As the use of workout supplements increases, so do the myths. And right now, you may have varying opinions on whether or not to use them. You must have come across a number of misleading statements in your search for the best workout supplements.
Perhaps the first one is that workout supplements can be used in place of whole foods. Regarding prices, you may have heard that the expensive supplements are better than the cheap ones. Some critics also label workout supplements as steroids and thus don’t recommend using any.
You may also have had the idea that if your favorite well-built guy uses the supplement, then it’s good for you too. Conversely, you may have been dissuaded by claims that most supplements increase the risk of kidney disease.
Well, it’s time to debunk these workout supplement myths. Here are five facts you ought to know about workout supplements.
1. Not All Workout Supplements Are Dangerous
While it’s true that some people have experienced unpleasant side effects such as headaches, cramps, anxiety, chest pain, vomiting, flushed skin, itching, jittery feeling, numbness in extremities, digestive disorders, and sleeping problems after taking workout supplements, it doesn’t mean that all of them will make you feel that way.
In actual fact, most workout supplements are safe. What you need to do is ensure that you follow the package instructions on using it, including the right amount that you must take daily. In addition to that, carefully check the label to ensure all the ingredients used are compatible with your body’s condition.
If your current aim is to burn fats and build muscles, make sure you’re getting the safer options. To give you more insight on what supplements don’t have harmful side effects, read this comprehensive guide.
2. Workout Supplements May Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals Faster
The two most popular fitness goals are burning fats and building muscles. So, you kick off your workout routine with a great psyche, envisioning the kind of body you’ll soon have. But weeks later, you realize just how far you still are from your goals. Could workout supplements be the answer?
You see, workout supplements are designed to help you maintain focus while exercising, reduce fatigue, increase your strength and blood flow, and help you recover faster after the workout. You agree that these four are essential to an effective workout session, so yes, workout supplements may help you speed up the process. Try incorporating workout supplements in your routine and see the difference.
3. Not All Workout Supplements Are For Everybody
It’s human nature to go with the most popular brands. As a starter, you’re very likely to do a quick online search on workout supplements used by famous bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Prowse, Joe Gold, Eugen Sandow, or Steve Reeves, and personally use them. Or you may be tempted to try the one with the greatest number of positive reviews on Amazon.
Kindly don’t take that route! What works for your friend may not be the best for you. To be safe, consider getting some piece of advice from professionals who have in-depth knowledge and years of experience with workout supplements. You’ll certainly find the optimal recommendations for yourself.
4. The Ingredients Used For Any Workout Supplement Matter A Lot
As of now, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of workout supplements in the market. And you can be sure that not all are strictly regulated by the relevant food and drug authorities in your locality. You, therefore, need to know what ingredients to look for when choosing a workout supplement.
First, ensure that your selected supplement has branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), creatine, caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline. These are deemed the most important ingredients in a workout supplement. Caffeine boosts your energy, BCAAs help you build your muscles, beta-alanine reduces the burning feeling from the workout, creatine increases your power, and citrulline increases your blood flow.
For any additional ingredients, do some research to verify their benefits and/or side effects. For instance, ingredients such as DMAE Bitartrate, synephrine, and DMAA are generally deemed unsafe; hence, you should avoid them. Also, avoid supplements with artificial sweeteners, food dyes, fillers, unnecessary ingredients like maltodextrin, and those labeled with ‘proprietary blends.’
5. Workout Supplements Are Not The Holy Grail Of Good Results
Workout supplements don’t have the magical power to outride the consequences of half-hearted training. Don’t ever think that using such supplements is leeway to cutting down your workout time.
All they do is give you a better edge in achieving your fitness goals. By using them, you may be able to finish your workout session without considerable fatigue and the constant urge to take a rest between sets.
As a matter of fact, experts will tell you that workout supplements contribute about 10% to your results – not 50% as some tend to think.
To Wrap It Up
Workout supplements are a safe addition to your workout routine. Don’t hesitate to purchase some to help you in achieving your fitness goals. Only remember to consult experts in the field so that you choose the brand that will be beneficial, and not harmful to you. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and reap the incredible benefits.