Taking dietary supplements is often considered bad and extremely harmful to the body. These claims come from people who not only lack sports knowledge but also don't read enough about the subject, yet still voice their opinions. The truth is quite different. Dietary supplements are a trusted ally for anyone who is active and works out, as long as they are chosen carefully to suit their needs and goals.
If you're new to fitness, you're sure to want to achieve your desired results as quickly as possible. If you have more experience and have been training for longer, you're probably eager to define your physique and build more muscle. There are different supplements for every type of gym-goer to help you on your journey toward change and better fitness.
BUT! Most importantly, you need to combine a balanced diet with exercise. First, consult the professional trainers at the gym, who will put together a complete program for you and include the right supplements. We don't recommend choosing them on your own; it's best to ask an experienced person at the gym for advice.
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Here are the best supplements for beginners and advanced athletes:
Beginners:
- Protein – Perhaps the most important and fundamental element for anyone seeking results, whether beginner or advanced. It's the key building block for gaining muscle mass, but that's not all it does. It supports the body's overall function and recovery, whether you do strength training at the gym or take part in various group classes.
- Fish oil – Fish oil contains so-called omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs). You need to get these omega fatty acids from food because the body cannot produce them on its own. Fish is the best source of EFAs. A good balance between omega-3 and omega-6 is important for the body to function properly. Omega-6 is found primarily in animal-based foods such as meat and eggs, as well as in nuts.
- Multivitamins – Few complete beginners understand just how important vitamins and minerals really are—not only for building muscle and achieving fitness results, but also for overall well-being. A deficiency or insufficient amount of any vitamin or mineral can cause an imbalance, sometimes a serious one. That's why it's important to keep all the body's elements in balance and make sure it gets the nutrients it needs.
Advanced:
- Whey Protein – Whey protein is extracted from milk and makes up around 20% of the milk’s total protein content. Selling it as a dietary supplement has many benefits. Often combined with carbohydrates, whey protein is used as a meal replacement, most commonly for breakfast or after a workout, when your body needs a quick supply of easily digestible protein.
- Creatine – Creatine is an amino acid naturally found in vertebrates, where it helps deliver energy to muscles and nerves. Creatine was discovered in 1862 by Michel Eugène Chevreul as a component of muscle. Many athletes use it because it increases ATP in muscle tissue, providing more of the fuel needed for muscle synthesis.
- Amino Acids – Amino acids (AAs) are the basic building blocks of proteins. As such, getting enough of them is vital. We normally get them from protein-rich foods. Of course, amino acids are also available as dietary supplements, which can save your body considerable time while providing a much larger amount than the same quantity obtained through food.
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In conclusion, dietary supplements not only won’t harm your body, but will also provide the nutrients it may be lacking for one reason or another. They’ll give you more energy and strength, help you burn stored fat faster, and, over time, you’ll be glad you combined the right diet with workouts and supplements suited to you to achieve your dream physique.