Fitness & Workout Supplements

Workout and Fitness Supplements

Workout and fitness supplements are taken by people who are active and want to support their nutrient intake, their performance and their muscles. Many of these products contain protein and amino acids, which are the molecules that form proteins. Other items support energy levels that sustain our workouts.

Protein is an essential nutrient throughout our lives, encouraging growth, muscle and bone metabolism, maintaining our nervous system and supporting physical performance well into old age.

Many of us do not get adequate protein in our diets. Our bodies can only metabolize a certain amount of protein at a time and the rest is stored as fat. It is helpful to space out your protein intake throughout the day, particularly at breakfast and lunch. (1) Without enough consumption of protein, we may lose muscle.

What are the different types of fitness and workout supplements?

These products can be found in many forms, such as capsules, tablets, bars, powders, drinks and even gels.

What are the benefits of taking workout supplements?

These supplements increase energy and stamina, support focus and concentration, improve muscle-building and even help with weight loss.

For example, caffeine increases energy and focus during exercise. Beta-alanine produces carnosine which delays muscle fatigue and allows you to work out longer. BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) reduce muscle soreness during and after exercise. Creatine is necessary for ATP production, the primary energy source for your muscles, allowing you to train harder and recover faster.

Do I need to take workout supplements to achieve my fitness goals?

Fitness supplements are not necessary to achieve optimum health. However, they can support your performance and energy levels. Popular fitness supplements include whey protein, creatine and nitric oxide boosters.

Whey protein is commonly used as a food replacement (in case you can’t meet your protein goals with diet alone). It promotes lean muscle mass and may support weight loss. Swanson carries many different whey protein powders, as well as protein bars and tablets.

Creatine supports energy production and muscle strength. Our bodies naturally make it, but many fitness enthusiasts supplement with it because it increases our muscle strength. We carry creatine in both capsule and powder forms.

Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. Swanson’s Beet Root NO+ is our most popular chewable tablet formula, containing amino acids and beet powder that may increase blood flow and support energy production.

How do I choose the right workout supplements for me?

Check the labels and choose those supplements that have been scientifically studied to boost muscle growth, burn fat and increase your workout performance. Popular products that have been used by active adults for decades are protein powders, BCAAs, creatine, beta-alanine, pre-workout products and omega-3 fish oil (for recovery).

Supplements to avoid are fat burners and weight loss products, testosterone boosters and water pills (diuretics). These contain stimulants and put extra stress on your kidneys and endocrine system. Consult with your healthcare provider before using workout supplements if you are taking medications.

Top Workout Supplement Brands

Swanson carries many fitness products, including our new Pre-Workout Powder in blue-raspberry and strawberry-lemonade flavors, our long-standing favorite Senior Muscle Retention Whey Protein Powders and several other protein powders and amino acids. Other top brands we carry are NOW Foods, Source Naturals, Optimum Nutrition and Nuun.

 

(1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211124721007129