|
The Essential
Supplements - Part Five
I've covered all four
essentials now, but as promised, this article will list a few that I consider
semi-essential - basically supplements that you may need to add to your
regimen depending on how you structure it and what your goals are. For
a quick recap, #1 is protein,
#2 is glutamine,
#3 is essential
fatty acids, and #4 is fiber.
Now, here's a few that you may also want to consider....
Vitamins:
A good multi-vitamin
or individual Vitamin
C or E
is never a bad idea. They weren't added to the top four essentials
because you may be getting protein from two meal
replacements per day which usually equals 100% of the RDA's for
most vitamins and minerals. If that's the case, a multi-vitamin
may be overkill. However, if you are just using a protein
powder or weight
gainer and not a complete meal replacement for your additional
protein intake, a multi-vitamin
should definitely be on your shopping list.
Antioxidants:
Very similar to the vitamins recommendation above when considering
Vitamin
C and E are antioxidants,
but don't mistake one need for the other. They both play a role
and remember that intense workouts could easily increase your need
for more antioxidant nutrients to fight free radicals.
Glucosamine
/ Chondroitin / MSM:
All of these alleviate joint pain and strengthen connective tissue.
If you're under 25, this may not be an issue - yet - but if you
are pushing heavy weights, it probably will be. If you run frequently,
your knees may appreciate a
combination of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM as well. |
|
|
Amino Acids:
Another supplement that may be found in your protein
supplement. Many protein supplements now boast a complete profile
of aminos. However, if you are training hard, the complete amino
profile may be good - but you may only have small amounts of each
amino. Check the amount and consider increasing it with a separate
amino
acid supplement for enhanced growth and recovery.
ZMA:
A combination of minerals (Zinc, Magnesium, & Vitamin B-6) that
has been proven to be beneficial to athletes. Considering the hype
that followed ZMA
to the shelves, some athletes have been disappointed with their
results - but much like a vitamin, ZMA
doesn't immediately create a pump or noticeable difference in workouts.
However, for your long-term program, ZMA
is a great choice.
And
that wraps up the 5 part series - build a solid nutritional base
to your program by starting with the Essentials!
Click
Here to go back to Part I of the Essential Supplements Series.
Click
Here to go back to Part IV of the Essential Supplements Series. |
[ Bodybuilding ] [ Nutrition
] [ Supplements ] [ Supplement
Store ]
[ Supplement Reviews ] [ Home
Fitness Equipment ]
[ Bodybuilding
Books & Videos ] [ Free Videos ]
[ Articles ]
[ Affiliate Program ] [ Links
]
Copyright © 2002-2011.
Cyberflexing. All rights reserved.
|
