The workout world is constantly talking about the newest supplements. Celebrities endorse different types of supplements for different types of workouts, magazines identify new supplements constantly, and even the people close to you may start raving about a new supplement they just started taking. With our current fast-paced world, it can be difficult to keep up with the newest and best supplements. Instead of scrambling to find the best new supplements, get the best information with this guide!
Vitamins and Minerals
Many of the vitamins and minerals you see passed around as important supplements can be naturally introduced into your diet very easily. Try adding these supplements to your diet just by changing how you eat.
Vitamin B12
One of the biggest things Vitamin B12 does for you is transform the food you eat into energy. It’s incredibly important, but many people are actually low in Vitamin B12, making it harder for them to work out for extended periods of time. You can boost your Vitamin B12 levels by adding meat, fish, and dairy products to your diet, as these foods all have naturally-occurring Vitamin B12. Vegans and vegetarians can get fortified cereals and yeasts.
Iron
Most people know that a lack of iron can lead to anemia, but even having a lower level of iron can create fatigue and weakness, which will cut your workouts short. The good thing is, you can fix that with a diet change! Iron is heavily concentrated in seafood and red meat; if you don’t eat meat, make sure to supplement with plant-based foods high in iron, such as spinach, lentils, and broccoli.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Though you’ve probably heard of “fish oil supplements,” you might not know that omega-3’s go far beyond fish. The anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids make it easier to control soreness and recover more quickly. Outside of eating fish, you can also boost your omega-3 levels with walnuts, brussels sprouts, and spinach.
Chemical Supplements
When you start hearing words tossed around that you don’t know, it can be tempting to just go along with it and start taking the supplement! Here are some compounds that might actually help, and some healthy ways to work them into your life.
Creatine
If you’re involved in weightlifting or another strength-based sport, you’ve almost definitely heard of creatine. It’s found naturally in your muscles and helps them produce energy when you’re engaged in high-intensity exercise. Adding creatine to your diet can safely help add muscle mass in both the short and long term. You can get creatine naturally through eating red meat, pork, chicken, and fish, or add a creatine supplement to shakes and smoothies.
Citrulline
Though this compound was discovered nearly 80 years ago, it hasn’t gotten significant traction in the workout world until fairly recently, when athletes started realizing its strong potential for exercise benefits. If you consistently take citrulline, you may end up with better endurance, making it easier for you to exercise for long periods of time. Citrulline was originally discovered in watermelon, but supplements are a much more effective way of ingesting a substantial amount.
CBD
If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you might have already heard about the extensive benefits of CBD workout supplements. Using CBD tinctures can help with relaxation, allowing you to work out without harming yourself. CBD oils are extremely effective for soreness and irritation after working out and take effect almost immediately. Whether you use CBD tinctures for post-workout discomfort or you take CBD before a workout regimen, it’s extremely helpful for your health.
So, what supplements should I be taking?
If you want to add vitamins and minerals that are already present in food, it’s a great idea to change up your diet a little bit. However, chemical supplements have more to do with what types of exercises you’re interested in. At the end of the day, your supplements are up to you and depend largely on what workout issues you’re struggling with. For sore muscles from exercise, the best, high-quality CBD products are made by Charlotte’s Web. The company makes CBD tinctures to help you relax before you even hit the gym.
