There is often debate within fitness and medical, circles over the use of supplements… whether they are healthy, whether they are necessary, or whether they are just a waste of time and money… The answer is (as in most things) it really depends on your circumstances… This post provides a simple introduction into the pros and cons of workout supplements specifically… but first lets take a look at what is meant by the term “supplements”
What are Supplements ?
A dietary supplement is a manufactured product intended to be taken in addition (supplement) to your diet by taking a pill, capsule, powder, tablet, extract, or liquid. People typically take supplements to add nutrients to their diet or to lower their risk of health problems (such as osteoporosis or arthritis).
Some supplements can help assure that you get enough of the vital substances the body needs to function; others may help reduce the risk of disease. But supplements should not replace complete or balanced meals which are necessary for a healthy diet.
Supplements for medical reasons would normally be recommended by a medical practitioner.
What Are Workout/Fitness Supplements
There are two main types of supplements that are commonly used in association to enhance exercise or fitness … Pre and post-workout supplements have different benefits. While pre-workouts are an energy boost and help with endurance to make your workouts last longer, many post-workouts aid in muscular recovery and muscle building.
Pre-Workout Supplements
Pre-workout supplements contain ingredients that boost energy and are geared toward promoting better endurance and performance at the gym. Pre-workout supplements, usually come in a powdered form to be mixed with water, are advertised to improve athletic performance and energy prior to exercise. However, there’s no set list of ingredients. Certain ingredients such as creatine, caffeine, and nitric oxide precursors, have been shown to support athletic performance.
Studies do not reliably show pre-workout supplements to be effective. They may give you more energey and stamina and allow you to exercise harder and longer, but they cannot replace a balanced diet, quality sleep, and adequate hydration. If you prefer to use one, be conscientious about its ingredients and your total intake.
Post-Workout Supplements
Post-workout supplements contain readily available amino acids and other building blocks that feed fatigued muscle and support recovery. Some post-workout supplements include glutamine, BCAAs, and casein protein. They help muscles recover and can increase muscle synthesis.
What Supplements are Best for You ??
Some people go to the gym to build muscle, while others go to lose weight. Your individual fitness goals are a factor in designing an exercise plan, dietary plan, and ultimately deciding if or when to include supplements.
Do you really need supplements?
Vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium and vitamin C, are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts to work properly. Most people do not need to take vitamin supplements and can get all the vitamins and minerals they need by eating a healthy, balanced diet.
However, if you are doing a lot of exercise, with the aim of growing muscle, or losing weight… or an athlete pushing your body to extremes, additional supplements can be effective to help with the effectiveness of your exercise, and to assist your body in recovering and developing after exercise.
As a part of your initial body scan consultation, we will discuss with you what your fitness goals are and will be recorded as a part of your profile. These goals may of course change over time, so each Body Scan that you do with the Evolt360 Body Scanner will look at your current goals, compare it with your Body Composition Analysis and make some suggestions as to suitable supplements which can help you to maximise the benefits you get from exercise.