If you have been working out for at least a year, you’re probably considering improving and enhancing your performance at the gym by incorporating supplements into your diet. It would be best if you thought of consuming supplements once you have achieved a high level of intensity in your workouts that are unmatched by the other gym members at your local gym. There are many different kinds of supplements available on the market for purchase from dozens of brands from all over the globe; this article was created to help you understand the basics of sports supplementation.
First of all, if you go to the gym or even if you do some kind of primary physical activity like swimming or jogging, it’s essential to take some vitamin supplements to make your body get the sufficient nutrients it needs in a day. Fish oil is another excellent supplement that everyone should be taking, especially if you go to the gym. It helps with the stress and tension that the muscles and joints go through.
Now, if you’re looking for something extra that will help you take your workouts and your body to another level, you need to look into sports supplements first. You will be amazed at all the products and brands out there but don’t be fooled. Not all of them are what they seem. Just because they promise 50 grams of protein per serving doesn’t mean that you’re getting it. Below you will find a simple description of the significant selling products in the supplement industry.
Pre-Workout: The name says it all. This supplement is meant to be taken before a workout; its ingredients usually consist of some caffeine and natural herb mix that spike energy levels within a few minutes of consumption. In the late 80’s and early 90’s supplement companies used to make potent blends with ingredients that weren’t very liked or approved by the food organizations. Pre-workouts from those decades were strong! They would make you jump out of your seat. Today things have changed. Pre-workouts are a lot weaker than they were before. They still give you a big kick that will help you move some extra weight but nothing like the good old days.
Whey Protein: It’s probably the most known food supplement of them all. Whey protein comes in powder form and is usually flavored in vanilla or chocolate. It mixes easily with water or milk. It has low-calorie content, packed with protein. Whey Protein is meant to be taken a right after a workout since it’s a fast-digesting protein.
Weight Gainers: Weight gainers are very similar to whey proteins, they also come in powder form, but they have way more calories. Depending on the brand, a portion of this powder mixed with water or milk can provide you with up to 1500- 2500 calories, it has a lot more fat and carbohydrates than whey, but it also contains a lot more protein, if you want to gain weight this is the only way to go.
Testosterone and HGH boosters: These are popular amongst people over 40. After 30, natural testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH) levels decrease in significant percentages in men, making it difficult to maintain or build muscle. These products are made to raise the ratios of these hormones in the human body naturally. They are not steroids and therefore are safe to consume.
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA): The body functions based on protein synthesis, branched-chain amino acids are crucial in this process, by consuming BCAA’S the body’s natural protein synthesis process will speed up, and therefore muscle growth will occur at a faster rate, this supplement can be taken at any time of the day and even during a workout.
Creatine: Along with whey protein, Creatine is one of the most talked-about and used supplements on the entire planet! Creatine is found naturally in the body and helps with the transportation of water to the muscle. It is also found in small doses in red meat. Creatine will help with weight gain and overall muscle size as this supplement fills the muscles with water. Muscles are 80% water. If you want to look swollen, stay hydrated and take your Creatine.
Legal Steroids:
Not to be confused with anabolic “synthetic steroids,” there are many all-natural supplements, also called legal steroids, that can help increase strength and help you pack on lean muscle without the side effects. Crazy Bulk offers stacks for both bulking and cutting, which are perfectly safe and provide good results.
A quick tip: Supplements are meant to be a small part of a diet. Eating healthy meals is the best way to gain muscle, but if for some reason you’re tired or don’t have the time and feel like you need some extra help, that’s when you should consider taking supplements; based on the descriptions above you should be able to figure out what you need.
Always look at the label of the supplement you want to buy. You want to buy a product that uses natural ingredients. If you’re looking into purchasing a weight gainer or whey protein, make sure you buy the product that offers the most protein and carbohydrates per serving. For Creatine, you want a natural 100% pure level, not the cheap Chinese stuff. Stay away from proprietary blends. Another thing to mention is that not all supplements are created equal; many supplements target the male athlete or bodybuilder, while others develop unique formulas designed specifically for female bodybuilders.
