First of all, you don't necessarily need supplements to gain muscle. However, they will definately help you build muscle alot faster. Supplements are simply tools to increase your muscle building potential. Read our articles on nutrition and supplementation for more in-depth information. Most people start out with a multi-vitamin, protein, and creatine.
First off, there are several types of supplements that make muscle grow, recover, and rebuild faster. Here's a list of the top supplement types people use to produce the best results:
With all these different types to choose from, what should you take to most effectively aid in the muscle building process? Let's start by explaining each one of these types so you have a better understanding of what to expect from each of them.
PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS
Protein is made of amino acids. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of muscle. Therefore, protein is an essential ingredient for muscle building. You can't build muscle without it! You will want to take in about 1-2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight throughout the day. So an average person who weighs 150 lbs would want to consume between 150 and 300 grams of protein in a day. Protein shakes and bars are convenient and provide high quality protein.
There are several forms of protein including: Whey, Soy, Egg, and Casein. So which kind is best? Well that depends on how and when you want to use them.
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CREATINE SUPPLEMENTS
Creatine works very well for increasing muscle mass. It is naturally occurring in the body. It's safe and very effective for anybody, especially if you've never used it before. The basics behind it are this: it increases ATP (the main energy source muscles use for explosive power) availability so that you can perform more reps and sets and lift more weight, consequently growing more muscle tissue. Creatine should be cycled. Many have found great results taking it for four weeks, followed by one to two weeks off. There are quite a few different types of creatine. For example, there is pure creatine monohydrate, liquid creatine, micronized creatine and many more.
Okay, so now your head's spinning with different creatine products and types. What's best? The most popular Creatine product is creatine monohydrate.
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GLUTAMINE SUPPLEMENTS
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in muscle tissue. It helps prevent muscle wasting and improves recovery. The better and quicker you recovery, the sooner and harder you can hit it in the gym! Glutamine is safe to take year-round. Some of our favorites are listed below.
Glutamine should not be taken at the same time as creatine because they compete for receptors to be absorbed. Take glutamine pre-workout and creatine post-workout.
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MULTI-VITAMINS
You can't forget about this! It seems so basic and simple, but it's very important! If you are deficient in even one vitamin or mineral, your gains can really be hampered. A good multi-vitamin is a must for the best gains in muscle mass, not to mention good health.
People who are working out need more vitamins than the average couch potato, so your supermarket brands won't cut it.
Some of the best ones for bodybuilders and athletes are below.
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NATURAL TESTOSTERONE BOOSTERS
Raising your testosterone helps you to gain muscle, enhance your mood, maintain a healthy libido, and more! Steroids do a great job of raising test levels, but they are not legal for use. These all-natural products would be perfect for you!
You can also use these natural products when you are off of your prohormone cycle.
This category includes popular products with ZMA, Tribulus, and much more.
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AMINO ACIDS & BCAAs
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Bodybuilders can especially benefit from supplementing amino acids because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue. Among the most beneficial and effective supplements in any sports nutrition program are branched chain amino acids. These are the essential aminos leucine, isoleucine, and valine. If you are looking for better results, make sure you are taking your amino acids! You'll be surprised at how well they work.
The most popular amino supplements are below.
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HGH - GROWTH HORMONE
Growth Hormone, a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, is the latest advance in bodybuilding supplementation! Human Growth Hormone levels decline rapidly after age 30.
View our guide to growth hormone supplements for more information. The most popular HGH supplements are below.
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More Supplement Info!
For more supplement information:
Source: Bodybuilding.com