If you are just starting to hit the gym, one of the first things you may ask about is a pre-workout supplement. Do they really work? And more importantly, aren’t they dangerous?
These are fair questions, since the process of regulating sports supplements is complicated, to say the least. After all, categorizing one as food or medicine could get tricky. But the short answer is yes, pre-workout supplements really do work as advertised, that is if you get yours from a reputable online supplement store or retailer.
And to help you make sure that you are getting the right supplement, here are some ingredients that you should look for in the label before making a purchase:
Creatine
The human body naturally produces creatine and stores it in the skeletal muscles. It combines with phosphates and reacts with adenosine diphosphate, forming the adenosine triphosphate, which gives you energy. Taking supplements rich in creatine is like having a reservoir of power you can draw from to sustain an intense session at the gym, helping you reach your fitness goals faster.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a powerful substance that boosts both physical and mental performance. This is a fact that is backed by science and verified by many coffee drinkers all over the world. It makes sense that experts would incorporate it in a supplement touted to give gym rats the boost that they need.
Caffeine works in many ways throughout the body. It triggers the release of adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormone, which can also boost performance during a workout. For those who want to shed the last few ounces of stubborn fat, it helps burn fat cells through lipolysis. It stimulates the brain’s motor cortex, which is responsible for muscle activation. It can even speed up the release of endorphins from your blood, giving you a general feeling of wellness.
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine, the main acetyl ester of L-Carnitine, helps move more fatty acids in your cells during beta-oxidation. It improves your metabolism, which ultimately means you burn more fat. What is more, it also shows antioxidant and anti-apoptotic capabilities essential in battling the signs of ageing and slowing mental deterioration. You can order it individually from a trustworthy online supplement store.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine plays a vital role in the synthesis of most proteins. It signals the muscle cells in your body to release growth hormones and burn fats. This two-fold action gives bodybuilders the lean muscle mass they are after.
This substance also helps your body produce nitric oxide, which increases the blood flow in your muscles. This is important if you are training for endurance and conditioning. Additionally, the improved blood flow distributes more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, which will aid in their recovery and boost their performance.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-Alanine is an amino acid that is produced in the liver. It significantly increases stamina by delaying the onset of neuromuscular fatigue. It does this by increasing muscle carnosine, which is an antioxidant and a good buffer against the acid and waste produced during an intense workout. These acids and waste are the main cause of muscle fatigue and weaker muscle contraction. Without them, you are better able to withstand prolonged activities with high intensity and get better results.
A Word of Caution
All these substances are proven safe, but it is still best to consult a physician before ordering from an online supplement store. While it is tempting to get bigger results quickly, your health and safety are far more important.
Author Bio: Hannah Gilbert is a freelance writer who offers to ghostwrite, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.