These 5 Supplements Are Actually Worth the Money

Supplements have been a hot attraction in the fitness industry for decades now. Their attraction has become an art by many looking to gain any possible benefit in the gym and for muscular health.

While some look to supplements to help support certain parts of wellness, these products may not be the best option for everyone, as there is no one size fits all model. Let’s take a closer look into supplements and how to assess what’s considered quality or not.

What is the Hype on Supplements?

Take this to grow that. You need this to increase that. Take this after that. You’ve heard it before and anytime you hear or read something about supplements, it can become dizzying. The hype on supplements in the fitness industry, too often, is just that: it’s hype. In the day of age of influencers and social media personnel, it seems supplements are pitched to gain some kind of benefit anywhere and anyhow.

Supplements may or may not have benefits as many types of products are not regulated by the FDA. The level by which the FDA regulates supplements is that they do not need approval for their sale, meaning there is no stringent and reproducible research performed to meet this criteria.

Since supplements do not have rigid testing performed and evaluated by the FDA, companies are able to make claims to advertise their products. Claims often are gimmicky and some may advertise results that seem too good to be true. With this in mind, we have isolated these five supplements that are worth the money and may help to support your workout regimen. Why these 5 supplements are actually worth the money and can support any workout.

These 5 Supplements are Actually Worth the Money

Creatine Monohydrate – Perhaps one of the most effective supplements you should take is creatine. This supplement is often used to replenish the body’s stores of creatine and is common among power athletes.

Common uses: Ideally, creatine is used for exercise that includes quick motions such as in power lifting and sprinting. There is some benefit as well for people who perform HIIT workouts so long as workouts include power exercises.

When to take: This can be used before or after exercise and may include a loading phase for five days to help the body store additional amounts.

How is it supplied: Creatine monohydrate is commonly supplied as a powder, but can also be found in capsule form. Powder tends to be cheaper and offer more versatility whereas capsules are easy to take without the mess.

Protein Powder – Protein supplements are extremely common in the fitness industry and there is good reason. While the argument could be made that your diet supplies the protein necessary for the day, it is tough to time the digestion of meat perfectly around workouts. Protein powder in comparison offers fast nutrition for muscle recovery and is bounds easier to time than food.

Common uses: Protein powder is most often used to add protein in the diet and to support muscle recovery. Quality brands should offer a wide range of amino acids and contain essential amino acids.

When to take: The timing of protein supplementation depends on the type of protein you are consuming. With whey protein, take this immediately following or towards the end of your workout to allow for muscle repair. If you are consuming casein protein, you will want to take this at night or between meals since it is slowly digested.

How is it supplied: Protein is incredibly versatile and is often supplied as a powder. You may see premade protein shakes or beverages for easy consumption as well.

Beta Alanine – This supplement is unique in that it is a non-essential amino acid. However, its ability to combat fatigue, support performance, and encourage the formation of carnosine levels in the body make this a very appealing supplement.

Common uses: Beta alanine is common among endurance athletes and for support during power workouts. This supplement is commonly added in pre-workout drinks for its ability to combat fatigue.

When to take: This supplement is often used prior to exercise and generally added to pre-workout formulas. It can be taken after exercise as needed, but to gain benefits for your workout it is best before.

How is it supplied: There are beta alanine powders or capsules available depending on your preference. Look for this to be added in premade drinks, pre-workout formulas, and protein powders.

Magnesium – This essential mineral is vital for bone health and can encourage relaxation in the muscles. Due to its ability to promote relaxation, magnesium is widely used in the evening for optimal relaxation and encourage muscular recovery.

Common uses: Magnesium is often used to promote muscular relaxation and calm nerve fibers. It can be used prior to bed to help support restful sleep.

When to take: Really any form of magnesium can be consumed at any time of day, but many choose to consume it in the evening hours.

How is it supplied: There are various forms of magnesium including magnesium oxide, gluconate, and glycinate. There are magnesium powders, packets, tablets, capsules, and topical solutions to deliver this mineral to the body.

Branched Chain Amino Acids – The consumption of branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs, is common among fitness goers. These amino acids include leucine, isoleucine, and valine and are important for creating anabolic processes in the body. BCAAs are worth the money because they are essential amino acids and function directly to promote protein synthesis. With more availability of these amino acids for the body to use after a workout, recovery and muscle building can be optimally supported with nutrients needed.

Common uses: BCAAs are consumed for the primary support of muscular health, specifically for protein synthesis. These amino acids are necessary for tissue repair, recovery, and muscular fatigue, thus making this a highly sought after supplement for performance.

When to take: It is safe to consume BCAAs before or after exercise and as close to or during exercise as possible the better.

How is it supplied: You can find BCAA supplements in powder form, but is most offered as capsules.

Final Thoughts

The supplements listed above are intended to guide you on a path of optimal wellness. While various supplements may offer potential benefits, these supplements have demonstrated the potential to support physical performance and muscular recovery.