A Guide To Weight Training Supplements

Traditionally people have thought that to increase strength and muscle they would need to dedicate themselves to a strict diet and exercise program. Whilst diet and exercise is an important part there are some supplements available that will enhance your progress. It is widely known that people on a weight training program need to increase their intake of protein, however sometimes a diet high in protein is just not enough if you are following an intensive workout regime. Supplements can be very beneficial in this respect, giving you a little boost which you may not otherwise get from your diet alone.

Supplements for training contain active ingredients which allow your body to recover and increase your performance as well as the size of your muscles. There are many types of supplements on the markets and different ones are used in a variety of ways.

Pre-workout Supplements

These types of supplements can contain ingredients which will increase your productivity during your workout by giving you extra energy and added strength. Many supplements for pre-workouts contain Nitric Oxide which is found naturally within the body. When taken as a supplement it can increase the users blood vessels allowing for more oxygen to flow through the blood and through the muscles, this in turn provides a temporary increase in strength. When supplemented with caffeine it will provide a powerful boost to your weight training routine.

Workout Supplements

These types of supplements are specifically used during your workout and in between sets. Often available in powdered form they are known to contain a substance called Creatine which again is a substance that your body produces naturally, however when additional doses are added to your training regime the results are that your muscles increase in strength and size. Studies carried out by several scientists have proved that when taken regularly Creatine can have significant impact on not only your strength but also the size of your muscles.

Post-Workout Supplements

When a supplement is taken after you have completed your workout it is normally to help your muscles recover from the increased and tense workout they have been put through. The most common of the supplements in this category is protein. Protein heals the muscles and gives a faster recovery time. The most common and powerful source of protein is found in whey. It is known to contain a complete and vast array of essential amino acids which will help not only your recovery time but also build up strength. This is why so many professional body builders use it.

As with all weight training programs you will need to follow any instructions that accompany the supplements you purchase. Although these will help you to achieve your weight training goals faster you will also need to follow a healthy and balanced diet if you want to achieve the best results.

By: Patrick Fitz-Gibbon

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