Can Supplements Really Help You to Get Fit and Stay Fit?
Whether you already use supplements, or you’re thinking about starting, you need to know whether they can actually help you get fit and stay fit. Here are the pros and cons of using them.
Pros
The most common supplement for people looking to build up their muscle mass is protein. And there’s no doubt about it, protein does help to build muscle mass. When you consume the protein, your body breaks it down into amino acids. The amino acids are then used to repair and grow muscle fibres, aiding your muscle growth. You need to be doing the work to make sure that the protein has any effect though. It’ll only make a difference if you’re willing to put in the hours when exercising.
It’s not just about increasing your muscle mass though. Your muscle strength is also very important. So, do supplements help to increase your muscle strength as well? The research so far suggests that some supplements do increase strength. It’s thought that when combined with resistance training, supplements such as creatine have a big impact on your muscle strength. You can find supplements like this at wickednrg.com.au.
One type of supplement that is very commonly used among people who workout a lot is the pre-workout supplement. These are taken, as the name suggests, before you work out. They’re supposed to increase your blood flow so that your performance during the workout will be maximized. It works by using arginine to boost the production of nitric oxide.
Cons
One of the big concerns for people who use supplements a lot are the side effects associated with them. Of course, they’re mostly safe and have been tested. But they can cause damage if people don’t use them properly and take the right dosage of them. Some people go over the top and think that they’ll have a greater effect if they take more of them. This isn’t necessarily true though. Rather than increased muscle mass, you might instead find yourself facing a serious health problem.
Caffeine is an essential part of many supplements, and this creates its own problems. It helps you in many ways. For example, caffeine makes your workouts much more intense. This is important because it helps you build muscle quickly. But it can also cause people who take supplements often to suffer from insomnia. Caffeine keeps us awake and alert, but that’s not good when you’re trying to get to sleep. That’s why you should try not to take supplements too late in the day, or you won’t be able to sleep.
Creatine can cause other problems when taken in high doses. It has been associated with kidney and gastrointestinal problems in certain people. I’d recommend talking to your doctor about your health and how the supplements might affect you. We’re all different, and people with certain allergies can react badly to some supplements.
Verdict
By increasing your ability to push your body to the limit when you go running, supplements certainly do help you get fit and stay fit. This only works if you’re putting in the work though. To keep your body in top condition, make sure you follow the guidance that comes with the supplements. Don’t be tempted to take more than is recommended, and do discuss any concerns with a doctor when necessary.
