Nutritional Supplements
The use of natural supplements to enhance athletic ability is not only prevalent with elite level athletes, but is also seen by “weekend warriors” as a way to maximize their abilities. Whether it be for sports, bodybuilding or general health - nutritional supplements form a multi-billion dollar industry. With such a large potential user base, marketing claims can get out of hand. It is therefore important to consider supplements based on the scientific merits of their ingredients. There are no quick fixes and by definition, supplements can only work if your training and diet are already in good shape.
I started working out during high school and shortly thereafter, started looking at nutritional supplements. It was the mid-1990s and Weiders Mega Mass 2000 weight gainer was the first supplement I ever bought. Over the years, I have used many supplements and have gained an appreciation for the science behind the ingredients along with the results that I have seen.
The nutritional supplement industry has billions of dollars in sales and they usually cater to the young male. Flashy designs, extravagant claims and (often) juiced up spokespersons line the hundreds of ads one can find in any fitness or muscle magazine. My goal here is to share my experiences with everyone else and hopefully save you from wasting money and potentially doing harm to your bodies. There is more to the sports supplement industry than the NO-Xplode, Nitrix, Hydroxycut, Celltech, Animal Pak, Cellmass and similar supplements that are advertised like crazy.
A common question is, “What nutritional supplements should I be taking?” Here on this site, I will break down what I believe are essential supplements that would be helpful to anyone that wishes to lead an active lifestyle. There are also specific supplements and compounds that can either help put on muscle mass or burn excess body fat.
I have taken all the supplements reviewed on this website and found them to be effective, but results often vary from person to person. Your daily diet and dedication in the gym/training are two equally influential factors. It is important to note that everyone should check with their doctor before starting any supplement or exercise regimen.