What's the most important thing in achieving success, be it work, education or sport? An early start? Persistence? Motivation? All these are of course important, however, if a secret ingredient is missing, discipline, then a sure result cannot be guaranteed. Our today's column is from the fitness guru Dmitry Putilin about sports supplements for those who are not looking for a "magic pill", but are ready to accept real advice on their path of becoming the proud owner of a strong and healthy body.
We carry on from where we recently left off.
Goal: strength
The best supplement: creatine
In recent years, I do not remember any article about this supplement that does not begin with the words "the most studied and safe in the supplement world, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by numerous studies." And, yes, it is.
If you want a strong and beautiful body, look no further than creatine.
Creatine is a molecule produced from amino acids and stored in muscle cells in the form of creatine phosphate. It is a fuel derived from ATP, adenosine triphosphate, our main and most powerful energy substance in our muscle fibers. That is, it serves as energy for any muscular power work, for the contraction of muscle fibers. It keeps water in the muscle cell, which is immediately noticeable in the appearance of your muscles and positively affects their power characteristics.
It can be taken before and after training, and... and at any time really, only do it regularly and without missing a dose, to maintain a high level of this substance in your muscles.
In disputes about the need for a loading phase for the intake of creatine, I always stand on the side of those who are "FOR" it. This is a conclusion from my own experience. This is done in the following fashion. Five to seven days of an intake of 20 grams of creatine per day broken into four doses of 5 grams. Further a regular intake of 3-5 grams per day
I emphasize the regularity aspect!
There are many creatine salts. And every year a new combination appears, declared by the manufacturers to be "the best ever". But the well-purified, micronized creatine monohydrate has not been able to be beaten yet. It is also the most tested and available. A jar of this creatine, costing around $7,5, usually suffices for two-three months.
If you add creatine to the post-exercise protein, you will see its maximum effect. These two supplements, taken after training, are a perfect combination.
You do not have to fear any side effects as in the course of recent research none have been confirmed. Even the kidneys do not need checking :)
Feel free to include it in your diet. Yes, girls, I'm talking to you, too! If you already drink liters of the mostly useless L-Carnitine, then replace it better with creatine. Your strength will grow, and you will be able to work with larger weights and work more intensively, gaining muscle and burning fat, and there you have it, a beautiful figure on a silver platter!
Goal: endurance
The best supplement: beta-alanine
Greetings to those who choose cardio, train for a long period of time, go through multi-repeat programs or do this consciously with a certain cyclic regularity. Often manufacturers add this ingredient to pre-training facilities. But, if you want to see the real benefits of beta-alanine, then be prepared to take it on a regular basis, like creatine, and not just before training. Three to four times a week in the pre-training complex gives you a minimal effect. This supplement should accumulate in your body and you will see the real effect of increasing endurance only four weeks after a regular daily intake on training and non-training days.
Beta-alanine is responsible for the accumulation of carnosine in the muscles. This molecule increases your ability to make a couple more redundant repetitions and additional approaches. This should result in an additional training volume.
The daily optimal dose is 6.5 grams. In pre-training complexes, as a rule, the amount contained is two to three times less than the optimal dose, so the need for an additional intake of this substance is obvious. Studies say that in order to see the result of this supplement it is necessary to take at least three and a half grams of beta-alanine for 28 days.
If you decide to buy beta-alanine, then look at the packaging. The only certified source of beta-alanine that has been tested in 55 studies is the patented CarnoSyn. This source is used by all the leading manufacturers who value their reputation.
Beta-alanine is often paired with creatine in the pre-training complex, they combine well.
Large doses and individual sensitivity can provoke paresthesia, a sensation characterized by a burning sensation, tingling, goosebumps. If these pins and needles do not appeal to you, then divide the daily dose into smaller portions during the day and before the training.
Goal: a sensation of health and well-being
The best additive: fish oil
Take it daily!
Regardless of your goals in sport, this supplement is necessary and suitable for everyone without exception.
All the benefits are difficult to list: healthy bones, combating surplus subcutaneous fat, improving cognitive functions, faster recovery, improving the performance of the cardiovascular system and even a positive effect on muscle growth.
It’s not important when you take it, only that you take it regularly. This additive also has an accumulating effect. It is advisable to take it with meals for better digestion and assimilation.
The minimum dosage is one gram per day. But you can easily increase this dosage and I even recommend it. This is the case when you can’t spoil the porridge by adding more oil to it.
Side effects can be felt only by people who are allergic to seafood. And those who take medications to lower blood pressure should be cautious when taking fish oil.