It’s a human thing to appreciate good looks. And it’s entirely human to want to look good, although some confused it with vanity. One way to improve your appearance is to be healthy, which starts with taking care of our bodies.
Exercise and physical activities help enhance the shape and condition of our physique. We need to exercise to maintain our strength and endurance, needed in our day to day activities. Other people take exercise to a higher level and engage in bodybuilding and weight training, too. There are some who workout and take supplements.
Supplementation is quite prevalent among people who seek faster progress in their appearance. Aerobic, anaerobic, swimming, and other physical activities are beneficial to health, but they may not be enough to achieve one’s desired shape.
Workout Supplements
There are several pre and post-workout supplements available in the market today. The benefits of these supplements range from strength enhancement, speed, and endurance to body aesthetics. They are important for bodybuilders since the purpose of working out is to enhance body shape and mass.
Let us take a look at the basic ingredients of the supplements and how we can benefit from these workout supplements.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pantothenic Acid, otherwise known as Vitamin B5, helps release energy from fats, sugars, and starches. A complex chemical process that involves the conversion of vitamin B into coenzyme A (CoA), it allows extra fats to be transported from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria. Excess fat can be bad even if we need them to have energy in the body. Vitamin B5 is also a potential aid in sore muscles that are caused by extreme physical training and exercise. Marathon runners often use vitamin B5 levels for increased, prolonged energy release. Physical activities that include aerobic and anaerobic require the body to release as much energy so Vitamin B5 is needed.
Creatine
Creatine is perhaps one of the most well-known supplements in the market today. It is a nitrogenous organic acid that is naturally produced by vertebrates. Several studies have shown creatine's ability to increase strength, speed and muscle mass. It supplies energy to cells and muscles, making it helpful in boosting the effects of physical activity. It has also been found out that creatine had significantly positive effects on aerobic and endurance performance.
Caffeine
Although caffeine is taken more often in the form of coffee than in bottled supplements, researchers have found that caffeine can improve strength endurance, perception, focus, and tolerance to fatigue by stimulating the production of endorphins. Caffeine is available in the form of coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Even for non-body builders, sipping a cup of coffee before exercising can increase strength and aids in burning body fat.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein that form together with the cells and muscles of the body. The body needs 20 types of amino acids; among these are the BCCAs, composed of isoleucine, leucine, and valine, all of which are directly used by the muscles. One big misconception about proteins and amino acids is that only bodybuilders need it. Getting adequate protein is essential for our daily body function. When we go to work or carry heavy stuff, our muscles are at work. If you ever wonder why you easily have muscle pain, you might lack amino acids. Getting involved in physical activities such as sports, workout and training requires the body amino acids. Not only does it help build toned muscles, but it is also vital for the immune system and muscle recovery. Exercising without enough amino acids in the body can lead to physical strain and weak immunity. Stamina and strength go hand in hand with recovery. The body needs to recover after a workout to be active consistently.
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is a dipeptide made from lysine and methionine. It plays a significant role in energy metabolism. It improves the energy supply of the brain cells and lowers physical and mental stress. It almost burns fat into energy, so the body can exercise properly. Supplements with L-Carnitine have also been used to treat diabetes as they can primarily help convert sugar into energy.
Supplementation can enhance workout sessions. Being familiar with supplements before exercising and engaging in activities that are too rigorous could be beneficial. You do not want your body to be too stressed and overdosed. You need to choose the right supplement for your desired result and body. Most people who want to lose weight can opt for supplements that increase fat burning. You can also get products that help you gain body mass.
It is always advisable to research the supplements, the ingredients, and seek medical advice beforehand. In most cases, choose supplements with simple ingredients instead of those that contain large doses. First, you have to know what you want to achieve for your body and choose from there. Knowing your body’s goal should be able to help you decide what benefits you need and which supplements to choose to help you enhance your body’s appearance and health.
Resources:
V-Caps, L. (2016). L-Carnitine - 500mg x 50 V-Caps. [online] Pure Science Supplements. Available at: https://www.puresciencesupplements.com/products/l-carnitine-500mg-x-50-v-caps-antioxidant-protection-to-the-nervous-system-protect-brain-cells-from-age-related-cognitive-memory-decline-optimize-cellular-energy-production-weight-loss [Accessed 11 May 2016].
Willett, B. (2015). Pros & Cons to Muscle Mass Supplements | LIVESTRONG.COM. [online] LIVESTRONG.COM. Available at: http://www.livestrong.com/article/414089-pros-cons-to-muscle-mass-supplements/ [Accessed 11 May 2016].
Theproteinworks.com. (2013). The Benefits of Pre-Workout Supplements | TPW: The Locker Room. [online] Available at: http://www.theproteinworks.com/thelockerroom/article/tpw-ninja/benefits-pre-workout-supplements [Accessed 11 May 2016].
V-Caps, P. (2016). Pantothenic Acid - 500mg x 50 V-Caps. [online] Pure Science Supplements. Available at: https://www.puresciencesupplements.com/collections/blood-pressure-vascular-support/products/pantothenic-acid-500mg-x-50-v-caps [Accessed 11 May 2016].
Sly, B. (2016). The ABCs of Vitamins: Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid). [online] Breaking Muscle. Available at: http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/the-abcs-of-vitamins-vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid [Accessed 11 May 2016].
