Staying active with an exercise routine is a great way to stay healthy and reach your fitness goals. Experts agree that exercise and a healthy, nutritious diet are essential to success in all workout endeavors. However, some people seek to enhance their performance even more with supplements.
So, do you need supplements for your workout routine? Read about the following potential benefits to determine if diet or exercise supplements are right for you.
Supplements Can Increase Energy
If you are serious about quickly or continuously reaching higher levels with each workout, chances are you will be pushing your limits during exercise. If you strain too hard past your physical abilities, you risk injuring yourself in the process.
That is why many athletic enthusiasts and professionals alike reach for supplements to give them just the right boost of energy while exercising, so they can meet their goals without limitations from their natural energy levels.
One popular supplement is creatine. Bodybuilders particularly favor creatine because it delivers quick bursts of energy. That effect is perfect for their short but intense muscle-building routines. In a review of over 20 ingredients found in fitness supplements by the Office of Dietary Supplements and National Institutes of Health, creatine was one that they confirmed to be safe and effective if used appropriately.
Supplements Can Help You Build Muscle
Boosting energy can improve the efficacy of your workout, which can indirectly help you build muscle. However, there are also supplements on the market that claim to include ingredients that directly aid in gaining muscle mass and strength.
An example might be the Pulse caffeine free pre workout supplement. It contains citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and betaine. These three ingredients together purportedly improve blood flow, reduce fatigue, and increase muscle strength and endurance. According to Legion Athletics, their safety and efficacy are “backed by peer-reviewed scientific research and included at clinically effective levels.”
Supplements Can Improve Overall Health
Much like regular vitamin supplements, dietary and exercise supplements might contain additional vitamins, nutrients, and trace minerals. Having the appropriate levels of each improves all aspects of health and supports multiple systems in the body such as:
- The immune system
- Lean tissue building
- Healthy skin
- Digestive system
- Blood pressure
- Metabolism
A healthy, strong body receiving all necessary nutrients is in the optimal state to achieve any athletic goal. So if you are missing something in your everyday diet, supplements may help.
Supplements Can Aid in Fat Loss
You have to be careful with weight loss supplements because many do not work or could even be harmful. There are a few, however, like chromium that can verifiably help somewhat with weight loss, according to the Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss guide by the ODS and NHS.
Moreover, if you are successful in taking different supplements meant for building muscle, boosting performance, etc., that can also help you burn fat. While those supplements are not meant for fat loss directly, simply having vigorous (supplement-boosted) workouts will naturally assist with fat loss.
Not all supplements are equal, so health professionals recommend talking with your doctor before trying a new dietary supplement. However, if you choose reputable products and take them responsibly, the enhanced effects of your exercise might be worth the buy.
