Choosing the right workout supplement can help you push through a fitness challenge. How so? Many supplements boost energy, endurance, and stamina and increase performance. Others allow you to unwind, relax and relieve muscle tension (like bloomfarms products), or they help you with muscle growth (weight gainers products).
These supplements come in different mediums, such as powders and liquids. Most take around 30 minutes to an hour to be of benefit. However, choosing the right workout supplement for you can be challenging. To help you find the right supplement for you, in this article, we’ll explore how you can narrow down your selection based on your unique needs.
Some gains you can achieve by using supplements are leaner muscle, greater strength and body and mind sustainability. However, many supplement options make it challenging to find the exact one to fit your needs. Therefore, narrowing your selection early to find a suitable supplement is essential. Let’s look at how you can get started.
Choosing The Right Workout Supplement #1 What is your fitness goal?
Your fitness goal should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timed (S.M.A.R.T). If your goal is too ambitious, you may find it easier to achieve, which leads to disappointment. Instead, consider setting yourself smaller goals so that you can accomplish these gradually step-by-step. Following this procedure is empowering; you can use these achievements to fuel your drive to conquer additional challenges and goals until you reach your final destination.
#2 What are your dietary restrictions?
When choosing a supplement, it’s essential to consider any dietary restrictions you may have. For instance, if you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, make sure the supplement you choose suits your lifestyle choices.
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian who eats dairy products, this becomes much easier because there is an abundance of protein powders that use whey as their main ingredient. Things can get trickier if this doesn’t apply to you; soy protein isolate is prevalent in many brands but comes with some health concerns, such as potential estrogenic activity. So, do your research before making a supplement purchase.
Choosing The Right Workout Supplement #3 How much do you exercise?
If you exercise or workout a lot, your body will require more protein than someone who doesn’t exercise much. Likewise, if you exercise a lot, your body will also need more vitamin C and vitamin D. Recognizing the difference between adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals and excessive amounts is essential.
Overdosing on specific vitamins can be harmful to your health. So, be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Also, if you are pregnant, lactating or have any medical conditions, including high cholesterol or diabetes, always seek medical advice before using any supplement.
#4 What is your level of physical fitness?
Think about your current fitness level when choosing a supplement. For example, suppose you are just beginning an exercise regimen and working out several times a week. In that case, a pre-workout supplement can help boost energy levels and give you extra focus during training sessions. On the other hand, if you are already in good shape and have been training for some time, then a post-workout recovery formula may be more appropriate for your needs.
Choosing The Right Workout Supplement #5 How much supplement can you take?
To build muscle, you’ll need to consume a lot of protein. The right amount of protein is typically between 0.8 and 1 gram per pound of body weight—aim for the higher end of this range if you are trying to gain substantial muscle mass. Aim for the lower end if you are maintaining weight or have health concerns.
Protein is also essential for muscle growth, recovery and repair, and energy production, and assists with cell and tissue regulation. So, if you want to sustain energy for longer throughout your day, eat high-quality protein at regular intervals (known as sustained release). This practice will see you do more for longer, plus it will improve your immune and hormone function.
Choosing The Right Workout Supplement Key Takeaways
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all for supplements. The best way to determine if one is right for you is to research supplement ingredients and read customer reviews.
To recap, choosing the right workout supplement for you includes:
- What is your fitness goal? – know what you want to achieve before you start taking a supplement.
- What are your current dietary restrictions? – always consider your individual dietary needs before taking a supplement.
- How much do you exercise? – if you are new to exercising, you won’t need as much protein, vitamins, and minerals as someone who works out regularly.
- What is your level of physical fitness? – always consider your current level of fitness before taking a supplement.
- How much supplement can you take? – work out how much you weigh and whether you want to maintain muscle mass or become bigger to find your optimal protein intake.
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