Muscle Building Supplements

Muscle building supplements are a great way to maximize the potential of your workouts in a safe, convenient manner, and to ensure that your body has all the macronutrients it needs to create the right environment for muscle growth and protein synthesis.

Amongst the most popular supplements are meal replacement products or MRPs, typically in the form of drinks (powdered or premade) and bars. Because a bodybuilder has so many complex nutritional requirements, it can be tough to make sure you are getting everything you need from whole foods alone, no matter how carefully you plan your meals. Meal replacement products are specially formulated to provide an optimum macronutrient ratio for the serious body builder. You will get complex carbohydrates, protein, essential fatty acids and amino acids.

There are special formulas available for those who have trouble gaining weight, or those whose goal is to lose fat at the same times as building lean body mass. There are also meal replacement products available which incorporate other popular supplements, which are particularly handy.
The second big body building supplement is undoubtedly Creatine. Creatine is an organic acid that occurs naturally in the human body and is used in the synthesis of adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) molecules to release energy. During periods of intense exercise, such as a hard workout, Creatine stores are depleted, which can lead to the muscles becoming short of energy, which in turn creates a sub-optimal workout.

Creatine taken as a supplement replenishes the bodies natural supply and helps keep you training at maximum intensity for longer. Study after study has shown that not only does Creatine increase endurance, but also muscle size, alertness and mental function. It is the essential body building supplement and whatever your personal goals are, Creatine is sure to help you maximize the potential benefit from your workouts and reach them as soon as possible.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and essential in the synthesis of new muscle fibre. The protein in your muscles is one-third composed of amino acids. Little wonder then that they are other essential body building supplements. Branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs, are particularly important as they promote healing, supply energy and prevent the deterioration of muscle tissue all at once. BCAAs are difficult to obtain through consuming whole foods, so amino acid supplements are a convenient way to make sure your body has enough. Remember that if just one aspect of the muscle building process falls short, the whole thing can short circuit and your workouts will be for nothing.

Glutamine is another essential amino acid. In fact it is the most abundant in the body, and studies have shown that Glutamine prevents reduced immune function, reduces recovery times and stimulates the production of growth hormone, all of which are great if you are undertaking an intensive weight-training programme.

Protein supplements are popularly consumed during and right after training, to ensure that the body has an immediate supply of protein when the muscle transformation response is initiated, and that none of your hard work goes to waste. Whey protein is favoured due to its quick absorption rates and the fact that it contains so many essential amino acids. Taking casein protein before sleeping will ensure a steady release of protein throughout the night, when the rate of muscle building is increased. This is therefore also a popular choice.

ZMA is a precise combination of Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6, which is known to increase testosterone production, which allows you to work out harder, for longer, and therefore achieve faster results. It is seen as a safe and legal alternative to prohormones, which are banned in man countries.

There are also a variety of fat loss supplements, for those wishing to lose fat as well as build lean muscle mass. These typically take one of three forms: thermogenics which stimulate the burning of excess calories as heat, stimulants which produce an adrenaline response and therefore raise your metabolic rate, or non-stimulants including blood sugar controllers and appetite suppressors.

Muscle Building Supplements