Bodybuilding supplements are the dietary enhancers, which stimulate muscle building through tension. Contributing to a significant extent in the attainment of a perfect physique, bodybuilding supplements have become a requisite for the musclemen. In today’s world, one may find several manufacturers involved in producing a wide range of supplements; however, one may choose the suitable supplements sensibly focusing on the desired goals and objectives. Moreover, there are a few supplements available in the market, which may produce moderate to serious adverse effects. Therefore, an individual needs to be prudent while making a choice for a particular supplementary component.
Bodybuilding supplements are broadly classified into weight gaining supplements, fat burners and creatine based supplements. Creatine based supplements are found to be the front-runners in the bodybuilding industry. Creatine supplements provide a specialized protein termed as creatine to the body, which contributes in the production of phosphocreatine in the muscle cells. The increased production of phosphocreatine in the muscle cells, in turn, enhances the ability of prolonging the high-intensity activity. The benefits of creatine supplements include an efficient training volume comprising of increased number of repetitions, postponement in muscle fatigue due to the excessive production of ATP and quick muscle recovery. The only drawback associated with the supplement is the gastric upset, which may fade away with time. Creatine supplements are available in the market as Creatine phosphate, creatine citrate and creatine serums; however, the best consumable way is to use creatine monohydrate powder with lots of water.
Meal replacement powders are also widely accepted by the gym enthusiasts. It provides an all in all nutritional solution to the bodybuilders. Comprising of various whey proteins, milk proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids and vitamins, meal replacement powders help in increasing lean muscle mass rapidly. Some of the well-known brands include cinnamon oatmeal flavored Prolab’s Lean Mass Complex, Beverly International’s Ultra Size, vanilla seasoned Champion Nutrition’s Ultramet, EAS’ Myoplex and Labrada’s Lean Body.
Other supplemental pulverized powders, which are popular amongst the bodybuilders, are the protein powders. With carbohydrates and proteins as the essential ingredients, protein powders can be consumed along with a meal replacement powder or a weight gainer. Most common type of protein powders are the whey proteins. Prolab’s Pure Whey, EAS MyoPro, Next Nutrition Designer Protein and IronTek’s Essential Protein are a few popular protein powders while Prolab’s N-Large II, Beverly International’s Mass Maker, Twinlab’s Gainers Fuel 2500, Champion Nutrition’s Heavyweight Gainer 900, Weider’s Mega Mass 4000, Clark Bartram’s X-Treme Size, and EAS Mass Factor are the preferred protein shakes.
Maltodextrin, also being termed as multidextrose or glucose polymer powder is a rich source of carbohydrates. Being reasonably priced, these powders are effective for producing an immense gain in weight. Due to its high rates of absorptivity, the bodybuilders to bulk up consume maltodextrin.
Pre workout drinks, containing carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, creatine, and amino acids, may also be included in a muscle-builder’s supplements’ directory. They are recognized for revitalizing the day’s workout. Being fairly expensive, pre workout drinks are available in varied potions comprising of sugar, caffeine, guarana or ephedra. Considerable amount of caffeine when ingested may perk up the performance during weight training; however, high consumption may lead to restlessness, nervousness, trembling, irritability, diarrhea or even heart palpitations.
L-Glutamine is another supplement, which puts a stop to muscle breakdown, consequently increasing the recovery periods between workouts. Deemed as an essential muscle-gaining supplement, L-Glutamine plays a significant role in the regulation of protein and glycogen synthesis. L-Glutamine is one of the finest supplements in the fitness souk, being available as Prolab, EAS, Champion Nutrition, Beverly International, Met-Rx and Labrada brands.
Some of the other recommended bodybuilding supplements include Vanadyl Sulfate, Tribulus Terrestris, Tongkat Ali, HMB (beta-hydroxyl beta-metylbutyrate), (CLA) Conjugated linoleic acid, herbal fat burners, Lipoic Acid, Taurine, nutrition bars, etc.
Besides consuming supplements for the gain in lean muscle mass, bodybuilders are also required to maintain a regular intake of revitalization supplements. Recuperation from intense workouts is essential for producing outstanding results. The best recovery supplements available in the market are Ginseng, Curcumin, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), and magnesium. Ginseng plays a significant role in reducing fasting blood glucose and perks up the immune system. Curcumin serves as an antioxidant, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) acts as a pain reliever while magnesium improves the muscle spasm.
Testosterone boosting supplements have also proved to be productive in the development of a physique through bodybuilding. The escalation in the lean muscle mass is directly proportional to an increase in the testosterone levels. A few worth-mentioning testosterone-boosting supplements include a specialized formula ZMA (Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate), a concoction of steroidal alkaloids called as Viraloid, Avena Sativa or wild oat, Red-Kat; popularly being known as Tongkat Ali, 6-OXO and 17-HD, etc. However, the teenagers should avoid the intake of these supplements except for ZMA (Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate) which is undamaging.
Moreover, the bodybuilding supplementation needs of a teenager can be accomplished by consuming multiple vitamins and minerals, fats and protein powders. Testosterone boosting supplements are usually not required since the anabolic steroids are already produced at a high rate. In addition to it, the use of creatine monohydrate shall also be avoided. A well-managed weight-training schedule and a healthy diet, when accompanied with a suitable supplementation program can lead to a powerfully built physique in teens.
With a wide range of bodybuilding supplements available in the market, one needs to single out the most essential ones, which are required to be consumed on a daily basis. Selected supplements that are suggested for the daily utilization include essential oils, Vitamin C, mineral complex and a protein shake containing whey protein or meal replacement powder blended with skimmed milk or water.
While browsing in a store for bodybuilding supplements, the buyer should not fall for the beguiling promotional statements as a wide range of supplements are unregulated and may not contribute in the muscle mass development. Therefore, dietary enhancers, which stimulate the muscle building process are demanded to be chosen sensibly. Having a look at the respective article will surely assist one in buying the suitable bodybuilding supplements.