The truest test of fitness lies in our ability to recover.  The multisport life often requires multiple workouts per day and certainly workouts on a daily basis, so our ability to recover between them is paramount to our ability to build fitness and stay healthy. 

While nutrition is certainly important for proper recovery(see Recoverite), this review concerns a supplement, Hammer Nutrition/e-Caps’ Xobaline (pronounced Zo-bah-lean), which is designed to support increased aerobic capacity and muscle repair/building. A quick read of the Xobaline product information at the e-Caps web site will explain in great detail the science behind the product.  As usual, I won’t re-write what the manufacturer has already explained.  I will tell you that I’ve used Xobaline for 3 years and think it improves my recovery.

For those of us who aren’t professional athletes, recovery takes on a wider meaning.  Pro’s can roll out of bed at the crack of noon, get a swim, have some lunch and take a nap before a late afternoon ride or run.  Those of us who must balance job and family demands with our training need effective recovery just to be available for the kids, the spouse and the boss.  Every little bit helps and I’ve found that Xobaline is much more than “a little” help.  I’ve found that with it, I don’t feel the “heavy legs” often associated with an early morning ride or run and I’m better prepared to hit it again in the evening or the next morning.  I believe I’m more effective during the day after morning training when using Xobaline versus when I don’t.  I have therefore made Xobaline a permanent part of my supplementation plan for the last few years and I am confident in its benefits.

As far as supplements go, Xobaline is reasonably priced especially considering the benefits provided.  Xobaline is easily consumed by placing a tablet under the tongue and allowing it to dissolve, which takes about 20 – 30 seconds.  This sublingual delivery is designed to get the B12 and Folic Acid into your system as efficiently and quickly as possible.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, Vitamin B12 and folic acid play key roles in lowering levels of homocysteine, considered a primary culprit in cardiovascular disease.

I believe Xobaline helps me make the most of my training by enhancing recovery while also supporting general health.  Perhaps not as exciting as a set of carbon tubulars, but important, useful and less conspicuous.  Like every other product from Hammer Nutrition and e-Caps I use (and I use many), Xobaline delivers as advertised.

Mark