, Russian Post, Pony Express. Payment for delivery - an amount equal to 4 US dollars, courier free - an order in the amount of 60 US dollars.
Online payment by cards.
Advantages:
- clear, modern website design;
- simple interface for choosing, buying, sorting;
- application (Google Play, App Store);
- a wide range of certified products;
- there is a section for communication with brand representatives;
- referral program - 5-10% discount;
- permanent promotions, discounts;
- low prices;
- free shipping (a certain amount of the order);
- payment by various types of cards;
- there is a blog with articles about healthy lifestyle, expert advice;
- is engaged in charity work (to children of the whole world);
- warnings about the rules of import to Russia, customs information (ban on the import of: raw seeds, nuts, kava kava, hemp seeds).
Disadvantages:
- there is no function of ordering a call back;
- no delivery to the territory of Crimea;
- additional consultations in the customs service of the Russian Federation for certain categories of products (bans, availability of permits, licenses).
Output
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.