Supplements

Man with muscular body

Best Supplements For Getting Ripped

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best supplements for getting ripped is then I’d recommend Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner as the best one.

You’re eating right. Your rigorous exercise routine is impeccable. You don’t miss a day. For some reason, you’re just not getting the chiseled look you desire. It may be time to step up your routine with a little help. Supplements could be just what you need to transition from satisfactorily svelte to downright ripped.

Getting Started with Supplements

Supplements are an excellent choice for people desiring more than their diet and exercise regimens can deliver. Many products on the market claim to be the best supplements for getting ripped, but several fall short or outright fail. Learning how supplements work, what ingredients to look for, and how to use them correctly can cut through the marketing noise.

How Supplements Work

Science has been instrumental in creating compounds to support fat burning and muscle development. Modern supplements work using one of three methods – appetite suppression, thermogenesis, or by blocking nutrient absorption.

  • Appetite suppression involves regulating hormones that trigger you to overeat or by addressing the neurotransmitters that control your mood.
  • Thermogenesis refers to heat production in the body. Supplements that utilize this process increase your body’s temperature to raise your metabolic rate and burn fat.
  • Blocking nutrient absorption is a third method that inhibits your body’s ability to absorb fats and carbs. Carb and fat blocking supplements can have side effects, so you should consult with a physician before using them.

Supplements are combinations of ingredients that encourage your body to react in specific ways. For example, in appetite suppressants, the active ingredient(s) would trigger your hormones or neurotransmitters to react in a specific way. To make a supplement work for you, you need to understand how the active ingredients are meant to affect your body.

Finding Ingredients That Work

Since there are different ways to build muscle and reduce fat, supplements combine different ingredients to create the desired reaction in your body. Breaking down the list of ingredients in a supplement is your best bet for making the right choice for you.

Caffeine

A stimulant found in more than 60 plants, caffeine increased adrenaline, reduces appetite, and boosts metabolism. Caffeine is noted to increase strength and endurance during athletic activity.

 

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Unroasted coffee beans contain loads of antioxidants and beneficial compounds, including caffeine and chlorogenic acid. In conjunction with the caffeine benefits, green coffee bean extract can reduce body weight and improve fat-burning hormones.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea contains caffeine and EGCG that both have thermogenic effects. In addition to the benefits of caffeine, the EGCG compound slows the breakdown of adrenaline, so its effects are stronger.

male bodybuilder posing

 

Protein

One of the most critical elements of gaining muscle is protein intake. You need to take in more protein than your body breaks down to gain muscle. The three most common types of protein supplements are whey, casein, and soy.

Creatine

This strength-boosting supplement enhances muscle mass and improves endurance. Since it improves muscle strength, creatine improves performance during athletic activity and encourages more substantial gains over time. Creatine also increases the amount of water in muscle cells to promote growth.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids

A group of three amino acids, known as Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), causes muscle growth and boosts insulin release. The three amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) should be taken four times per day.

Beta-Alanine

For increased strength and muscle endurance, add beta-alanine into your pre-workout and post-workout regimen. Take it with breakfast on your rest days.

Beta-hydroxy Beta-methyl butyrate

Commonly known as HMB, it’s a molecule produced as your body processes leucine. HMB is instrumental in reducing the breakdown of muscle protein. It’s beneficial for people getting started with an exercise routine or those ratcheting up the intensity of their workout.

Arginine

Since arginine causes blood vessels to dilate, it allows more blood, oxygen, and nutrients into the muscles.

How to Use Supplements Correctly

It’s essential to follow the instructions on the packaging, but for the best results, you’ll usually take one in the morning, one before working out, and another before bed. You may have to choose different products to use at different times of day to see the most significant gains.

Another critical aspect of building muscle is a healthy, complete diet and proper exercise routine. Supplements are useless if you’re not eating a balanced diet with enough calories and nutrients to support your exercise routine. Likewise, if you don’t give your body rest and perform exercises correctly, you won’t make gains.

Some supplements include additional vitamins and minerals, but not all of them. To ensure you’re bridging all of the gaps in your intake, you may want to incorporate a multivitamin into your daily routine.

The Best Supplements for Getting Ripped

After extensive research, I’ve narrowed the field to just five products.

 

Havasu Nutrition Extra Strength L-Arginine

Intended for athletes and extremely active people, L-Arginine promotes lean muscle development and helps you build strength. This product is meant to improve blood flow, boost energy levels, and reduce recovery time.

Havasu Nutrition’s Extra Strength L-Arginine works because the stacked Arginine compounds convert to Nitric Oxide to improve circulation. Increased blood flow carries more oxygen to your brain, muscles, and other organs so you can make more significant gains faster.

Pricing is decent with this product compared to other products, and there is a 60-day money-back guarantee. The company also reports a third-party facility tests its product.

Pros:

  • Give you an awesome edge for cardio workouts
  • Noticeable boost in blood flow and overall body temperature
  • You only have to take two capsules per day with a meal
  • Big energy kick that lasts all day without the jitters or crash
  • No preservatives, chemicals, artificial ingredients, or added sugars

Cons:

  • The taste is a bit of a turnoff, and I needed to take it with something to wash out the aftertaste
  • Some people have reported having headaches or heartburn after using this product

 

Vintage Burn Fat Burner

Created by Old School Labs, Vintage Burn Fat Burner is routinely mentioned as a thermogenic weight loss supplement for men and women. This product makes the list because it preserves muscle, improves focus, increases mood, and offers an energy boost.

Combining ingredients like green tea extract, garcinia cambogia, and raspberry ketones, Vintage Burn targets fat in the most stubborn areas while preserving your muscle mass. There are no artificial substances or preservatives and the product is tested by a third-party.

Due to the caffeine content, it is important to test your tolerance. The company recommends starting with one pill taken twice per day with meals for the first few days. After you’ve established tolerance, you can take two capsules together with a meal.

Pros:

  • Non-GMO, vegetarian, keto-friendly, and gluten-free
  • Despite the caffeine content, no noticeable jitters or crashes
  • Notice results within a few weeks (losing inches from the waist means bye-bye belly fat)
  • Improves energy levels and mood
  • Many users note having better control over their eating habits

Cons:

  • You have to work yourself up to taking two pills at a time with your meal.
  • Some users reported headaches and difficulty adjusting to the pills.

