When people think of workout supplements, they typically envision big barrels of protein powder and multicolored shakes. But taking protein powder isn’t the only way to supercharge your work out. If you think about the underlying factors that improve your performance, for example, your energy level, you’ll find more creative solutions to your lackluster workouts. For example, you can give the following supplements a try:
- MCT Oil
MCT oil is a great pre-workout supplement. After ingesting the oil, the body almost instantly starts breaking it down for fuel; MCT oil benefits include improved energy and mental clarity. If you wake up groggy and need a little boost to get into your workout, try using some MCT oil to kick start your body.
- Caffeine
Yes, your morning coffee can help improve your fitness. Caffeine can improve your overall performance and power while also increasing your alertness. Because caffeine prompts muscles to burn fat faster, it preserves glycogen, which allows your muscles to perform longer before becoming fatigued.
- Vitamin D
Especially during the winter months, when you get limited sun exposure, taking vitamin D can help you feel happier and healthier.
Vitamin D helps the body utilize oxygen more efficiently, which can significantly boost your exercise capacity. It also improves heart health, supports strong bones, and assists the immune system. You can find small amounts of vitamin D in foods like egg yolks and fish or take supplements like powders and pills.
- CoQ10
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring substance within the mitochondria of the body’s cells. CoQ10 helps produce ATP, an organic compound that provides energy to the body’s cells. As you get older, your body gradually produces less CoQ10, resulting in lower energy levels and fatigue. Supplementing this vital chemical is a great way to help recover faster and reduce fatigue during your workouts.
- Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract helps increase the body’s norepinephrine levels, which, along with the tea’s natural caffeine, help keep your energy up. The benefit of green tea extract is that there isn’t much of a jittery effect like some people experience from coffee and other caffeine forms. Also, theanine, an amino acid within green tea, helps increase GABA levels and promote relaxation, keeping you centered through your entire workout.
- Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is an essential vitamin for your bones’ strength and lowering calcium build-up in blood vessels. Vitamin K2 can help reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes by regularly clearing your arteries of this build-up. Supplementing Vitamin K2 is a great way to keep your heart healthy and build bone strength after your workouts if you’re a long-term trainer.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is another excellent element to supplement, as it helps maintain your heartbeat, regulate muscle contractions (preventing painful muscle spasms), synthesize proteins, and control blood sugar. Because the body loses magnesium when you work out, it’s important to replenish. Magnesium is an easy nutrient to supplement but can also find it in nuts, seeds, natural chocolate, leafy green vegetables, and coffee.
- Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that helps combat muscle fatigue. Using beta-alanine as a supplement before your workout can noticeably improve your concentration and enhance your body’s exercise performance.
- Nitrate
Nitrate naturally occurs in many foods like beetroot, spinach, and turnips. Many people take nitrate supplements to increase their nitric oxide levels, increasing the body’s blood flow. Nitrate can also aid in workouts by assisting the body to require less oxygen during exercise.
- BCAAs
BCAAs are branched-chain amino acids and mainly made up of leucine, valine, and isoleucine molecules, which help build muscle within the body. You can find BCAAs in animal protein. By using BCAA supplements, which come in capsule or powder form, you can experience better endurance and less physical and mental fatigue during your workouts.
Taking Your Workouts One Step Further
So, if you’ve been using protein powder and nothing else, maybe it’s time to consider adding some additional supplements to your fitness regimen. There are countless exercise supplements out there, and each one comes with its benefits and potential side effects. Remember to do your research beforehand and consult your doctor before using any new supplements or make significant changes to your diet.
