Bodybuilding

Supplements That Are Best for Energy

Published

12 years ago

June 9, 2013

F Kyle

Workouts aren’t easy and take significant dedication, focus, and stamina to get the most out of your time in the gym. Significant gains can only be made when the body is pushed to the max, and the human system can only go so far in its normal state. That’s precisely why more and more bodybuilders are turning to energy supplements to give them the boost they need to push themselves more complexly than ever in the weight room.

Are Energy Supplements the Solution?

When looking into energy supplements, it can seem overwhelming with everything on the market. With so many options, it’s hard to figure out what will work and best suit your needs. The search is over because we’ve compiled a list of the best energy supplements on the market, each broken down by the type, how they work, and examples of the best brands.

A note on how to take energy supplements: The great thing about energy supplements over vitamins or nutrition medicine is that energy supplements are meant to be short term, which means you’ll know the day of if that supplement works for you. If it does, keep it going. If it doesn’t, try something new the next day.

MUST READ: 6 Best Supplements to Increase your Stamina

The Best Supplements for Energy:

1) Caffeine:

Caffeine is number one on our list because it is the most accessible energy supplement and widely accepted. How Does It Work? Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, which is a neurotransmitter with soothing properties. When adenosine is blocked, it raises your adrenaline levels, making you more alert and energized.

Caffeine Supplement Brands:

- Supplement Direct Caffeine: Supplement Direct is a powdered caffeine supplement that makes it easy to add to your daytime workout and eating routines.

- Gaspari Nutrition SuperPump 250: Though this isn’t a “caffeine only” product, it’s a great pre-workout “all in one” with plenty of caffeine to get you up and to run and keep you alert for your workout.

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2) Cordyceps:

Cordyceps is new to the energy supplement world and is revolutionary. It’s from a natural mushroom used in the mountain climbing since the early 1930s. How Does It Work? These helpful mushrooms enhance cellular functions, allowing cells in your body to carry more oxygen and making the system feel more energized and focused.

Cordyceps Supplement Types:

- Millennium Sports Cordygen5: This supplement is considered the most effective cordyceps product because it combines over four different Cordyceps species.

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3) Geranium:

Geranium supplements are known to bodybuilding as “the next level.” They are taken from the oil of the geranium flowers, and this oil is much like epinephrine in the compound and has side effects. How Does It Work? Geranium users can expect extreme energy and clarity that performs well under increased pressure.

Geranium Supplement Brands:

- ErgoPharm ErgoLean AMP2: This specific supplement is not only great for energy but is also formulated for fat loss, so you can burn the fat while you enjoy a rush of energy.

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4) Rhodiola:

This all-natural herb has been taking the sports world by storm as it has virtually no side effects and maintains endurance. How Does It Work? Rhodiola works similarly to Vitamin B compounds, where it repairs nerve damage in the brain and speeds up cell functions metabolically. The side effects of this are energy, focus, and reduced stress.

Rhodiola Supplement Brands:

- Now Foods Rhodiola: This supplement contains the highest legal dose of Rhodiola extract on the market.

- Gaia Herbs Rhodiola Rosea: These concentrated capsules are the perfect “get up and go” to add to your day, and because they’re capsules, they will break down easily in your system.

Click Here to Know More About Rhodiola

Energy Supplement Warnings:

Because bodybuilders lead extreme lives, you’re probably used to seeing and looking past warnings. However, when it comes to energy supplements no one is immune from possible adverse side effects, and it’s essential you both a) run past any energy supplements with your medical provider and b) only take them as directed. Energy supplements increase adrenaline, and overdosing can cause severe heart damage, even death. Please ensure you only use these supplements with caution and medical clearance.

Dieting As An Alternative Source of Energy

Bodybuilders can also look into alternative sources such as caffeine or sugar for an extra burst of energy when needed.

Many bodybuilders also use protein supplements, such as creatine and amino acids. These are not required to build muscle mass but can be consumed to increase the rate of protein synthesis, which may temporarily boost energy levels or improve recovery.

