For the past month and a half, SUP Examiner has tested OX Endurance Formula, a new action sports supplement designed to increase one’s endurance and maintain mental focus during the course of strenuous physical exertion. There are a number of supplements targeted towards endurance athletes currently on the market ranging from gels to powders, the latter are typically mixed with water and consumed before, during or after an event or workout. Many are sugar based and can cause undesired spikes in energy levels followed shortly thereafter by an inevitable crash.
While a full list of the ingredients in OX Endurance Formula can be found on the company’s website, it is useful to consider the following claims put forth by the company:
-
Extends endurance through a proprietary blend of vitamins and nutrients.
-
Reduces muscle burn caused by lactic acid build up.
-
Increases muscle function and builds key muscle groups.
-
Improves mental focus.
-
Low in calories and sugar.
During the initial trial, we followed the instructions on the packaging to the letter, “For best results mix OX with at least 8 oz. of water and drink 15 minutes prior to desired sport or training regimen.” The results were less than optimal. Although I felt mentally alert, my body felt sluggish and fatigued as if I had recently consumed a large plate of pasta.
I continued testing by consuming the product with different amounts of water and adjusted the consumption rate and time. I achieved a favorable result by mixing the package of OX Endurance Formula with water in a 750 ml bottle and began sipping it when I left my house prior to a paddling workout. In doing so, I consumed the product over the course of 30-40 minutes before exercising.
Mentally alert, my energy level felt sustained without the rapid spike and subsequent crash common to some energy supplements. The product produced a smooth delivery that made me feel energetic, yet not hyper. I proceeded to work out on the water for about 1.5 hours before returning to shore.
During a later trial, I once again began sipping the product approximately 30-40 minutes before exercising. During this occasion, however, I took the extra step of mixing one package of OX Endurance Formula with water in my one liter hydration pack. For me, this produced the optimal result of the four trials and kept my energy level sustainably elevated throughout a 2 – 2.5 hour on the water workout.
When choosing to use a supplement, it is important to keep in mind that the rate in which one’s body metabolizes the product can vary among individuals. The timing and frequency of use that works for one person may produce different results in another.
I felt confident enough with the product that I chose to use it during the 6.5 mile SUP race at the La Jolla Shores Invitational this past November. From a performance perspective, I felt the product worked well. I sipped one packet of OX Endurance Formula in a 750 ml bottle for approximately 30-40 minutes before the race and mixed a second packet in my 1 liter hydration pack for consumption while on the course.
Racing at the La Jolla Shores Invitational with OX. Photo: Dale & Karen Photography
Once again, I felt mentally alert throughout the period of physical exertion and was able to maximize my cardiovascular output while paddling and produced a solid finish.
From a flavor perspective, OX Endurance Formula has an inoffensive, extremely mild citrusy flavor that tastes clean and refreshing – especially during the latter stages of an event or workout. In contrast to some products, OX dissolves easily and completely, without leaving behind a film or residue which can clog the tubes in a hydration pack and be otherwise cumbersome and unsightly to clean after use.
The packaging is aesthetically pleasing and comes in simple to use portions in a narrow package which easily pour into bottles and hydration packs.
Overall, I liked the product and would recommend it to any endurance athletes looking for a refreshing supplement to boost and sustain their energy level and mental awareness without the undesired side effects commonly found with many off the shelf products.
