When it comes to our personal health, we’re always on the lookout for ways to improve. Growing in popularity in recent years, fitness supplements that cater to many different needs have been created to provide wellness to interested consumers. While many of these supplements can potentially provide assistance in our fitness goals, the sheer magnitude of products and saturation of the supplement market has led to numerous ineffective supplements being touted online and beyond. So should you take supplements when working out? The answer will depend on your current fitness goals and what you want to get out of your workout.
Most Common Supplements for Working Out
Supplements can be a nice accompaniment for workouts to help us achieve our fitness goals. Many workout supplements claim to improve training results and assist with bodily conditioning before and after workouts. Some of the most common supplements used for working out that have been proven to provide tangible benefits include:
Fish Oil
Fish oil is packed with Omega 3 oils. Omega 3 has many anti-inflammatory benefits which can be a game-changer for those that struggle with muscle stiffness or joint pain after workouts.
Creatine
One of the most enduring supplements on the market that’s been around for decades is creatine. This is likely due to the scientific backing that creatine is an effective supplement for working out. Creatine supposedly helps with generating ATP (energy) for workouts and supports muscle regeneration during rest periods.
Whey Protein
Nowadays, it’s hard to enter any standard gym without seeing someone carrying around a protein shake. Whey protein, the most common of protein supplements, is popular due to its power to promote muscle growth while decreasing muscle soreness.
Beta-Alanine
Commonly used by those looking to bulk up in muscle, beta-alanine has become popular due to the proof that it can enhance performance activity. Beta-alanine is a beta-amino acid that produces carnosine which in turn supports muscle growth.
Cautions Regarding the Mentality of Supplements
While supplements and working out can go hand in hand, there are still cautions to be considered. Regardless of the promised health benefits, a supplement company will claim, it’s important to always research the ingredients in any supplement you intend to take. No supplement will ever replace the benefits of eating a nutritionally dense diet, getting a healthy amount of physical activity, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep. So while certain supplements can provide wellness benefits, no one should expect supplements to be an end-all-be-all to good health.
So Should You Take Supplements When Working Out?
The beautiful part of taking ownership of your physical wellness is that everyone’s health journey looks a little different. While there are tried-and-true facts that can support overall fitness goals such as getting enough exercise and eating healthy foods, some people have claimed to have transformative experiences with the help of particular supplements and working out. Simply be careful to always do your research on particular supplement companies and refer to your doctor or trainer to see if taking a supplement when working out is the best idea for you.