Some bodybuilders enter "bulk" periods where they gain significantly more muscle mass and lose a significant amount of fat simultaneously. For these competitors, meal timing is essential to avoid the excess build-up of glycogen in the muscles.

To avoid dropping pounds of muscle and losing fat simultaneously, many people will limit their caloric intake to prevent a metabolic slowdown.

The first two days are spent getting into shape by resting and doing light exercises like riding a stationary bike or jogging in place.

On day three, dieters take up moderate cardio with jog intervals, running on an incline or hills, or high-intensity interval training. The cardio intensifies on days four and five to include steady-state or sprint intervals followed by a day of rest.

The body burns significantly more calories on days four and five, building lean muscle mass. The diet continues on a diet day for six days, followed by a moderate day of exercise for three days.

On the seventh and final diet day, those who choose to continue exercising can create an intense workout with sprint or steady intervals, or high-intensity interval training.

If you want to continue creating some change in your life through exercise, this is the best way to do so while also creating sustainable results that will last longer than just three weeks or months.

What to Avoid

Bodybuilding requires dedication and discipline, not just in the gym but also in what you eat. There are certain foods that bodybuilders must avoid if they want to stay strong and healthy.

From processed foods to sugary snacks, these unhealthy items can be detrimental to a bodybuilder's progress if consumed regularly. In this section, we will discuss the foods bodybuilders should avoid in order to stay strong and make the most out of their workouts.

Processed, Packaged ItemsBodybuilders should avoid packaged and processed food items such as chips, cookies, and other snack foods. These items are typically high in calories and low in nutrients. A better alternative would be to eat fresh fruits or vegetables for a nutritious snack.

If you're feeling hungry between meals, try having a glass of water with lemon or lime juice mixed in for quick hydration.

Refined Sugars - High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

High-fructose corn syrup is one of the worst offenders regarding refined sugars. Replacing foods that use refined sugars with natural sugars such as honey or maple syrup can help avoid HFCS.

One problem with natural sweeteners is that they have a shorter shelf life than HFCS, so you will have to replace them more often.

Bread, Pasta, White Flour

If you're trying to avoid refined sugars, then bread and pasta are items you should also cut from your diet. An excellent alternative for bread would be a gluten-free option like rice bread or sprouted grain bread.

If you enjoy pasta, try spaghetti squash instead of white pasta since it is much lower in carbs. You can also try one of these 12 One Pot Pasta Dinners for a great pasta dish that won't break your diet.

In addition, white flour products like bread and pasta should be replaced with healthier options like oatmeal or if you must then use whole wheat flour.

Cow's Milk, Yogurt

There are many great alternatives to cow's milk, such as nut milk and coconut milk. Another great alternative would be Almond Mylk . Yogurt often has added sugars that should be avoided. Try to go with plain, unsweetened yogurt instead.

Overall

All the above energy routes are great for boosting your workouts and keeping you from feeling burned out afterward, so you have focus left over for the rest of your day.

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F Kyle

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

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Bodybuilding

Mastering Bodybuilding in 2025: Top Fitness Tips for Success

Published

4 weeks ago

March 1, 2025

Sane

Bodybuilding is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle that requires dedication, discipline, and a thorough understanding of fitness principles. As the world of fitness continues to evolve, bodybuilders must stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and scientific advancements to achieve their goals. In 2025, several innovative approaches are redefining bodybuilding. Here are essential fitness tips for bodybuilders to excel this year.

Embrace Technology-Driven Workouts

In 2025, technology plays a significant role in bodybuilding. Wearable devices, fitness apps, and virtual reality (VR) training are now integral components of an effective workout regimen.

Wearable Devices

Modern wearables track everything from heart rate and sleep patterns to muscle activation and caloric expenditure. Utilize these devices to monitor your progress and make data-driven adjustments to your training and nutrition plans.

