As summer ramps up and your training volume climbs, your body takes a beating—from high-rep WODs to outdoor runs and extra sweat sessions. You’re probably focused on protein, hydration, and mobility work—but there’s one supplement that often flies under the radar: collagen peptides.
Collagen might sound more like a beauty product than a performance supplement, but for CrossFitters, it’s a game-changer—especially when your joints, tendons, and skin are under extra stress during the hot, high-intensity summer months.
What Are Collagen Peptides?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up a major part of your connective tissues: joints, ligaments, tendons, skin, and even your gut lining. Collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen) are broken-down amino acids that are easily absorbed and can help support the repair and health of these critical systems.
Why Collagen Peptides Are a Smart Summer Supplement
1. Joint & Tendon Support
Hard training puts a lot of wear and tear on connective tissue—especially when you’re doubling down on volume or adding more outdoor workouts. Collagen, especially when paired with vitamin C, can help strengthen tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, reducing your risk of injury and improving recovery.
2. Skin Health in the Sun
The sun might boost your mood, but it can also dry out and damage your skin. Collagen helps improve skin elasticity and hydration, keeping you looking and feeling your best, even after hours in the heat.
3. Gut Health & Recovery
Collagen contains glycine and glutamine, which help repair the gut lining and reduce inflammation—vital for athletes pushing their limits and trying to maximize nutrient absorption during tough training cycles.
4. Protein Boost Without Bloat
Collagen is a great add-on to your protein intake, especially post-WOD or in smoothies. It’s light, easy to digest, and won’t cause the bloating that some protein powders can—perfect for hot summer days when appetite can dip.
How to Use Collagen Peptides
Most athletes take 10–20 grams daily, typically mixed into coffee, smoothies, water, or post-workout shakes. For joint support, studies show best results when collagen is taken 30–60 minutes before training, especially alongside vitamin C to aid in collagen synthesis.
It’s not a complete protein, so don’t rely on it as your only source—but it’s an excellent complement to your whey or food-based protein intake.
Where to Buy Good Collagen Peptide Brands
Look for grass-fed, hydrolyzed collagen peptides that are third-party tested and free of artificial additives. Trusted brands include:
- Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate
- Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel
- Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein
- Puori CP1 (popular among CrossFit athletes)
Available online at Amazon, Whole Foods, iHerb, Thorne.com, or through most major supplement retailers.
Final Thoughts: Build Resilience from the Inside Out
Summer training is about more than just muscle—it’s about resilience, consistency, and long-term gains. Collagen peptides help strengthen your joints, skin, and gut, keeping your engine running smoothly so you can keep showing up, heat or no heat.
Stronger joints. Healthier skin. Smarter recovery.