Evlution Nutrition Trans4orm Thermogenic Energizing Fat Burner Supplement

Also relying on thermogenesis, Trans4orm targets fat while preserving muscle. This is the only powder supplement on the list. It needs to be mixed with water and can be taken in the morning or afternoon.

This product relies on a blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to deliver results. They are transparent with labeling and don’t use “proprietary compounds” to disguise or hide ingredients.

Pros:

  • Effective and results are noticeable fast
  • Excellent flavor options that don’t taste artificial (try the Blue Raz!)
  • Transparency is key! They list all ingredients on the label
  • To prolong the energy boost, you can sip it throughout the morning.

Cons:

  • Can only be used for eight weeks at a time with a four-week break between
  • Contains some artificial flavors and colors

Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner

Burn-XT uses thermogenesis and appetite suppression to burn fat, increase energy, preserve muscle mass, and improve mood. This American-manufactured supplement contains no fillers, preservatives, or food dyes and works for men and women.

This particular blend uses green tea extract and Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL as active ingredients. Combined with caffeine, Capsimax cayenne pepper extract, and Bioperine black pepper fruit extract, the blend improves absorption of nutrients, curbs cravings, and boosts your energy.

Like other supplements, it’s suggested that you work your way up to two capsules at a time. Start with one capsule in the morning with breakfast and then another four to six hours later with food. Be sure to follow a balanced diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables to help manage stomach upset and ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients.

Pros:

  • Targets stubborn fat and suppresses appetite (say good-bye to food cravings!)
  • Several users reported noticeable results within a week
  • Improved mental focus and sharpness
  • Manufactured in America

Cons:

  • It can take time to build up a digestive tolerance to the capsules.
  • A few users noted no effect whatsoever.

Build-XT Muscle Builder

This supplement stands out from the others because, unlike many of the supplements marketed as muscle-building, this one is intended for men and women. Many of the “muscle-building” supplements tend to be targeted toward men while the “fat-burning” supplements are marketed more toward women. This product bucks that trend, and it delivers.

Build-XT is intended to promote muscle growth, strength, power, and endurance. This supplement involves taking two pills about an hour before you work out. You should also take two pills on the morning of your rest days. The main ingredients are PeakO2, ElevATP, and AstraGin.

Pros:

  • You only need to take two capsules per day
  • This blend doesn’t upset your stomach
  • Doesn’t leave you with jitters like others on the market
  • It contains no fillers or dyes.
  • This product also contains one of the BCAAs, leucine.

Cons:

  • You’ll probably need to combine with other supplements to see best results
  • Some people may experience allergic reactions to the mushrooms and herbal ingredients

The Bottom Line on Supplements

Each supplement on this list stands out from the rest of the pack, but only one can be named the best supplement for getting ripped. Considering the active ingredients and overall effects, one product stood out from the rest.

The winner is Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner. Blending appetite suppression and thermogenesis to target fat without losing muscle mass makes this product a favorite at an affordable price. Factoring in the energy bump and improved mental acuity, this product edges out the rest.

Remember, no supplement is a magic pill to make you ripped overnight. Maintaining a healthy exercise routine and following a complete, balanced diet is the most important step toward getting ripped.

Woman Bodybuilder

Best Multivitamin For Bodybuilding

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best multivitamin for bodybuilding is then I’d recommend Animal Pak Multivitamin as the best one.

If you live a busy, on-the-go lifestyle, it can be a challenge to get all the vitamins and minerals your body requires. These micronutrients are essential–not just for general health, but for muscle performance and recovery as well.

If you’re looking to make sure you’re getting all the micronutrients you need to perform your best, multivitamin supplements are a great first step. But what are the best multivitamins for bodybuilding? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Bodybuilding Multivitamins 101

Before we dive into the details, let’s start with the basics. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about multivitamins for bodybuilding.

What are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are dietary supplements containing vitamins and minerals, collectively known as micronutrients. Compared to macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, micronutrients can be more challenging to track. But they are vital to general health, cognitive development, and muscle performance.

Micronutrients are best absorbed through whole foods, but a multivitamin supplement can help ensure you are reaching a sufficient micronutrient baseline without altering your diet.

Where Can I Get Them?

Multivitamins are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and big-box retailers. Many can also be ordered online through their company’s website or major online marketplaces.

How Much Do They Cost?

The cost can vary, but on average, multivitamin supplements cost around $10 on the low end to $40 on the high end for bottles of 30 servings.

man working out in gym
Bodybuilder in Gym

When Should I Take My Multivitamins?

It’s not necessary to take multivitamins at the same time each day. However, picking a specific time to take them can help make them a part of your routine. They are also most effective when taken with food and plenty of water. I recommend you pick a meal and take your multivitamins with that meal each day.

How Do Multivitamins Help With Bodybuilding?

At the most basic level, multivitamin supplements help with bodybuilding in that dietary health is one of the pillars of bodybuilding and fitness. Micronutrients are vital to our body’s ability to stay healthy and perform, and our bodies do not produce them themselves.

But micronutrients can also be specifically beneficial to bodybuilding. Here’s how:

Metabolism

Many different micronutrients contribute to a properly functioning metabolism. The higher the metabolic state, the more vulnerable you are to smaller vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Intense exercise can also increase the body’s micronutrient requirements.

Energy and Endurance

Micronutrients are essential to energy and endurance. B Vitamins (B12 especially) are responsible for converting food into energy. Vitamin B deficiency dramatically reduces the body’s capacity for endurance.

Muscle Growth and Recovery

Last but not least, several minerals included in many multivitamins contribute to muscle performance. These include zinc, magnesium, and iron. A deficiency in any of these areas can have a significant effect on performance. Other vitamins, such as A, D, and B6, contribute to protein absorption and muscle recovery.

Additionally, some bodybuilder-oriented multivitamins contain creatine, which can increase muscle mass.

What to Look For in a Multivitamin

On the surface, all multivitamin supplements might look the same, but they’re not. Here are some of the key features to look for in multivitamins for bodybuilders:

Female lifting weights
Weight Lifting to Build Musckes

What’s in it?

