Supplements can be an important part of your workout regime but deciphering fact from fiction can be more difficult than you might think. How often have you heard slogans like “Melt fat easily with XYZ,’ or “Get ripped with XYZ in no time.” Supplements can be very effective in helping you achieve your goals so we thought now would be a good time to offer up some sound device on the workout supplements that are most beneficial.
#1 Protein Powders
Genf20 Plus
Simply ingesting protein powder isn’t going to build your muscles. First, you need to work your muscles and then protein can effectively feed those muscles during your workout and help your muscle rebuild after your workout. It’s important not to ingest more protein than your body needs as it won’t have any benefit and it can put extra stress on your kidneys and liver. You should take one gram of protein per pound of body weight. Protein powders are mixed into your juice or shake and you can take them at different times through the day.
#2 Human Growth Hormone
Human Growth Hormone or HGH is a hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland, which is found in the middle of your brain. It is then released through the bloodstream. Human Growth Hormone is responsible for a number of key body functions, including developing and repairing your muscles. HGH supplements like Sytropin, Genfx and Genf20 Plus help the body to increase human growth hormone production. Don’t confuse HGH supplements with HGH injections. The latter requires a doctor’s prescription and have a number of serious side effects, not to mention they are very costly. HGH supplements are affordable, safe, and effective. Our natural HGH production depletes as we age and so an HGH supplement can offer tons of anti aging benefits including lean muscle mass development.
#3 Amino Acids
Amino acids are protein building blocks are they are in charge of developing your body’s enzymes. Amino acids aid in the growth and repair of your muscles when taken with your workouts. There are two types of amino acids – essential (not produced by your body) and non-essential (naturally produced by your body). The recommended amino acid dosage will vary depending on what type of amino acid it is. However taking one and a half grams 3 times a day is usually sufficient.
#4 L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is actually an amino acid that is produced in high quantities by your body. It is a non-essential amino acid so your body produces it. L-Glutamine helps maintain muscle mass and it also aids in muscle recovery. Those who participate in high intensity workouts regularly deplete their glutamine reserves and should take a supplement. How much glutamine you take will depend on who you talk to but 5 grams after and intense workout followed by another 5 grams two hours later should provide results.
#5 Creatine
Creatine is a supplement that has come under debate many times. Your liver, pancreas and kidneys produce about 2 grams of creatine daily. Creatine plays many roles but one is to provide energy to your muscles. Taking creatine supplements often leads to a little bit of weight gain, which is water weight, no muscle weight. Creatine supplements can be very beneficial but you should proceed with caution.
It’s important that you know your own body. By doing so, you’ll be able to ensure you are taking the right supplements for you. The FDA doesn’t regulate fitness supplements like they do medication, but they can have side effects in some cases, so it’s important to know what you need and understand what you are taking.
If my protein powder has amino acids already in it, do I still need an amino acid supplement? I am not sure if I am getting enough of them from the protein shake alone.