Intro into Supplements
Supplements are meant to do what the word implies, supplement our diet. There are no magic potions or secret pills. However, once we have achieved proper nutrition and consistent performances in the gym, supplements can really help us achieve our goals. There are many companies selling many different kinds of supplements. Most of them unfortunately do not deliver what they promise. This guide will help you determine what is right for you and what is unnecessary.
Pre-Workout
Pre-workout drinks usually contain caffeine as well other nootropics (brain, focus aids) and energy contain ingredients. However, not all pre-workouts are packed with stims. Some pre-workouts contain ingredients that help the “pump”, the swelling of the muscles due to increased blood flow. We will categorize pre-workout by stim and non-stim. Stim based pre-workouts will contain caffeine and other stimulants, non-stim will focus more on the pump.
My recommendation for a stimulant-based pre-workout would be Total War. If you are looking for more energy for your morning workouts, this is the stuff. If you are sensitive to caffeine or train later at night, I would recommend Big Noise. Big Noise will help enhance your workout without leaving you stimmed out.
Protein
With protein we have many different options. There are plant-based proteins, whey concentrate (with lactose), whey isolate (without lactose), as well as animal-based proteins. If you are vegan or vegetarian, a plant-based protein like Green Beret would be right for you. Ration is the general whey protein, if you have no lactose intolerance this would be a good choice. If you are lactose intolerant, an isolate like Isotope would be best for you. If you prefer animal-based proteins, MRE Lite is a great option for those watching calories and normal MRE is both a good meal replacement or gaining option.
Fat Burners
Fat burners are similar to pre-workouts, there are stimulant based and non-stimulant based. The stimulant based burners help suppress appetite and support energy through a calorie deficit. The non-stimulant pre-workouts usually work on a metabolic level, you may not “feel” the effects as much, but they are effective and a nice choice for those that can’t handle stimulants.
Recovery
Recovery drinks would include things like essential amino acids and branched chain amino acids. These are drinks, like Breach and Grunt, that you would drink during your workout. If you do long duration, intense workouts these can aid. Carb powders, like Cluster Bomb, and electrolytes, like Canteen, can be used before, during, or after your workout, and on your days off as well.
Wellness
These are the supplements I consider good for general health. Creatine, sleep aids, vitamins, gummies, etc all fall into this category. It is hard to make a general recommendation here, as everyone's needs and goals are different.
Joe’s “Essentials”
No supplement is needed. Proper training, nutrition, and recovery should all be practiced before using any supplements. With that being said, these are my favorites and what I regularly use.
Pre-Workout - Total War
Creatine - Basic Training Creatine Monohydrate
Protein - MRE Lite
Fat Burner - Double Tap (on occasion)
Sleep Aid - Fade Out (on occasion)
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