The most important feature to look for in a multivitamin is also the most basic: what’s in it? There are nearly 40 “essential micronutrients“–vitamins and minerals that are vital to health that the body cannot produce itself. Most multivitamins will contain many, but not all, of these essentials. It’s crucial to look for a wide variety of ingredients, first and foremost.

Some multivitamins also contain additional, non-essential ingredients. These can include probiotics, antioxidants, amino acids, and more.

What’s the Dosage?

Once you know what is in a multivitamin supplement, the next question to ask is, how much? That is the area where multivitamin supplements can vary the most.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning they can store in the body. That means you don’t need more than 50-100% of the recommended daily value in your multivitamin. However, vitamins B and C are water-soluble, meaning they cannot store in the body. That means you can benefit from a higher concentration of these vitamins.

Some multivitamins supplements will contain only the bare minimum concentration of their included micronutrients. But others will have very high dosages. These supplements can lead to better performance, but it is essential not to take more than the recommended amount per day.

Are They Targeted at Bodybuilders?

Specific multivitamins contain blends explicitly tailored for bodybuilders. These will typically feature higher doses of the micronutrients responsible for metabolism, energy, and muscle growth.

Some of these multivitamins will also contain creatine, amino acids, or fat burners.

The Best Multivitamins for Bodybuilding

Now that you know what to look for let’s dive in. What’s the best multivitamin for bodybuilding? I’ve narrowed it down to the following five products:

Animal Pak Multivitamin

Animal is one of the most trusted brands in the bodybuilding community, and the Animal Pak Multivitamin is specially designed for bodybuilders. It has unmatched variety, combining nine different stand-alone packs (including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and more) into one single multivitamin.

Just about every essential micronutrient is covered, most with very high concentration. The blend targets muscle growth and recovery. In addition to the vitamins and minerals, Animal Pak contains antioxidant compounds directed at immune support and organ health.

Another cool feature of the Animal Pak Multivitamin is its convenient portioning system. Instead of loose powder and a scoop, Animal Pak servings come pre-packaged and individually wrapped. That makes it convenient to take on the go and easy to keep track of how much to take. That is particularly important with Animal Pak, as the high concentration makes it important not to take more than the recommended amount.

Overall, Animal Pak is one of the highest quality multivitamins for bodybuilders available today. The variety and concentration are among the best in the market, and they are convenient to take. They are, however, a bit on the expensive side.

Features/Ingredients:

  • 29 essential micronutrients
  • Water-soluble concentration range: 100% to 9,000% daily value
  • Digestive enzyme complex
  • Amino acid complex
  • Antioxidant complex

Pros:

  • Huge variety of micronutrients
  • Sufficient concentration
  • Made for bodybuilders
  • Convenient pre-packaged servings
  • 100% money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Cost
  • High concentration can be dangerous if you take more than the recommended dose

Jym Sports Multivitamin

The Jym Sports Multivitamin is a supplement focused primarily on micronutrient absorption. It features some massive concentrations, topping out at 20,000% daily value of vitamin B12. The supplement also features BioPerine, which enhances nutrient absorption.

Further, the blend avoids zinc, magnesium, and calcium as they can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. However, this is a sacrifice in another area, as these minerals directly affect muscle performance.

Jym Sports Multivitamin focuses on quality nutrients. Their vitamin A is beta-carotene, and their vitamin K is all menaquinone, the most effective form of each.

Rather than doing many things, Jym focuses on doing one thing well. It doesn’t have as wide a variety as other multivitamins for bodybuilders, and it leaves out several essential minerals. But it focuses heavily on maximizing absorption of what it does include. Jym Sports Multivitamin is a focused supplement at a competitive price.

Features:

  • 20 essential micronutrients
  • Water-soluble concentration range: 300% to 20,000% daily value
  • BioPerine

Pros:

  • Huge concentration
  • Focus on absorption
  • Highest quality vitamins
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Leaves out several key nutrients
  • High concentration can be dangerous if you take more than the recommended dose

Legion Triumph Daily Multivitamin

The most expensive item on the list is the Legion Triumph Daily Multivitamin. The Legion supplement’s distinguishing factor is a large amount of secondary, “non-essential” ingredients. They include a wide variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants to boost energy and immune support. They also advertise ingredients designed to reduce depression and anxiety.

The essential micronutrients themselves are a bit more narrow. There are only 20 essential vitamins and minerals, though they do come in substantial concentrations. The focus of the blend is on muscle performance and mental health.

Overall, this is a high-quality product. The wide variety of non-essential ingredients is a definite strength. And concentrations of difficult to absorb essential nutrients are high. However, it might not quite live up to its heftier price tag.

Features:

  • 20 essential micronutrients
  • 14 phytonutrients
  • Water-soluble concentration range: 150% to 10,000% daily value
  • Antioxidant complex

Pros:

  • Wide variety of additional ingredients
  • Sufficient concentration
  • Focused on muscle performance
  • 100% money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Very costly
  • Narrow essential micronutrient variety

Evlution VitaMode High Performance Daily Vitamin

The Evlution VitaMode multivitamin is a particularly balanced supplement. It’s not the most comprehensive product on the list, but it is well-rounded and affordable. It features 22 essential micronutrients, along with a phytonutrient complex for antioxidant support.

The blend focuses on muscle performance and immune health, and it is relatively highly concentrated. It has additional ingredients that contribute to bone, eye, and skin health. It also comes with BioPerine to boost overall nutrient absorption.

Another great feature of this supplement is choline, which emphasizes neural support, health, and mood. However, it does not include iron, a common and important ingredient in most multivitamins for bodybuilding.

Overall, Evlution VitaMode is a reliable, well-rounded multivitamin for bodybuilding. It is not the highest performing product on the list, and the lack of iron is a red flag. But there is still a wide array of essential ingredients, and thanks to the BioPerine, you know they’ll all be properly absorbed and metabolized.

