Bodybuilding is a professional sport that dates back to the 1800s, where competitors lined up and performed several poses before judges. The judges then rank them based on symmetry, muscularity, size, posing, and presentation. Most bodybuilders use supplements to amplify the effects of their workout routines and aid muscle growth. Bodybuilding supplements can help you get your goal sooner. However, if you walk into a health store to purchase muscle-building supplements, you will probably get confused. The salesperson may present a dozen products, and you may become overwhelmed. So, how do you tell the right muscle-building supplement for your goals? In this article, we will discuss tips that will help you choose the best muscle-building supplements.
Have a goal in mind
As you begin your fitness journey, ensure you have a goal. Having clear objectives will reduce time wastage and help you achieve your goals faster. The market has different types of bodybuilding supplements, and each has its unique strength. Knowing the strength of these supplements and what you want to achieve will help you make an informed decision. Workouts are also not the same. You might have a session that builds your endurance or wish to do a light cardio workout. Other times, you may want to reach your 1-rep max goal. Depending on your exercise, you must choose a supplement that helps you achieve your workout goal.
Research
Currently, the supplement market is relatively unregulated. Supplements are designed to aid your body. As such, you must ensure that you know what you are taking. Reputable brands have clear labels on their products. Ensure that you buy a product with clear labels that show nutritional facts and dosage recommendations. Never choose a supplement that is not labelled clearly. Also, ensure that you consult with your physician before taking any new supplement. Some supplements may contain dangerous ingredients that can harm your body. So, always ensure that the supplement is safe for human consumption.
Buy from reputable brands
If you want to avoid buying harmful muscle-building supplements, always buy from reputable sources. Well-known brands take pride in their products and care about customer satisfaction. Such brands take years to establish a relationship with their customers and cannot compromise that relationship. Check reviews, forums, and blogs to ensure that a brand has a good reputation.
Recommended dosage
Similar to other drugs, too many bodybuilding supplements can harm your body. These supplements are full of vitamins, minerals, and other things. Taking too much of a vitamin or mineral leads to an overdose or other health problems. Taking too many bodybuilding supplements can also throw off and interfere with any medication you might be taking. As such, you should always look for the recommended serving on any label. If you are not sure about your recommended dosage, ensure you contact your physician before consuming any supplement.
Dietary impact
Most bodybuilding supplements have added sugar to make them taste good. This may be fine if you are not watching your sugar intake. However, calories add up quickly, and you must watch what you feed your body. There is no point in investing time into the gym only to add sugar to your body. If you want to lose weight and build muscles, ensure that your bodybuilding supplement does not have lots of unnecessary calories and sugar. If you are a vegetarian, check that your supplement goes with that.
Proof of results
Never trust the marketing messages of supplements products. After all, they are all excellent. Look for the results of the supplement you wish to purchase. Check the label and look for scientifically proven ingredients to boost muscle growth, burn fat, and improve your overall workout performance.
Components to avoid
Another factor to consider when choosing your muscle-building supplement is to avoid harmful or unknown components. Do not use proprietary blends and supplements with too many complicated chemical substances that there is no scientific study proving that they are safe and effective for your exercise goals.
Remember that you do not always need muscle-building supplements. However, they accelerate you towards your goal. Supplements work as a tool to help you increase your potential to build muscles and increase recovery times. Some of the ingredients to look for include proteins, creatine, and micronutrients. Also, keep in mind that muscle building takes time and requires resistance training over long periods to achieve the desired results. As such, keep off supplements that promise instant effects.
Alicia Saville did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.
