Exercise, Bodybuilding and Natural Supplements

We all know that exercise is good for us and as increasing numbers of people flock to the gym, yoga or spin class, many of them are also running to the health food store eager to find a safe and natural way to do everything from increase energy and muscle mass to decrease body fat and recovery time.

 While there are several substances that have been proven to improve our health and aid our exercise regimen, many of the products available today are nothing more than empty promises in an attractive bottle. Indeed most natural health supplement companies spend more on marketing and packaging than they do on the ingredients!

When choosing a natural or herbal supplement the most important factors to consider are quality, potency, absorbability and evidence of that supplements efficacy. While many nutrients may be have been proven in a lab to aid different facets of our health and wellness, these nutrients, which are most often in an isolated chemical form, may not be absorbable and usable by the body. To try and make up for this, supplement manufacturers will often increase the sheer amount of nutrients, sometimes a 1000 fold, to levels where these nutrients can actually be dangerous to our health.

The best and most easily absorbable nutrients are found in whole foods and super foods that contain the necessary bio chemicals and elements that allow our bodies to assimilate them at an efficient rate. A healthy, well balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and good fats and oils is the foundation of any successful exercise program.

Assuming we're eating right and avoiding processed junk food there are substances, some of which have been used for centuries, that can dramatically improve energy, shorten muscle recovery time, increase muscle mass and promote weight loss.

Shilajit, a black gooey mineral complex once the strength and conditioning secret weapon of Soviet Olympic athletes and now the anti-aging and libido enhancing secret weapon of the Hollywood elite, is an effective herbal supplement with a plethora of uses in exercise and body building.

Shilajit is thought to be made up of plant matter trapped in the rocky cliffs of the Himalaya mountain range millions of years ago. It is prized in India for its potent regenerative powers and for increasing strength. Pure and genuine shilajit, which is rare and difficult to find, produces immense and sustained energy, which, as has been proven in several major studies at Russian universities, can improve workload (weight x repetition) by as much as 29%.

 It has also been shown to decrease muscle recovery time by as much as 50%. It gets better! Shilajit also burns fat while at the same time increasing muscle mass, a property every body builder will find irresistible. There are several companies marketing shilajit but be cautious as many of these products are in fact extracts from ordinary dirt and not the rare and precious substance found in remote high altitude regions of the Himalayas.

 For maximum benefits, ensure that you purchase pure and authentic shilajit of Himalayan origin. Most of the powders and extracts are reported to be of questionable quality and efficacy while the genuine black gooey tar like substance, although expensive, is extremely effective.

Chlorella, single cell algae, naturally contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, is made up of 60% protein and contains all essential amino acids. Like authentic shilajit, it is a whole food so this means that those nutrients have a high absorption rate in the body.

 It is also the highest source of naturally occurring chlorophyll on the planet. The cleansing action of chlorophyll helps to minimize muscle stiffness and inflammation while nucleic acids of a component called Chlorella Growth Factor help to build and repair muscle fibers. Chlorella is also a source of natural calcium and magnesium which are necessary for muscle and nerve function and help to prevent cramps and muscle fatigue.

Muira Puama, a shrub native to the Amazon rainforest, is mainly known for its aphrodisiac properties but has been shown to increase natural levels of testosterone. Testosterone is needed for exercises such as running and weight lifting, thus activities that require strength and endurance and is also needed to build lean muscle mass. Muira Puama is also reported to treat exhaustion and to promote nervous system function.

As with all herbs and supplements, ensure that you purchase from a reputable company that offers high quality, high potency products and can provide details of source and efficacy.
Always consult a health care professional before taking any supplements no matter if you buy natural herbal supplements or synthetic supplements made in the labs of the pharmaceutical industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Horner

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Bodybuilding Basics 101 - Tips for Skinny Guys

 

Bodybuilding is the art of modifying the body to appear more muscular and fit. Bodybuilders have to go through a lot of successive training and particular body part oriented weight lifting to get the shape of modern bodybuilders.