Features/ingredients:

  • 22 essential micronutrients
  • Water-soluble concentration range: 400% to 4,000% daily value
  • Phytonutrient complex
  • BioPerine for absorption
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-free

Pros:

  • Good variety of micronutrients
  • Sufficient concentration
  • High absorption
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • No iron
  • No calcium

MuscleTech Platinum Multivitamin

The MuscleTech Platinum Multivitamin is a unique product on the list. It effectively acts as part multivitamin, part pre-workout. It has the lowest variety and dosage of micronutrients on the list, though they are still effective doses. But it also includes common pre-workout ingredients like creatine, citrulline, and an extensive herbal matrix.

Another feature of the Muscletech Platinum Multivitamin is the amino acid complex focused on brain health.

Overall, this is a very diverse product. The MuscleTech Platinum multivitamin is the most specific to bodybuilding of all the products on the list. However, the multivitamin aspect is the least effective.

Features:

  • 18 essential micronutrients
  • Water-soluble concentration range: 75% to 1,500% daily value
  • Creatine
  • Herbal matrix
  • Amino acid complex

Pros:

  • Made for bodybuilders
  • Pre-workout ingredients
  • Fat-burners

Cons:

  • Very narrow multivitamin variety
  • Limited concentration

Conclusion

Depending on your needs, you can’t go wrong with any of the multivitamin supplements on this list. But overall, I believe the best multivitamin for bodybuilding is the Animal Pak Multivitamin.

Animal Pak has by far the most comprehensive variety of micronutrients, with very high doses of the ones that are harder to absorb. It is made by a trusted bodybuilding brand, specifically for bodybuilders. It comes at a competitive price point, and if you aren’t satisfied, you’re covered by a 100% money-back guarantee.

people running in distance race

Best Supplements for Endurance Athletes

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best supplements for endurance athletes is then I’d recommend Levels 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein as the best one.

If you’re an endurance athlete of any sort, then you have too many options for supplements!

That’s why it’s easy to suffer from confusion when planning your ideal supplement stack.

But fear not. In this guide, you’re going to get an easy to digest breakdown of the best supplements for endurance athletes.

Whether you want to improve your performance or smash your recovery time, I have some excellent recommendations for you.

What You Need to Know About Supplements for Endurance Athletes

Always remember that everything you put into your body determines how you look, feel, and perform.

So, the first thing you need to know about supplements for endurance athletes is that not all supplements are created equal.

Another tremendous insight is that supplements never make up for an unhealthy lifestyle! According to this article by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, low calories, carbs, fluid, and vitamin intake can negatively affect athletic performance.

Here’s a small list of essential healthy lifestyle choices for endurance athletes:

  • Eat a proper diet with a variety of whole foods
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Grant yourself ample recovery time after workouts or competition

How to Choose the Best Supplement for Endurance Athletics

When I first explored the world of endurance supplements, I wish I had the wisdom to keep things simple. There are so many supplement options for athletes that it’s easy to get bogged down.

Endurance Training

Keep things simple and remember that the most popular and widely used endurance supplements fall into a small handful of categories.

Here’s a handful of supplement categories for endurance athletes:

  • Fish oils
  • Amino acid powder
  • Protein powder
  • Protein bars
  • Vitamin supplements
  • Green supplements
  • Caffeine supplements

Are you shocked to find caffeine on this list of supplements? Caffeine may increase athletic energy and endurance levels. So, caffeine may be more useful than keeping you awake during the early morning routines!

Things to Look for in Your Endurance Supplement

The number one thing to look for in your supplement is what the supplement contains. Pay close attention to the ingredients in any supplement that you take.

That way, you can choose supplements that naturally help to boost your performance without digesting unnecessary additives and preservatives.

Pay very close attention to reviews of the supplement. Does the supplement in question have many verified reviews?

What’s the Best Way to Use Your Endurance Athlete Supplements?

For the best results, always follow the instructions for any supplement that you consider. Remember that supplement styles and brands can vary significantly in their dosage instructions. So, read the label carefully before use!

It’s also a fantastic idea to listen to your body. As you start any supplement routine, take notes of how you feel. Can you notice any performance enhancement? Do you see any adverse side effects? Take a close inventory of how you feel. That way, you can stick to supplements that work for you, and discard those that don’t.

The Five Best Supplements for Endurance Athletes

Let’s look at five of the best supplements for endurance athletes that won’t bog you down, or introduce unnecessary additives!

Levels 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein

If you’re an endurance athlete, then your bones, muscles, and your entire body need high-quality protein! The problem is that getting enough protein is like pulling teeth, especially if you have a demanding training routine, work schedule, or busy lifestyle.

Adult men need roughly 56 grams per protein per day. Women need approximately 46 grams per day.

If you want to increase your protein level using a 100% natural and organic source, then this grass-fed whey protein is outstanding.

The taste of this protein is quite pleasant and comes in a few flavors. You can get chocolate mocha, pure chocolate, vanilla bean, or vanilla cinnamon. You can easily mix the powder in your favorite shake, smoothie, or add a serving to almond milk or even coffee for a tasty, protein-loaded treat.

Pros:

  • A brilliantly simple method to get your daily recommended supply of protein
  • Absorbs in nearly any drink, perfect for smoothies
  • A tasty variety of flavors make the powder very easy to consume
  • 100% grass-fed whey
  • Non-GMO
  • Contains a whopping 24 grams of protein per serving
  • No added sugars

Cons:

  • May require a blender for best results
  • Not the most affordable whey protein

Source Naturals Life Force Multiple Daily Multivitamin

One of the worst things for an endurance athlete is if your body doesn’t have the proper nutrition that it needs to function in high gear. That’s why you must eat a balanced diet every day.

Of course, everyone knows how difficult it is to eat healthy these days. That’s why a proper multivitamin is an excellent idea, primarily if you’ve been known to skip a meal now and then.

This Source Naturals multivitamin brand contains antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D-3, E, K-1, B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, and more.

There is a massive variety of vitamins available on the market today; choose carefully. The main advantage of a multivitamin is that they’re simple to consume anywhere without fuss.

Pros:

  • Allows you to fill any nutrient gaps in your diet
  • Crammed with vital nutrients and vitamins
  • Easy to swallow capsules
  • Designed to help boost energy levels
  • Improve energy without the sugar rush (or sugar crash)
  • Non-GMO

Cons:

  • Not the cheapest brand of multivitamins around
  • May cause gas or uncomfortable stomach

Energy Pills with Organic MACA Root

If you want a massive energy boost, then I can’t recommend these energy pills enough. Give them a try if you wish to hack your energy levels.

