R4 by PacificHealh - All Natural Post Workout Recovery Drink Mix with Protein + Carbs & Electrolytes - for Faster Recovery, Reduced Soreness & Muscle Rebuilding - 28 Servings (Lemon Lime)

After a hard workout, a post-workout drink can be critical to recovery. The first thing you want to do is replace lost fluid. Secondly, you want to get some carbohydrates to restore lost glycogen. Finally, you want protein to rebuild muscle tissue that may have been damaged during your workout. The best way to do this, is with a sports drink that contains the optimal 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio. The makers of Endurox, Pacific Labs, were actually the ones to discover this over ten years ago, but independent research since that time (as well as my own results), seems to support this. Many sports/recovery drinks have adequate amounts of carbohydrates, but Endurox sets itself apart by adding protein to the mix. ALTERNATIVES One of the best alternatives is 1% chocolate milk. It's cheap, and provides the perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein. However, it has to be refrigerated, which isn't always practical for me. I'll also have periods where I abstain from dairy, and I don't want the additional saturated fat contained in milk. Another alternative is the P90X Results and Recovery Formula: 30-Day Supply, Tub by Beachbody. I think this is the best recovery formula out there and has the best ingredients, but it's just too expensive to be practical for me [Disclaimer: I am a Beachbody Independent Coach]. Pacific Labs also makes a product called Pacific Health Accelerade, Lemon Lime, Net Wt. 4.11 lb., 60 serving . I've seen a lot of confusion over the differences between Accelerade and R4. The main difference is that Accelerade is designed to fuel a workout, while Endurox is designed to help with recovery. As such, Accelerade contains electrolytes and more sugar (per quantity). I think Endurox is more effective as a recovery drink, but if needed, I think you can use these two products interchangeably without too much of a difference in results. HOW TO USE Don't take Endurox as a meal replacement. The high amounts of sugar will spike insulin levels and likely contribute to weight gain. Endurox should be consumed within a 20 minute window following vigorous exercise. If you take it as a pre-workout supplement, plan on consuming it about 20-30 minutes before you expect to need it. TASTE/CONSISTENCY One thing I like about Endurox is that it has a pleasing taste, which can be hard to find in a recovery drink. I think the best flavors, in order of preference, are Lemon-Lime, Chocolate, Orange, Fruit Punch, Vanilla (stay away from this flavor). The powder mixes very well with water and dissolves easily. RESULTS I have been using Endurox for about four years now and have had a lot of success with it. I cannot tell much of a difference in results with it versus the P90X formula, and both seem to work well in aiding recovery. In addition to using as a recovery drink, I will also sometimes use it as a pre-workout drink if I am out of Accelerade. A serving size is two scoops (270 calories), but for any workout under an hour, I will cut this in half. For runs longer than 8 miles, I take half a scoop combined with 1 scoop of BPI 1.M.R Fruit Punch, 224 grams right before my run, and follow the run with 1-2 scoops depending on length. I have found this incredibly effective on long runs, as well as the more strenuous Beachbody workouts, such as P90X Plyometrix and Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit. I also have noticeable results with decreased soreness when using Endurox when compared to water alone. There aren't too many workout supplements that give me as noticeable results as Endurox, and until something better (or cheaper) comes along, I'll continue to use it after every tough workout. I've uploaded nutritional information under customer images.

So I purchased this to serve as a less expensive substitute for the P90X Peak Recovery Formula, since I am on that program now (Day 26 so far!). Since this product is recommended for workouts lasting more than an hour, and most P90x routines end up being an average of 60 minutes or so, this fits the bill perfectly. It seems to have most of the same ingredients as the P90x formula minus the 0.3gm of creatine monohydrate (per serving), but adding a pinch of creatine in your glass for each drink isn't difficult. The Lemon Lime tastes great, very refreshing after a hard workout. I also find that if I'm especially annihilated after a workout, within 5 minutes of downing the drink, my energy levels are definitely back to normal - no more lightheadedness and jello-ey limbs! My only complaint is that it doesn't mix as easily as I would expect. Whether I've stirred, used a power mixer (handheld), or shaken, I still find granule clumps at the bottom of the glass/bottle. It simply takes some extra time for it to fully dissolve. I will definitely consider getting this product again in the future.

I don't have a lot science in my review but I can tell you why I bought this and how well it works for me. A few months ago I started P90X and have had a ton of success with the program. Naturally Beachbody tries to sell you their products via their videos and their recovery drink is FREAKIN' EXPENSIVE! and not that well reviewed to be honest. After some research online I came upon this brand. I had no clue about it other than it promised to assist with my recovery after intense workouts and the reviews were really good. The price was right so I took the gamble and have loved it ever since. This product does exactly what it says it does; helps your muscles recovery after high intensity workouts. I've come to love this drink so much I actually begin to crave it mid workout and to me, it's a reward for the hard work. I've recommended this to friends and colleagues who workout all the time and all who've used it have said nothing but good things. An awesome product and I'm glad Amazon has this bad boy prime eligible because it the price is just perfect!

I'm trying something different instead of the P90X recovery drink. I honestly can't tell much difference between these drinks as far as how they actually work (as far as alleviating soreness, for example). I've found that drinking protein an hour or so before I work out is a bigger help than a recovery drink. It seems like the P90X drink helps a little more with soreness than the Endurox, but it's really hard to say that definitively. Both drinks are very expensive. As for taste, the Endurox tastes much more like Gatorade or Powerade. It's a more sour, sharp, and less sweet taste, whereas the P90X recovery drink is sweet, like an orange creamsicle. Endurox R4 is almost like what lime koolaid used to taste like if you didn't put enough sugar in it. I kind of prefer the Endurox's taste to the P90X drink; I've only tried the lime. Some have complained about the Endurox not mixing as well as it used to. I have not found the chunks to be a problem when using a BlenderBottle. The P90X drink blends slightly better, but the Endurox is more than adequate in this area.