Trying to find the best workout routine for your new life ornamented with gym hours and the right diet? Then you have reached the right place. Going to the gym has a certain purpose for everyone’s fitness journey. However, whether it is for losing excess fat or building better lean muscle, a pre-workout supplement is a definite item that should accompany the routine.
When we say pre-workout supplement, there isn’t every supplement that is suited for everyone. You need something that suits your fitness requirements, and this is why you should check the ingredients before getting a supplement.
Although we will be giving you some of the best pre-workout supplement ingredients to look at, it is always better to get a professional view of the supplement. So, without any further ado, let’s get into your guide to supplements.
Why You Need Supplements Before Your Workout
Supplements have been the subject of controversy in the fitness sphere. Some think it is a waste of money; others consider it a poor substitute for a bad diet. Some might even go far and consider it a substance bad for your liver and kidneys. However, to put an end to all these myths, we are here to tell you that supplements will not create any problems in your gut. Provided you know the ingredients you are consuming, ensure they are at par with your fitness goal and, most importantly, taken in the right dose. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider taking supplements right before a workout.
- Nutrient Availability: If one is scheduling their workout at the break of dawn, there are very few chances that they are having a healthy nutritional meal. This is why taking a supplement can help you fill-up the nutrition pocket, which can fuel your early morning exercise.
- Assist Muscle Protein Synthesis: When someone is planning a course of extensive muscle training, protein breakdown and synthesis of the skeletal muscle is one of the most important parts. This ensures that the muscle is well healed through synthesis before you go for your next workout. However, the protein it requires to turn into the free amino acid pool is huge. Sometimes, a normal diet cannot suffice that. For better protein synthesis, some depend on supplements.
- Energy Boost: Supplements that are particularly made for an intense activity like strength training have a naturally occurring compound called Creatine. This helps retain muscle energy and supply muscle cells longer. Therefore, it helps one continue their strength training for a longer period of time, especially when it comes to athletes or weight lifters.
Key Ingredients To Look For In A Pre-workout Supplement
These are some of the key ingredients you should look into when looking for a supplement. We would like to give you a stern reminder that consuming too many supplements will not help your workout more than intended. Therefore, asking a professional about the right dosage according to your workout routine and weight is a must.
1. Beta Alanine: Acid buildup in your muscle cells reduces fatigue. That is exactly what this supplement will do. Beta-Alanine supplements are for individuals in intense strength training; they pump up the muscle with an increase of acid in the muscle to improve workout capacity.
2. Caffeine: Sleep inertia is a very common phenomenon when you wake up. This is when your muscles refuse to wake even after being awake for a few minutes. Caffeine is one such stimulant that can induce alertness in your body. However, taking raw coffee early in the morning with no nutrients could have adverse effects on your body. This is why having caffeine as a supplement with nutritional benefits is the best way to get that boost.
3. Creatine: We already spoke about this particular ingredient above. It is a natural ingredient that could resume muscular strength for longer exercise routines.
4. Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential amino acids that support muscle protein synthesis and help prevent muscle breakdown during intense workouts.
5. L-Tyrosine: Fatigue can compromise cognitive functions; L-Tyrosine in your body could help cognitive function, especially in times of high stress, which can cause some form of mental fatigue.
6. Nitrate Sources: A boost in nitrate in the body can boost nitric oxide production, which can improve blood flow. This can heal from muscle soreness quickly and increase endurance during fitness training. Some supplements also have a natural source of nitrate extracted from beetroot. Thus, no more worrying about putting too much artificial substance in you.
7. Electrolytes: If you’re engaging in prolonged or intense exercise, electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are important for hydration and muscle function. Some pre-workout supplements include electrolyte blends.