You probably realize that a lot of different energy-boosting options involve upping your sugar or carb consumption. One of the best features of these caffeine pills is that you can get the energy boost without the added carbs and sugar.

Another thing that’s so fantastic about these smart energy pills is that they contain three different energy sources. The tablets contain caffeine, maca, and coconut MCT oil (medium-chain triglyceride oil).

However, remember that like all supplements, these pills aren’t miracle workers. While the carefully chosen ingredients in these pills provide a boost of energy, nothing can replace proper nutrition and a decent night’s sleep.

Pros:

  • Contains three different energy sources (caffeine, coconut MCT oil, and maca)
  • Get energy without empty calories or sugar
  • Easy to swallow soft gel pill
  • Gluten-free
  • No preservatives
  • Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

  • Some people swear that caffeine pills don’t affect their vitality in the slightest
  • May negatively affect the ability to sleep

Super Greens # 1 Green Veggie Superfood

Your body only performs best when it has the nutrients that it needs. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the daily recommended dose of nutrients that you usually get from a balanced diet.

This green veggie supplement is perfect if you want to try an energy-boosting option without a considerable amount of carbs and sugar. If you decide to maintain a low-carb lifestyle or wish to avoid excess ingredients, then consider super greens.

The supplement is in the form of a powder that you can mix with your favorite drink or make a delicious smoothie. Ensure to mix the powder adequately to prevent lumping!

Pros:

  • Designed to promote energy and nutrition without the sugary crash
  • Excellent source of fiber, enzymes, and probiotics
  • A convenient way to get a boatload of nutritious vitamins quickly
  • 100% organic
  • Non-GMO
  • 100% vegan

Cons:

  • Not the best tasting
  • May cause gas/bloating

Gatorade Whey Protein Bars

There are a few reasons why I love these Gatorade protein bars. First, the team at Gatorade takes athletic performance seriously, and they’re a brand that I trust.

The bars are packed with 20 grams of milk protein so your recovering muscles will bend over backward thanking you. Each bar comes crammed with 42 grams of carbs which also helps your recovery, significantly. If you are on a keto diet or a low carb diet, then take note. However, in my opinion, carbs are an excellent source of energy; there’s no doubt about that.

These bars are incredibly flavorful and delicious. They come in chocolate caramel, chocolate chip, mint chocolate crunch, and other flavors. A fantastic source of protein and carbs that you don’t have to choke down like other bulk protein supplements? Sign me up!

Pros:

  • The taste is delicious if you love sweet snacks
  • A variety of flavors to match your taste
  • Individually wrapped, no mess
  • Each bar boasts a generous 20 grams of protein
  • Each bar contains 42 grams of carbs
  • Each bar contains 20% of your daily required calcium
  • I trust the Gatorade brand

Cons:

  • The 42 grams of carbs might be off-putting if you are on a low carb diet
  • Each bar contains around 28 grams of sugar

Top Pick for Best Supplements for Endurance Athletes

Of all these endurance athlete supplements, my top choice has to be Levels 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein. I love the idea of getting organic, grass-fed whey protein without added sugars.

One of the most important things you need to know about supplements for endurance athletes is that your results may vary.

The best supplements in the world can’t make up for an improper diet and lack of rest. Treat your body to quality ingredients! That way, you’ll let the supplements do their job correctly, so you get the best performance boost possible.

If you want to get the best athletic performance, you need to put in the work. Your commitment, effort, hustle, passion, and proper nutrition are fundamental.

man working out

Best Supplements for Cutting

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best supplements for cutting is then I’d recommend One a Day Multivitamin as the best one.

Effective cutting can be tricky. You want to preserve as much of the muscle mass gained during your bulk as possible while at the same time becoming leaner. Supplements can be a massive help while you’re cutting, but which ones should you choose? I’m going to take a look at the best supplements for cutting and discuss how they give you a leg up.

How They Work

I’ve included five types of supplements in this roundup. Here’s a brief overview of how each one can benefit you when you’re trying to lose weight.

BCAAs

Branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, are a staple in the fitness world, no thanks in large part to their lengthy list of benefits. Why? Because this supplement helps with energy, muscle recovery, and immune regulation, allowing you to squeeze in more sessions per week.

But perhaps the most critical reason for you to take them while cutting is that they prevent muscular catabolism. In other words, even if you’re burning more calories than usual, you won’t lose existing muscle mass. Pretty important, to say the least.

Whey Protein Isolate

Like BCAAs, whey protein has a long list of benefits. Anyone serious about weightlifting knows that bulk or cut, protein is a must.

Its advantage when cutting is that it helps you maintain muscle mass, while at the same time promoting lean muscle tissue growth. Research also indicates that whey proteins help accelerate weight loss in individuals that are actively supplementing.

Pre Workout

As its name suggests, you take pre workout before hitting the gym. This supplement is designed to enhance performance during your sessions. Pre workout contains nitric oxide, which helps your muscles receive more blood and primes them to work. It also gives you a boost of energy that allows you to train harder.

Glutamine

Intense sessions can slash glutamine reserves by up to half their typical stores. Glutamine provides the immune system with cellular fuel, and this supplement is critical because it can help diminish muscle tissue breakdown. If you want to keep your muscles growing, you should take glutamine.

Multivitamin

Lastly, we recommend rounding out your diet with a multivitamin. A multivitamin will fill in the holes where your nutrition falls short and help keep you healthy and illness free.

The Best Supplements for Cutting

Now that you know a little bit more about each supplement type, let’s take a look at our top picks for each category.

Scivation Xtend BCAAs

Our top pick in the BCAA category, Scivation Xtend, is a well-known name in the supplement world. Its recipe features 7 grams of BCAAs per serving, which is a higher dosage than some of its competitors. It also includes glutamine, B6, and citrulline malate. Scivation Xtend has a zero carb formula, no added sugar, and no caffeine.

