Do you want to make that last heavy lift count? Want to add a couple more 400m sprints? Give yourself a boost with workout supplements.
Once training and nutrition are sorted, you’ll get bigger, stronger, and leaner with a solid supplement plan.
No matter what kind of supplement you take, whether from whole foods or manufactured sources, they will help you build your best body.
This guide explores the benefits of workout supplements to determine the best ones for you.
How Does Physical Activity Affect Your Body?
The body requires energy to fuel any physical activity and uses three sources: carbohydrates, fat, and protein.
Carbohydrates are stored in the liver and skeletal muscles as glycogen, which can be quickly broken down into glucose for immediate energy. This provides the primary fuel source for activities that require higher intensity levels over a prolonged period.
Glycogen supplies can last for an average of 90-120 minutes before needing to be replenished through eating or drinking during physical activity.
Fat is another important source for fueling physical activity, offering more efficient energy than carbohydrates after about 20 minutes of intense exercises such as running or fast walking, particularly if glycogen stores have depleted. It can provide a steady, long-lasting energy supply but takes longer to start working than carbohydrates.
Protein is also necessary during physical activity as it helps repair and rebuild muscle fibres damaged during exercise; however, proteins can only be used as an energy source once the other two sources have been exhausted first.
What are Pre-Workout Supplements?
Pre-workouts vary widely regarding ingredients, but they typically include amino acids, beta-alanine, caffeine, creatine, and artificial sweeteners.
Users can experience increased energy levels and improved athletic performance with the right supplementation regimen.
When deciding whether to take them, it’s important to consult with a health professional to ensure the products are safe for you to use. Carefully read product labels and make an informed decision when selecting a supplement brand.
Good nutrition is still the best way to optimise your health and performance during exercise, but supplements boost energy when used responsibly.
The Top 6 Workout Supplements
1: SARMs
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) were initially used for medical purposes but are now commonly used by bodybuilders to build lean muscle mass.
SARMs can increase strength and stamina, build muscle, and reduce body fat fast.
These supplements affect how your body produces and reacts to certain hormones, which boost energy, help you build muscle and improve your athletic performance.
Most SARMs have a cycle that’s anywhere between 4 weeks to 16 weeks — with the 8-12 week window being the most common.
Some of the best SARMs for muscle growth and recovery are:
- Andarine S4 quickly increases muscle mass and fat loss.
- YK-11 binds to myostatin, allowing you to build muscle mass beyond your genetic potential. YK-11 has effects close to testosterone but doesn’t exhibit its side effects.
- LGD-4033, known as Ligandrol. This SARM is one of the best muscle recovery supplements. You’ll recover faster from injuries and workout-related muscle stress.
Supplement stacks are incredibly popular among bodybuilders and those looking to optimise their results. SARMs stacks can sharpen your physique, support training intensity, and improve overall performance. Make sure you buy the purest and safest SARMs UK and worldwide, and read up on the correct dosage and cycle information before you start.
2: Creatine
Creatine is a chemical compound naturally produced in the body, primarily stored in skeletal muscle, where it aids energy production and muscle strength.
This comes out on top for weightlifters, bodybuilders and power athletes who will benefit from an improved output of short-term activity and an increase in overall muscle mass.
Using creatine during workouts can increase the body’s stores of this compound, leading to increased recovery time, improved muscle mass, better strength, and enhanced exercise performance.
Two main methods for maximising creatine stores within the body are ‘loading’ and ‘maintenance’ doses. When loading, taking high doses over 5-7 days is recommended. Maintenance involves smaller doses spread over longer periods of time with no loading period needed; however, both approaches will help improve physical performance.
Stacking creatine with supplements like SARMs makes the process much easier while providing all the benefits of each individual compound.
3: Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
Body composition and muscle building depend on branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs.
Nearly a third of your Skeletal Muscle Protein consists of these essential amino acids. BCAAs can enhance recovery and stimulate muscle protein synthesis by reducing fatigue and soreness.Research has shown that taking BCAA’s before or during your workout can maximise performance while decreasing protein breakdown and protecting your muscle glycogen.
