How to Choose the Right Workout Supplements

So you’re starting to get in the groove, you’re training regularly and making progress towards achieving your fitness goals. You may find yourself looking for that extra edge to maximize the results you reap from your gym sessions, chances are the first thing your mind will jump to is workout supplements.

There are a plethora of different types of supplements on the market, making the right choice can seem very daunting especially if you’re not well versed on the subject. You can purchase pre-workouts, post-workouts, whey protein, creatine, BCAAs, and many more. All of which also have loads of different brands, flavors, concentrations respectively.

You may find yourself wondering where you should even start? Here are some tips to help you make the right choice when looking for the right workout supplement to complement your training regiment.

What Are Your Goals?

Before entertaining all the supplement options that are available, you need to have a clear set of goals that you wish to achieve. For example, someone who wishes to gain muscle mass will need to purchase a completely different combination of supplements than someone who wishes to simply lose weight.

If your main objective is muscle growth you’d want to look for supplements including BCAAs for example. If you aim to enhance your cognitive abilities and energy levels, one would then proceed to look into supplements such as a dedicated pre-workout or synthesized caffeine. If you aim to increase endurance, you’d want to look for supplements that include beta-alanine. Along with your budget, your goals will be the main driver for choosing a workout supplement.

Choosing the wrong supplement can even hold back your progress in some cases, as opposed to helping you get that extra edge you seek. It’s advisable that you consult a fitness or nutrition specialist when deciding what it is you wish to achieve, as they will also help to guide you through the different options for supplements that suit your specific needs and how to use them correctly.

Types of Supplements

While it isn’t a bad idea to try getting the nutrients you need mainly from food, the problem lies in the fact that most people don’t eat a large enough variety of nutrient-rich foods. Dieters especially may be forced to eliminate or limit consuming foods that contain vital nutrients. That’s when supplements come into play. The information found at Wilson Supplements gives us insight into how wide the variety is when it comes to different kinds of workout supplements. the following supplements are popular and widely available:

1. Creatine – Creatine acts as a backup phosphate donor for the replenishment of ATP, which is the main source of energy for all muscular contractions.
2. Casein/Whey Protein – Usually consumed in the form of a shake, milk protein is made up of 20% whey and 80% casein. Casein is a slow-release protein that will spread its amino acids over approximately a 7 hour period, whilst whey is a fast-release protein that spreads in about 1.5 hours.
3. Omega 3 – Omega 3 (aka Fish Oil) has been shown to be beneficial for the functions of the nervous and cardiovascular systems in the body. It also offers anti-inflammatory properties which can help combat muscle damage and fatigue.
4. Antioxidants – Antioxidants include vitamins C, E, B-complex, zinc, manganese, selenium and green tea extract. These vitamins and minerals help the body deal with toxic oxidants, such as free radicals that are produced through exercise.
5. Post-Workout Recovery – Post-Workout recovery is similar to protein shakes, with the addition of simple carbohydrates and other nutrients that help improve recovery and growth of muscles.
6. Glucosamine/Chondroitin – Both of these substances are naturally occurring in the body. They help soothe the pain caused by sore joints and connective tissues, as well as help to promote healing of said areas.
7. Pre-Workout – A pre-workout supplement is usually consists of a combination of ingredients that are designed to help increase the volume, intensity and output of your workout session. This allows you to pump out more reps and sets than usual.

Get The Most Out Of Your Purchase

Now that you have an idea of what your goals are and what supplements can provide for you, it’s time to start the purchasing process. Supplements can be found both at physical stores as well as online, it tends to be the case that most of the better deals can be found online. Not to mention that there is also a much wider variety to choose from as opposed to a physical store.

One of the best deals you can get is purchasing a dedicated bundle (aka stack), fitting to your main fitness goal(s). Both online and in stores, you can find bundles that combine several different supplements suited to a specific goal. Once you have received your supplements, remember to use them as directed to you by a specialist or by the instructions on the packaging for maximized, safe results.