The athletic supplementation industry likes to make big claims about how its products help you gain mass, build muscle, and maximize your performance.
But the truth is, supplements are just that: supplements. They’re great for helping you perform a little better, recover with less soreness, and provide you with more energy before a workout. But do you need them to reach your peak performance?
Everyone’s body responds to supplements differently, which means supplements may or may not work for you. One of the ways you can learn about which supplements are best for you is to engage in one-on-one personal training in Bucks County, PA., to test their effectiveness. In the meantime, here’s a look at some common myths surrounding athletic supplements.
Myth: The FDA regulates supplements.
The FDA does not strictly regulate dietary supplements before they reach the market. Instead, the FDA only steps in when there’s an issue with a supplement after it’s been on the market. You may see a claim that the product is made with FDA-approved ingredients, but that only means the ingredients are listed as safe by the FDA. If you’re unsure about the safety of a supplement, take the time to research online reviews and if any alerts were issued.
Myth: Pre-workouts provide a big energy boost.
Pre-workout products contain a lot of caffeine, claiming that it delivers all the energy you need to get the most out of your workout. The issue with caffeine comes down to the fact that it affects everyone differently. Some people get a burst of energy, while others find their energy levels drop, yet some feel nothing. You might run out of gas while at the gym for personal training in Philadelphia after drinking a pre-workout.
Myth: Recovery supplements are all-purpose.
A recovery supplement must contain various ingredients to help your body recover after a workout. Muscles, bones, and connective tissues are made from different building blocks, and all benefit from the boost a recovery supplement provides. Fitman can help you design a recovery plan that provides the necessary nutrients that aren’t always covered by a supplement.
Myth: Protein supplements are all an athlete needs to build muscle.
Whey protein is at the top of the list as a muscle-building supplement due to its high branch chain amino acid (BCAA). It’s available as a stand-alone product or as the main ingredient of muscle builders. The truth is that your muscles need more than just BCAAs to build muscle. The most important supplement that your body needs to grow is sleep.
Myth: Creatine is dangerous and can damage your kidneys.
Creatine has a lot of myths surrounding it, many of which developed through cause and correlation. Some of the myths include the thought it causes kidney damage, makes you fat, makes you test positive for steroids, and causes water retention or dehydration. The truth about creatine is that it’s been heavily studied and shown to be safe when taken appropriately.
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At The Fitman Performance and Physique Center, the Fitman knows what it takes to help you transform your body into a lean and muscular physique. His personal training programs are designed for natural bodybuilders, athletes, and people who want to feel good about themselves. Contact us today to learn more about the Fitman’s training programs, what to expect, and why he’s one of the top personal trainers in the area.
