Posted on: Monday, September 19, 2011
I often hear people say that they would love to take supplements but struggle to afford what appears to be a high price tag; here is my advice to people looking to take supplements on a budget.
I often hear people say that they would love to take supplements but struggle to afford what appears to be a high price tag; here is my advice to people looking to take supplements on a budget.
1. Focus your supplements around training time
There are a stack of products out there and it can get confusing what is the best to spend your money on, if you can only afford 1 supplement then I would say go for a post-training protein powder.
Supplementation with a protein shake around training time has been shown in numerous studies to aid recovery and help reach your performance goals.
If you have a slower metabolism (find it harder to change shape) go for a high protein blend like P Low Carb. If you have a fast metabolism (eat whatever you want) go for a 50%- 50% carbohydrate/protein blend like Bulk Mass Gain.
It is essential to be fuelling your body post-workout to help you recover after your training session. A good quality post-workout protein powder should contain: high biological value protein rich in essential amino acids and be easily digested by the body so it can get into the muscle tissue aiding fast recovery.
2. Buy in Bulk
While it may appear more expensive to buy a $30/40 or even $100 tub of protein powder, when you calculate this per serve it is actually much cheaper than just buying a single serve protein shake after each workout. If you are currently buying the P30 Milk Drinks try the MUSASHI P Low Carb or P High Protein Powder.
3. Take a During Workout formula
Studies have shown that recovery can also be aided by supplementation during your workout. A mixture of amino acids which help keep your body in a more anabolic state whilst training and carbohydrates for energy during your workout & glycogen replacement post-workout is what you should be chasing.
I suggest either ELEVATOR if you are doing a weights workout or Electrolyte Replacement Formula if you’re completing a cardio or sports session where maintaining hydration status is important to performance. Both of these formulas will help during your session providing you with carbohydrates for energy and amino acids to assist muscle recovery.
4. Don’t be fooled by the size of the tub
As they say it’s not the size but what’s inside! In a lot of the stores you will see massive tubs of protein that make them look like great value, but make sure you check the labels to see how many serves are in each as this is what is really important.
5. Eat Well and Train Hard
Supplements are just that, a supplement to your nutrition and training. They can be used effectively to boost both of these, but if you are eating a poor diet with lots of saturated fats and low protein and going to the gym but not really putting in, then supplements won’t get you anywhere.
There is no magic pill or powder that will get you the results you need, instead it’s a combination of a good diet, strong training and taking high quality supplements at the right time.
I hope this helps those of you who are on a tight budget to see the value in purchasing at least a protein powder and if you can stretch it I would highly recommend a during workout booster like ELEVATOR. This is my favourite group of products for those on a restricted budget.
Thanks guys
Jon Davie