Bodybuilding is an art. Anyone at any age can start body building but the quickest gains will come from 18-25 when testosterone levels in men are at their peak.

 Any beginner bodybuilder will be able to gain muscle quicker than professional body builders or weight lifters because beginners' bodies tend to adapt and respond efficiently to a brand-new stimulus, since they are starting further from their genetic ceiling.

The muscles will grow as they will be forced to adapt.
Before starting bodybuilding one must first set his goal and target at sight and motivate himself for being consistent and efficient at every session of workout. Also endurance and patience is the key, the reason being: it takes time to see the muscle build up and grow (you'll notice a difference normally within 1-2 months). Negative thoughts about not be able to build up muscle should strictly be prohibited!

For bodybuilding planning and organizing is of utmost importance. It is not as easy as going to the gym and lifting weights and doing reps and sets. You have to make a routine for the days you will work out and what type of exercises will be performed. It is better to work the counter parts in the same day; if you do sets for chest do the same for back.

The addition of weights on the bar will help to ensure that muscle is properly broken down and can begin to repair and build (muscular hypertrophy), but pushing it too hard at novice level will backfire, so be cautious about it, consult with an expert. Don't work too hard at the beginning; just do one rep short of failure. Total exhaustion should be avoided for beginner bodybuilders.

If you don't have many spare hours in the day, make sure bodybuilding workouts are well planned, and target compound muscle sections.

Finally, rest is essential, not just for beginners, but for all bodybuilders. Without allowing enough recovery time for the muscle tissue to repair itself, you will find that repeating the exercise will cause injury and slow muscle growth. It is also extremely important that your body is provided with the correct nutrients during this time, vegetables are essential, so are BCAAs (Amino Acids) such as Glutamine and Taurine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_J_Board

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Using The Web In Choosing A Bodybuilding Supplement

 

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of nutritional supplements in the market today. And it is not easy to choose among the options as they are all promising great results.

But being mindful in the quest for better supplements shouldn't stop at just researching for the product per se.

 It should be a thorough search for information and testimonials from various people across the globe so you'll get different opinions from different people.

It is true that many nutritional companies have their own claim to fame. But sifting through the genuine from the fake is often tricky. Note the name of the supplement and the manufacturer or brand and search them on the web. Search for the history and possible names connected with the brand - it could be an athlete, a popular celebrity, or an award-winning bodybuilder. Check their claims through their own websites and gauge their opinions. This a good idea if the brand isn't sold offline.

Genuine testimonials shouldn't come from a supplement company's website. It should be from third party site or a blog that's not directly connected with the company. Try searching the web through various search engines and look for reviews from actual bodybuilders, fitness buffs, and people of varied backgrounds.

Fitness and health magazines on the web may give you two types of reviews. The candid review may be blunt, honest, and sometimes brutal. The tailored review could be mind-boggling and may sound biased especially if it was a paid review. The thing to look for is substance in the information which should include clinical studies, researches by educational institutions, or individuals who are also fitness enthusiasts.

 The vital thing to look for from these sources is proper citation which verifies the claims of the supplement company.

Finding out if a supplement really works doesn't end on just reading various materials or talking to people who have tried and tested it. For someone who's also into fitness, you should give it a try as well and document the possible changes in your physique. For a line of supplements and nutritionals, you should only try what's required based on your fitness regimen. A discussion with your trainer and nutritionist can help you decide on what to take and what to leave out.

Lastly, look for a reputable retailer. It should be a local name and has an offline store that you can visit anytime. This is necessary if you are truly serious in trying various nutritional products for your own consumption and fitness goals.

Gaspari Nutrition is a prominent name in the supplement industry. It is also backed by a prominent name and scientific studies that utilize modern research techniques to ensure effectiveness.

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Bodybuilding Supplements - Are They Really Necessary?

If you are an avid fitness buff, chances are you have plans of taking nutritional supplements if you haven't already. Though you've heard from various sources the good, the bad, and the ugly about supplements, you wonder why they are still in the market since their inception.

