Here is a post from Adam at ‘Shreddy Brek’, as aspiring bodybuilder. This is his advice on the three must use supplements for the Modern Man. Be sure to follow him on Twitter .
Long gone are the days where protein shakes and meal replacements were solely thought of as a ‘meat head’ only product.
The sophisticated modern man is more active than ever. Whether this is pumping iron in the gym, playing 5 a side football with the lads, or taking part in a fitness class, an active lifestyle is becoming more and more popular than ever. For those who want to take their training to the next level, we can look beyond the exercise plan and diet, and venture into the world of sports supplements. Although I do take part in competitive bodybuilding, i think the term ‘bodybuilding supplements’ is old hat. With the advancements in science, taste, product availability and product awareness among the mass market, rather ‘sports supplements’ or ‘sports nutrition supplements’ is a far more suitable term.
However that is all semantics. Today I want to share 3 must use supplements that the modern can benefit from, regardless of their sporting activity.
Protein Powder
For anyone looking to gain lean muscle mass, a higher amount of protein is required, compared to that of a non-active adult.
Even if muscle gain isn’t your primary goal, simply taking part in physical activity will put stress on the bodies muscle. Anything such as swimming, cycling, weight lifting or even team sports such as rugby or football will all fatigue our muscle’s, and require the proper nutrition to encourage repair.
Protein works. It is needed for muscle repair (and if the muscle is placed under enough stress, muscle growth), but don’t be frightened by the thought of turning into the Hulk. The larger than life physiques you see bodybuilders sporting are from years of intense weight lifting, high calorie diets, and often, performance enhancing drugs.
The simple addition of a protein shake into your diet will not make muscles sprout up over night.
Why Use a Protein Powder?
- Easy to digest
- Fast absorbing
- Enhances Immune function
- Convenient To Drink
Consuming a whey protein powder is digested far easier, and far quicker than regular ‘whole foods’. This makes it ideal to consume upon waking, post workout, or when you need to ingest protein without putting your digestive system under too much work.
Whey protein contains a full amino acid profile. When we consume protein, our body breaks it down into amino acids, and sends it to the muscle. Certain types of protein sources all contain different amino profiles. Eggs and beef are 2 whole foods that contain complete amino profiles.
This is why it is important to have a wide range of protein sources in our diet, chicken, beef, turkey, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts and so on.
However whey protein contains a full amino acid profile.
Over on myprotein discount code website I’ve highlighted the best budget protein powder in my impact whey review. This whey protein concentrate is a market leading whey protein, and the most affordable in the UK.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on big name brands, or expensive protein powders. Despite what the marketing claims will lead you to believe. My protein shake recommendation would be a solid whey protein concentrate, from many of the bulk suppliers that sell supplements online.
Some of the most popular brands are MyProtein, Go Nutrition, The Protein Works and Bodybuilding Warehouse.
I used Impact Whey all throughout university, and made solid progress in the gym.
Caffeine
Many people start their day with a cup of coffee, but I hate the stuff. Its an acquired taste. Besides, I’d likely end up burning my mouth every morning and spilling it all down my shirt. Not the best way to start your day.
Caffeine is known to:
- Enhance Cognitive Functioning
- Provide Energy
- Enhance Fat Burning Ability
- Improve Endurace
If you do like coffee, the problem is, most brands do not disclose how much caffeine per serving you are consuming. It is recommended to supplement with 100-200mg prior to exercise.
Adding a caffeine supplement, such as a tablet or capsule, to your supplement stack would be a wise choice.
You will know exactly how much caffeine you are using, and can taper the dosage based on your tolerance. It’s convenient, cheap, and you won’t have to worry about coffee stains or burning your mouth!
Creatine
Creatine is arguably the most cost effective supplement that provides the greatest ROI.
It has been proven in study after study to work. Its cheap, and it gets the job done.
Creatine does the following:
- Improves muscle strength
- Increased Endurance and offsets muscle fatigue
- Helps to promote the growth of lean muscle tissue
Without getting all Walter White and jumping into the science too much, creatine provides the muscle with more energy. Creatine can be found in food sources such as beef. However supplementing with 5-10 grams of creatine daily will greatly enhance sports performance.
I’ve been using it for years, and its one of the few supplements I would recommend to anyone, regardless of their experience with training, goals or current size.
No matter what your activity is, or what your goals are, creatine will help enhance your performance.
Supplements aren’t magical
Remember that no supplement is a magic potion. There isn’t a product on the supplement market that will make you lose fat, or gain muscle without having to put the hard work in.
However supplements definitely do help. If you’re training or exercising regularly, then the above 3 supplements, are in my opinion, sure fire ways to help your performance, and lead to greater gains.
You can follow me over on my bodybuilding blog, http://www.shreddybrek.com or supplement review and discount code site http://cheapproteindiscountcodes.co.uk along with my fitness youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/shreddybrek. You can also follow me at:
#/shreddybreklol
#/shreddybrekgym
