This week on Wellness Wednesday, we take a look inside the Sports Nutrition aisle at Clark’s Nutrition Natural Foods Market, where Starkie Sowers was joined by Joe Luna, longtime team member and personal trainer, to decode the wall of powders, tubs, and supplements that can be overwhelming for even seasoned gym-goers.

Joe has been part of the Clark’s family for over 11 years and knows a thing or two about what works—and what’s just hype. Today, he broke down his top three (or four!) go-to supplements for performance, recovery, and strength.

🥤 1. Whey Protein Isolate – MFL Brand

Joe’s everyday staple? A clean, high-quality whey protein isolate from MFL.

“We need our amino acids for muscle growth,” Joe said. “Protein isn’t just about building bulky muscles—it’s also key to keeping bones and joints strong, which helps prevent injury, especially as we age.”

Clark’s also stocks a vegetarian protein alternative, so there's something for every dietary preference.

⚡ 2. Creatine – For Power, Endurance & Recovery

Joe’s second favorite? Creatine, a powerhouse supplement backed by decades of research.

“Creatine is the most studied ergogenic aid out there,” he explained. “It improves endurance, speeds recovery, and helps the body push through tough workouts.”

It supports ATP production—the fuel your muscles use when lifting, sprinting, or grinding through that last rep.

💪 3. BCAAs + EAAs – The Recovery Game-Changer

Joe rounds out his stack with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and essential amino acids (EAAs)—and he swears by them.

“I noticed a huge difference in recovery when I added these,” he said. “They support protein synthesis and act like little messengers, telling your body: Let’s rebuild and recover.”

Joe recommends taking EAAs before or during workouts to prime your body for growth and repair, and BCAAs afterward for an extra recovery boost.

🏋️‍♂️ Why Resistance Training Matters

Beyond supplements, Joe and Starkie reminded us that resistance training isn’t just for athletes—it’s one of the best ways to maintain bone density, joint stability, and even testosterone levels.

“One of the worst things that can happen as we age is a fall,” Joe said. “Resistance exercise makes that much less likely—and if it does happen, you’re strong enough to recover.”

💚 Where to Start

If you're new to sports nutrition, Starkie and Joe recommend starting simple:

A clean protein powder
Creatine for strength and recovery
EAAs or BCAAs for muscle support

And, of course, come talk to Joe at Clark’s Nutrition. He’s not just a personal trainer—he’s family, and he’s always happy to help you find what works best for your body and goals.

Catch more health and fitness wisdom every week on Wellness Wednesday, sponsored by Clark’s Nutrition Natural Foods Market.

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