Did you know training hard can deplete your body of vitamins, nutrients, and other compounds that are important for muscle gain and fat loss? Even with the best diet, you can’t replace all the vital elements. And that's where supplements play an essential role.
Working out to maintain your body (and overall physique) is the best way to stay active and strengthen your immune system. Although a workout is all about keeping you healthy, since energy is utilized, exercising can make you feel quite tired for the remainder of the day if you aren't consuming the proper supplements before and after a workout.
Many gym trainers suggest taking amino acids (through supplements) to boost energy during your exercising session. It’s all about marinating a proper balance with the energy you have in your body.
For those wondering, here are the five pre and post-workout supplements that you should consider making a part of your workout routine:
- Whey protein
Imagine a mix of healthy proteins that you can take before or after the workout. That’s what whey protein is. It is a combination of beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, and immunoglobins. For many nutritionists, these proteins can power human bodies like oil powers a car’s engine.
It does away with the craving for an unhealthy snack after a workout. So, whey protein is great for those wanting to shed a few pounds. It also has anti-cancer properties and aids with keeping your immune system healthy.
- Caffeine
Some of you might have experienced, when entering the gym, your trainer asking whether or not you had coffee or tea in the morning. Such a question is for judging the amount of caffeine already present in your body. Caffeine can help you lose some fat as well as prevent fatigue during a workout. Lessening fatigue means you will have more strength during an exercise routine.
Gym trainers suggest the consumption of 150 to 200 milligrams of pure caffeine every day. It is highly recommended for those aiming to go through intense workout sessions.
Creatine can be considered a powerhouse supplement for your muscles. It has all the building blocks to help your body grow as well as strengthen muscles. Other benefits of creatine include muscle recovery (which is very important after exercising), boosting your brain activity, and helping to increase your resistance to exhaustion.
- BCAAs
Branched-chain amino acids are also known as BCAAs. They are helpful before as well as after a workout. BCAAs are a mixture of three amino acids. The said amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Many athletes prefer the intake of such a supplement as an energy booster.
It is recommended to take five to ten grams of BCAAs on a daily basis before the workout. It's always recommended to refer to your trainer about the amount you should be consuming.
- Electrolytes
While working out, sweating is considered as a good thing. But since sweat contains sodium, magnesium, potassium, and taurine, you need to do what you can to recharge electrolytes in your body.
Your body is going to lose a lot of water during workout sessions, so it's important to drink something rich in electrolytes. Whether the drink is flavored or unflavored doesn’t matter as long as it’s healthy.
Wrapping It Up
The supplements mentioned above are just a few of the available supplements you can consume pre or post working out. Supplements have been created to help boost your energy and strength levels. They are also meant to help your body heal after every exercising session.
As mentioned, you shouldn't hesitate to talk to your trainer about the different types of supplements you should opt for to achieve your fitness goals.