We like that these BCAAs are available in many different serving sizes to cater to different needs. There’s only one real “downside” to them: some users complain that it’s too sweet when mixed as indicated. If you find that’s the case, you can dilute it with more water until you achieve the desired sweetness.

Pros:

  • Comes in a variety of sizes and delicious flavors
  • No calories
  • One of the most popular BCAA brands on the market

Cons:

  • May be too sweet for some

Cellucor Whey Protein Isolate & Concentrate Blend Powder

This protein is one of the most highly regarded and widely used protein powder products. Each scoop packs 25 g of a high-quality whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate blend at 130 calories each. It’s got low sugar and fat content and includes three types of enzymes that aid digestion. Users are pleased with how soluble it is.

Cellucor Whey Protein comes in a variety of flavors and serving sizes to suit all tastes and needs. It’s gluten-free but does contain common allergens like peanut, soy, and lactose. The only real downside is the price, but any good supplement will cost you.

Pros:

  • Excellent taste, especially when mixed with milk
  • Great solubility

Cons:

  • Price
  • Includes common allergens

Evlution Nutrition ENGN Pre Workout

You’ll feel the effects of this highly popular product, as it helps increase pump and promotes muscle recovery. Evlution ENGN contains caffeine, which will put some pep in your step, as well as nitric oxide, which also increases energy. The formula is sugar-free and includes folic acid, niacin, and vitamins B12 and 6.

One aspect we find very useful about Evlution is that their products are designed to work as one. If you buy protein powder or BCAAs from this brand, they will work in tandem with the pre workout to give you the best results. We also think the flavors of this supplement are delicious.

The only real downside to this pre workout is that it contains a proprietary formula. Many companies are moving away from proprietary formulas because it can be challenging to know what’s in them exactly.

Pros:

  • No sugar added
  • Excellent taste
  • Proven energy burst
  • Aids muscle recovery
  • The formula adds B-vitamins and antioxidants

Cons:

  • Contains a proprietary blend

NOW Sports L-Glutamine

This glutamine from NOW Sports is a bestseller with loads of positive Amazon reviews. The one-pound tub will provide you with 90 servings of pure L-glutamine that will boost your immune system, as well as help improve leaky gut syndrome. It will also aid in your recovery after intense workouts.

There are five grams in a serving that you can mix as you like, seeing as the formula is flavorless. Another great thing about this supplement is that it’s free of common allergens like wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish or tree nut—making it suitable for everyone.

Pros:

  • Gluten-free, vegan, kosher formula
  • Excellent value for money
  • No flavor formula is easy to mix

Cons:

  • May cause stomach cramping
  • Some users complain of rash or other side effects

One a Day Multivitamin

Our last supplement is the One a Day Multivitamin (also available in a version specifically for women) that supports heart health, as well as immune health. It includes twenty essential nutrients, most of which will put you at 100 percent of your recommended daily intake. This multivitamin also helps promote healthy blood pressure.

If you need a good multivitamin to round out your diet, you can’t go wrong with One a Day. We do have to mention that the amounts of vitamins in this option are slightly lower than comparable multivitamins, but the price is also much more economical.

Pros:

  • Excellent all-around vitamin
  • Lower price

Cons:

  • Lower levels of vitamins than comparable brands

Top Pick for the Best Supplement for Cutting

Usually, as part of my final thoughts on the products reviewed, I would declare a winner for the best supplements for cutting. However, given that I have discussed various classes of supplements with entirely different functions, it would be quite challenging to name just one of the products as the top cutting product. My favorite pick is One a Day Multivitamin. It’s an excellent multi-purpose supplement for my health needs.

Not everyone will find that all of the types of supplements on this review are for them. You may also find that some are more effective for you than others while cutting. We encourage you to take the time to figure out what those supplements are. And remember: supplements are just that—they are intended to supplement your diet, not replace healthy foods.

woman lifting weight in gym

Best Supplements For Crossfit

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best supplements for crossfit is then I’d recommend Isopure Low Carb Keto Friendly Protein Powder as the best one.

Whether you’re new to the world of CrossFit, or if you’re an exercise machine, I salute you.

There’s nothing more commendable than challenging yourself to the ultimate level of fitness.

CrossFit involves strenuous and fast-paced exercise that’s as famous as it is intense. That’s why you’re probably wondering about which supplements can give you an extra boost, without adding excess additives, carbs, or sugars.

If you can relate, then read this guide! You’re about to uncover the best supplements for CrossFit, even if you’re new and unsure of what to expect.

What You Need to Know About Supplements for CrossFit

Supplements are fantastic. But they never replace a healthy lifestyle or make up for a poor diet.

CrossFit contains a variety of high-intensity exercises. If your body doesn’t get the recommended quantity of vitamins, proteins, and nutrients to function optimally, then it’s tough to get the most out of CrossFit.

The exercises are perfect for those with adequate energy levels and a proper diet.

One of the main features of CrossFit is that it’s incredibly varied in exercise routines. If you’re new to exercise, it’s easy to initially shock your body if you’re unprepared (or low on energy!).

What Are the Advantages of Supplements for CrossFit?

Are you too tired to even think about exercise? Then supplements can open the door to your CrossFit adventure. That’s because supplements can give you the energy to start exercising with CrossFit, which is critical.

While supplements aren’t magic, they can help to give you the boost of confidence, motivation, and performance to get the most from your CrossFit journey.

Crossfit Basics

Some supplements can help you accomplish the following:

  • Improve functional performance
  • Increase endurance
  • Increase strength
  • Add muscle
  • Improve recovery time
  • Boost your energy levels
  • Reduce inflammation

Things to Look for in Your CrossFit Supplements

Not all supplements are created equal. Always pay close attention to the ingredients that are in any supplement that you consider.

If you’re on a special low-carb diet, then pay extra close attention to the number of carbs and sugars in the supplement. Many supplements that boost energy contain excess carbs.

Finally, ask yourself what goals are you trying to achieve? Some supplements help to improve recovery; others help to improve strength. Clearly define your goals so that your expectations are clear and reasonable.

What’s the Best Way to Use Your CrossFit Supplements?

Whenever you start supplements for CrossFit or any purpose, follow the instructions! It’s essential to read the labels carefully, so you know the exact size of each dosage.

