Bodybuilding

Best Supplements for Energy

Published

12 years ago

April 25, 2013

F Kyle

If you want to fit, you must wake up and hit the Gym to get a good pump. There was a time when fitness enthusiasts used to find it challenging and tiring, and doing it every day was impossible. Eventually, most individuals would instead give up than waste their years trying. Then, over some time, there was a significant change in this attitude. People are starting to look at health differently, thanks to the best supplements for bodybuilding.

What Best Supplements Really Do

Supplements that provide energy for sustained workouts made up for the genetic incapacities. These supplements give you an edge and ensure you do not tire during your training session. However, before you purchase supplements, you must know which ingredients work for your body type. Everyone has a different body type and different metabolic levels. Keep your metabolic rate in mind when purchasing energy supplements.

If you wish to take your fitness training to the next level, try inducing caffeine into your pre-workout supply. Adenosine, a calming neurotransmitter, controls your Central Nervous System (CNS). Caffeine blocks the function of this neurotransmitter. This helps you achieve higher levels of energy as well as alertness. Maintain caffeine dosage at 200mg before your sessions. If consuming a higher dose of this ingredient, hydrate yourself adequately, as it can act as a diuretic.

Cordyceps Best supplements

Another ingredient that can help you achieve excellent energy levels is Cordyceps. Also known as medicinal mushrooms, this ingredient is a renowned source of cellular energy. It enhances adrenal functions and improves Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Essentially, it helps the body utilize oxygen much better. Mountaineers mainly use this for all of the above reasons. Caffeine and Cordyceps-based energy supplements are the safest and most affordable. You can use ingredients such as synephrine if you do not mind a negligible risk. This substance can raise your metabolic rate. This ingredient stimulates the beta-3 receptors and triggers the breakdown of lipolysis. Its benefits may look similar to caffeine, but it suppresses your appetite. You can consume 10-20mg of this substance daily. It is best consumed before a meal to achieve better appetite suppression and a more incredible metabolic boost.

All the substances mentioned above are affordably priced. But if you don’t mind spending a little more, Geranium is one of the best substances. It is also known as 1,3-imethylamylamine. This derivative of geranium oil is similar to epinephrine. It gives you everything from CNS stimulation to increased energy, better focus, and a tremendous boost in physical performance. Imagine the combined benefits of caffeine, cordyceps, and synephrine. If you are a beginner, you shouldn't start with this substance.

Instead, you can try supplements that include this ingredient in small quantities and eventually advance to it as a singular source. Overdosage of any of the substances mentioned above can result in side effects. Please ensure that you consume them as per your needs in stipulated amounts.

Which Supplements Are Appropriate for A Bodybuilder

Bodybuilding is an intense physical activity that requires a lot of energy. Bodybuilders must refuel their bodies with the right supplements to maintain optimal performance. While many types of supplements are available in the market, some are more effective than others when it comes to providing energy for bodybuilding. This section will look at some of the best supplements for bodybuilding energy and how they can help you reach your goals faster.

Creatine

It is the most commonly used supplement for bodybuilding and one of the best for bodybuilding energy. It is a nitrogenous organic acid that helps to maximize lean muscle growth, strength, power, and performance. Creatine can be found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as in some vegetables.

Some common health conditions that may lead to ineffective creatine use include mitochondrial dysfunction, liver dysfunction or kidney dysfunction. For those who are more active or less healthy than normal, creatine is a must-have supplement.

Carbohydrates Best Supplements

Carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, and sugars are the main sources of simple carbohydrates. These provide quick energy for your body to use for physical activity. Simple carbohydrates can be found in fruits and milk products, especially high-fructose fruits such as apples, pears, and bananas. Complex carbohydrates are found in vegetables like wheat or barley, beans or lentils, starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes or corn, and whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice. They provide longer-lasting energy that is released slowly over time.

These can also be broken down into important nutrients that support human health, including fiber from grains to help reduce cholesterol levels and vitamin B6.

L-arginine

L-arginine is a natural compound found in the body, a conditionally essential amino acid. It helps regulate nitric oxide production, improving circulation and reducing blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscle cells within the artery walls.

Milk - The Ultimate Supplement for A Bodybuilder

It contains high amounts of calcium for strong teeth and bones, protein for muscle recovery, and vitamin D for healthy bone; it also has a wide variety of other nutrients, such as potassium, that are good for overall health.

Milk also contains essential fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Cheese- an important source of protein and calcium. Yogurt- an important source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.

