Fresh off their victory at the HYROX Johannesburg event that took place in March, mixed doubles champions Vicky MacIntosh and Wesley Henning share their approach to training, race preparation, and how sports performance products from Nutritional Performance Labs (NPL) play a role in their success.
NPL, a leading name in sports nutrition, is helping athletes push their limits in fitness racing with targeted supplementation strategies.
“Fitness racing is a unique blend of strength and endurance, so structuring our training and nutrition to support both aspects is key,” says MacIntosh.
Their weekly regimen includes long runs, strength sessions, and race-specific hybrid workouts that become more specialised as competition day approaches.
Recovery is equally crucial. “We use a recovery app to track our readiness, prioritise sleep, and fuel correctly to stay in peak condition,” she adds.
Precise supplementation
As performance athletes, MacIntosh and Henning rely on precise supplementation to maximise results.
“NPL Whey Isolate is a staple for post-training recovery, and we use NPL Creatine Monohydrate, NPL BCAA EAA 12:1:1, and L-glutamine consistently,” says Henning.
“We’ve also recently introduced NPL Casein protein before bed to support overnight muscle repair.”
Unlike whey, which provides fast-acting muscle recovery, casein delivers a steady release of amino acids for up to seven hours, helping to minimise muscle breakdown during sleep.
Tailored supplementation for performance
When it comes to endurance training, intra-workout nutrition is essential. “We’ve incorporated NPL’s Intra Load during our threshold sessions, and it’s made a noticeable difference in maintaining energy levels,” says MacIntosh.
Hydration is another priority. “Fitness racing demands a lot, and sweating excessively can impact performance, so we sip on BCAAs throughout the day to stay hydrated.”
Cherrié Blackmore, Head of Marketing at NPL, highlights the importance of tailored supplementation for high-performance athletes.
“Vicky and Wesley’s results speak for themselves. Their training is structured, their nutrition is dialled in, and their supplementation strategy is designed for performance and recovery. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting in fitness racing, the right supplements can make all the difference.”
HYROX for everyone
The duo, who qualified for the HYROX World Championships in the mixed doubles division, emphasise that fitness racing is not just for elite athletes.
“This is a race for everyone,” says Henning. “You’re competing against yourself, chasing your best time. Once you commit to training for an event, your consistency and motivation go to another level.”
For those new to fitness racing, MacIntosh and Henning recommend starting with foundational supplements like whey protein, creatine monohydrate, and BCAAs.
“These will support muscle growth, energy production, and recovery, giving you the best shot at improving your performance,” says MacIntosh.
As MacIntosh and Henning set their sights on their next major fitness racing event, their training and supplementation will continue to be fine-tuned for the challenge ahead.
For those looking to take their own fitness racing performance to the next level, NPL’s science-backed products provide the support needed to train harder, recover faster, and compete at their best.
Visit the NPL (Nutritional Performance Labs) website for more information: https://www.npl.za.com/
Disclaimer: NPL is not affiliated, associated, authorised, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with HYROX, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. The official HYROX website can be found at www.hyrox.com.
