TurnFit · David’s list
What I use: supplements, snacks & gear
Not a stack, not a prescription. Just what’s in my cupboard, my gym bag and, occasionally, my car’s cup holder. N=1: this is what works for me.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links (Canadian Protein and Amazon.ca). If you buy through them, TurnFit may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only list things I use.
Not medical advice, check with your doctor.
Start here
Overwhelmed? Begin with these six. Everything else is below, tucked into sections.
- Whey Protein IsolateCanadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
- Grenade Protein Bars, Salted CaramelAmazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
- STX Lacrosse Balls, 2 packAmazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
- Fabric Knee Loop Resistance BandsAmazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
- BlenderBottle Sport FlipAmazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
- BUZIO 1 Gallon Insulated Water Jug (128 oz, about 3.8 L)Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
What I take
12 items
My daily basics, plus the pre-workout I use some days. All from Canadian Protein. This is my routine, not a prescription.
- David’s favourite
Whey Protein Isolate
My go-to shake. I have about 4 scoops a day, because getting enough protein from food alone is hard and I got tired of chewing.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) → Creatine Monohydrate
Plain, unflavoured, boring in the best way. It goes in my shake.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Vitamin D3
Vancouver winters are grey. This is my backup sun.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Vitamin C
A small, simple part of my morning routine.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Vitamin B12
Small capsule. Big “I have my act together” energy.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Milk Thistle
My liver does a lot for me, so I try to be nice to it. Not a free pass for the pizza.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Omega-3 Softgels
For the days my fish intake is, let's say, aspirational.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Magnesium Glycinate
Part of my evening wind-down routine.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →ZMA
Zinc, magnesium and B6 in one capsule. Another piece of my evening routine.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Psyllium Husk Fibre
Fibre in a scoop. Not glamorous. Mix it with plenty of water and drink it quickly before it turns into pudding.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)
I mix these into my big jug of ice-cold water. Makes sipping all day a little more interesting than plain water.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →C-PRE Advanced Pre-Workout Formula
What I reach for before some sessions.
Heads up: this one is high in caffeine. Check with your doctor first, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine, pregnant, or have heart or blood pressure concerns. Skip it late in the day unless you enjoy staring at the ceiling.
See it on Canadian Protein (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
Also in the cupboard
2 items
Two more I use, from Amazon.ca. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding any supplement or pre-workout.
atplab Synermag Magnesium
Part of my evening wind-down routine.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Beyond Yourself SuperSET Pre-Workout
What I drink before some early sessions.
Heads up: this one is high in caffeine. Check with your doctor first, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine, pregnant, or have heart or blood pressure concerns. Skip it late in the day unless you enjoy staring at the ceiling.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
Snacks I keep around
4 items
Protein snacks that live in my bag, my car and, briefly, my kitchen.
- David’s favourite
Grenade Protein Bars, Salted Caramel
Tastes like a real chocolate bar. I have to hide the box from myself.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) → - David’s favourite
Quest Protein Chips, Sour Cream & Onion
Properly crunchy. The closest thing to a real chip I've found. My answer to the 3 pm craving.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) → Quest Peanut Butter Cups
My chocolate fix that doesn't derail the day. I'm not proud of how fast a box disappears.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Power Crunch Protein Bars, French Vanilla
Light and crispy, like a wafer cookie. Lives in my gym bag.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
Gear I use
8 items
The small stuff that does a lot of work: warm-ups, travel workouts and recovery. The four marked Must-have are the ones I'd buy first.
- Must-have
STX Lacrosse Balls, 2 pack
The cheapest massage you'll ever regret. Feet, glutes, upper back.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) → - Must-have
Fabric Knee Loop Resistance Bands
Fabric loops that stay put instead of rolling up your legs. Glutes, hips, warm-ups.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) → - Must-have
BlenderBottle Sport Flip
Holds my shakes in the morning and my water the rest of the day. Easy to carry, so drinking enough is easy too. And it doesn't leak in my bag.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) → - Must-have
BUZIO 1 Gallon Insulated Water Jug (128 oz, about 3.8 L)
I fill it in the morning, and when it's empty, I've had my water for the day. A big jug makes drinking enough easy. (I also have a 7 L one, but most people don't need that much jug.)
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) → Kaimex Resistance Bands
Light loop bands for warm-ups and activation work.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Gritin Resistance Bands
Inexpensive, packable and comes with a case. Good for travel.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Zacro Resistance Bands with Door Anchor
Tube bands with handles and a door anchor. A hotel-room gym.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →Travel Roller Foam Roller
Small enough to pack. Big enough to make you make noises.
See it on Amazon.ca (opens in a new tab, affiliate link) →
My honest take
This is what I use. It isn’t a recommendation for you. Your diet, bloodwork, medications, age and where you live all change the answer, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist before adding anything, and please don’t copy my list just because it’s mine.
I don’t give dosing advice here, and I’m not claiming any of this treats, fixes or prevents anything. Food, sleep, lifting and walking do the heavy lifting. Supplements are the sprinkles. Product pages on Canadian Protein and Amazon have their own wording; that’s theirs, not mine.
Not medical advice, check with your doctor.
Questions? Send me a message