Fitness Apps

Leverage fitness apps for customized workout plans, progress tracking, and virtual coaching. Many apps now incorporate artificial intelligence to provide personalized feedback and recommendations.

Virtual Reality Training

VR technology offers immersive workout experiences, allowing bodybuilders to simulate different training environments and scenarios. This can enhance motivation and add variety to your routine.

Focus on Functional Strength

While hypertrophy (muscle growth) remains a primary goal, functional strength is gaining importance. Functional strength training improves overall performance, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances daily activities.

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Compound Movements

Incorporate compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and joints, promoting balanced strength development.

Core Stability

Prioritize exercises that strengthen the core, such as planks, Russian twists, and leg raises. A strong core supports better lifting mechanics and reduces the risk of lower back injuries.

Optimize Nutrition for Muscle Growth and Recovery

Nutrition is the cornerstone of successful bodybuilding. In 2025, the focus is on personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs and goals.

Protein Intake

Ensure adequate protein intake to support muscle repair and growth. Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on your training intensity and goals.

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Nutrient Timing

Pay attention to nutrient timing to maximize muscle recovery and growth. Consume protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes post-workout to replenish glycogen stores and kickstart muscle repair.

Supplements

Utilize supplements wisely. Creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and omega-3 fatty acids are popular choices for enhancing performance and recovery.

Prioritize Mental Health and Mindfulness

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall fitness. Incorporating mindfulness practices can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance performance.

Meditation

Incorporate meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Mindfulness meditation can enhance your mind-muscle connection during workouts.

Visualization

Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse your workouts. Visualizing successful lifts and achieving your goals can boost confidence and motivation.

Rest and Recovery

Prioritize rest and recovery to prevent burnout and overtraining. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and incorporate rest days into your training schedule.

Leverage Advanced Training Techniques

Advanced training techniques can help break through plateaus and stimulate muscle growth. In 2025, several methods are gaining popularity among bodybuilders.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training: BFR involves restricting blood flow to the muscles during low-intensity exercises. This technique can enhance muscle growth and strength without the need for heavy weights.

Eccentric Training: Focus on the eccentric (lowering) phase of exercises. Eccentric training can stimulate greater muscle damage and growth compared to traditional concentric movements.

Periodization: Implement periodization into your training plan. Varying the intensity, volume, and type of exercises can prevent plateaus and ensure continuous progress.

Incorporate Recovery and Mobility Work

Recovery and mobility are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining optimal performance. In 2025, bodybuilders are paying more attention to these aspects of training.

Foam Rolling and Myofascial Release: Use foam rollers and massage balls to release muscle tightness and improve flexibility. Regular myofascial release can reduce soreness and enhance recovery.

Stretching: Incorporate dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching after workouts. Stretching improves range of motion and prevents muscle imbalances.

Cryotherapy and Hydrotherapy: Explore recovery techniques like cryotherapy (cold therapy) and hydrotherapy (water therapy) to reduce inflammation and accelerate muscle recovery.

Engage in Continuous Learning and Community Building

The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for success. Engage in continuous learning and connect with the bodybuilding community for support and motivation.

Educational Resources: Read books, watch videos, and attend seminars to stay updated on the latest research and trends in bodybuilding.

Community Engagement: Join online forums, social media groups, and local bodybuilding clubs. Sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow bodybuilders can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Professional Guidance: Consider working with a certified personal trainer or coach. Professional guidance can help you optimize your training and nutrition plans, ensuring you're on the right track.

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Conclusion

In 2025, bodybuilding is more than just lifting weights; it's a holistic approach to fitness that encompasses technology, nutrition, mental health, and advanced training techniques. By embracing these fitness tips, bodybuilders can achieve their goals, stay injury-free, and enjoy a fulfilling fitness journey. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to success in bodybuilding. Stay committed, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun on your path to becoming the best version of yourself.

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Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

7 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.

Related Article: T3 Application in Building Muscle Mass

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.

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