Racing and intense training puts your body under incredible stress, depleting glycogen stores, elevating cortisol and draining essential vitamins and minerals (1,2,3,4,5,6,7). For endurance athletes, it's crucial to focus on recovery in order to be competitive the day after a hard workout or race. That's why the scientists at First Endurance developed Ultragen, the most advanced post-recovery formulation ever produced. Each serving of Ultragen delivers the levels of nutrients that have been shown in clinical research to maximize recovery and give you an extra edge over the competition (2,3,4,6,7). In other words, First Endurance does not use "pixie dust" levels of ingredients just to put on the label.
Research has shown that there is a critical thirty-minute glycogen window (called the "window of opportunity") immediately following exercise when insulin sensitivity is at its highest and exhausted muscles essentially open the door to nutrients. If nutrients are not absorbed quickly enough, however, this opportunity for maximum restoration is lost. But it’s not just when nutrients are absorbed, it’s also about which nutrients are available. The body is extremely complex, requiring more than sugar and protein to fully recover, so recovery is limited without a precise balance of nutrients entering the cell. Ultragen’s many components are designed to work synergistically in order to fully maximize recovery, providing the right nutrients to the right place at the right time.
Submitted by
paddleman_1
a Racer
from Grayling MI, USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The River!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$42.00
Strengths:
Fast recovery, not a terrible taste, and it really works!
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
endurox r4
Bike Setup:
I only bike to cross train--Canoe racing is where it's at!!
Bottom Line:
This product is great. Although I have had success with quick recovery with endurox r4, it simply does not help me recover as well as ultragen does. The taste of ultragen is not quite as good as the endurox, and ultragen costs a bit more, but for the effect, it is worth the difference in both areas. If you have never used a recovery drink before, try this and you will not be unhappy...it will allow you to work harder and longer with less fatigue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin K
a Cross Country Rider
from Sherman Oaks Date Reviewed: October 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sullivan/ Thunder Mt. Utah
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
bodybuilding.com
Strengths:
Recuperation is the best I have tried. Not a complete 100% recovery, but, so far, the best out there.
Weaknesses:
Can't recover 100%, but then, what can?
Similar Products Used:
Recoverite (Hammer Nutrition), Gatorade recovery.
Bike Setup:
Titus Talus Switchblade 2004, Thomson Seat post/stem, Manitou Minute 3 IT, Fox Talas Shock, Sram X.0 rear derailer/Grip Shifters, Shimano XT Crank/front derailler/chain/cogs/bb, Egg Beater twin ti, Mavic 819, DT Swiss 240s, Hayes El Camino brakes, WTB Weirwolf UST tires.
Bottom Line:
I have been taking Ultragen for over two years. Just tried Recoverite from Hammer nutrition, since I use almost all of the Hammer products with great success, but, for the last month, after giving Recoverite a try, my recovery was only approx. 60%, where Ultragen gave me between 80-85%. Thats a big difference, since I ride five times a week. Just switched back to Ultragen, and feel the difference immediately. So far, the best recovery drink I have come across.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Knopp
a Racer
from Signal Mountain, TN, USA Date Reviewed: December 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, UTAH
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
firstendurance.com
Strengths:
Easy to digest. Works fast. I raced 4 times in one day (which I do not recommend) at the Athens Twilight Crit and took a serving of Ultragen after each race. It absorbed into my digestive system like water. This amazed me because it delivers such a high concentration of nutritients not found in any other recovery drink on the market.
Weaknesses:
Like a great bike, it costs. You get what you pay for in this case.
Similar Products Used:
This is the best recovery drink yet. I've also tried Metaform-Hyperdrive (no longer on market) Endurox R4, PowerBar Recovery Sports Drink, CytoSport Cytomax Recovery, MetRx.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjump (Old S-works frame) w/ XTR
Bottom Line:
Ultragen works fast!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric wohlberg
a Racer
from sunnyvale, Ca Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Incredible recovery aid. High glycemic index makes for quick nutrient delivery to muscles.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
Make a small investment in yourself instead of new components! First Endurance is the leading edge as far as worry free effective nutritional supplements go. Check out thier website www.firstendurance.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benjamin Komer
a
from Honolulu, HI, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
ability to my endurance up with the demands of my sport. can do 2 or 3 trainings in one day and be up for all of them
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
advocare family of products
Bottom Line:
this is the best suppliment i have tried in the 10 years of taking suppliments, there are no side effects and not having to take three to four different kinds of suppliments and powders all day makes it an easier porgram to be on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Rockville, MD, USA Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The best recovery product that I am aware of. Tastes great and it really works. I take the Ultragen product as soon as I can after a race or really hard effort. The next day I feel much better (read less sore) than I ever did before I discovered Ultagren.
