A Boatload of Supplements
January 27th 2007 05:33
Look! The supplements you ordered are here!
Bodybuilding magazines are the richest source of information that will help you train properly with weights. There is so much information there that can be lapped up by a novice that they really are worth the price of a subscription. I like all the major ones. They are somewhat different in their approach,but each contains a treasure chest of information. I have also found over the years that reading one can often revive my flagging interest in training. I'm not sure why, but they seem to be able to send me to the gym..
As you know bodybuilding magazines have information on training, diet, competition, gossip etc;they are dominated, it seems to me, by ads for supplements of such a variety as to nonplus even the most saavy muscleman. I assume based on this volume of ads that supplements are a pretty lucrative business. A glance at some of the prices seems to confirm this. I would say that buying one each of every product advertised in Muscle & Fitness or MuscleMag would net the buyer a literal boatload of supplements.
This begs the question: are any supplements worth it and if so which ones? This question has as many answers as there are supplements,since the validity of each has to be established by trial and error. Today I offer a few entirely idiosyncratic comments in the way of guidance on whether and what supplements to try.
Most supplements fall into three broad categories-ergogenic, recovery, and fat loss. That is... most supplements either increase your capacity to work harder,assist your body in recovering from all the hard work,or contribute to fat loss. There is considerable overlap in these products. A good ergogenic can also be a fat burner. A recovery drink can promote fat loss because of its high protein content.(Protein is glucogonic,meaning that it decreases glycogen in the body). Before the overreaching US government banned its sale ephredrine,for example, served to illustrate combination of ergogenic/fat burner perfectly. (It also cleared my sinuses better than any product I have tried before or since!).
Some modern supplements are so exotic that I would not dare to pass judgment on them. I would say that there are several types of things of rather generic products that are worth a try, if you do not have any medical condition which their use might unsuspectingly aggravate:1)WHEY PROTEIN powder-this is the daddy of all protein supplements and every supplement dealer has his version of it. It is so bioavailable that it richly nourishes the cells with amino acids which do wonders for recovery of tissue. I think it promotes general health as well.2)CREATINE- this is a powder that, when used as prescribed, radically increases strength and endurance. It is a super ergogenic. Some people don't tolerate it very well, but if you do, it will impress you. I love it,but it puts water weight on me and,if you have read my posts this week, you know about my pants and I. 3)DHEA-this is a hormonal substrate(or prohormone) which I use and love. It contributes to overall well being and energy, which translates into more productive trips to the gym. I use this at my own risk. I don't think there is one bad side effect, but you are on your own with this or any other supplement.
One last thing. The above supplements are cheap,but the more exotic supplements may be really good,but more expensive. Caveat emptor.If you try them and they really work that is good. If they don't, adios to a lot of pesos. I would also say this: if you are not missing workouts and going all out while you're there-in other words you are at your max-then you could try supplements. If you are looking for a crutch, if not a miracle elixir,to compensate for irregular and energyless training, save your money. Your servant,as always. Boat courtesy of Clipartsite.
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Comment by Claire S