Workouts are the best solution to increasing muscle strength or size. If you are quite serious about achieving results, chances are you already know some of the supplements that could help you improve. But then, you might wonder which one among the many supplements should you choose? To save you some doubt, we have gathered the top supplements that could help you maximize the results of your workout with both goals in mind – increase in muscle strength as well as increase its size.
These are the top products that could help you on your goal to improve your strength as well as your muscle mass:
1. Creatine
Long-term supplementation of creatine helps enhance the quality and results of resistance training, improve your performance and give you greater muscular gain. This supplement is known for its muscle-building effect and its extremely high safety profile. Creatine works by increasing the bioavailability of creatine and phosphocreatine within the muscular system. Creatine also helps maintain energy levels when lifting weights or doing other high-intensity exercises.
2. Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali, also known as longjack, is a native tree found in the South East Asian forests of Indonesia and Malaysia. The herb is usually obtained through supplement form and has gained popularity due to its remarkable ability to improve testosterone levels. For this reason, many people also use it for bodybuilding since a boost in testosterone improves the quality and results of the workout. Tongkat Ali also shows positive results in terms of muscle growth and strength as well as increased energy during a workout. Since it is an adaptogen, the herb also helps facilitate muscle recovery.
3. Branched Chain Amino Acids
Whether you are a body builder or any type of athlete, BCAA will help your muscles due to its effect on improving the metabolism of protein. BCAA also taste delicious in the form of drinks. It speeds up muscle recovery after a heavy workout session. It also decreases muscle soreness and damage after athletic activity.
4. Caffeine
Caffeine made it to the list of the top eight supplements due to its practicality and availability. Taking supplements in capsule form and through herbal teas are considered advisable. However, we cannot discount that for the average person, coffee is the go-to drink. No matter where you are, coffee is just so easy to get and it will give you that extra energy, that extra strength to keep to that workout regimen. Plus, it tastes good. So go ahead and drink a cup.
5. Whey Protein
Another way to enhance your workout is through whey protein. One of the reasons that people discontinue their workout routines is because of the post-workout pain. Strenuous physical activity requires a longer time to recover. Whey protein stimulates protein synthesis for the muscles way better than casein protein alone or soy protein can.
6. Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that plays an important role in helping the muscles recover and repair itself after a workout session. It does this by removing excess ammonia, which tends to get accumulated during intense training, thereby, helping the body regulate its pH levels. Making sure that your acid levels are in check gives you the assurance that not only are you going to have a faster recovery when it comes to intense training, the body also becomes more immune to illnesses. Athletes who are engaged in heavy training for longer sessions or twice a day sessions will benefit from the recovery support of this supplement.
7. Fish Oils
Fish oils are one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which gives the body tons of benefits. Whether you are trying to keep your heart healthy or just trying to improve your workout as a bodybuilder, fish oil helps improve your body’s resistance and antioxidant levels. After an intense workout session, muscles usually suffer inflammation due to the intensity of the training. By taking fish oil, you reduce the inflammation since it has anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the delay of the recovery.
8. Multivitamins
Most lists of workout supplements do not usually mention multivitamins. It is often a forgotten aspect when talking about a bodybuilder’s supplements since proteins and muscle gains are usually the focus of bodybuilding. However, what is your body going to do with that protein if the nutrients needed to metabolize them properly are not there? Hence, it is vital to make sure you have all the nutrients you need to metabolize proteins. Since bodybuilding requires double the effort then you also need to make sure that you have double the nutrients and you cannot just rely on the food you take. Any vitamin or mineral deficiency can take a toll on your health especially if you are working out. Multivitamins supplements are needed to give you the vitamins and minerals for better body function and metabolism.
These supplements can help you improve your workout sessions. So get the ball rolling and let those muscles stretch now that you know what supplements can help you improve. It is not only a matter of having big muscles or gains. You also have to consider recovery as well as overall body function and immunity, which is why the list above does not only talk about muscle gains and strength. You will notice that recovery, immunity, and nutrition are considered. A holistic approach is better than focusing on muscles alone. Health is not only for one part, it should be for all. So consider these supplements to help you achieve an enhanced workout session as well as an improved mind and body.
