I have learned over the years that when it comes to run training and recovery, finding the right supplements can make a noticeable difference in performance.
In my recent testing of the GNC AMP range, I turned my focus to three key products: Amplified Greens Superfoods Performance Blend, Amplified Hydration, and Wheybolic.
Each one is designed to support different aspects of training and recovery, from ensuring your overall wellness and gut health each day, to making sure your body gets essential micronutrients and stays hydrated during long runs, and finally, to supporting muscle recovery with high-quality protein.
In this overview of GNC and review of GNC’s AMP range, I break down each product I have been using, share some key specifications, and give you my honest thoughts based on my real world testing.
A brief look at the GNC brand
GNC has been a reliable name in the health and nutrition industry since it was founded in 1935 by David Shakarian.
Over the decades, the company has built a reputation for offering a wide range of supplements, from everyday vitamins to specialized performance products, that are formulated with science in mind.
GNC continues to focus on quality and transparency, which is reassuring when you’re looking at products like the AMP line.
For me, knowing that these supplements are developed with both performance and recovery in mind makes it easier to trust they’re crafted to support an active lifestyle, and running.
How these 3 products can support your training & recovery
As a runner and active person in general, I know that recovery about fueling our bodies with the right nutrients, as much as it is putting in the training, and taking time out to recover properly.
The AMP range from GNC aims to address different aspects of performance recovery – here’s an explanation of how/why I have been using these three products in particular:
- Amplified Greens: A blend packed with superfoods designed to cover your nutritional bases, especially on days when you might not get enough greens from your diet. Works in a similar way to AG1, Verve V80, and Organifi Green Juice.
- Amplified Hydration: A hydration mix that not only quenches your thirst but also includes fiber, probiotics, and electrolytes to support digestion and endurance. Works in a similar way to DryWater, OSMO Nutrition, and Skratch Labs.
- Wheybolic: A protein supplement that combines whey protein isolate with hydrolyzed whey protein for quick absorption, plus extra ingredients like leucine and digestive enzymes to support muscle recovery.
Using these products strategically during your training cycle can help smooth out the recovery process, support consistent performance, and even make it easier to maintain balanced nutrition when your schedule is tight. That’s smart training right there…
Key specifications
Amplified Greens Superfoods Performance Blend
- Price per Serving: Approximately $1.30 | $40 at GNC.com
- Flavor Tested: Blueberry Pomegranate
- Packaging: Tall, narrow container with a scoop that may not fully accommodate the product
- Performance Benefits: Supports gut health, boosts energy and aids recovery, helping to fill nutritional gaps
Amplified Hydration
- Price per Serving: Approximately $1.50 | From $20 at GNC.com
- Flavor Tested: Lemon Lime
- Convenience: Comes in small, portable packets perfect for on-the-go hydration during runs
- Additional Benefits: Contains fiber and probiotics to support digestion and balance electrolytes during or after intense activity
Wheybolic protein
- Price per Serving: Approximately $2.80 | From $24 at GNC.com
- Flavor Tested: Classic Vanilla
- Protein Content: 40 grams per serving, combining whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein
- Additional Ingredients: Enhanced with extra leucine, Velositol®, bromelain, and lactase to aid muscle recovery and ease digestion
Amplified Greens Superfoods Performance Blend review
When I first tried the Blueberry Pomegranate flavor, I was a little bit put off by the initial taste, it has a noticeable earthiness that can catch you off guard. However, after using it a few times, the flavor has grown on me.
It’s not overly grassy, and the fruity notes help balance things out, making it acceptable as part of my daily routine – just know, it has a bit of a punch to it at first, lol.
One point of note is that the powder doesn’t completely dissolve in my shaker bottle, which doesn’t have a ball in it.
I usually end up with a roughly 90% smooth consistency, but there’s a slight grittiness if I don’t give it a good shake, and then drink it quickly.
This isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it’s something to consider if you prefer a completely smooth texture, or want to savour the drink for longer.
The design of the container leaves something to be desired too. Its tall, narrow shape paired with a scoop that’s quite short makes it tricky to get every bit of powder out without a spill, when you come to your last few scoops of powder.
Again, this isn’t a huge deal but a longer scoop handle is something that I feel would help improve ‘the daily scoop’, so to speak.
I have noticed a tangible boost in energy and quicker recovery after my workouts since using this.
It’s worth mentioning, however, that I have also been using the two other GNC AMP products mentioned in this review, so it’s tricky to put my finger on which one is performing best – maybe it’s the combination of them all.
The blend works well as a nutritional supplement on days when I don’t hit my greens quota – like when I’m traveling, for example. It’s a practical option for bridging nutritional gaps, particularly after intense runs or training sessions.
It’s important to note that this product is on the pricier side compared to other greens options ($40 for 30 servings), and the serving size isn’t very generous.
If you’re planning on using it regularly, you might want to consider how it fits into your overall budget.
Amplified Hydration review
I’ve been testing the Lemon Lime flavor, and overall, it’s very refreshing and tasty. It doesn’t come off as overly sweet, which I appreciate.
The Amplified Hydration powder has a tendency to clump or stick to the bottom of the shaker, so I recommend adding your water first, and then adding the powder in order to avoid this – then it mixes perfectly.
One of the nice features for me is the convenience of the small, portable packet size. These are easy to toss into a running belt or bag, making them ideal for on-the-go hydration during runs or workouts.
I’ve also experienced benefits beyond just hydration, the inclusion of fiber and probiotics has supported better digestion, and the balanced electrolyte profile has helped keep muscle cramps at bay during longer runs – it’s the main reason I run with an electrolyte mix.
This added performance support makes it a solid option if you’re looking to maintain energy and endurance during long run efforts, or on race day.
Wheybolic protein review
Wheybolic is another winner for me so far. I love how it gives you a massive 40 grams of protein per serving, and the combination of whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein means that the protein is absorbed quickly, which is key after a heavy training session.
The added leucine and Velositol are also beneficial for muscle recovery and growth, making it a targeted product for anyone serious about their training.
For those who might have a sensitive stomach, the inclusion of digestive enzymes like bromelain and lactase is a big plus too.
I’ve found that these help ease the digestion process, allowing me to enjoy the shake without any discomfort.
I have been using the Classic Vanilla flavor, and I find it very tasty. It blends smoothly with water, and the taste is reliable without being overly sweet or artificial – it kind of reminds me of those milk bottle gummy sweets – nom nom!
Wheybolic is definitely on the higher price side at about $2.80 per serving. For budget-conscious runners, this might be a factor to weigh up, but it is good quality.
Additionally, although the taste is nice, I feel the artificial sweeteners and gum blend included in the formula, could be reduced or maybe switched to a simpler ingredient list.
On the positive side, the fact that the product is third-party tested gives added confidence in its quality and purity.
My Verdict on the AMP Range
After spending some time testing these products, I’ve come away with a balanced view of each.
Overall, the GNC AMP range has its strengths and some areas that could use refinement but on the whole, the quality is good, and they do work very well for recovery.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive set of products to support recovery, covering everything from nutritional gaps to hydration and muscle recovery, these three products are definitely worth considering.
However, it’s always important to balance their benefits against factors like cost and personal ingredient preferences. For me, however, each one brings something useful to the table in a well-rounded recovery strategy.
This review represents my honest observations after thoroughly testing the GNC Advanced Muscle Performance range.
I hope it helps you make an informed decision about whether these supplements fit into your training and recovery plan – and maybe it gave you some ideas of what you may be missing in your training / recovery routine.
Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s another product you’d like to see reviewed!
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