That way, you can minimize any risk associated with the supplement and strive for peak performance.

Also, monitor how the supplement affects your gains:

  • Do you notice increased strength?
  • Is your recovery time improved?
  • Is your response time faster?
  • Is your muscle mass increasing?

Honestly ask yourself how the supplements are affecting your CrossFit journey! That way, you can keep what works, and discard what doesn’t.

The Five Best Supplements for CrossFit

Let’s look at five of the best supplements for CrossFit, regardless of your physical prowess or current skill level.

Isopure Low Carb Keto Friendly Protein Powder

Let’s be honest. There are countless fantastic ways to get adequate protein. A thick-cut, juicy, and delicious steak. Or, a chicken breast grilled to perfection.

The issue is that you may not have enough time. That’s why a premium protein powder is a must-have for your CrossFit supplement shelf.

If you want an easy way to increase your protein intake dramatically, then this powder does the job. The even better news is that each serving contains just one gram of carbs. If you’re trying to live a low-carb lifestyle, then no problem.

Pros:

  • An easy way to get your protein supply quickly
  • Each serving packs 25 grams of protein
  • A rich source of calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, E, K, B-6, B-12 and more
  • Multiple flavors available
  • Very easy to dissolve into your favorite smoothie or recipe

Cons:

  • Servings are a little expensive
  • May lump in your water/drink if not properly stirred

Omega-3 Fish Oil – Arazo Nutrition

Omega 3 fish oil is easily one of the most popular supplements for athletes. One of the reasons for that is because Omega-3 is believed to have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Omega-3 fish oil also boasts a wealth of potential benefits, which has led to its prominence among veteran and novice athletes alike.

Fish oil supplements may curb joint pain and stiffness, which is enormous for CrossFit athletes. The same article states other potential benefits of Omega-3, including fighting depression, ADHD, and it may even have positive effects on those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The Arazo Nutrition brand is commendable because they seem to bend over backwards regarding quality control, which is critical. The company boasts quality control measures such as an FDA-certified facility and the removing of heavy metals.

One thing’s for sure, in the world of supplements, Omega-3 fatty acids have one of the more reliable reputations. I think that any CrossFit athlete could benefit tremendously from a natural source of anti-inflammation, and I urge you to consider fish oil as a source.

Pros:

  • May prevent joint pain and stiffness
  • Lemon flavor provides flavor
  • Purified via molecular distillation
  • Tested for heavy metals
  • Made in FDA certified facility
  • Amazing source of healthy fats

Cons:

  • May cause undesirable fish-tasting burps
  • May cause stomach indigestion

Super Greens Powder Premium Superfood Juice Supplement

CrossFit is a ton of work. Don’t throw all your hard work away by eating junk food.

Because if you strive for optimal health, then the food you put into your body is of the utmost importance. That’s why green supplements are excellent for CrossFit.

This premium superfood boasts a massive wealth of 40 all-natural nutrients and antioxidants. If you wish to fuel your body for your upcoming CrossFit session, then this powder packs a serious punch.

You’ll find organic spinach, broccoli, alfalfa, wheatgrass, barley grass, kale, parsley and cabbage listed among the ingredients. If you want to seriously increase the number of nutrients in your body, without slaving in the kitchen, then this juicing supplement rocks.

Pros:

  • An easy way to get over 40-nutrients
  • 100% vegan-friendly
  • A smart way to increase energy without excess sugar or junk
  • Stuffed with probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants
  • Excellent low carb option
  • Gluten-free
  • No preservatives

Cons:

  • Not the most affordable supplement around
  • May produce lumps in your drink if not stirred aggressively

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder

Did you know that you already have creatine in your body? It’s true; you have creatine in your muscles as you read this. You can also find creatine in red meats and seafood.

Creatine is another wildly popular exercise supplement, and many swear by the potential performance enhancements.

Creatine has shown to help rowing performance, soccer performance, and jumping height in athletes. The same WebMD article sites that creatine may improve muscle strength, both upper and lower body.

For these reasons, creatine is at the very least worth checking out. Optimum Nutrition offers a fantastic source of monohydrate creatine, and the price is right.

Pros:

  • May increase muscle strength
  • Creatine has many proposed benefits related to athletic performance
  • Very affordable on nearly all budgets
  • Dissolves easily in your favorite drink, shake, or smoothie
  • Zero sugar or carbs
  • No additives or extra ingredients

Cons:

  • No powder scoop for precise serving size
  • This brand of creatine doesn’t include any flavoring

Pure Protein Bars

Your new CrossFit routine demands the most from your muscles! Fuel your muscles with a bountiful supply of protein.

While it’s true that some CrossFitters would prefer to get protein from natural sources, as we know, sometimes we don’t have the time.

That’s why I love these protein bars. They’re relatively low in sugar, are gluten-free, and boast an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving. If you find yourself exhausted during workouts, then these bars are an excellent boost of energy.

While nothing beats the wholesome protein of real food, if you’re ever on the go, and if you skipped breakfast, then these power bars are fantastic.

Pros:

  • A straightforward source of protein on the go
  • Each serving contains 20 grams of protein
  • The bars taste delicious
  • Each bar contains roughly 15% of your daily-recommended calcium and 6% of your daily-recommended iron
  • 100% gluten-free

Cons:

  • Contains around 17 grams of carbs per serving
  • Contains sugar alcohol, which may have a laxative effect

Top Pick for Supplements for CrossFit

As you review this list of supplements for CrossFit, you’ll find a wide variety of options.

I’m a massive fan of Isopure Low Carb Keto Friendly Protein Powder.It’s a great way to add healthy protein to your body without slaving in your kitchen.

Another thing that I love about the Isopure low protein powder option is that it’s super-shallow in carbs. With only 1 gram of carbs per serving, you can stay loyal to your commitment to eating and staying healthy.

The best advice is to consider the supplement that seems the best for you and your performance goals. Most importantly, pay attention to the signals your body sends you.

How do the supplements make you feel? Do you notice an enhanced performance? These are the key factors to consider as you experiment with your optimal supplement stack.

man flexing his muscles

Best Pre Workout for Pump

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best pre workout for pump is then I’d recommend Altius Pre Workout as the best one.

