In achieving your dream body in however shape or form you like, there is no doubt that we’ll be better looking with our muscles intact and in place. These muscles can be gained through implementing a healthy balanced diet; together with a workout that is meant for body-building such as lifting weights but to maximize our muscle growth potential; bodybuilding supplements are a healthy aid to that.
So, by definition, what are Bodybuilding Supplements?
Bodybuilding supplements are dietary supplements. They are used for aiming for an increase in lean body mass. They aid in increasing a person’s muscle, body weight, athletic performance, while simultaneously trying to decrease a person’s percent body fat for the desired muscle definition. It also contains a lot of nutrients and will boost our workout energy and motivation. It generally will improve your fitness journey.
So, what are the best Bodybuilding supplements; that are constantly being praised by fitness enthusiasts? We will round it off to the five most popular, the most effective, listing its pros and cons to help you decide what will work best for you. Let’s start.
Protein
Protein is the building block of all the cells there are in our body. With its function to build and repair muscle cells; it is proven to be an essential element in stimulating muscle growth. Proteins can be found in foods that we consume every day; i.e. eggs, meats, or beans, however; a protein supplement will amplify your work-out to be more effective, to be more lively, to fasten your way in achieving those workout goals you have set for yourself.
Pros:
- Validated by a lot of research, that protein supplementations have tremendously helped in a significant increase in changes in muscle size, strength, and overall fitness of a person
- Aids to weight loss
- Fast acting
- Cubing hunger
- Reduce muscle loss
- It helps in healthy weight maintenance
- It is convenience
- Cost effective
Cons:
- Lack of micronutrients
- Some protein powders are going overboard on loading sugars and additives
Creatine
Creatine is a known nitrogenous organic acid that accommodates three amino acids namely L-arginine, glycine and
L-metathione. It supplies and supports energy to the muscle cells throughout our bodies. It helps in enhancing the exercise performance, the recovery after that, and the growth of muscles afterward.
Pros
- Increase in muscle size, strength and power
- Helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar level
- Improves muscular strength and endurance
- Great source of energy
- Reduces fatigue
- May fight muscle loss in the elderlies
- Helps and improve brain function
- Boost moods/ enhance mental performance
Cons
- Can cause bloating
- Can cause stomach issues
- High dosages can open up issues in kidney, liver, and heart as well, if use and abused excessively
- Weight gain
Weight Gainers
These types of supplements will help you to get more calories and protein in your body. These are used by people who are really struggling in building; and gaining muscles. It is the most ideal and positive way to reach caloric requirements that do not disrupt metabolic health.
Pros
- Consistent calorie surplus
- Great source of direct protein
- High carbohydrate contents
- Curbs hunger
- Fasten increase of muscle growth
- Great energy source
- Speeds up your weight gain/muscle gain journey
- Packed with certain vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Side effects that may occur: bloating, discomfort, cramps
- High amount of sugar
- Some ingredients are not healthful; i.e. made with artificial/non-organic ingredients
- Unpleasant taste
- Might cause sleep disruption or worst, insomnia to some
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that mainly deals with reducing fatigue and with increasing exercise performance. It is helpful in increasing your muscles if you are about to do it with a great exercise program. It also increases your protein synthesis, exercise performance and speeds up recovery after a great workout.
Pros
- Increase muscular strength and endurance endurance
- Boost immune system
- Great energy source
- Aids in fast and efficient muscle growth
- Lessen exercise burn out
Cons
- Some might experience paraesthesia, it is an itchy and tingling sensation in the skin that might occur after taking beta-alanine. However, it is something that should not scare you off since it is harmless and will just last for a few seconds, maximum of a few minutes.
Branch Chain Amino Acids
Branch chain amino acids; are used typically for the intent of muscle growth. BCAA will activate your muscle protein synthesis, the very process of muscle building, and will aid in faster, better muscle growth. It decreases fatigue and muscle soreness, which provides comfort after a long-tiring workout. It will also prevent muscle wasting, by providing essential amino acids that will halt it.
Pros
- Heightened energy production during work out
- Improves muscular strength and endurance
- Improves concentration
- Aids in effective muscle growth and retention
- Reduce muscle breakdown
- Low calorie
Cons
- Depletes B-vitamins
- May cause sleep disturbance
- May lower serotonin
Conclusion
And it’s a wrap! This information is meant to guide you to have a grasp of bodybuilding supplements you should consider; for there are the top five in the health and fitness industry. Their information is meant for beginners to have a general overview; and familiarity. Further research to feed your curiosity is encouraged.
If you are about to maximize your potential with the aid of bodybuilding supplements. It is best to consult your physician to rule out any personal discrepancies you might have, or medical conditions to assure your health, safety, and overall well-being.
We assure you, that with a balanced diet, together with a healthy overall lifestyle, persistent discipline and determination, and bodybuilding supplements, you’ll be on your way to your best possible self.