Bodybuilding is a very demanding and exhausting discipline. It requires you to stay at peak condition at all times and always push yourself to the farthest limits. This means keeping your body well-fueled, with the right amount of protein, amino acids, and all of the right compounds to help you grow and sustain your muscle strength in the long term.
Be wary of faux supplements and illegal substances that might have a detrimental effect on your health. Some of them are even illegal in the United States. Don’t buy under-the-counter, shady steroids and other muscle growth stimulants if you don’t want to risk losing your freedom, not to mention the health risks associated with ingesting uncertified substances.
Even when getting legitimate products from certified third parties, it is always best to make sure that your supplement is actually effective before you place the order. Another problem is the compatibility of a particular product with your body – the immune system may trigger an unwanted reaction if you take something that it’s not used to. This is why you should always consult sources such as The Supplement Reviews or online bodybuilding forums to get a second opinion on supplements.
If you’re only beginning your bodybuilding journey, check out these best muscle-building supplements to aid your growth or contribute to fat loss.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is the king of all supplements. Widely used for decades and has been confirmed as safe by a wide variety of scientific authorities, including the International Society of Sports Nutrition (NCBI).
It has been established as a general rule that you should take up to 5 grams of the stuff every day, but there are no confirmed side effects to taking more, aside from gaining weight. To get the most out of it, you should consume creatine pre-workout and at any time on your days off.
Many tout this as the safest and most beneficial supplement, says Healthline; creatine will have you notice significant muscle growth in weeks, if not days!
Whey Protein
If creatine is the king of supplementation, whey protein is its right hand. Not only does protein powder heavily contribute towards increasing your muscle mass, but it also helps you burn off weight much faster!
Whey is considered a fast-digesting protein, which puts it ahead of other substances of its kind, as it allows for higher muscle protein synthesis in a much shorter amount of time.
It is to be used post-workout in order to keep your body in a highly anabolic state.
That, in turn, prevents muscle breakdown from occurring at its standard rate, allowing you to retain much more tissue than without supplementation.
BCAAs
Short for Branched Chain Amino Acids, this supplement completes the trifecta of essential substances to take in as a bodybuilder.
As opposed to creatine and whey, these amino acids are intended to protect you from extensive muscle damage after a workout.
You may take it post-workout; however, BCAAs are most effective when consumed during exercise, for example, between sets.
The mix of BCAAs you usually get at stores and online retailers consists of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Together, they form a dream team that actively counteract muscle degradation by promoting protein synthesis. Its immense value in aiding muscle recovery makes BCAAs a must-have supplement for experienced and rookie bodybuilders alike.
Fish Oil
According to Oregon State, although not a bodybuilding supplement, fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which expedite and improve protein and amino acid function.
When combined with the previously listed supplements, fish oil will help you grow stronger, retain muscle tissue, and guide you toward seamless recovery.
Another good thing about fish oils is that they come in all shapes and sizes -Fish oils are also available in liquid or pill form.
If you’re not a fan of anything oily in general, you always have the option to buy synthetically extracted omega-3 fatty acids.
They also take the shape of a pill, albeit not as big and translucent as those containing actual oil.
Final Advice
Supplementing yourself with the products listed above is a great way to quickly turn yourself into a ruthless lifting machine, the bane of all gym loyalty programs.
You’ve got to remember, though, that the right powders are just part of what makes a successful bodybuilder.
Without a proper diet plan and enough time spent at the gym, all the money and effort spent on preparing your ideal workout shakes will have been in vain.