If you are serious about improving your workout results, taking some supplements can really help. Different supplements help in different ways though, so it is important you know which ones to take and how they can support your workout routine.
PHOTO CREDIT | Pixabay/Scott Webb
Beta-alanine Can Increase Muscle Endurance and Lower Muscle Fatigue
Whether you lift weights or cycle, taking a beta-alanine supplement can help you to improve your strength. It is an effective supplementation for increasing carnosine levels, which leads to improved lactic acid buffering. When your workout gets intense, lactic acid accumulates in your muscles and lowers their pH. The beta alanine effects help to support muscular endurance and fight muscle fatigue. Also, if you are bodybuilding, beta-alanine supplements can help you get more reps with a certain weight. There have been several studies on the effects of beta-alanine. Most suggest that a daily dose of between 4 g and 6 g of the supplement for a period of at least two to four weeks can improve workout performance. If you are performing high-intensity activities of any kind as part of your regular workout routine, you should consider using beta-alanine supplementation.
Creatine Can Make You Stronger
While you should not expect immediate miracles, creatine supplementation can make you between 5% and 20% stronger in your workout sessions. Creatine allows you to gain more muscle and lose weight. There are lots of different types of creatine supplements on the market. The best and most proven to work is creatine monohydrate. It is best to take creatine first thing in the morning or after you work out. That is because those are the times when your body is deprived of nutrients the most and therefore your body becomes more receptive to the creatine supplement. The amount of creatine you should take depends on your weight, but you should aim for between 3 g and 8 g per day. If you weigh more than 200 lbs, go for the higher amount. If you do not weigh much, stick to 3 or 4 g per day. You should start noticing results within three to four weeks. However, a few people are not responsive to creatine at all. If you are a non-responder, you will know it after using creatine for a couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you are seeing progress in your strength in the first few weeks after you start taking creatine supplementation, you will know it is working.
Intensify Your Workouts with Pre-workout Supplements
There are various types of pre-workout supplements available. They can intensify your workouts and help you to gain more muscle. The key ingredient in all pre-workout supplements is caffeine. The supplements also often contain whey protein, carbs, and water. Begin by taking small doses to evaluate your tolerance and then increase as necessary. Always follow the instructions on the packaging of the exact pre-workout supplement you are taking, but most pre-workout supplements should be taken between fifteen and thirty minutes before you work out.
Supplements Enable You to Improve Your Overall Health
It should now be clear why it is a good idea to support your workouts with the right supplements, but it is just as important to take supplements in combination with a cutting diet. As your body becomes stronger, you will need more nutrients to support your intensive workout routines, which is where supplements come in. Supplements not only help you to build muscle, gain strength, and intensify your workout routines. They can also help to increase the growth rate of lean tissue, improve your immune system, and make your skin look younger. That is because they contain minerals and trace elements. The right supplements can even help your digestion, metabolism, and blood pressure. So, start using supplements to support your workout today!