Supplements to Avoid

Dietary fats

Animal fats, vegetable oils, and processed trans fats are sources of dietary fat. These energy storage molecules require no work from your muscles to be used as fuel, which means they can directly provide energy for physical activity without carrying out specific functions in the body as carbohydrates do. They are, however, less efficient at storing and releasing energy than carbohydrates.

Why is this bad? Fats have a high energy density that makes it easy for overconsumption. Fats also raise cholesterol levels, leading to heart disease if consumed excessively. Additionally, some dietary fats may be more likely to cause inflammation within the body, which could be linked to conditions like arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.

Processed Trans Fats

as their name implies- processed. Turning liquid oils into solids typically involves a chemical process called hydrogenation and a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenization is an industrial process that produces trans fats- often found in snacks and fried, processed foods.

Trans fats are created by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils, producing a solid finished product with less saturated fat than butter or coconut oil. Why is this bad? Trans fats can increase cholesterol levels and disrupt normal body functions while increasing the risk of heart disease- two things that are not good for anyone's health.

Processed Meat

Foods like ham, bacon, and salami- made from pork or beef (respectively)- tend to contain high amounts of sodium and nitrates, which can be unhealthy for some people.

Eggs

These can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, leading to cholesterol problems.

Overall

Bodybuilding is a strenuous activity that requires a lot of dedication and energy. As such, bodybuilders need to ensure they get the right nutrition to support their intense workouts. Supplements can help bodybuilders get the necessary nutrients for muscle growth and repair and provide an extra boost of energy to help them power through their workouts.

Supplements can also help bodybuilders reach their goals faster by providing them with essential vitamins and minerals they may not be able to get from food alone. Additionally, certain supplements can increase muscle mass and strength more quickly than if they were relying on diet alone.

Finally, supplements can also reduce recovery time after intense workouts so bodybuilders can return to the gym sooner. Bodybuilders should know the important supplements to help them reach their fitness goals. Some key supplements that bodybuilders need regularly have been discussed in this article. Find more helpful information on our blog and become a better bodybuilder.

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F Kyle

The "GYMRAT" of this blog, Pro-blogger and Fitness Instructor since 2008

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Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

3 months ago

September 5, 2024

Zizou

Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.

The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).

In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions.

These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status

Drug Testing

Participants undergo rigorous drug testing to ensure they are not using banned substances. This can include urine tests, polygraph tests, and other methods to maintain the integrity of the competition.

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Judging Criteria

Athletes are judged based on several factors, including:

Muscle Mass: The size and volume of muscles.
Symmetry: The balance and proportion of the physique.
Conditioning: The level of muscle definition and leanness.
Presentation: Posing routines and overall stage presence.

Preparation

Competitors often spend months preparing for these events, focusing on strict diet plans, intense workout regimens, and posing practice. The goal is to achieve peak physical condition on the day of the competition.

Community and Support

Natural bodybuilding competitions foster a sense of community among athletes who share a commitment to health and fitness. Many competitors form lasting friendships and support networks through these events.

Starting training for a natural bodybuilding competition is an exciting journey! Here are some key steps to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to compete in a specific category like Men’s Physique or Women’s Figure? Setting clear goals will guide your training and nutrition plans.

2. Create a Training Plan

Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes:

Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are essential for building overall muscle mass.
Isolation Exercises: Target specific muscles to enhance definition and symmetry.
Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to continuously challenge your muscles.

3. Follow a Structured Diet

Nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss:

Caloric Intake: Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your goals (bulking or cutting).
Macronutrients: Balance your intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Aim for high protein to support muscle repair and growth.
Micronutrients: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

4. Incorporate Cardio

Cardio helps with fat loss and improves cardiovascular health. Include both steady-state and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions in your routine.

5. Practice Posing

Posing is a critical aspect of bodybuilding competitions. Practice regularly to perfect your form and presentation on stage.

6. Rest and Recovery

Allow your body to recover with adequate sleep and rest days. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

7. Stay Consistent and Patient

Building a competition-ready physique takes time and dedication. Stay consistent with your training and diet, and be patient with your progress.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in natural bodybuilding. They can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track.

9. Join a Community

Engage with other natural bodybuilders for support and motivation. Online forums, social media groups, and local gyms can be great places to connect.

