As t-shirt weather finally graces Canadians, so does the urge to get active, get outdoors and tackle those health and fitness goals.
Whether you're an avid exerciser or just starting out, it's easy to be overwhelmed by trendy products meant to help you on your journey. You have protein powders, vitamin supplements, pre-workouts, BCAAs and more, all promising performance gains in one form or another. It's daunting!
Staying healthy and active this summer isn't just about the products you use but also about getting the right advice and support. Speak to your Walmart pharmacist for more information on in-store products that may support your individual needs and objectives, whatever your lifestyle or exercise routine. You can also use the Health Kiosk to keep track of your wellness, monitoring your blood pressure and BMI to stay on top of your health goals.
Planning an international trip? You'll need to look into travel vaccines to ensure you're fully prepared for your adventurous summer. Walmart Pharmacy offers a range of services, including vaccinations and assessments for minor health conditions like insect bites and muscle soreness, so you can enjoy a healthy and active season.
In the meantime, here's a rundown of the trendy health and wellness products making the rounds today. Once you know which ones suit your plans for the summer, you can find them easily at your local Walmart or online at walmart.ca.
Protein
Premier Protein drinks. Right: Containers of protein on the shelf at Walmart.
If you’re looking to make some gains this summer, you’ll need to ensure you’re getting enough protein. Protein provides amino acids, aka the building blocks needed for muscle growth.
Incorporating protein in powder form is a convenient way to boost your intake and help you reach your goals for muscle maintenance, function or growth. Plus, protein aids in repairing post-workout muscle tears so you can recover quicker.
Powder isn't the only way to meet your protein quota either. If you're looking for something to grab and go before you dart out the door, Premier Protein's pre-packaged shakes from Walmart are a great choice.
Creatine
A person at the gym using battle ropes. Right: A tub of creatine available at Walmart.
Julia Larson | Pexels, Louie Murray | Narcity Media
A favourite among athletes and bodybuilders, creatine can improve exercise performance, especially in high-intensity activities. Because creatine increases water retention in muscle cells, it can potentially prevent dehydration, reduce injury risk, and speed up recovery time.
Whether you're aiming to set a new personal best on your 5K run or lift heavier at the gym, you could find supplementing with creatine helpful. Creatine is often an ingredient in pre-workout products (more on that later), but you can also find it on its own, like this one by Muscletech from Walmart.
BCAA
Tubs of BCAA on the shelf at Walmart. Right: A person drinks while resting at the climbing gym.
Louie Murray | Narcity Media, Allan Mas | Pexels
Sure, the term "branched-chain amino acids" might sound like something out of a chemistry class, but don’t worry; this supplement’s wellness benefits are pretty straightforward.
Of the nine essential amino acids your body needs, just three have a unique chemical structure that can help build new muscle tissue. While getting all essential amino acids is important, tossing back some BCAAs before, during, or after a workout can help your muscles get a boost of these key nutrients.
In the spirit of summer, you could try this watermelon-flavoured BCAA supplement from Cellucor, available at your local Walmart.
Greens powder
A person smiles while sipping green juice. Right: A tub of vegan greens powder at Walmart.
Daniel | Adobe Stock, Louie Murray | Narcity Media
You're not alone if you feel like greens powder popped up out of nowhere. Different brands have different ingredient lists, but greens powders are essentially powdered fruits and vegetables (often with some other nutritional supplements thrown in, like probiotics, fibre or enzymes) that you mix into liquid and drink.
Adding greens powder to your daily routine can help fill gaps in your diet, thanks to the potent mix of nutrient-rich ingredients like kale, beets, wheatgrass, echinacea, mushroom extracts and more. It's not intended to replace a balanced diet, however.
This blend from Genuine Health, for example, includes bee pollen, spirulina and more, plus ingredients like green tea leaf extract and ginseng to deliver extra energy.
Electrolytes
Liquid I.V. sachets at Walmart. Right: A person drinks water at home after exercising.
Louie Murray | Narcity Media, MART PRODUCTION | Pexels
Electrolytes are essential minerals that your body needs to function well. You lose them through sweat, and adding them to your summer wellness routine could help you recover more quickly from dehydration symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue or headache.
Whether you've been playing sports, taking long walks, or breaking a sweat in the heat, it's wise to replenish lost electrolytes afterward. Look for mix-in options like Liquid I.V. or Organika at Walmart to keep yourself hydrated and energized for a great price.
Vitamins
A shelf full of vitamins at Walmart. Right: A tub of multi-vitamin gummies.
Your body relies on a whole array of vitamins to function at its best. Most people get all the necessary vitamins by eating a broad range of foods. But if you want to make sure you're covering all your bases, supplementing with vitamins can help.
A good starting point is a multivitamin, like this one from Vitafusion, available at Walmart. You can also shop for vitamins that support a specific function. For example, your energy levels might improve when taking vitamin B12, or you may want to support your bone health and immune system with vitamin D3.
You can also find most vitamins in gummy form because adults deserve fun too.
Pre-workout mixes
A tub of pre-workout mix at Walmart. Right: Two people lace up their shoes on a park bench.
Louie Murray | Narcity Media, Alberto | Adobe Stock
Generally referred to as "pre-workouts," these products are designed to deliver a variety of nutrients to help you get the most out of your exercise session. Pre-workouts claim to offer benefits like reduced muscle fatigue, enhanced energy, better focus and improved blood flow, which could help you get more out of your workout.
While pre-workouts generally contain a stimulant, like caffeine, they often also include creatine and BCAA. Beta-alanine is another common ingredient; although the body naturally produces it, people supplement it with the goal of improving athletic performance.
Pre-workout solutions also come in all sorts of flavours, including this pink lemonade-flavoured option from Walmart.
Massage guns
A person uses a percussive massage gun on their upper arm.
Percussive massage guns have made an impact recently, pun intended. These hand-held gadgets can provide a super-accurate deep-tissue massage anywhere on the body, which can help relax muscles and address soreness after exercise.
Whether you use it after your regular gym session or take it rock climbing to help ease cramped forearms, you have the power in your hands with the convenience of a massage gun.
Walmart has this affordable HoMedics model, which has three intensity settings, interchangeable massage attachments, and an impressive 2.5-hour battery life.
With warm summer days here, you may feel inspired to embark on your wellness journey. But thanks to Walmart Canada's range of low-priced products, you need not break the bank to reach your goals.
Plus, if you're planning an international trip this summer, Walmart Pharmacy has your travel vaccines covered, ensuring you're ready for any adventure. And you can always count on Walmart Pharmacy’s knowledgeable staff for help with minor illnesses.
Whether you're taking up a new sport or simply looking to spend more time outdoors, Walmart Canada has everything you need to make the most of the season.
To find out more about wellness products available at Walmart, visit their website and follow them on Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube.
The information in this article is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.