When you make the move from occasional gym-goer, to smashing some serious workouts, supporting your health and nutrition is important for reaching (and exceeding) your goals.
Whether you’re relatively new to bodybuilding, or some time into your fitness journey, bodybuilding supplements can undoubtedly support you along the way.
And so, we’re here to tell you that it’s time to kick it up a gear, and maximize your time in the gym. But that’s all well and good… After all, we all know we need to hit some serious strenuous exercise in order to build those muscles up. But getting those muscle gains shouldn’t mean damaging your bank account.
If your goal is to sculpt your body and become a healthier, happier you, here’s how.
1. Creatine monohydrate
Often considered the God of bodybuilding supplements, creatine monohydrate works to increase the availability of creatine and phosphocreatine (PCr) within your muscles.
This allows you to keep your energy levels at their highest during even the most intense workouts going. So when you’re pumping some serious iron, it’s certainly going to support your ability in pushing, lifting and powering through heavier weights.
As well as helping you to increase muscle strength and size, it can also support recovery times, so you can hit that next set (and next session) even faster.
But don’t just take our word for it… There are several studies (if not, hundreds!) backing up the powers of creatine. Many of us don’t realise that our bodies actually produce a small amount naturally. While you can increase your body’s natural production, to do so would require a hell of a lotta meat daily.
2. Caffeine
Frequently utilized as a pre workout, caffeine does more for you than wake you up first thing in the morning. As well as helping us get going first thing, caffeine as a pre workout has shown to be an effective ergogenic aid in both endurance exercise and high intensity workouts.
As well as giving you the umph you need to hit a tough workout, caffeine (both in coffee and other forms) can also benefit weight loss.
Often referred to as a ‘thermogenic’, it has the ability to increase metabolic rate, as well as provide a boost in energy levels. Caffeine has also shown to decrease the perception of fatigue during even the toughest of exercises.
So, what’s the deal? Well, caffeine can obviously be found in your favorite cup of coffee, but is also frequently featured in bodybuilding supplements.
Here’s some of our favorite bodybuilding supplements which deliver a variety of benefits:
3. Whey protein
Now, when it comes to hitting your favorite nutrition store, whether on the hunt for a kickass pre workout, or another type of supplement, you’ve undoubtedly come across whey protein before now.
Whey protein is a fast-digesting protein, making it an ideal supplement for those wanting to develop their muscle strength and size, as well as reduce their bodyweight and enhance recovery time.
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As you would expect, whey protein is a staple in any bodybuilder’s diet plan. After all, protein synthesis is a key process in building muscle mass. While resistance training can work to increase the rate of protein synthesis, in order to pack on some serious gains, you gotta tip the scales in favor of protein synthesis. And the easiest way to do so is through a post workout bodybuilding supplement.
Other benefits of whey protein include:
- Enhanced recovery time
- Enables your muscles to adapt after a heavy workout
- Can help to preserve lean gains as you gain size and definition
4. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAS)
Sure, hitting a post workout dose of whey protein will benefit your exercise goals, but if you’re not paying attention to BCAAS, you’re seriously missing out.
Composed of three essential amino acids, they make up almost one third of your skeletal muscle protein. Which means they play a key role in stimulating muscle growth and recovery post-workout.
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But of course, they don’t just have to be a part of your post-workout diet plan. These amino acids can also be taken pre workout, helping to reduce post-exercise soreness. This means you can hit your next workout session even harder, and sooner.
As part of a healthy diet, these amino acids – when taken during your workout – can reduce protein breakdown, as well as reduce fatigue and support spare muscle glycogen.
BCAAS, especially leucine, work to regulate protein metabolism by promoting protein synthesis and suppressing protein degradation – helping your muscles to recover faster during resistance training. Clever, huh?
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
In at number five on our top five natural bodybuilding supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids.
One of the most important nutrients in the body, it’s important to source these essential nutrients through nutrition – and often supplement consumption – since the body cannot make its own supply.
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Fish oils high in EPA and DHA may have the ability to reduce muscle soreness after your workout, especially after a tough exercise session.
So, what are the best bodybuilding supplements to up your Omega-3?
Our conclusion
And there we have it, five nutrition supplements to level up your bodybuilding performance. Of course, healthy eating forms the foundation of muscle building, but with the bodybuilding supplements and ingredients above, you’ll be well on your way to building rock hard muscle in no time.
Remember, nutrition is key to supporting muscle growth, energy levels and overall, upping your fitness game.
Ready to hit your next workout?