Want to attain a better pump from your gym sessions? The right pre-workout supplement can help you achieve that goal. Today, I’m going to talk about the best pre workout for pump, declare a winner, and give you some information about pumps.

What Is Pre Workout?

Pre workout is a supplement that you take—you guessed it!—before working out. It provides a boost of energy, improves your focus, and can help you maximize your sessions. Among some of the other benefits it offers, pre workout is used to increase muscle pump.

Seeking the Pump

What is a pump, and why is it something you want? It is when your muscles feel full after a workout thanks to receiving an increase in blood flow. When you’re pumped, the muscles often appear bigger.

Arnold Schwarzenegger popularized the pump and made it something gym-goers everywhere chase. But despite being desirable, there’s no clear evidence that a pump is required for muscle growth. You can still make gains without a pump, so don’t let a pump—or a lack thereof—define your definition of a good session.

How to get the best pump

What Ingredients Should I Look For?

Pre workout causes users to experience a pump because it contains ingredients that increase nitric oxide production, which increases blood flow to the muscles. Some formulas are more geared toward a pump than others. Here are some ingredients you should look out for if you’re after a better pump.

Citrulline Malate

Citrulline malate is a typical ingredient in most pre workouts. It is ubiquitous because it is known to increase vasodilation, and it also relieves muscle soreness—two key benefits of this supplement.

Creatine

Creatine is a fascinating ingredient that has been the subject of many studies. You want it in your pre workout because it pulls water into your muscles, which helps repair muscle fiber after an intense workout, thereby facilitating recovery.

Agmatine Sulfate

Agmatine sulfate is a highly popular pre workout ingredient, and that’s because it’s insanely effective at increasing pump and vascularity. It comes from the amino acid L-arginine, and it does some cool things. Namely, increase blood flow to the muscles and provide cognitive and focus benefits.

The Best Pre Workout for Pump

Now that you’re up to speed on the basics of pump-producing ingredients, it’s time for our top picks. We reviewed a handful of the highest performers on the market and will declare a winner at the end.

Altius Pre Workout

This supplement from Altius packs an impressive 8000 milligrams of citrulline in its formula to boost nitric oxide levels. This amount of citrulline is among the highest levels in similar products, but Altius is about more than just the pump. Its ingredient list is short but high quality.

The formula includes high caffeine content to deliver a ton of energy, and the combination of creatine and beta-alanine will give you insane focus. It also contains B vitamins. We think the combination of all the ingredients is top-notch and makes this an excellent product. However, some users complain that there is just one flavor and the taste could be better.

Pros:

  • No artificial sweeteners
  • Provides amazing pumps
  • High caffeine content

Cons:

  • Just one flavor
  • Taste isn’t the best

PEScience High Volume

Next up on our list is this popular supplement from PEScience. It’s a pure l-citrulline and arginine nitrate pump product that maximizes nitric oxide production. Though not a strict pre workout, we wanted to include a caffeine-free option. You can stack it with any pre workout to reap all the benefits without experiencing the jitters that these supplements tend to cause.

PEScience High Volume does a fantastic job at increasing vascularity, and users like that the pump doesn’t go away right after the workout as most do. The formula tastes great, and there are no unpleasant side effects. The only downsides are that this supplement is a bit pricey, and they use a proprietary blend, so you can’t know 100 percent what’s in it.

Pros:

  • Taste
  • Long-lasting pump
  • Increases vascularity

Cons:

  • Price
  • Proprietary blend

Cellucor NO3 Ultimate

Supplement giant Cellucor expanded on their already impressive line of products with this fantastic stimulant-free pre workout. It’s got an impressive list of ingredients, such as l-citrulline, nitrosigine, arginine AKG, and grape seed extract. They create a fantastic blend that provides all kinds of benefits: nitric oxide enhancement, endurance, and mental focus.

Cellucor really delivers on its promise to provide all kinds of pumps in the gym. You’ll be so impressed that you might even want to measure your muscles. The best part of all is the excellent taste and the fact that the formula has plenty of antioxidants. The only downside is that it’s on the pricey side.

Pros:

  • Superior muscle fullness
  • Can be taken day or night since it’s stimulant-free

Cons:

  • Price

Bucked Up Pre Workout

This option from Bucked Up is a bit different from others on our list. It contains citrulline malate, but the formula does not include creatine. The lack of creatine means you won’t get the same massive pump as you would with other products we reviewed. But you will know exactly what’s in it because the company uses no proprietary blends to make this supplement.

With only 200 grams of caffeine, it’s got less of this stimulant than its competitors, but the dosing is pretty good. Overall, Bucked Up Pre Workout is not the most impressive product available, but we do like it for newbies. If you’ve never tried pre workout and you want to see how your body reacts, this could be a good product for you.

Pros:

  • Non-proprietary ingredients
  • Made in the US
  • Good dosing

Cons:

  • Price

Nutrex Research Outlift

Last up is Nutrex Research Outlift. It contains citrulline malate and beta-alanine, as well as creatine, taurine, and BCAAs that are well dosed to give you the boost you’re looking for. It also packs a whopping 350 milligrams of caffeine, which will make you feel like you’ve got superpowers in the gym.

I like that the ingredients are not a proprietary blend, so you know exactly what you’re getting. However, the high dose of beta-alanine means you might be feeling tingly, and the caffeine content may be too extreme for some people. Overall, though, this is an excellent product that will give you the pump you want.

Pros:

  • Available in several flavors
  • No proprietary blend
  • Contains BCAAs
  • High caffeine content

Cons:

  • Price
  • Tingly sensation
  • Not everyone can handle the caffeine in this pre workout

Top Pick for Best Pre Workout Better Pump

After reviewing all of these pre workouts, it’s time to declare a winner. The best pre workout for pump is Altius Pre Workout, and it topped my list for many reasons.

While you won’t get a variety of flavors like with some other brands, the blend of ingredients and the dosage of this pre workout are quite impressive. It includes everything you need to get not only the pumps you want in the gym, but also the focus, energy, and endurance you expect from a pre workout.

Overall, Altius’ formula is the most balanced pre workout that will provide the best results out of the options on our list. You can’t go wrong with this powerhouse supplement.