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Qualifications

The qualifications for natural bodybuilding competitions vary slightly between organizations but generally follow these principles:

Drug-Free Status: Athletes must demonstrate they have been drug-free for a specific period, typically between 5 to 10 years. They are required to pass a drug test, usually through urine samples or polygraph tests, to prove they haven't used banned substances like steroids, hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Membership Requirements: Competitors often need to be members of the organizing federation. For example, in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), athletes must have a valid WNBF membership to compete.

Amateur and Pro Divisions: Most competitions have both amateur and professional divisions. To qualify for a pro division, an athlete must first win an amateur event or obtain a “pro card” by performing exceptionally in a recognized event.

Age and Gender Categories: Athletes are categorized by age and gender. Categories typically include juniors (under 23), open divisions, masters (over 40), and grandmasters (over 50).

Entry and Registration: Competitors must pay an entry fee and complete registration. For certain competitions, a pre-qualification based on past performance may be required.

Distinction Between Natural and Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

The main differences between natural and steroid-based bodybuilding revolve around the methods used to build muscle and the resulting impacts on the body. Here are some key distinctions:

Natural Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Achieved through consistent weight training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Muscle growth is gradual and sustainable.
Health: Generally safer with fewer side effects. Promotes overall health, including better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, and increased bone density.
Appearance: Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more balanced and proportionate physique. Muscle definition is less extreme compared to steroid users.
Recovery: Recovery times are longer, requiring more rest between intense workouts.
Competitions: Natural bodybuilding competitions often have strict drug-testing policies to ensure participants are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

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Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Steroids significantly accelerate muscle growth and strength gains. Results are more dramatic and achieved in a shorter time.
Health Risks: Steroid use can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects like mood swings.
Appearance: Steroid users often have a more “enhanced” look with larger muscle mass, visible veins, and extreme muscle definition, even in the off-season.
Recovery: Faster recovery times due to the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
Side Effects: Visible side effects can include acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and changes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Choosing Between the Two

Natural Bodybuilding: Ideal for those who prioritize long-term health, sustainable muscle growth, and a balanced lifestyle.
Steroid-Based Bodybuilding: Often chosen by those seeking rapid and extreme muscle gains, but it comes with significant health risks and ethical considerations.

Take Away

The main advantage of participating in natural bodybuilding events is the emphasis on health and sustainability. Natural bodybuilding promotes muscle growth through consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, leading to gradual and sustainable results. This approach minimizes health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, such as liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, natural bodybuilding fosters a balanced and proportionate physique, and the strict drug-testing policies in competitions ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants. This focus on overall well-being and ethical competition makes natural bodybuilding a healthier and more sustainable choice.

Bodybuilding

Primal Movements: Our Ultimate Guide for Maximum Results

Published

4 months ago

August 29, 2024

Zizou

Primal movements are fundamental, natural movements that our bodies are designed to perform. Incorporating these into your training can enhance strength, mobility, and overall fitness. Here’s an ultimate guide to primal development and movements for bodybuilders:

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Understanding Primal Movements

Primal movements are basic, functional movements that mimic the natural actions humans have performed for thousands of years. These movements are essential for developing a strong, balanced, and resilient body. They can be categorized into seven primary patterns:

Push
Pull
Squat
Lunge
Hinge
Rotate
Gait (Locomotion)

The Seven Primal Movement Patterns

Push

Description: Involves moving a weight or resistance away from your body.

Examples: Push-ups, bench press, overhead press.

Muscles Worked: Chest, shoulders, triceps.

Pull

Description: Involves drawing a weight or resistance towards your body.

Examples: Pull-ups, rows, bicep curls.

Muscles Worked: Back, biceps, forearms.

Squat

Description: A fundamental lower-body movement where you lower your hips from a standing position and then stand back up.

Examples: Bodyweight squats, barbell squats, goblet squats.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Lunge

Description: A single-leg movement that involves stepping forward, backward, or to the side and lowering your hips.

Examples: Forward lunges, reverse lunges, lateral lunges.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Hinge

Description: Involves bending at the hips while keeping a neutral spine.

Examples: Deadlifts, kettlebell swings, hip thrusts.

Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back.

Rotate

Description: Involves twisting or rotating the torso.

Examples: Russian twists, woodchoppers, cable rotations.

Muscles Worked: Obliques, abdominals, lower back.

Gait (Locomotion)

Description: Involves movements that propel the body forward.

Examples: Walking, running, crawling, bear crawls.

Muscles Worked: Full body, with emphasis on legs and core.

Benefits of Primal Movements

Functional Strength: Primal movements enhance your ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently and safely.

