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Can Workout Supplements Improve Athletic Performance?
There are literally thousands of supplements sold, fat burners, whey protein, creatine etc. Supplements are pushed so hard in the fitness world I believe people ignore them.
It seems its all the same crap in a different looking container. Many large supplement companies simply put out new formulas which are essentially the old formula with new packaging.
Figuring out what kind of supplements you should be taking can be frustrating, often times people will spend hundreds of dollars on supplements they do not need. Supplements do work, but there are many that do not.
If you are following a decent diet and getting the right nutrients you really should not need much in the way of supplementation.
What are workout supplements?
A workout supplement is a special formula of combined ingredients to help give you energy and strength. Protein, creatine, amino acids, and minerals can make a big difference in how you train and how you feel.
If you train hard with any kind of intensity, your body may require additional nutrients. Those additional nutrients will help your muscles recover faster, prevent joint pain, and give you more energy.
Different kinds of supplements
Everyone is physiologically different, what may work for you may not work for someone else.
You should supplement your body according to your individual needs and the type of activity you perform. Below is a list of some of the most common workout supplements people use.
Creatine is a popular supplement used by bodybuilders and athletes who train with high intensity.
Creatine gives your body a boost of energy.
Creatine works best with explosive training activities or short bursts of energy.
What creatine does is pull liquid into the muscle cells and improves protein synthesis. If you take creatine on a regular basis you will want to stay well hydrated.
Whey protein is a complete protein that contains 9 essential amino acids, it contains low amounts of lactose. If you are not getting enough protein in your diet, whey protein is a good way to make up for it.
If you perform any kind of resistance training whey protein will help improve protein synthesis which is essential for packing on new muscle.
If you are trying to lose weight and are cutting back on calories, you may want to consider taking a whey protein supplement, it will help preserve muscle while eliminating fat.
Whey protein can also keep your immune system strong.
D-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid found in many testosterone boosters, this is obviously not a supplement that women will want to take, but men can get a good boost of testosterone from taking D-Aspartic acid. D-Aspartic acid increases testosterone levels and helps boost strength and build muscle.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is an essential fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. People who do not eat meat and are trying to watch their fat intake might suffer from low levels of CLA.
There has been extensive research on the benefits of CLA, some of the results have been impressive. Studies have shown that as little as 0.05 % of CLA in your diet can reduce tumors caused by different types of cancer by over 50%.
CLA has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and mimics the effects of diabetic drugs. CLA has positive fat burning effects. Getting enough CLA in your diet helps burn fat while preserving muscle tissue.
Glutamine is an important amino acid that helps strengthen the immune system and helps prevent weakness and fatigue, especially when your body is under stress. If you train frequently and often feel tired your body is most likely lacking glutamine.
Why you should take a workout supplement
There are several reasons why you should take a workout supplement. The foods we eat today are not as nutrient-rich as they were a few decades ago.
A lot of the food we eat is enriched with vitamins and minerals, even so, if you train hard at least 4- 5 days a week you are most likely lacking certain nutrients that over time, will make you feel tired and fatigued.
A good supplement will ensure your body has plenty of nutrients to keep you healthy. A good supplement will maintain healthy bones, muscles, and a strong immune system.
What's the best workout supplement
For most people, it is not necessary to spend a ton of money on different supplements, if you are eating right and train 4-5 days a week most people will benefit from a pre-workout supplement.
A good workout supplement will contain all of the essential nutrients you need.
Conclusion
Workout supplements can be very effective, a good workout supplement can make a big difference in how you feel both before and after you train to give you better focus, energy, and stamina.