Weaknesses:
None that I am aware of after almost 6 months of use
Bottom Line:
This stuff works and tastes great, although the taste is not nearly as important because I would drink battery acid if it mean I would feel this good the day after a hard effort! My only concern is that my competitors are going to find out about this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tina Mayolo Pic
a Racer
from Dahlonega, GA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Bull Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This product is phenomenal. After super hard workouts and races it wil enable you to recover really quickly and do it again the next day with repeated success. If you race and train really hard you must try it.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Blue competition road, Cannondale mtn
Bottom Line:
I think first endurance has really done their homework on this one. It has all the vitamins and nutrients that you need to recover ASAP. Very important for anyone who wants to reach their potential and feels like they aren't recovering as quickly as they should.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Burke Swindlehurst
a Racer
from Salt Lake City Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Crest Trail, Park City
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great Taste.I actually find myself craving this stuff near the end of hard rides and races. Best recovery product I've used...and I've used many! Has the best nutrient profile I've found with glucose as the sole carb source and fast absorbing protiens, BCAA's and a huge amount of glutamine
Weaknesses:
None that I have found
Similar Products Used:
Endurox R-4, Biotest Surge, E-Caps Sustained Energy
Bike Setup:
Moots Smoothie, Colnago c-50
Bottom Line:
If you're a beleiver in post workout nutrition, try it, it's THE BEST!...If you're not a believer, try it and you will be! Seriously. Anyone who takes their training seriously should look into this product.You won't be dissapointed
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith Van Ness
a
from Park City Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Black Forest
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Quick Recovery
Similar Products Used:
Cytomax
Bike Setup:
Moots smoothie
Bottom Line:
There was a noticable difference in my recovery time. In 24 hour racing your ability to recover is a huge advantage. This is my first time using Optygen and I will continue to use it for training and competing.
Keith
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry O'Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah USA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Dog Lake, Deso loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Pro racer deal
Strengths:
Single best recover drink I have ever had. Instant disolve, with great taste. Killer protein that absorbs fast. Day after work out full intensity possible.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Cytomax, Endurox, Gatorade, etc.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Factory Team Hardtail
Bottom Line:
Ultragen is the best recovery product on the market, period. Great product for anyone who pushes hard enough to fatigue the muscles and system.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Racer
from Spartanburg, SC, USA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Great taste, works really well and fast, easy to mix!!!
Weaknesses:
NA
Bottom Line:
This product is really worth it!!! Wouldn't train without it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sarah
a Racer
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Crest trail in Park City
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Speeds recovery & keeps me from getting sick after hard training/racing & travel. Mixes instantly with no chunks to clog your bottle. Excellent texture, flavor, and effects!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Smartfuel Biofix, Endurox R4, Gpush G4
Bike Setup:
2004 Raleigh Talus w/ SRAM, Rock Shox, Truvativ & American Classic
Bottom Line:
This past weekend I did a hard 3hr mtn bike ride @ 11am, drank a serving of Ultragen and then raced a Criterium @ 4:30pm the same day and won against a strong field of 30+ Cat 1-3 women! I even felt great the next day on my bike. Ultragen works better than any other recovery drink available!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Racer
from South Africa Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Great taste,flexibility for use during race as well.Did 8 day stage race using both optygen and ultragen.Ended faster at end,didnt get sick after 8 days.Felt fresh each day.Perceived exertion was low at race pace!Easy to drink ,no clumping,no effects on gastro intestinal tract.Best recovery product.Endurox not even close!
Weaknesses:
No after effects at all
Similar Products Used:
Cytomax and Endurox
Bike Setup:
Litespeed with XTR cross country.
Bottom Line:
With out fail the best product.You get what you pay for.Other products are full of sugar,difficult to drink and are full of empty calories.This product allows me to go hard again the next day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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