Firstly, bodybuilding supplements are intended for weight lifters and athletes who require intense workouts and proper weight management. Since they are expected to have healthy lifestyles, they need proper nutrients to boost their immune systems and energy levels. Apart from these, bodybuilders also require supplementation for burning fat and developing muscles, as well as for muscle repair and recovery.

Secondly, intense workouts can drain energy levels at faster speeds. This leaves any individual drained of energy and experiencing fatigue even hours after their workout session. Replenishing the body's energy levels can be done by proper nutrient intake. However, even if you eat the right kinds of food, the amount of nutrients may never be enough to provide optimum quantities needed in muscle build-up and other processes within the body.

Proper supplementation is necessary (to simply put it) because of the insufficient amount of nutrients in food. Add intense workout to the equation and you will see how important it is to back up your diet with bodybuilding supplements. Among the more popular supplements that these individuals take is protein. It is often packaged as protein powder and whey is the most common source.

Vitamins and minerals may also be taken separately, but if you do find a single brand with various nutrients, it is more convenient if you will choose that one. Fat burners are also among the popular types of nutritionals since some of them have proven positive effects over the years.

For serious bodybuilders, if you are considering going pro, you will need to prepare early. By searching for supplements for newbies, you will easily have a list of specific nutritionals required on a regular basis. It is necessary to take pre and post workout nutrients to help balance your body in terms of energy levels and performance.

 Just think of how you can carry on within the day if you haven't taken any of these nutritionals. Remember that many fitness buffs have careers outside of the gym and they need enough energy to last throughout the day.

It is not only a necessity to take bodybuilding supplements just because you are going to the gym regularly or because you do intense workouts. It also important to consider your day-to-day routines since you'll also require energy and stamina in accomplishing them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liam_A_Wills

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The Good and The Bad in Bodybuilding Supplements

 

Bodybuilding supplements like those offered by MusclePharm, Vital Strength, Scivation, and Mutated Nation are very popular among athletes and body builders alike.

This is no surprise considering the various benefits offered by taking such health products. Despite the different advantages, however, there are also reported side effects of investing in such workout products. Here's a short list of the good and the bad in bodybuilding supplements.

Caffeine, being a common ingredient in many workout supplements, has a lot of benefits. This ingredient can improve one's focus and concentration during workouts. Overdosage of caffeine, however, can increase heart palpitations and nervousness. There are also reports linking caffeine overdose to diarrhea and dehydration.

Creatine, another popular supplement ingredient, has a lot of advantages to offer. Because of the quick burst of energy it can provide, body builders using it can increase their lean muscle mass growth through continuous and regular exercise. Creatine is also helpful in repairing worn out tissues after an intense workout, helping athletes gain back energy through quick nourishment fix. One particular side effect commonly known about creatine, though, is its tendency to cause occasional dehydration.

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that has an important role in different biochemical processes in the body. Apart from acting mainly as the metabolic fuel for our immune system, glutamine is also known to provide athletes with more immunity against the bad effects of intense training, helping them easily recover after a tiring physical activity. Despite the said advantages, common side effects linked to glutamine usage are upset stomach, nausea, and lack of focus.

A natural body compound in humans, nitric oxide is helpful in improving muscle growth by replenishing nutrient nourishment of the skeletal muscles. Overuse of supplements containing nitric oxide, however, has been linked to several side effects like nausea, increased heart palpitations, and migraine.

Can we counteract the side effects?
Each of the available nutrients included in many bodybuilding supplements has their own share of good and bad side effects. The results generally vary from person to person. These may depend on the body composition of the person and his current health condition - basically how the body will react to the main ingredients included in the supplement.

 Before taking any supplement, always consult the advice of a medical professional to ensure that you are safe and fit to use such supplements. Being equipped with the right info about different health supplements available in the market is also recommended. And of course, how you intend to use the supplement will also have a great effect on the way your body will react to the nutrient composition of the product.

Get optimum workout results by investing in healthy bodybuilding supplements from trusted manufacturers. Check out Nutrition Warehouse to browse through their collection of MusclePharm and other workout products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liam_A_Wills

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