Bodybuilding supplements are a very important part of the bodybuilding and fitness world. They aren’t just for those who want to bulk up and improve their physique, but also for those who want to lose weight through proper nutrition and exercise. It’s not easy to find the right supplement that works for you as it is with food. Some people can eat what they want when it comes to calories and still have their desired results. But others don’t have the same luck and struggle with losing fat or gaining muscle.
The best way to ensure your bodybuilding supplements work well is to know how to spot a good one and a bad one. If you follow my 6 tips on identifying genuine bodybuilding supplements then you’ll be able to avoid buying cheap products that may cause more harm than good. You’ll even have less trouble finding quality bodybuilding supplements online.
Providing quality of products at a reasonable rate is the main criterion for online companies. this Crazy Bulk review I found is known to be the main reason that people plan to choose the company to purchase the supplements of their choice. The main focus of the people is to go for products that are made of organic things and will leave no side effects.
- Read the ingredients list
If you’re going to buy a bodybuilding supplement, make sure to read the ingredients list before you do so. The first thing you should look at is whether or not it contains any fillers or additives. These will often appear as “inactive” ingredients in most bodybuilding supplement labels.
For example, creatine is an additive which helps build muscle and increase the amount of protein you use during workouts. However, many other companies have created new proprietary blends of vitamins and minerals with creatine – but this doesn’t mean these supplements are any better than the original product. The only reason they might contain creatine is because it’s already been approved by the FDA.
Other bodybuilding supplement ingredients such as peptides, glutamine, and even whey protein isolate can cause adverse side effects if taken improperly. These ingredients need to be listed clearly on the label. Peptides and glutamine can irritate the digestive system and cause bloating or diarrhea; while whey protein isolate can actually deplete calcium levels from your bones.
- Look for reputable brands
There are several ways you can go about choosing the best bodybuilding supplements. One option would be to purchase them directly from the manufacturer. This is probably the safest and easiest route to take. The company itself will provide all the information you need for each product (expiry date, dosage, etc). However, there are no guarantees when it comes to purchasing supplements from this source.
Another option would be to look into purchasing products from a brand name store. These usually offer some sort of guarantee with their products, especially when it comes to the customer service department. A third option would be to look into buying them online. While shopping online allows you to save money and bypass lines at brick-and-mortar stores, you run the risk of receiving a counterfeit product.
- Check out reviews
This is where you should really start getting skeptical. There are plenty of fraudulent websites out there that claim to sell high-quality bodybuilding supplements, but fail to deliver. Some of them simply copy the packaging designs of popular brands and try to pass them off as being authentic. Others are outright scams.
A good place to start looking for reviews on bodybuilding supplements is the website of Consumer Reports. They regularly feature articles highlighting the best and worst bodybuilding products on the market today.
- Do your research
Make sure you check out the official websites of companies you’re considering purchasing from. This way you can see exactly what types of products they sell, where to get them, and what the prices are. Also keep in mind that the products sold on these sites tend to be more expensive than their competitors.
When it comes to researching companies, there are two things you should be looking for. First, make sure the company is properly registered. In order to do this, they must have a physical address, phone number, and email address listed somewhere.
Second, make sure that the company has plenty of positive testimonials and customer reviews. Again, this should not be hard to find. Just search the internet for phrases like “best bodybuilding supplement” and you’ll likely come across dozens of options to choose from.
- Consider alternative supplements
Some people have found success using natural alternatives to bodybuilding supplements instead. For instance, some people have reported great results using green coffee bean extract as a pre-workout supplement. This substance has long been used by athletes to boost energy and enhance athletic performance.
When it comes to green coffee bean extract, it is recommended to drink about 3 capsules before bedtime. This should give you enough caffeine to wake up and feel energized throughout the day. Another alternative is beta alanine, which is another amino acid that has proven effective for increasing endurance and improving overall leanness.
- Check out the expiration dates
Lastly, if you’re ever unsure about the authenticity of a particular product, take a close look at its expiration date. Products made from synthetic substances such as amino acids and creatine tend to degrade over time. This means that once you open the container, it could quickly become useless.
On the other hand, real bodybuilding supplements such as whey protein concentrate can remain stable for years without degrading. When buying products that have expiration dates, you should take note of these dates to determine their legitimacy.
This article was written by Mark Gaffney for EzineArticles.com, where he shares his knowledge of health, diet, training, and nutrition related issues.
