Nutrition, energy and endurance for endurance sports
The Energy / Endurance category includes products designed to support your performance during running, training, or trail sessions: energy gels, drinks, and bars aimed at reducing fatigue over time.
Depending on the format you are looking for, you can check the dedicated pages for drinks, gels, or bars to compare the available options.
What are Energy / Endurance products for?
The products in this category aim to provide easily assimilable energy during long or intense efforts, whether in running, training or trail. Unlike a regular snack, a gel, drink or energy bar is formulated to be digested quickly, without weighing down the stomach in the middle of a session. The goal is to delay the feeling of fatigue and maintain a stable effort level until the end of the outing.
Drinks, gels, bars: which format to choose?
The choice of format mainly depends on the timing and duration of the effort. An energy drink fits easily into a water bottle or soft flask and allows for hydration while re-energising, making it suitable for long outings. An energy gel can be consumed in just a few seconds without having to stop, making it a convenient option during a race or interval training. An energy bar requires a bit more chewing and is better suited to a more moderate pace, for example in trail running or during a break before the effort.
The Energy / Endurance subcategories
To refine your search based on the desired format, you can check the following pages:
- The drinks, to prepare in a bottle for hydration and re-energising during effort.
- The energy gels, a quick format to consume without interrupting the run.
- The energy bars, for a more substantial intake before or during effort.
How this category connects with the rest of sports nutrition
Energy / Endurance is part of the broader set of Nutrition pages on the site, which also covers other goals beyond simply maintaining effort. If your aim is more towards muscle recovery after training or building bulk, the Bulk-up page may be more suitable. Conversely, for a weight loss goal, the Drying / Weight Loss page addresses a different logic. Intakes of proteins and accessories like shakers and bottles also complement a sports nutrition routine, just like the Brands page if you prefer to search by manufacturer.
When to keep an eye on deals for sports nutrition
The prices and availability of sports nutrition products change regularly, especially during major commercial events. Black Friday and the end-of-year holidays are often a good time to restock on gels and drinks before winter. The winter sales followed by the French Days in spring come next, before the training season starts and the new products arrive. To keep up with these offers, you can check the Deals, Sales, Clearance and Black Friday pages. If you're looking for something new, the New Arrivals page and the selection of New club shop arrivals showcase the latest products. For urgent needs before a race, the Shipped in 24h page and the Special Offers are also worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you eat an energy gel before or during exercise?
An energy gel is typically consumed during exercise, when your reserves start to dwindle, rather than before starting. It's advisable to take it with a bit of water to aid digestion. The exact timing mainly depends on the length of the outing and the level of fatigue felt.
Can you replace an energy drink with plain water?
Plain water hydrates but does not provide the carbohydrates or electrolytes that an energy drink offers during prolonged exercise. On a short outing, water alone may suffice. For longer efforts, an energy drink helps maintain energy in addition to hydration.
What is the difference between an energy bar and a protein bar?
An energy bar is designed to provide quickly assimilable carbohydrates before or during exercise. A protein bar is more focused on muscle recovery after training, with a different nutritional profile. The choice therefore depends on when you plan to consume it.
Are energy gels suitable for all sports?
Energy gels are mainly used in running, trail running, and during intense training sessions where the effort lasts long enough to justify a quick energy intake. They are less necessary for short or low-intensity activities. The most appropriate format depends mainly on the length and intensity of the session.
How to store an energy gel during a race?
An energy gel can be easily carried in a short pocket, a running belt, or a trail pack designed for this type of format. It’s best kept out of direct heat to maintain its texture. Most gels are consumed in a single go, without needing refrigeration.
