You're working out hard and eating right and want to invest in one or two workout supplements to help build that dream body. But with the multitude of products on the market, making a choice can be almost as exhausting as your workout. Ask your friends and you'll get all types of conflicting info and the people at your local supplement store are often not the most informed either. Don't worry the guide below showcases the best supplements and what they do plus a few you should avoid!
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine Phosphate is a high energy molecule that is stored in cells and is used to resynthesize ATP, the body's primary energy source for rapid, intense activities like lifting, sprinting, etc. Supplementing with creating monohydrate elevates levels of creatine phosphate increasing recovery during intense activities. According to Ian King, the world's top strength and conditioning coach, this is the best overall supplement for performance, endurance, fat loss, muscle building, preventing loss of lean muscle mass, and a multitude of other benefits. One of the best products on the market:
EAS BetaGen
Protein Powder
Food substances formed of amino acids, proteins build and repair tissue for hormone production and enzyme function. Researchers constantly debate whether increased protein intake increases muscle mass but bodybuilder physiques are proof that protein supplementation is more than worth it. In addition to increased muscle mass protein helps you feel full longer, it prevents cravings, and helps a great deal when trying to cut back on starchy carb calories. Whey protein is by far the best for muscle building. A great one to try:
Champion Whey Protein
You can also try protein bars:
SportPharma Promax Bars
Essential Fatty Acids
According to Jorge Cruise, author of 8 Minutes in the Morning, the essential fatty acid "flax oil is used to activate your brown bodyfat, which lies deep within your body and surrounds your vital organs. And as a bonus, when this happens you burn more calories and boost your body's metabolic rate. Flax oil is also used to help maintain the integrity and function of your body's 75 trillion cell membranes. And when your cell membranes are healthy you transport oxygen better, one of the key elements in everyday fat burning. Also a great supplement for healthy joints, reducing pms symptoms, healthy hair and nails, alleviating depression, and a variety of other benefits. For great results try:
HFS Total EFA Softgels
HFS Flax Liquid Gold
Multi-Vitamin
Most people lead busy stressful lives and it's not easy eating in a way that provides every single nutrient the body needs to function at optimum levels. Your metabolism can slow down if your body is deficient in any combination of nutrients so it's important to supplement with a multi-vitamin in order to keep your metabolism functioning at optimum levels. This leads to faster fatloss and better results from your workouts. Try Weil Nutritional Daily Multivitamin for Optimum Health, Tablets, 180-Count Bottle
Supplements & Other Products To Avoid Include:
The problem with the supplements listed below is they only work when used with an assortment of other supplements and diet tricks. Getting results by taking just one of these is rare and the only thing you'll be losing is your money so save it for the supplements that count.
- Carb Cutters
- Fat Binders
- Diuretics
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cellulite Inhibitors or Creams
- Cutting Gels
- Pyruvate
- Hydroxycitric Acid (works only if used with eca's)
- Electrosage or other electronic ab belts
