Hey there, fitness fam! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest supplements to help you crush your workouts and reach your goals. So when I heard that NBA legend LeBron James and action star Arnold Schwarzenegger teamed up to create their own line of premium workout supplements, I knew I had to try them for myself.
In this in-depth Ladder review, I‘m going to give you the full scoop on this celebrity-backed brand, including:
- What makes Ladder stand out from other supplement companies
- My personal experience trying Ladder‘s top products
- Comparisons of how Ladder stacks up to other popular brands
- Thoughts from other athletes and fitness pros who use Ladder
- Tips for getting the best deals and maximizing your results
As a certified fitness junkie and supplement aficionado, I‘ve tried my fair share of protein powders, pre-workouts, and superfood blends over the years. I‘m always looking for products that taste great, use clean and effective ingredients, and give me the energy and results I‘m after.
So does Ladder live up to the hype? Let‘s find out!
What is Ladder?
In case you‘re not familiar, Ladder is a performance supplement brand founded in 2018 by NBA superstar LeBron James and former Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with LeBron‘s longtime trainer Mike Mancias and Cindy Crawford‘s husband Rande Gerber.
The brand‘s mission is to provide high-quality, science-backed supplements to help athletes of all levels reach peak performance. Ladder‘s products are all NSF Certified for Sport, meaning they are independently tested to ensure they contain no banned substances or contaminants.
Ladder currently offers four main product categories:
- Whey and plant-based protein powders to support muscle growth and recovery
- Pre-workout to increase energy, focus, and stamina during training
- Hydration to replace electrolytes lost through sweat
- Superfood greens to fill nutrient gaps and support overall wellness
The Ladder Story
To really understand what makes Ladder unique, you have to know the story behind the brand. It all started back in 2014, when LeBron James famously cramped up during the NBA Finals due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This was a huge wake-up call for LeBron, who became determined to overhaul his nutrition and never let it happen again.
LeBron teamed up with his trainer Mancias to find the best possible supplements to support his performance and longevity. But despite being the face of major sports drink brands, he was unhappy with the artificial ingredients and lack of transparency in most products on the market.
As LeBron told Business Insider, "A lot of those [supplements] have been corrupted over the years. There is no regulations. We wanted to do something that was organic, that was natural, that was safe."
Meanwhile, Arnold Schwarzenegger was going through his own health journey. After undergoing emergency heart surgery, the former champion bodybuilder became passionate about helping others lead healthier lives. He started researching supplements and connected with LeBron through a mutual friend.
The two superstars joined forces and spent four years working with a team of scientists, dietitians, and wellness experts to formulate supplements they could trust to support their own health and performance. In 2018, Ladder officially launched with the goal of bringing the same level of quality and efficacy to everyday athletes.
As Schwarzenegger said in a press release, "I was looking for a brand that I could trust to provide top-notch ingredients, the right doses, and the highest quality products. When I couldn‘t find one, we decided to create our own, and Ladder was born."
My Ladder Supplement Review
Alright, now that you know the background, let‘s dive into my personal experience with Ladder‘s products! I‘ve been using Ladder supplements consistently for the last three months, so I feel I can give a pretty thorough and balanced review.
Ladder Whey Protein
I‘m a big fan of Ladder‘s chocolate whey protein powder. The taste is rich and creamy without being overly sweet, and it blends up smoothly with no grittiness or chalkiness. I like that it uses a blend of whey protein isolate and casein for sustained absorption, and includes a probiotic strain for gut health.
Each scoop packs 26 grams of protein, 7 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs, and just 3 grams of sugar. It‘s also gluten-free, soy-free, and GMO-free. I typically use one scoop in my morning smoothie or mix it up with almond milk for a post-workout treat.
The only downside is the price – at $60 for a 30-serving bag, it‘s definitely on the higher end compared to other grass-fed whey proteins on the market. But for me, the clean ingredients and third-party testing are worth the extra cost.
Ladder Plant Protein
I also tried Ladder‘s plant-based protein powder in vanilla, and was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. As someone who typically prefers whey, I wasn‘t sure if a vegan protein would be able to match the taste and texture.
But Ladder‘s blend of pea and pumpkin protein is really smooth and creamy, with a mellow vanilla flavor that works well in overnight oats or chia pudding. It‘s a great option for days when I‘m going meatless or looking to change things up.
Nutritionally, each serving has 21 grams of protein, 4.5 grams of BCAAs, and 5 grams of fiber. Like the whey version, it also contains probiotics and digestive enzymes to support gut health and nutrient absorption.
One thing to note is that it‘s slightly lower in protein per scoop compared to some other plant-based brands. But at 130 calories per serving, it‘s a good option if you‘re keeping an eye on your overall intake.
Ladder Pre-Workout
I‘ll be honest, I was a little skeptical of Ladder‘s pre-workout at first. With big names like LeBron and Arnold behind it, I was worried it might be all hype and no substance. But after using it consistently for a few weeks, I can confidently say it‘s become one of my go-to‘s for an extra boost before training.
The Ladder pre-workout mix contains 200 mg of caffeine from green tea extract, along with citicoline for focus, beta-alanine and creatine for muscle endurance, and L-theanine to smooth out the jitters. It‘s a really clean and balanced formula that gives me sustained energy without the crash.
I personally love the strawberry lemonade flavor – it‘s refreshing and not too tart or overpowering. The tropical fruit is also good if you prefer a more mellow taste. Just be aware that it does have some natural color from beet root powder, so don‘t be alarmed by the slightly pinkish hue!
Ladder Superfood Greens
Finally, I‘ve been incorporating Ladder‘s superfood greens powder into my daily routine for an extra dose of nutrients. As someone who admittedly doesn‘t always get enough veggies, I like knowing I‘m getting a blend of organic greens like spinach, spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass in each scoop.
