Majority of the people think that to gain lean muscles, bodybuilding supplements are the most important factor. However, this could not be any further from the truth. Supplements are just additions to an already good nutrition and training program. Nutrition and training are the most important components of a bodybuilding program, with rest and recovery next to them. Once all of those aspects of your program are maximized, then you can start thinking of adding supplements to your program. Please understand that supplements do not make up for improper training, or lack thereof, or a low quality diet. Supplements only work when your diet and your training program are optimal.
Some piece of advice
Nutritional supplements are good because they prevent us from getting any nutritional deficiencies. The increased activity levels from your new exercise program will make your body have greater demands for vitamins and minerals, which will increase the probability of you suffering a deficiency without supplementation. Even a slight nutrient deficiency can sabotage muscle growth. We cannot rely solely on food now days to provide us with all the vitamins and minerals that our body needs because the processing of foods before they get to the supermarket, cooking, air, and even light have already robbed your foods of most of the vitamins that they have to offer. If you are deficient in one or more nutrients your body may not be able to build muscle and burn fat properly.
Not all supplements are created equal though. Some your body always needs, others are more dependent upon what your goals are and what your budget looks like. Some of the prescribed supplements for beginners are listed below.
- American Creatine Monohydrate 1000g
- Optimum L-Glutamine 1000g
- Optimum Nutrition 100 Whey Protein 5lb
- Prolab N Large 2 Weight Gainer 10lb
Some tips on taking supplements
You need to follow a schedule with regards to taking these supplements. Below is a standard supplementation plan.
Morning: Take 1 serving of creatine (5g), 1 serving of glutamine (5g) along with your breakfast.
Mid-morning: Between breakfast and lunch take 1 serving of creatine (5g) and 1/2 (2 scoops) serving of Prolab N Large 2.
Noon: Take your lunch.
Mid afternoon: Take 1 serving of creatine 1hour before workout. After your workout take 1 serving of creatine, 1 serving of glutamine and 2 scoops of 100 whey. All these should be taken within 1 hr after workout.
Evening: Eat your dinner.
Late in the evening: Take 1 serving of creatine and 1/2 serving of N Large 2.
Before going to bed: Take 1 serving of glutamine and optionally you can also take 1/2 serving of N Large.