The Ultimate Informed Choice Supplements List for Bodybuilders
As a bodybuilder, you always want to get a competitive edge in your endeavors. You want to increase your strength, gain muscle, and reduce body fat. But achieving these goals isn’t always easy. It requires you to dedicate yourself to a rigorous workout routine, maintain a proper diet and nutrition, and, most importantly, supplement with informed choice supplements.
Informed choice supplements are dietary supplements that are tested and certified by third-party organizations, assuring that the ingredients used to make these products are free from any substances banned by major sports organizations such as WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) or the IOC (International Olympic Committee). So, if you’re a bodybuilder looking for a safe and legal way to increase your performance and enhance your physique, you can’t go wrong with informed choice supplements.
In this article, we will discuss the ultimate informed choice supplements list for bodybuilders. We will explore the benefits, use, and suitability of each supplement for bodybuilders.
1. Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein. It is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, fat, and lactose, making it an ideal supplement for bodybuilders looking to increase their protein intake while minimizing their calorie intake. Whey protein isolate is also a fast-digesting protein, which means it can help provide a quick source of amino acids to muscles, aiding in muscle recovery and growth.
2. Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched supplements for building muscle. It works by increasing the amount of creatine phosphate in muscles, which can delay muscle fatigue, allowing you to perform more reps and sets. Creatine is also known to increase muscle size, strength, and power. It is usually consumed in cycles, with an initial loading phase of 20 grams per day for 5-7 days, followed by a maintenance phase of 3-5 grams per day.
3. Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
BCAAs are essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own, and therefore must be consumed through the diet or supplements. They are essential for protein synthesis, muscle recovery, and reducing muscle breakdown during intense workouts. BCAAs also help reduce fatigue and improve exercise performance. They can be consumed before, during or after a workout.
4. Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that is converted to carnosine in muscles. Carnosine helps buffer acid build-up in muscles during high-intensity exercise, delaying muscle fatigue and allowing you to perform more reps and sets. Beta-alanine is usually consumed in doses of 2-5 grams per day.
5. Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and some supplements. It is known to improve alertness, focus, and exercise performance. Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that causes drowsiness. A caffeine dose of 3-6 mg per kilogram of body weight can enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue.
Conclusion
Using informed choice supplements gives bodybuilders the peace of mind that the products they are consuming are safe, free from harmful substances, and compliant with regulations. The supplements discussed in this article, namely whey protein isolate, creatine monohydrate, BCAAs, beta-alanine, and caffeine, can assist in building muscle, increasing strength, and reducing muscle fatigue.
However, it is essential to note that supplements are not a substitute for hard work and dedication. They should be used in addition to a proper workout routine and diet and not as a shortcut to success. Remember, there are no shortcuts to success in bodybuilding, but adding informed choice supplements to your routine can give you that competitive edge.