5 Benefits of Collagen for Athletes + Gym Goers

Collagen is a widely popular supplement in the beauty world, often used to promote healthy hair, nails and skin.

However, many people don't realise that it can also play a key role in supporting athletic performance and recovery. This is especially true for products that contain a range of collagen types. 

Read on to discover five enormous benefits of using a multi-collagen blend like SoBody for athletes and gym goers alike.

1. Collagen May Support Post-Workout Recovery

Whether you're a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior looking to stay fit and healthy, recovery is key. 

It's during your off-time from the gym that your body grows stronger, absorbing the benefits of your hard work.

It just so happens that collagen may support this process and enhance recovery after training.

A 2019 study reported benefits from collagen peptides in supporting recovery from explosive lower body training, including a reduction in muscle soreness and improved recovery time [*]. 

It's important to note that while type-1 collagen is often used in beauty products, for maximum athletic benefits, look for a multi-collagen blend (as used in many of the studies in this article). 

2. Collagen May Reduce Exercise Related Joint Pain

In order to reap the benefits of athletic training, ideally you want to stay pain and injury free.

The good news? 

Researchers believe that supplemental collagen may stimulate your body's natural collagen production in the joint cartilage, leading to reduced pain and inflammation [*].

A 2016 study reported a reduction in activity-related joint pain in young female athletes after 12 weeks of supplementation with specific collagen peptides [*].

Further research concluded that athletes consuming collagen hydrolysate can reduce parameters (such as pain) that have a negative impact on athletic performance [*].

On top of that, collagen supplementation has been linked with a reduction in lower back pain - one of the most common joint related ailments [*].

👉 Check out our SoBody Age-Defying Collagen: Support your fitness goals with five key types of collagen combined in one highly bioavailable peptide blend. Find out more

3. Collagen May Enhance Muscles Mass

Carrying sufficient muscle mass can be important for athletic performance - improving strength, supporting joint health and keeping a high metabolism.

Collagen is a key structural protein that contributes up to 10% of muscle tissue. It’s perhaps no wonder studies show collagen supplementation can help reduce age related muscle loss and improve strength [*].

It is also thought that collagen intake may support creatine synthesis [*] - an important compound linked with increased muscle mass and energy levels. 

4. Collagen May Promote a Healthy Heart

Collagen provides structure to blood vessels that carry blood to and from the heart and around the rest of the body. A lack of collagen may lead to narrowing, which can increase blood pressure and negatively impact cardiovascular health.

Good news for endurance athletes and anyone looking to maintain a healthy heart: 

A 2017 study showed a significant reduction in arterial stiffness after just 6 months of daily collagen supplementation, along with improvements in HDL (good cholesterol) levels [*].

5. Collagen May Support Bone Density

Collagen is a major structural component of our bones and connective tissues. 

Bone mass and density naturally deteriorate as we age, which may lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures [*].

A 2018 study concluded that collagen peptides can support bone density in post-menopausal women prone to bone loss [*]. 

Alongside diet and supplementation, it's also important to stay active with load bearing exercises such as walking, running or lifting weights.

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