There are many different supplements categories available on the market today. While each of them serves a unique purpose, some of them provide more benefits than others.
If your budget is limited there are certain supplements that you need to consider first. They should be a priority when building a stack.
Remember, there is no substitute for a well-balanced diet plan and properly structured workout regime. With that said, these supplements will aid you in achieving the best results possible.
The Best Bodybuilding Supplements for Making Gains
Is there any surprise here? Whether you're bulking or cutting, here is a good rule of thumb to follow:
Consume 1g of protein per pound of bodyweight per day.
For the typical 180 pound bro this means a lot of chicken breasts. This is where whey protein comes in handy. Adding in a couple of scoops to your diet will go a long way towards reaching your daily protein intake goals.
Furthermore, whey protein has a higher biological value (BV) than any other protein source making it arguably the most complete protein source available.
Recommendation: MTS Machine Whey which is currently available in 12 different flavors.
Creatine has been one of the most popular supplements on the market, and has been for several decades. It has the ability to promote strength gains, increase energy output during high intensity activities, and even promote brain function and increased memory.
Adding just 5g of creatine to your post-workout shake will improve strength and give the muscles a full, voluminous appearance.
Recommendation: MTS CreaPure Creatine (80 servings for only $12.99 on TigerFitness.com what a deal!)
BCAAs can be consumed pre, intra, or post-workout.
BCAAs consist of three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. they have several benefits including the following:
Prevents fatigue in athletes: When taken intra-workout, athletes typically report less muscle fatigue during workouts. People that sip on BCAAs throughout their workouts will be able to perform for longer, more intense workouts without experiencing exhaustion or burnout.
Prevents muscle loss while cutting: A person that is in a caloric deficit is more prone to losing muscle mass during the cutting process. However, BCAAs helps protect muscle loss when taken throughout a diet.
Aides in muscle recovery: Taken post-workout, BCAAs assist in improving muscle protein synthesis thereby lessening overall recovery time. Take BCAAs post-workout and you may experience a noticeable decrease in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) during the days following your workout.
Pre-workouts provide several benefits to bodybuilders including: increased focus, more energy (this is especially useful when taken in the morning to help wake the individual up or in the evening after work), and more pumps during the workout.
A pre-workout may contain a variety of different ingredients, but some common ones include caffeine (energy booster), citruline malate (fatigue killer), creatine (muscle recovery), and beta-alanine (reduces fatigue and gives increased feelings of sensation). If you find you are exhausted and need a little pick me up to power through your workouts, consider implementing a pre-workout supplement into your stack.
After completing your workout, many people know that post-workout whey protein is essential for promoting protein synthesis. What many people do not know is that post-workout carb sources are just as important.
Post-workout, muscles are either partially or fully depleted of their glycogen stores due to the intensity of the workout. However, a post-workout carb source will aide in refilling the glycogen stores.
When paired with whey protein it will also provide a fast-acting post-workout recovery drink for optimal muscle growth and recovery.
Recommendation: MTS Carb 10 (made from complex carbohydrate sources such as peas providing post-workout carbohydrates that will not affect insulin sensitivity).
Let's face it, we try to eat healthy and get as many vitamins and minerals as possible from nutrient dense whole foods. However, there are likely still certain micronutrients that may be missing from our diets.
For athletes and extremely active individuals, it becomes even more crucial that these vitamins and minerals are consumed in order to promote performance, energy, endurance, and overall recovery.
By adding a multi-vitamin to your stack you are providing insurance that your body will recover in the most optimal manner possible.
Let's face it... some people, especially those with ectomorphic body types, have difficulty adding muscle mass to their frames. Other people simply do not have the appetite necessary to eat in a caloric surplus for muscle growth.
For either of these populations, mass gainers provide a convenient way to consume calories in a fast and effective manner.
Mass gainers should aim to provide a 3 to 1 carb to protein ratio. This will help in adding lean mass while still meeting protein intake goals.
I know what you're thinking. Protein bars are not technically a supplement, but more of a food product.
That being said, protein bars come in handy during circumstances in which protein is not readily available or as a meal replacement while travelling. Furthermore, protein bars available on the market today just taste plain amazing!
Not only do they provide protein in a pinch, they will also satisfy sweet cravings.
Recommendation: Outright Bars, available in peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip, peanut butter oatmeal raisin, and white chocolate chip and cranberry.
Conclusion
There is no substitute for a well-balanced diet and properly structured workout plan. Supplements should be used in conjunction with your diet and workout to receive the best results possible.
With many choices available on the market today, it is easy to become confused by which supplements are the best options for you. However, by sticking to the supplements mentioned in this article you will be able to cover all bases making the most optimal gains possible.
Making the most gains and living up to your full genetic potential... THAT'S NOT A GAME!