Supplements are an important part of every workout plan, never mind what the final goal is. Many of the substances that can be found in the supplements we already have in our body, naturally synthesized. But, when we put an effort and start exercising, it needs more of them. Every physical activity results in muscle improvement, fat loss, but also, we lose too much water and electrolytes by sweating and trying to work harder.
At the very beginning, you will need a little or no supplements, but as you improve, your body will require more vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and proteins so it can work properly. You should never “prescribe” supplements by yourself. It’s always better to ask your trainer or fitness instructor what you need to take, so you can enhance your performance and reach the goals faster and efficiently.
In this article, we will try to explain every supplement that beginners may need and what it’s used for. This is a short guide for those who are new in the fitness world, so they can better understand how it works.
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Powdered protein
We need protein-rich food so we can improve our muscle performance and recover faster after the workout session. Proteins help your body to build the muscles, by repairing them after weightlifting exercises. It often comes in powdery form, so you can mix it with milk or add to your smoothies and oatmeal. Fitness proteins come in different types including whey protein, casein protein, soy, rice, pea, also you have vegetarian and vegan options, or lactose-free if you are intolerant. Just find the one you want and dose it properly, so you can use most of it.
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Anabolic steroids
These steroids will help you stop the muscle waste when burning fat and calories. They can be taken orally or by injecting, and sometimes they will help you lose more weight, by gaining muscles. You may not need them at the very beginning, but if you are serious that you want to build a muscle mass, you should consider them as an option. You should never use them by yourself, because if you don’t use them properly, they may cause a lot of damage to your body and metabolism. Read more at anabolicsteroidonline.com to learn how they work and why professional bodybuilders use them.
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Pre-workout supplements
Pre-workout supplements are often a mix of caffeine, creatine, and electrolytes that gives you more energy, improving your exercising endurance. They will also help you not to feel too tired after you finish. It’s a mistake to take higher doses to improve efficiency. Use these supplements following the recommendations, so you can avoid over-stimulation.
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Post-workout supplements
These supplements often contain slow-digesting proteins that help you recover after the intense workout. If you exercise in the evenings, they will help you bring back the energy while you sleep. Again, follow the recommended instructions of use and don’t dose it by yourself.
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Caffeine
This is a stimulant that will help you not feeling too tired after exercising. It comes in different forms, such as drinks and pills. Caffeine overuse may disrupt your sleeping routine, so you should dose these supplements carefully. If you decide that you don’t need it, don’t cut the caffeine immediately, because it may cause headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Be sure that you stay hydrated because these supplements often have a diuretic effect.
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L-Glutamine
This is an amino acid that boosts your immune response. You can find it in your food, but if you exercise, you must take supplements, because your body needs it more than when you are passive. It also helps with muscle repair after the heavy weightlifting session.
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Creatine
We can’t make this list without mentioning this supplement that is also found naturally in our muscle cells. It helps you recover your energy after the training. The best option is to take it 30 minutes before you exercise, so you can feel the recovery effect right after you finish your last exercise. If you have a good diet plan, creatine will bring you a lot of benefits. It’s easy-digesting and won’t cause you problems while exercising.
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Vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes
While you exercise, you are sweating too much that may result in electrolytes loss and dehydration. That is why it’s important to drink enough water and take your vitamins every day. The most important vitamins for your workout performance are A, D, B12, and K2. Don’t forget to take magnesium and calcium. Drink your electrolytes, so you can bring the balance back after you took the supplements and worked out hard.
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BCAA
The branched-chain amino acids increase muscle potential and help them repair and grow properly. Our muscles use them as a source of energy, so they can handle the workout session. They are ideal to maximize your gain. You can use them as an energy booster, as a recovery treatment after the exercising and in the morning, so you can stimulate your body to easily repair.
Supplements + nutrition = success!
These supplements are not a replacement for your food. You always need to eat balanced meals, avoid fried food, snacks, and industrial desserts. Don’t drink sugary beverages and always try to stay hydrated by drinking enough water during the day. Fitness beginners may not need supplements immediately, but as they improve their performance, their body requires more energy resources. That will result in better results. But, we all need to understand that supplements are not magical ingredients that will make you thin or strong. With a proper fitness plan, you will have the body you always dreamed about.
We hope that this article helped you understand better how supplements and fitness work together. You should find the best gym studio around you and start your gaining process today. This list is just information for you and you should listen to your trainer’s instruction and don’t try to dose the supplements by yourself, because it can be bad for you.
