The Best Gym Supplements To Try When Your Motivation’s A Zero
Like a cute new outfit or an incredible Spotify playlist, gym supplements can be a major lifesaver at the gym when you’re motivation is at an all time low. Did you know that supplements aren’t just for those who are looking to get bigger muscles? They can help to give you more energy and get more out of your workout in general.
If you prefer to workout first thing in the morning, pre-workout supplements can help you through your fasted cardio. Other gym supplements can help you to burn fat quicker or build lean muscle. Whatever your fitness goals may be, there is the right supplement out there for you. We’ve found some of the best supplements for you to try when your motivation is lacking. Go go go!
Pre-workout
Pre-workout is designed to give you extra energy to maximise your results at the gym. They also include ingredients and nutrients that help to protect your muscles as you are using them. When you take pre-workout, you will feel more focused and alert, and less tired which will mean you can challenge yourself more at the gym. Pre-workouts usually include caffeine, natural guarana or creative to give you a real boost of energy.
Many studies have shown that pre-workout will improve your performance at the gym but it is important that you choose the right formula and look at the ingredients! Pre-workout works best on an empty stomach, which makes it a good option for when you’re working out first thing in the morning and don’t have time for breakfast until after you exercise. It should be consumed about 30 minutes before you’re scheduled to workout so it can be properly absorbed by your body.
If you already have a coffee or have a lot of energy, you probably won’t need pre-workout but it is great for those mornings when you are lacking motivation!
Caffeine
Whether through your regular coffee or an actual supplement, caffeine is a stimulant and will give you extra energy which will help bring your motivation from a zero to a one hundred – real quick! It is also said to burn fat cells as an energy source so great for fat burning!
Caffeine is absorbed by the body fairly quickly so ideally, you should be having coffee about 15-30 minutes before you hit the gym. If you want higher levels of caffeine, go for an americano (or black coffee) instead of a cappuccino that has more milk in it. Matcha is another great, more natural, way to get a caffeine boost and won’t give you the shakes!
Creatine
Creatine is similar to pre-workout, and is often an ingredient which is found in a pre-workout formula. Creatine can enhance strength, increase muscle mass, and improve exercise performance. Creatine is naturally found in your body, primarily the liver. Even though creatine is made of amino acids, it’s not considered a protein because it’s metabolized differently. Basically, creatine can help your muscles to work harder and for longer by replenishing the fuel within muscle cells to give your body more energy.
Protein powders
There are tons of different kinds of protein powders out there so, which is right for you? They are super delicious in a morning shake and can be blended with almond milk and fruit or enjoyed with cold water. Protein powders, in general, can help to build muscles and act as a meal replacement for when you’re trying to shed a few pounds.
Whey protein supplements can help to promote weight loss, enhance muscle growth and reduce hunger. However, if you are lactose-intolerant, you should avoid whey as it is milk-based and can be harder to digest. Pea protein is a great option for vegans who want to get extra protein. With any protein powder, it is best if they have as few ingredients as possible so you know what you’re actually putting into your body. Avoid powders that have a lot of sugar (i.e. something with less than 4g per serving) and remember that you don’t need as much protein as many diets would have you believe. Do your research and figure out how much protein you’re getting in your diet already and work out if a powder is actually necessary for you…
B Complex 100
The vitamin B complex specifically helps with weight loss because it breaks down fats, proteins and carbohydrates by restoring healthy digestion. B vitamins are a great natural supplement for women especially and work best when consumed together. For example, a good B Complex supplement can help to promote cell growth, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, increases the rate of metabolism, enhances immune and nervous system function, eases stress and will improve your overall mood. Beyond supplements, foods like eggs, tuna, turkey, spinach, and certain whole grains contain B vitamins. These are usually seen as what you should be eating anyway as part of a healthy diet.
Fat burners
Fat burners can help to support fat loss by enhancing metabolism and minimizing cravings. Like other gym supplements that increase your motivation, they can also optimize your workout potential by increasing energy and focus. But beware of bad or even dangerous products and always read the ingredients label before purchasing a specific fat burner product. A more natural supplement is vitamin D which will help to trigger weight loss on your stomach specifically, which is usually where most people hold fat. Another great option for gym supplements!
