Sports nutrition supplements are an excellent tool for taking your fitness training to the next level. They can give you more energy, help your muscles to grow faster, reduce your recovery times between workouts and much more. However, with so many different options to choose from, finding the right sports nutrition supplement can be a challenging process. This article will help to make this process a whole lot easier by listing the top five sports nutrition supplements.
1. Whey Protein
If you want to build up your muscles or enhance your strength levels, whey protein is something you should definitely consider. Protein is one of the most important muscle building nutrients and helps to build, maintain and repair your muscle cells between each workout. Whey protein provides you with a quick, convenient source of protein that you can enjoy post workout or any time during the day when you have a few minutes to spare.
2. Creatine
Creatine is another top sports nutrition supplement that increases your energy levels, strength levels and raw power when you exercise. This makes it a great choice when playing sports (as you’ll have more energy and be able to push, throw, tackle and run with more power) and when lifting weights (as you’ll be able to lift heavier weights for longer and enjoy greater muscle gains from your workouts).
3. ZMA (Zinc & Magnesium)
ZMA contains a mixture of zinc and magnesium and can enhance your strength levels while also boosting your recovery times. Studies have shown that taking ZMA stimulates the production of testosterone in the body – a hormone that enhances muscle growth. In addition to this, ZMA strengthens your muscles and allows you to maximize the amount you lift during workouts. Finally, ZMA supplements help to induce a deeper, more restful state of sleep. Not only does this speed up the rate at which your body recovers from workouts but it also allows you to feel fresher and perform at your peak when you exercise.
4. EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids)
EFAs have countless health benefits when it comes to sport and exercise performance. First, they help your muscles to break down and use protein in a more efficient way. Additionally, they fire up your energy levels and prevent you from getting tired during workouts. EFAs also support your nervous system and maximize your coordination levels during exercise. Finally, they protect against inflammation and help to soothe the pain in your joints and muscles that you may experience when recovering from a workout.
5. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are powerful compounds that protect your body’s cells against free radicals (harmful by-products that get released during oxygen based reactions within the body). Exercise increases the amount of oxygen required by your body and this results in a higher concentration of free radicals being released into your system. By taking an antioxidant sports nutrition supplement, you can protect your body and its cells against these dangerous free radicals and the damage they cause and maintain optimal health.