Getting Started
When you first decide to start bodybuilding, it can be really intimidating. How does everyone train? How do they drop weight? And what does it take to get shredded? But one of the most confusing things is supplements. There are a lot to choose from, so where should you begin?
Almost every bodybuilder relies on some sort of dietary supplements to help maximize their gains. There are a lot of supplement guides out there, but most are for experienced lifters. Use this beginner’s guide to supplements to learn about the different types of supplements and how they can pump up your training.
What Supplements Do Bodybuilders Take?
Just ask around and you’ll get a lot of advice on what you need to succeed in bodybuilding. Everyone has their favorite supplements that they claim they can’t live without. There are supplements for building muscle mass, burning fat, improving vascularity, recovering quicker and more. But don’t jump in and start trying everything. Any reputable bodybuilding supplements guide will tell you that your actual needs will depend on your physical condition and bodybuilding goals. Start with the basics and see what they can do for you.
Types of Bodybuilding Supplements
There are seemingly endless supplements on the market today. Here are some of the main categories that can help you reach your peak physique.
- Pre-workout
- Post-workout
- Muscle growth & strength
- Protein
- Fat Burners
- Prohormones and Prohormone Stacks
- SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)
- PCT (Post Cycle Therapy)
- Supplements for Women
Best Supplements for Beginners
When you’re first starting out, it can be tempting to think that you should take every type of supplement. But one of the most important aspects of any beginner’s guide to supplements is to remember that proper nutrition comes first, and supplements should be used to enhance your training. Here are the best supplements for newbies.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is the most common supplement that bodybuilders use. Your body needs a lot of protein when building muscle and protein powder is a quick and affordable way to boost your protein intake. It’s a complete protein and is easily and quickly digested.
Creatine
This is a naturally occurring amino acid that enhances the body’s ability to create energy and build muscle mass, and is especially useful for sprinting and heavy lifting. Creatine is known as a cell volumizer because it pulls fluids into the cells and makes your muscles fuller.
L-Glutamine
This often overlooked supplement helps your body’s immune system stay strong when you train hard. It helps you reduce body fat without losing muscle.
BCAAs
Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are known as the building blocks of protein. However, they are not produced naturally by the body so they must be consumed. They improve exercise performance, promote recovery and help prevent muscle breakdown.
Fish Oil
Fish oils are known to be beneficial for a variety of issues such as high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes. But they can also reduce inflammation, speed up your recovery time and reduce soreness.
We must all suffer one of two things:
the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.
Benefits of Supplements
Bodybuilding beginners will normally experience gains quickly with proper training and good nutrition. But quality supplements can give you a boost to help you take your training to the next level. They won’t replace hard work, but they will help you achieve your goals quicker.
Workout supplements can assist with reaching your goals, whether you want to gain weight, bulk up, lose fat, increase endurance, enhance performance or recover more quickly. They are valuable additions to your training plan because they make it possible for you to consume more protein and calories and replenish important nutrients in a convenient manner. Supplements can increase your ability to get the proper amount of certain nutrients so you have the energy needed for intense workouts.
Workout supplements are called supplements (not replacements) for a reason — they augment the whole foods and workouts that your body needs to get pumped. After you master your nutrition and are throwing down hard, supplements can help you maximize your time at the gym.
We hope you found this bodybuilding supplement guide useful as you start your total body transformation.
*Disclaimer: You should always discuss adding supplements to your training plan with your personal physician prior to use. The content contained in this article in no way serves an endorsement of any of the described supplements nor should it be construed as medical advice.
Icon Supp Store Will Help You Beast It Up!
Increase endurance, build muscle, burn fat and hit your fitness goals faster when you follow this beginner’s bodybuilding supplement guide from Icon Supp Store. Have a question or need additional information regarding our selection of workout supplements? Reach out today.
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