Supplements are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason: they work! But not all of them will benefit everyone the same way and it’s important to know which ones you should choose for your workout routine. I’ve created a list to help you decide which supplements could potentially help enhance your gym performance, so keep reading to find out what they are!
Do Your Research
The first step is to do your research. You’ll want to know which supplements are most effective, how long they take for the effects to kick in (if there is a waiting time), and if there are any side effects you should be concerned about. This will give you an idea of what might work best for you and plan accordingly. You should look for supplement reviews based on facts on different websites and go through these reviews to see what could suit your needs. Keep in mind that everyone is different, so some supplements may work great for one person but not necessarily for another.
Ask Your Doctor
Speaking of differences, it’s also important to remember that supplements are just that: they supplement your workout routine. It’s always best to check with your doctor before taking any new type of supplement or drug to make sure it’s safe for you to use. Taking supplements, especially if you are on medication, may influence the effectiveness of your prescription which could lead to dangerous side effects.
Choose Supplements Wisely
If you have decided that taking a supplement is the way to go for you, then choose wisely! It’s best not to take any more than one supplement at a time, because taking multiple types of supplements may be counterproductive and render them useless. Plus, keep in mind that everyone reacts differently so chances are there won’t be two people who react exactly alike to the same type of supplement! If possible, take only one kind at a time so you know what works for you before trying another.
Common Gym Supplements
Okay, now that you’ve done your research and chosen the supplement or supplements that will work for you, there are some common ones to keep in mind.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is one of the most common supplements out there, not just because it works but because it has very few side effects. The only thing you should be wary of is if you have any kind of dairy allergy or sensitivity; if so then whey protein might not be suitable for you.
Creatine
Creatine is also a great supplement to help boost your gym performance since it helps with power and energy (and let’s face it, who doesn’t need more of that when they hit the gym?). Creatine can cause weight gain (more water retention) and cramps, so make sure you’re staying hydrated!
L-Carnitine
This is another supplement that helps provide fuel to your muscles which in turn gives you more energy. Since L-carnitine can cause nausea and diarrhea, don’t take it on an empty stomach! Make sure you have a full meal before taking this kind of supplement.
BCAAs
These are amino acids that help with building muscle when taken when working out. Don’t take them too soon before or after your workout since they may cause dizziness or even upset your stomach when not taken at the right times! Follow the directions carefully when using BCAAs to avoid any negative side effects.
Nitric Oxide
This supplement helps increase blood flow which in turn can help you get more out of your workouts. The only side effect to be aware of is tingling or numbness; if this happens, decrease the number of times per day that you take it until you feel better (you shouldn’t feel weird tingly feelings at all).
Creatine Monohydrate
Last but not least is creatine monohydrate. This supplement has almost no side effects besides stomach discomfort and muscle cramps (if consumed quickly after taking). Just like with L-Carnitine, don’t take creatine monohydrate on an empty stomach! Make sure you have a full meal before doing so to avoid any negative reactions.
What You Should Avoid
Avoid steroids at all costs! They are only meant for people with muscle-wasting diseases and can cause severe damage to your heart, liver, kidneys, skin, and more. Don’t use steroids unless you want all of those things too! Keep in mind that steroids are illegal in most countries, so don’t believe the person trying to push them on you; they could be an undercover cop!
There are a lot of supplements that could help boost your gym performance, but it’s important to know what could work for you before taking anything. Doing research and speaking with your doctor is the best course of action when deciding whether or not to take any kind of supplement!