Muscle building is a serious endeavor. Regularly engaging in challenging workouts and ensuring you have all the necessary nutrients in your diet to witness progress can be demanding.
If you are involved in muscle building or aiming to increase muscle mass, you have likely been astounded by the wide array of muscle building supplements and products in the market. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the different varieties and components, especially if you are unsure about the safety and effectiveness of the ingredients. So, which supplements should you incorporate?
Some of the most popular muscle building supplements include creatine, caffeine, protein powder, BCAAs, fish oil, and HMB. Let’s analyze these commonly used muscle building supplements and discuss their advantages and usage.
Component 1 – Creatine
Creatine stands out as one of the top supplements for muscle building, boasting a high safety profile. It is a natural organic compound present in our bodies in the form of creatine phosphate, which muscles utilize for energy during physical activity.
Creatine is highly performance-enhancing, making it extremely effective in muscle mass development, strength increase, and overall enhancement of exercise performance. It is primarily available in the form of creatine monohydrate in supplements. Additionally, there is extensive research supporting its effectiveness.
A study from 2017 published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition concluded that Creatine monohydrate is currently recognized as the best performance-enhancing nutritional supplement for athletes aiming to enhance endurance for high-intensity exercises and their lean body mass.
Despite its excellent safety profile and being generally safe for use as a pre-workout supplement, it is not advisable for individuals under the age of eighteen.
If you are seeking a fundamental yet crucial muscle building supplement to start with, consider trying a creatine monohydrate supplement. Huge Supplements offers a potent creatine monohydrate in tablet form, a popular choice on the market with a high satisfaction rate. It is accessible on Amazon with prices starting from $30 for a pack of 150 tablets.
Component 2 – Caffeine
Who doesn’t appreciate a piping hot cup of coffee to kick off their day? Celebrated for its stimulant properties, caffeine can serve as a valuable supplement for muscle building, providing an extra burst of energy and adrenaline.
While there is limited research linking caffeine directly to increased muscle mass, it can aid in maintaining alertness and focus, allowing you to train harder and longer by reducing fatigue and exhaustion. It delivers an invigorating impact on both mental and physical aspects of the body.
Consuming 1-2 cups of coffee approximately an hour before exercising can optimize effectiveness during high-intensity workouts. Alternatively, explore pre-workout powder options.
Component 3 – Whey Protein Powder
For many muscle builders, consuming a substantial amount of protein in every meal is not only impractical but also likely to be costly due to the high expense of good-quality red meat. Protein powder supplements are relatively cost-effective and an excellent means to elevate your daily protein intake.
Maintaining a high protein intake in your diet is crucial for muscle mass gain. To promote muscle growth, a positive nitrogen balance must be maintained, implying that your protein consumption should exceed the amount naturally broken down by your body each day.
Protein powder beverages can even serve as meal replacements if your overall calorie and nutrient intake are adequate. Most protein powder supplements are crafted from Whey protein, although Casein protein alternatives are available as well.
Your body requires around 40-50g of protein post each workout for the proper growth and restoration of muscles. Keep in mind that this quantity varies based on the duration and intensity of your workout, so ensure to select a product that aligns with your needs and adhere to the recommended usage guidelines.
Component 4 – BCAAs
BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) comprise three imperative amino acids – valine, leucine, and isoleucine. Essential amino acids, including these three, are essential building blocks the body cannot produce and must be obtained through the diet. They are present in animal-based protein sources like fish, eggs, and poultry.
BCAAs play a crucial role in the growth and repair of muscle tissue, requiring sufficient quantities in the diet for enhanced muscle mass. If your diet lacks high-quality protein sources, considering BCAA supplements providing these essential amino acids is a recommended choice.
Though limited research supports that excessive consumption of BCAAs leads to substantial muscle gain beyond the necessary amount, its incorporation is highly favored by individuals committed to significant muscle growth.
Component 5 – Fish Oil
Fish oil is enriched with valuable Omega-3 fatty acids and essential fats. It offers numerous health benefits such as improved cognitive function, a resilient immune system, optimal skin and eye health, proper joint functionality, among others.
Besides aiding in muscle building, it enhances overall bodily health as well. Generally deemed safe for consumption, fish oil is accessible in bottles (although not very palatable!) and soft gel capsule forms.
Fish oil supplements are widely obtainable, readily found in local supplement stores or online outlets.
Conclusion
Thus, you have a compilation of the top six prevalent supplements for muscle building to consider.
Remember to diligently research these supplements and products, seeking guidance from your trainer or nutritionist for tailored advice based on your individual physique.
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