Weight gainers
Over 70% of individuals striving to gain muscle mass encounter difficulties meeting adequate caloric intake. Gainers are specifically designed to overcome this challenge, offering a concentrated source of calories, protein, and carbohydrates. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), adequate protein intake (1.6-2.2 g/kg body weight) combined with sufficient energy is fundamental for hypertrophy. Gainers effectively support achieving these levels, especially for individuals with a fast metabolism or those with limited appetite who struggle to consume large quantities of food.
For my clients, particularly young men with an ectomorphic body type, incorporating a gainer into their daily regimen is often a turning point. I observe significant improvements in the rate of weight and strength gain when they manage to maintain a consistent surplus of 500-700 calories daily. This isn't just empty calorie intake – quality gainers provide a balanced macronutrient ratio, often fortified with creatine, vitamins, and minerals, which further optimizes recovery and growth.
Choosing the right gainer depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are a beginner or need a more moderate caloric boost, look for products with approximately 30-40% protein and more complex carbohydrates. For more extreme weight gain, you can opt for gainers with higher carbohydrate and caloric content. Always start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to avoid digestive discomfort and find the optimal intake for you.
- 7Nutrition - BODYBUILDER 1,5 kg – 24.00 €
- ProActive Carbo Pro 1000g Grapefruit – 4.44 €
- 7Nutrition - CYCLIC DEXTRIN 900G – 30.00 €
- 7Nutrition - Cream of Rice 1000g – 15.00 €
- 7Nutrition - Bodybuilder EXTREME 2270g – 29.90 €
- Mutant - MASS XXXTREME 2500 / 2720 гр – 40.39 €
- ProActive Isotonic 1000g Grapefruit – 11.76 €
- 7Nutrition - BODYBUILDER 3 kg – 45.00 €
- ProActive X-Mass Gainer 1000g Chocolate – 6.78 €
- Allmax QuickMass: Mass Gainer – 0.00 €
- 7Nutrition - VITARGO® ELECTROLYTES - 1022 g – 24.90 €
- Real Mass Real Pharm 1000 грама – 15.34 €
- 7Nutrition - Instant OATS 1kg – 9.90 €
- 100% Mass Gainer MuscleTech 2330 грама – 69.02 €
Why you need a Gainer for weight gain
Gainer is needed when your caloric intake is insufficient. Often, guys come in who train hard but can't gain weight. I explain to them that food is key, and gainer helps them catch up on what they've missed.
How I choose
When I choose a gainer for myself or a client, I look at several things. It's important that the carbohydrate to protein ratio is at least 3:1, and often 4:1 for a faster effect. I look for at least 600-700 calories per serving to make a real contribution. Good gainers have complex carbohydrates like maltodextrin or oats, not just sugar. Protein should be at least 20-30 grams per serving. I personally prefer gainers that also contain creatine, especially monohydrate – 3 to 5 grams are sufficient. This helps with strength and recovery. For me, it's important that there are no unnecessary fillers and that it dissolves easily – nobody likes lumps in their shaker.
What we offer
- AllMax Nutrition: We have been working with them since 2014. Their gainers are concentrated and made with quality ingredients. For example, AllMax Quickmass has 1010 calories and 60 grams of protein per serving, using several carbohydrate sources. Clients like it because they gain lean mass.
- Ultimate Nutrition: They have been part of our assortment since 2017. Ultimate Nutrition Muscle Juice 2544 is a classic, with 1000 calories and 55 grams of protein. It's a more economical option, but it does a good job. Many people start with it.
A piece of advice from me
Don't rely solely on gainer. It's a supplement, not a food substitute. Eat wholesome meals 4-5 times a day, and use gainer between meals or after training. This is my experience from 18 years in the gym and the store.
Gainer vs. protein: when each works
Pure protein provides about 100–120 kcal per serving, while a gainer delivers 500–1300 kcal. If you are a hardgainer with a fast metabolism or you can't eat enough during the day, a gainer replaces a whole meal and solves the problem of caloric deficit. For people with a slower metabolism, a moderate mass gainer with 30–40 g of protein and 50–80 g of carbohydrates is more suitable.
Caloric structure: slow vs. fast carbohydrates
Quality gainers contain a blend of oat flour, maltodextrin, and waxy maize. Maltodextrin provides a rapid insulin response after training, while oats provide stable energy throughout the day. Avoid products with over 50% sugars — they lead to fat accumulation, not lean muscle mass.
Protein matrix in the gainer
Premium products combine whey isolate, concentrate, casein, and egg protein for continuous amino acid release over 4–6 hours. This is especially valuable for nighttime feeding or long breaks between meals. A minimum of 25 g of protein per serving is the standard for an effective anabolic response.
When and how to drink the gainer
Three key moments: in the morning upon waking (breaks nocturnal catabolism), immediately after training (replenishes glycogen and initiates synthesis), and between main meals as a caloric boost. Mix with fresh milk for an additional 8 g of protein and calcium. A gainer before bed is recommended only for extremely fast metabolisms.
Additives in quality gainer: creatine, BCAA, enzymes
Top products include 3–5 g of creatine monohydrate for volumetric strength, BCAA for anti-catabolic protection, and digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lactase) that eliminate bloating with high caloric intake. A vitamin-mineral complex is a plus — a gainer with such a formula replaces a complete mass-stack.