When it comes to maximising your recovery and performance, it’s not just about using the right supplements, it’s about using them together in the most effective way possible. That’s where stacking comes in. At ICON Nutrition, we’ve crafted each of our products to work beautifully on its own but even better when stacked with complementary products.
In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials of stacking and provide stack recommendations to support a variety of fitness goals, from all-around recovery to endurance and strength.
Why Stacking Supplements Works
Stacking supplements means combining complementary products that work together to enhance results. Think of it like building a toolkit where each item has a specific role, but together they help you achieve your full potential.
Our bodies require hydration, joint support, muscle recovery, and energy to perform and recover optimally. By stacking products that address each of these areas, you’ll feel stronger, recover faster, and be ready to tackle your next challenge.
The Essentials of a Great Recovery Stack
A solid recovery stack covers all the basics needed for your body to heal, repair, and prepare for more. Here are the key areas and products to cover them:
- Hydration & Electrolytes – Amino Performance
- Joint Support & Mobility – Muscle and Joint Performance
- Muscle Recovery & Refuelling – Recovery
- Endurance & Strength Gains – Creatine Performance
Each of these products brings something unique to the table, so when combined, they provide well-rounded recovery and performance support.
Example Stacks for Different Goals
Here are some example stacks based on common fitness goals.
Stack 1: The All-Round Recovery Stack
Ideal for those looking to enhance general recovery after all types of workouts.
- Amino Performance – Sip during your workout to stay hydrated and support muscle function.
- Muscle and Joint Performance – Add post-workout to help with joint support and reduce soreness.
- Recovery – Refuel after your session to replenish muscles and restore energy.
Stack 2: Strength & Performance Stack
For those focusing on strength training and looking to enhance endurance.
- Creatine Performance – Use pre- or post-workout to support strength gains and energy.
- Amino Performance – During workouts for hydration and muscle support.
- Recovery – Take after training to rebuild muscle and energy stores.
Stack 3: The Active Lifestyle Stack
Designed for those maintaining an active lifestyle but not necessarily engaging in high-intensity training.
- Muscle and Joint Performance – Daily for joint health and flexibility.
- Omega-3 – To reduce inflammation and support heart health.
- Vitamin K2 D3 – For bone health and long-term wellness.
Stack 4: The Endurance Athlete Stack
Perfect for runners, cyclists, or anyone focusing on endurance and stamina.
- Amino Performance – Before and during long workouts to keep hydration and energy high.
- Muscle and Joint Performance – Post-workout to aid recovery and support joint health.
- Creatine Performance – Daily to support endurance capacity and stamina
Stack 5: CrossFit Athlete Stack 🏋️♂️
For those tackling high-intensity WODs and functional training, this stack focuses on hydration, recovery, and strength.
- Amino Performance: Sip during workouts to stay hydrated and fuel muscles with essential BCAAs.
- Creatine Performance: Take daily for explosive power in lifts, gymnastic movements, and sprints.
- Muscle & Joint Performance: Add post-workout to ease joint stress and promote mobility.
- Recovery: Replenish glycogen stores and repair muscles after intense WODs.
Why It Works:
This combination keeps you hydrated, supports strength and endurance, and ensures fast recovery, so you’re ready for the next challenge.
BONUS: Night-Time Recovery Stack 🌙
For those who feel sluggish or sore in the morning, this stack is designed to maximise muscle repair and improve sleep quality.
- Hibernate – A slow-digesting casein protein that works overnight to support muscle repair and keep you fuelled until morning. Perfect as a hot chocolate, shake, or dessert before bed.
- ZMA – Enhances deep sleep, promotes muscle recovery, and replenishes zinc and magnesium levels that are often depleted after intense training.
Why It Works:
Night-time recovery is when your body does its best repair work. Hibernate ensures your muscles have the fuel they need to rebuild, while ZMA optimises sleep quality and muscle recovery. Together, they help you wake up refreshed and ready to train.
Customise Your Stack to Meet Your Goals
Everyone’s fitness journey is unique, so it’s important to tailor your stack to match your specific goals. Here are some simple ways to choose the right products for you:
- If you’re focused on strength gains, try adding Creatine Performance.
- If you want to boost hydration and muscle support, start with Amino Performance.
- For recovery and joint health, use Muscle and Joint Performance after tough sessions.
Experiment and find what works best for your needs, whether you’re training hard or just looking to maintain an active lifestyle. Each product can help in its own way, but together, they provide the comprehensive support your body needs to stay strong.
Ready to Start Stacking?
Now that you know how to create the perfect supplement stack, it’s time to start building yours! Explore our full range of products and try different combinations to see which one helps you feel and perform your best. With ICON Nutrition, optimising recovery and performance has never been easier.
Additional Tips for Success
- Consistency is Key: For the best results, use your stack consistently as part of your daily routine.
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is essential for effective recovery, so keep sipping Amino Performance throughout the day.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel and adjust your stack as needed to match your training load and recovery needs.
