Should You Use Supplements?

     Let's assume you have plans to enter the gym and build a better physical version of yourself. If this is you, you're on the right path to building a better and healthier life. While you're probably outlining your training and diet plan, you might consider what supplements are right for you. On the other hand, if you're already training and sticking to a sustainable diet and thinking about taking supplements, you might have the same question, "Which supplements should I take?"

     First, supplements do have a role to play, but the fundamental fact is that your diet holds the foundation for your transformation. Without applying this to your fitness journey, supplements will have very little or no value. Nonetheless, there are many supplements out there, but below you will find some essential supplements you can use today throughout your training.

1. Protein Powder: Multiple agencies promote or sell protein powders. Everyone has opinions about the differences or benefits of whey or isolate protein. However, research indicates that isolate protein contains more protein, but realistically, protein powders should never replace meals or be your primary protein intake. In other words, you can take a scoop or two (1-2 protein shakes) daily, but don't neglect your meals (food). You should eat your calories, not drink them, but if you're on the road or at work, having a protein shake is fine. Plus, many use them to reach their daily protein intake. Once again, protein powders are great to supplement intake, but you must eat your meals.
2. Multivitamins: Another great supplement is multivitamins. It can be challenging to determine the best multivitamin brand because many have different benefits. Some aid with burning calories, assisting with strength, and more, but many scientific articles report that multivitamins support healthy immune systems, which is never a bad thing.
3. Pre-Workouts: There are some good pre-workouts, and there are some that I would avoid. Some contain too much caffeine, some give jitters or crashes, and others just don't contain healthy or proper ingredients. One must always look at the nutrition facts behind the products and examine them before purchasing them. Nevertheless, pre-workouts are another good source that people can implement throughout their fitness journey. On the other hand, coffee is another helpful source of energy. Throughout my early fitness journey, I relied on coffee for energy, and the outcome was successful. If you don't have a pre-workout product or can't afford it, coffee is another great source. 
4. Amino Acids or BCAA: Amino acids are another helpful source, especially for recovery. While recovery is one of the benefits, another form of assistance is that it helps with endurance increment, decreasing levels of fatigue, improved performance, reduced muscle soreness, and muscle spareness. This is a great source of supplements for those who do strength training or participate in sports. 
5. Creatine: Several people question the benefit of creatine. Some avoid it cause they think they'll get fat or put on too much muscle. This is not entirely the case. Creatine helps cells produce energy, speeds muscle growth, and reduces tiredness and fatigue, along with the possibility of lowering blood sugars and fighting against diabetes, and other neurological diseases. However, at the end of the day, using creatine is a good and safe resource.

     Ideally, several other supplements can aid you in your fitness journey, but many people, especially those new to the gym, assume supplements will transform their bodies without having to put in the hard work. If that were the case, everyone would be in shape. Once again, this comes down to a proper nutrition and training outline. Weekly progression and nutrition consistency will surely ensure a remarkable transformation. Supplements can be viewed as a cherry on top of a cake, but the base relies upon your training and diet, as previously stated. 

     I managed to help and educate many on how to transform their bodies. Several have accomplished this by training three days out of the week, while others managed to train five days out of the week. There is a difference between these frequencies, but the aftermath remains the same. My clients make positive physical transformations. If you're looking for the same outcome (making a healthy and remarkable physical transformation), sign up for one of the MPM Fitness programs and allow yourself to live a physically better lifestyle. Don't delay the goal when you have the opportunity to change it now.