Fitness supplements should be seen as supplements to a healthy, well-rounded diet. Carbs and proteins fuel physical exercise while vitamins enhance immune function.
Creatine and beta-alanine are two ingredients commonly found in workout-enhancing products, often packaged as powder that must be mixed with water before beginning workouts.
Enhances Strength
If you’re looking to increase your strength, there are various fitness supplements that may help. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, leucine and other branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as BCAAs may stimulate protein synthesis while simultaneously decreasing muscle breakdown during intense exercises and supporting recovery afterwards. Furthermore, beta-alanine has been found to increase muscle carnosine levels which helps decrease lactic acid buildup during high intensity workouts.
Eating healthily and following a balanced diet are both ways to increase strength. Protein, in particular, offers many health advantages and can be found in many food items such as meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and some vegetables. Protein has long been revered for its muscle-repair capabilities and may be taken in supplement form before workout sessions to maximize results.
However, when adding supplements into your workout routine, always consult with a healthcare professional first and ensure that you’re following the recommended dosage. Supplements should only ever be used to enhance fitness routines rather than replace them altogether.
Reduces Fatigue
When your muscles feel fatigued, it can be tempting to give up and take a break – but there are ways you can overcome fatigue and increase strength.
One effective strategy to combat muscle fatigue is limiting lactic acid build-up during high intensity workouts. Carnosine used in pre-workout supplements helps buffer this buildup during high-intensity exercises and decrease tiredness levels during high-intensity exercises, thus decreasing feeling of tiredness. Creatine can further help by replenishing ATP stores that give muscles energy for contraction.
Fitness supplements such as protein powders, mass gainers and amino acids can increase muscle growth, decrease fatigue and help you make the most out of your workouts. With so many supplements on the market and so many “promises” made about them, it can be challenging to discern between reality and hype. Martin’s Wellness wants to assist in making informed decisions regarding which fitness supplements might best meet your individual needs and goals – read through more information about their functioning before speaking to a physician about what best fits.
Increases Endurance
Muscular endurance refers to your muscles’ ability to exert force against gravity or resistance for extended periods. Although we typically associate muscle endurance with elite athletes participating in demanding sports activities, all of us can benefit from increasing it.
To increase endurance, incorporate whole grain and fruit-rich meals into your diet and stay hydrated during exercise. Supplements containing creatine, beta-alanine, or citrulline may also prove helpful – or purchase pre-workout products that include these components.
At any point in their fitness journey, healthy diet is paramount to their overall success and fitness goals. When selecting supplements made by reputable brands with third-party testing results. Speak to an accredited health care provider about your needs and goals; ensure all recommended dosages are being adhered to; aim for an equilibrium between protein, carbs, fats, vitamins minerals and water for optimum results.
Increases Energy
Your fitness supplement needs depend on both your current diet and type of workout program, but generally speaking a balanced whole-food diet with enough carbohydrates, proteins and fats should provide all of the energy you need for workouts.
Caffeine is one of the mainstays in pre-workout supplements, as it can increase energy levels. Other popular ingredients include beta-alanine (for buffering lactic acid levels and decreasing fatigue) and creatine – two known support agents of protein synthesis and strength gains.
However, fitness supplements should never replace healthy eating and should only be taken with medical advice from reputable brands that publish third-party testing results. Finding the appropriate fitness supplement for you and your health objectives can help speed up the achievement of goals more quickly.