4: Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is an amino acid primarily used to support muscle endurance and strength gains for athletes. Many pre-workout formulas contain beta-alanine, as studies have shown it effectively improves performance.
It helps reduce muscle acid buildup during more intense workouts, allowing them to work harder and longer than they would otherwise.
Although beta-alanine might benefit athletes and those looking to improve their fitness levels, it can produce a tingling sensation on the skin known as paresthesia. This unpleasant feeling is typically harmless, but some people find it uncomfortable and annoying.
5: Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most widely used stimulants in the world and can provide a powerful boost to mental and physical performance.
Caffeine can boost energy levels and mental focus, allowing you to exercise with increased intensity and duration. It can also improve memory, alertness, and exercise performance while helping to decrease body fat.
You can get caffeine in energy drinks, coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and even certain types of food. It depends on how much caffeine a person consumes daily, but taking a supplement during high-intensity moments can help them feel more energised.
6: Whey Protein
Eat whey within an hour after your last set to kick-start protein synthesis. Along with increased muscle strength, whey has the ability to do things like increase energy, help with depression, and benefit the hair and skin.
Protein is an essential macro-nutrient in the bodybuilding game. It is key in supporting muscle health, performance, growth and repair. It also increases our blood levels of amino acids, preventively aiding against muscle tissue breakdown.
Workout Supplements: Pros and Cons
Using supplements can help you perform better and give you an extra boost.
Supplements can be a great resource for athletes, bodybuilders, and trainers who want to take their workout routine to the next level.
Benefits of taking workout supplements
- Caffeine blocks muscle pain during workouts (good for one-off races or events.)
- Improves focus
- Boosts stamina
- Enhances motivation
- Improves energy and stamina
The Cons:
- Can lead to dehydration
- Can elevate blood pressure
- Can cause insomnia
Post-Workout Supplements
Post-workout supplements are designed to nourish your muscles with the essential protein, minerals, and other nutrients needed for optimal muscle growth and recovery. In general, post-workouts should be used as muscle recovery supplements that will allow you to return to training faster.
After workout supplements like whey protein, BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids), glutamine, creatine, and nitric oxide enhancers all work together to give your body an extra boost of energy and nutrients to help increase muscle strength, endurance, size, and overall performance.
Whey protein provides fast-digesting proteins that help muscles rebuild quickly after a workout. In contrast, BCAAs provide a long-lasting fuel source during workouts and supply additional amino acids for repair afterwards.
Glutamine supports joint health while also acting as an energy source; creatine helps increase muscle strength by providing energy to cells in the muscles during intense activity; finally, nitric oxide enhancers promote increased blood flow throughout the body, which carries more oxygenated blood to the muscles resulting in better muscle performance.
When used correctly, these post-exercise supplements can be extremely beneficial in helping you reach your desired fitness outcomes and, in turn, improve your overall health.
Are Workout Supplements Safe?
Supplements used before and after exercise have been studied extensively, and they are generally safe and have minimal side effects (if any at all). Consult a doctor before beginning a fitness routine or taking supplements, and follow the directions carefully. Dosages are recommended for a reason!
Supplements alone won’t make you fit: you need to eat the proper diet and exercise appropriately. When your nutrition and exercise regimen is in order, consider dietary supplements.
Get your Dream Physique with UK SARMs
The supplements and tips above have answered how to get your dream body. But if you want to max your training, Hardcore Stack – Mass Bulk, a type of SARMs, are the supplement for you. SARMs can build lean muscle mass, reduce fat mass, and are much safer than steroids for muscle growth.
As the number one UK SARMs supplier, our prices are highly competitive, and we offer bulk discounts for large purchases.
You can also buy SARM stacks to lose fat or bulk up. Along with enhanced effects, these stacks are pocket-friendly.
Take advantage of SARMs today and quickly see the difference in your muscle tone and physique.
Happy bulking!
