For some people, workouts and physical fitness are a hobby. They are something to enjoy during their leisure time that help to burn a few extra calories and tone up their physique. For the rest of the physical fitness world, workouts and fitness are serious business. For these warriors, fitness is not a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a commitment to self-improvement. It’s a way to challenge oneself, to push boundaries, to surpass limits, and to become the best possible version of oneself. For these warriors, only the best will do.
That is why we have compiled this list of the top fitness supplements on the market right now. Fitness supplements are very instrumental to a body performing at maximum capacity during a workout and for achieving successful results. Fitness training requires not only a sharp and focused mind but a sharp and focused body. Every muscle, tendon, and cell must be at pique performance levels. Achieving pique performance levels requires supplements that go as hard as you do. Here, we have compiled the best supplements on the market for serious fitness warriors, and we take an in-depth look at their advantages and disadvantages.
They can be perfect for adding to an already balanced diet, whether you’re trying to lose weight on a plan like Nutrisystem for men, or if you’re trying to bulk up and add some muscle to a petite frame. You have to choose wisely when it comes to your selection of nutritional supplements.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is at the top of this list because as far as supplements go that push for maximum protein synthesis, whey protein is a powerhouse. Whey is derived from milk and is considered a complete protein because it contains all 9 essential amino acids. Although it is a milk protein, it contains no lactose.
Advantages: Whey protein can aid in weight loss as those who were given whey protein saw a decrease in body fat. Other studies also show that whey protein can help reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels over a 12 week period. Adding whey protein to a drink daily can also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Disadvantages: High doses of whey on a consistent basis can cause acne. Also, daily high doses of whey can cause a number of ailments such as stomach pains, loss of appetite, cramps, fatigue, headache, and nausea.
Tips: To maximize the effects of your whey protein, take 20 grams of powder 30 minutes before your workout and 40 grams within 60 minutes after. Also, consider kick-starting your muscle growth with 20-40 grams every morning.
Creatine
Creatine is a natural acid produced by the body and is a key component in supplying energy to muscle cells during intense activity. Creatine is a widely-used supplement because of how well it boosts performance and is safe to use for most people.
Advantages: Creatine can help produce more energy for your high-intensity workouts. It will also aid in muscle repair and recovery once your workout is over. Studies have shown that creatine can actually help reduce blood sugar levels and help fight diabetes. Lastly, creatine can help improve brain function and may help fight off neurological diseases.
Disadvantages: A creatine supplement regimen can be harmful to someone who already has unhealthy kidneys. If your kidneys are already weak or damaged, a heavy creatine supplement lifestyle could cause kidney and liver damage. Since creatine pulls water into your muscle cells, dehydration is very possible, so drink plenty of water. Another common side effect of creatine is a gastrointestinal irritation.
Tips: To maximize creatine effects, take 2-5 grams in your protein shake before workouts and 2-5 grams in your post workout protein shake.
Glutamine
Glutamine has been a staple supplement of body builders for decades. This is because not only does it aid in muscle growth, it also decreases muscle breakdown.
Advantages: Glutamine not only boosts the immune system, but it also helps reduce blood sugar and prevent diabetes. A natural metabolism booster, glutamine will help you reach your weight loss goals and helps suppress sugar cravings. It can improve brain function and help repair ulcers.
Disadvantages: Glutamine is potentially harmful to those who have existing liver and kidney conditions. If you have a sensitivity to MSG (monosodium glutamate), you shouldn’t use glutamine. Those with a history of mania or seizures should not use glutamine for it could exacerbate these conditions.
Tips: For best results, take 5-10 grams of glutamine in the morning with breakfast, in a pre-work out shake, in a post-work out shake, and in your nighttime snack shake.