The Skinny on Supplements

I am sitting in the locker room at my gym getting ready to unleash a day’s frustration of work out on the unexpecting dumbbells waiting for me.  While trying to separate my work thoughts and get ready to enjoy working out, I can’t help but over hear a guy, younger than me, talk about his laundry list of supplements he takes.  Like most people he has forgotten the definition of the word supplement.  As he talks he lists of small meals with insane amounts of supplements in which he hopes to use to become captain swoll.

Since listening in on this conversation, I have been paying more and more attention to the supplement industry and all the items they offer and their results; or “possible” results.  I love nothing more than when I flick through social media to see some Arnold Schwarzenegger look alike that is advertising a pill can make you big and strong and 0% body fat.  In the wise words of Arnold, “you cannot get muscle from a little pill”.

The supplement industry is booming.  Make me bigger, smaller, thinner, wider, etc.  I am not going to stand in front of the class and tell you which supplements you should take and how much/often.  Supplements are meant to SUPPLEMENT your diet.  For example, I generally have trouble reaching my desired protein intake and thus utilize whey protein twice a day.  I also can preach about a multi vitamin as well as the benefits of fish oil and creatine, but I won’t and many references online can do a much better job.  As you well know, everybody is different, as well as their workout routines and nutrition, so a person’s supplement usage should also differ.  It is important to base your supplements around your personal nutrition plan which should be setup to maximize your gains and/or loss.  Don’t go dropping tons of money into the supplement industry without at least taking the time to understand each supplement and their benefits.  No matter what supplements you are taking, chances are you won’t be able to out-do your horrible diet.  So wise up in the kitchen before splashing the cash on supplements.