Men are highly self-conscious when it comes to their physique. Most men aspire to get lean and have a muscular body during their lifetime. However, many years of evolution have caused the human body to store more fat: new research even suggests that humans can carry as much as 31% body fat. There are several theories that attempt to unearth why we’re more likely to store more fat and less muscle. The most popular one states that early humans living in the Stone Age might have required more fat to warm up their bodies and protect critical organs like the heart.
If you’re looking to build more muscle, taking a muscle building supplement may help you get there faster and more efficiently. You can effectively increase muscle mass by lifting weights, eating right and taking some natural supplements.
Here are five things to look for when shopping for the best muscle building supplements:
The quality of ingredients
The most important factor to consider when choosing a good supplement to optimize your muscle gains is the ingredient list. Ensure that your preferred brand uses a variety of natural ingredients rather than lab-synthesized products. Some of the natural plant extracts that you expect to see include ashwagandha extract, vitamin D, green tea extract and panax ginseng. As expected, different supplements are produced using wide-ranging ingredients. That’s because some brands focus on increasing testosterone levels in men while others are geared towards improving muscle growth and burning body fat.
Positive customer reviews
Before running to the store to buy that glitzy bulking supplement that you saw being advertised on television, take some time to conduct a thorough online search. Check what other customers have to say about the product. Did it live up to their expectations? Oftentimes, you’ll find vital insights by reading client reviews from product websites and independent review sites online. Another great way to get reliable feedback about a particular muscle building supplement is by getting the views of family, friends and close associates who’ve used that product in the past. Seeking recommendations from loved ones has even been found to be the most effective way to get valuable information about products and services.
Safety and legality
With the huge surge in steroid use within the United States and across the globe, there’s an ever-growing health concern. More men are using anabolic steroids to build muscle and ‘chase the pump’. However, these steroids cause an array of side effects that include:
- Severe acne
- Higher risk of contracting prostate cancer
- Shrinking of the testicles
- Formation of man boobs
- Infertility and erectile dysfunction
These worrying health risks make anabolic steroids unsafe for consumption by the general population. In addition, it’s illegal to possess or use these drugs without a valid prescription. The beauty of using natural muscle building supplements is that they’re made using safe and legal ingredients. They’re also more affordable than mainstream steroids, allowing more men to purchase them without having to dent their wallets. Ensure that you get your supplements from a renowned brand with a great track record.
Avoid proprietary blends
If you’re a novice bodybuilder, or you’ve just started your fitness journey, it can be quite easy to ignore labels when buying a bulking supplement. The notion that all supplements are the same couldn’t be further from the truth. Some brands indicate that they use a proprietary blend of ingredients in their supplements, suggesting that they have a “secret formula” that’s been tried and tested. However, the reason such companies usually try to hide their ingredients is either because they use tiny amounts of their potent ingredients or they generally utilize poor quality components. Steer clear of supplements that hide their ingredient list and exact amounts contained in each dose. Instead, choose products that don’t have proprietary blends.
Affordable pricing
Most men looking to get shredded usually opt for highly priced steroids because they believe those products will provide them with impressive gains quicker. However, some companies may take advantage of this vulnerability to lure more people into buying their overpriced supplements. It’s important to have a reasonable budget that can guide you whenever you’re buying a muscle building supplement. However, don’t jeopardise quality for affordability. Natural bulking supplements are quite safe to consume, thanks to their variety of beneficial plant extracts. They’re also devoid of harsh chemicals and have little to no side effects.
Follow this simple guide next time you go shopping for the best muscle building supplements.
Alicia Saville did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.
