Workout supplements are designed to improve the overall performance results from your fitness routine. To meet the demands of the wide range of ability levels and fitness goals, supplement companies produce a variety of supplements including products designed specifically for pre-workout or post-workout. The best pre-workout supplements increase energy and strength during the workout while the best post-workout supplements provide essential nutrients that promote lean tissue development and muscle recovery.
Protein
Protein powder was one of the first workout supplements, and it is still considered one of the best post-workout supplements. The amino acids in the protein powder provide the building blocks and nutrients required to increase lean muscle tissue and muscular strength. You can use several types of protein powder including whey, soy, egg and casein. Whey protein is the most common and digests quickly in about 30 minutes while casein protein digests very slowly in two to seven hours. Egg protein digests at a medium pace in about one to three hours and soy protein can be used by vegetarians.
Creatine
Creatine supplements were first used by athletes in the 1970's looking to increase muscular strength and power, but companies have redesigned the supplements to be used by any fitness enthusiast striving to build lean body mass. Creatine is a naturally occurring organic acid found in the skeletal muscles, kidney and liver. Benefits with using creatine as a pre-workout supplement include improved muscular strength in activities lasting less than 30 seconds with decreased recovery periods between sets.
Glutamine
L-glutamine is one of the amino acids and is found naturally in muscle tissue, but it is also one of the best post-workout supplements. Taken as a pill or powder, L-glutamine helps prevent muscle breakdown along with improving overall recovery following the workout. By using L-glutamine and recovering quicker, you can train with same intensity level for consecutive days for improved fitness results. You can also take L-glutamine supplements with creatine to improve absorption.
Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is one of the latest breakthroughs in the supplement industry and is one of the best pre-workout supplements. Nitric oxide is a free form gas and vasodilator that ultimately increases blood flow and oxygen transport to the working muscles and tissues. Bodybuilders or someone looking to increase muscle mass will take nitric oxide supplements about 30 minutes before a workout to improve the "pump" feeling during a workout.
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