Improved Mobility: These movements promote flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of injury.

Balanced Development: By working multiple muscle groups, primal movements ensure balanced muscle development.

Core Stability: Many primal movements engage the core, improving overall stability and strength.

Increased Caloric Burn: Compound movements like these burn more calories, aiding in fat loss and conditioning.

Incorporating Primal Movements into Your Training

Warm-Up: Start with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare your body.

Compound Exercises: Focus on compound exercises that incorporate multiple primal movements.

Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance to continue making gains.

Variety: Mix up your routine to prevent plateaus and keep your workouts interesting.

Recovery: Ensure adequate rest and recovery to allow your muscles to repair and grow.

Sample Primal Movement Workout

Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.

Workout:

Push: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of push-ups or bench press.

Pull: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of pull-ups or rows.

Squat: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of bodyweight or barbell squats.

Lunge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg of forward or reverse lunges.

Hinge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of deadlifts or kettlebell swings.

Rotate: 3 sets of 15-20 reps of Russian twists or cable rotations.

Gait: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds of bear crawls or sprints.

Cool-Down: 5-10 minutes of static stretching and deep breathing exercises.

1. Warm-Up and Mobility Drills

Start your workout with primal movement-based warm-ups to prepare your body. For example:

Dynamic stretches: Incorporate lunges with a twist, leg swings, and arm circles.
Mobility drills: Include exercises like hip circles, cat-cow stretches, and thoracic rotations.

2. Compound Exercises

Add primal movements as the core of your workout. Here’s how you can structure it:

Push Day: Combine bench presses with push-ups.
Pull Day: Mix pull-ups with rows.
Leg Day: Integrate squats and lunges with deadlifts.

3. Supersets and Circuits

Create supersets or circuits that include primal movements:

Superset Example: Pair squats with pull-ups or push-ups with lunges.
Circuit Example: Rotate through exercises like kettlebell swings, bear crawls, and Russian twists with minimal rest.

4. Functional Training Days

Dedicate one or two days a week to functional training focused on primal movements:

Sample Functional Workout

- Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching.
- Circuit: 3 rounds of:
  - 10 push-ups
  - 10 pull-ups
  - 15 squats
  - 10 lunges per leg
  - 15 kettlebell swings
  - 20 Russian twists
  - 30 seconds of bear crawls
- Cool-Down: 5 minutes of static stretching.

5. Active Recovery

Use primal movements on active recovery days to promote mobility and flexibility:

Activities: Light yoga, walking, or gentle bodyweight exercises like lunges and squats.

6. Progressive Overload

Gradually increase the intensity of primal movements by adding weights or resistance bands:

Example: Start with bodyweight squats, then progress to goblet squats, and eventually barbell squats.

7. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how your body responds to these movements and adjust accordingly:

Modify: If a movement feels too challenging, modify it to suit your fitness level.
Rest: Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery to prevent overtraining.

Sample Weekly Routine for Primal Movements

Monday: Push Day

Bench Press
Push-Ups
Overhead Press

Tuesday: Pull Day

Pull-Ups
Rows
Bicep Curls

Wednesday: Leg Day

Squats
Lunges
Deadlifts

Thursday: Functional Training

Circuit of primal movements (as outlined above)

Friday: Active Recovery

Light yoga or walking

Saturday: Full-Body Workout

Combination of push, pull, squat, and hinge movements

Sunday: Rest Day

By incorporating these primal movements, you’ll enhance your functional strength, mobility, and overall fitness. If you have any specific goals or need further customization, feel free to ask! Happy training.

For optimal performance in primal movements before a bodybuilding competition, consider these supplements:

Pre-Workout Supplements: These can provide energy and enhance performance. Look for products containing creatine, nitric oxide stimulators, and caffeine.

Post-Workout Supplements: Essential for recovery, including protein powders, BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), and multivitamins.

Fat Burners and Metabolizers: These can help in reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Ingredients like green tea extract and L-carnitine are popular.

Adaptogens: Supplements like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea can help manage stress and improve endurance.

Conlusion

Primal movements, which include squatting, lunging, hinging, twisting, walking, pushing, and pulling, benefit from a strong foundation of functional strength and mobility. Ensuring your body is well-nourished and recovered will help you perform these movements effectively.

Incorporating primal movements into your bodybuilding routine can lead to significant improvements in strength, mobility, and overall fitness. By focusing on these fundamental patterns, you can build a well-rounded, resilient body that performs well both in and out of the gym.