The mint flavor is subtle and refreshing, and mixes easily into water or smoothies without leaving a gritty texture. I appreciate that it also includes adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and reishi mushroom to help manage stress.
At $60 for a 30-day supply, it‘s definitely pricier than some other greens powders I‘ve tried. But I do feel like the quality and sourcing of the ingredients is a step above, and the addition of probiotics and enzymes is a nice bonus.
How Ladder Compares to Other Brands
Of course, Ladder is far from the only supplement brand out there targeting athletes and fitness enthusiasts. So how does it stack up to some of the other big players in the industry? Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Brand | Protein Range | Pre-Workout | Greens | Unique Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladder | 26g/21g plant | 200mg caffeine | 30 superfoods | NSF Certified, top athlete founders | $$$$ |
| Optimum Nutrition | 24g | 175mg caffeine | n/a | Widely available, Gold Standard line | $$ |
| Transparent Labs | 28g | 180mg caffeine | 19 superfoods | 100% formula transparency | $$$ |
| Garden of Life | 22g plant | 85mg caffeine | 35 superfoods | USDA organic, vegan | $$$ |
| MyProtein | 20-25g | 150mg caffeine | n/a | Wide flavor variety, frequent sales | $ |
As you can see, Ladder definitely falls on the premium end of the spectrum in terms of pricing. But it also offers some unique benefits like the NSF Certification, celebrity backing, and inclusion of adaptogens and probiotics in its formulas.
Ultimately, the "best" supplement brand for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. But if you‘re looking for products that prioritize clean ingredients, third-party testing, and elite athlete input, Ladder is definitely worth considering.
What Other Athletes Think of Ladder
I‘m far from the only fitness enthusiast who has become a fan of Ladder supplements. The brand has a strong following among professional athletes and influencers, many of whom partner with Ladder or share their experiences on social media.
Take Trae Young, the NBA point guard for the Atlanta Hawks. He‘s been using Ladder products for over a year and credits them with helping him gain lean muscle and stamina on the court.
"I‘ve always been undersized, so putting on healthy weight was a big priority for me," he told GQ. "Ladder‘s protein has been a game-changer. It‘s easy on my stomach and helps me recover faster so I can keep putting in the work."
Celebrity trainer Ron "Boss" Everline is another big proponent of Ladder. He works with clients like Kevin Hart and Ne-Yo, and says he recommends Ladder because of its clean ingredients and NSF certification.
"When you‘re working with high-profile clients, you can‘t afford to take any chances with contaminated or banned substances," he told the Ladder blog. "With Ladder, I know I‘m giving my guys the best quality and safest products to support their gains."
Of course, no supplement will magically transform your body or performance overnight. As Ladder‘s co-founder Arnold Schwarzenegger is quick to remind people, achieving results still requires hard work and consistency.
"There is no secret formula," he said in an interview with Men‘s Health. "The only way to get results is to put in the reps, day after day. But having the right fuel and nutrients can definitely help you maximize your potential and recovery."
Tips for Getting the Best Results with Ladder
So if you‘re intrigued by what Ladder has to offer, how can you make sure you‘re getting the most bang for your buck? Here are a few tips I‘ve learned from my own experience and research:
-
Be consistent: Like any supplement, Ladder‘s products work best when used regularly over time. Aim to incorporate them into your daily routine, rather than just using them sporadically.
-
Pair with a balanced diet: While Ladder‘s supplements can help fill nutrient gaps and support your fitness goals, they‘re not a substitute for whole foods. Make sure you‘re still eating plenty of lean protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and colorful fruits and veggies.
-
Time it right: For best results, take Ladder‘s pre-workout 20-30 minutes before training, and its protein within an hour after your workout. The greens powder can be taken any time of day, but I find it helps with digestion and energy if taken in the morning.
-
Consider subscribing: If you plan to use Ladder supplements long-term, signing up for a subscription can save you up to 25% and ensure you never run out. Just make sure to pause or cancel if you need to take a break.
-
Log your progress: Whether you use Ladder‘s app or your own journal, tracking your workouts, nutrition, and results can help you see how the supplements are working for you. Take note of changes in your energy, strength, muscle tone, and overall well-being.
-
Experiment with recipes: Don‘t be afraid to get creative with your Ladder products! Try mixing the protein powder into baked goods, pancakes, or homemade energy balls for a tasty treat. The pre-workout can be mixed with soda water or frozen into ice pops for a refreshing boost.
The Bottom Line
So, is Ladder supplement worth the investment? Based on my personal experience and research, I would say yes – with a few caveats.
There‘s no denying that Ladder is one of the pricier supplement brands out there. If you‘re on a tight budget, you may want to consider more affordable options like Optimum Nutrition or MyProtein.
But if you‘re willing to spend a bit more for clean, third-party tested ingredients and formulas backed by top athletes and experts, Ladder is a solid choice. The brand‘s commitment to transparency and quality sets it apart from many of the other supplements lining store shelves.
Of course, no supplement is a magic bullet. You still need to put in the hard work in the gym and the kitchen to see results. But if you‘re looking for products to help support your performance and recovery, Ladder is definitely worth adding to your stack.
Just remember to start slow, listen to your body, and don‘t be afraid to adjust your routine as needed. And if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding a wellness approach that makes you feel your best – physically, mentally, and emotionally. For me, Ladder has become a valuable tool in supporting my active lifestyle and fitness goals. But your mileage may vary.
I hope this in-depth review has given you a better sense of what Ladder supplement has to offer and whether it might be right for you. If you have any other questions or want to share your own experiences, drop a comment below! Let‘s keep the conversation going and support each other on our journeys to becoming our healthiest, strongest selves.
