Different supplements have got different effects but in general if you are training as hard as you possibly can you are going to want to take something even if it’s just a multivitamin.
The reality is that most people don’t train hard enough to justify the supplements they are on but they can be very useful.
Before taking any supplements you need to understand which level of training you are at and then get the appropriate stuff. You also need to make sure your basics are squared away. If your diet is crap, you don’t get enough sleep or your training program is rubbish no amount of expensive powders will make you big and strong.
So here is a guide for three basic levels of training, keep in mind that these are cumulative which means that people at the advanced/competitive level need to take everything from the levels below as well.
Before you think about supplementation check the following
1. Are you eating 3 solid meals a day + 2 – 3 snacks each containing some protein, carbs and good fats
2. Are you training at least 4 days a week with a focus on the big basics like deadlifts, squats, bench press, chinups and military press.
3. Are you getting 7- 9 hours of sleep a night.
If the answer to any of these is a no then spending big bucks on supplements is going to be a waste of time.
Level 1 – Beginners
During the first 6 months to 1 year of serious training it’s unlikely that you’ll need much more than lots of food and some hard training to make gains.
Supplements at this level are restricted to stuff that’s cheap and highly effective.
Multivitamin – Train hard and chances are that you’ll be working your bodies vitamin and mineral stores a bit harder than the average couch potato. While you may be getting enough from your diet a multivitamin is good insurance and costs bugger all.
Protein – Plain Whey Protein Concentrate mixed with whole milk 2-3 times a day. No need for fancy pants stuff that’s been bioengineered to death.
Fish oil – 3 – 6 caps a day for general heart, brain and joint health. Start now and never stop taking it.
Sports drinks – Gatorade or similar during hard training to replace electrolytes and provide energy. Avoid if your goal is fat loss.