Are supplements necessary?

[Speedwell-Industries]

For anyone that does resistance training, bodybuilding, powerlifting, etc...
Do you use supplements (protein), and do they help, as compared to not using supplements? Which supplements?

Does anyone else just eat whole foods and feel like you recover just the same?

[DETRoadster]

I supplement with a vitamin and electrolyte mix before my workout to prevent muscle cramps and then with L-Arginine during/immediately after. I definitely notice a difference.

[overcoil]

I don’t think they’re ‘necessary’ not to say they won’t work. But research the ingredients online like at webMD and make a decision.

[1MOREMOD]

Find it difficult to get daily protein requirements without a bit of protein in shake form

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

...protein as a supplement ....all jokes aside.

calculate your macros. if you cant eat your macros which is best,
you must supplement. That is all. don't start thinking about supplements if you can't eat clean and bust your ass in the gym. they are a band-aid and crutch.

I can't eat all my protein so I supplement with a shake, also take BCAAs. Pre-workout is cool, as is a cup of coffee. but i dont do pre workout.. creatine and other stuff comes with side effects such as water retention so you better know what your doing before your arms look like italian meats hanging in a deli

[1MOREMOD]

Isn't that the point of creatine increase intracellular water as well as boost in strength and endurance due to its effect on ATP production. Makes me bit fuller, bit stronger still vascular.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Isn't that the point of creatine increase intracellular water as well as boost in strength and endurance due to its effect on ATP production. Makes me bit fuller, bit stronger still vascular.

you are spot on. what happens more often than not, is people tend not to be honest with themselves and stop lifting and get into poor habits. You shouldn't even think creatine unless your going 110% and you need a little more to up your max. What often happens is people quit or are just lazy and all that water just gets stuck there and your arms start to inflate in a non-flattering manner.

[The Wind Breezes]

Fuck no they're not necessary. Good diet and hard work are necessary. Unless you're looking to get huge, in which case the supplements definitely work but they're also unhealthy and illegal.

[///M Power-Belgium]

No pain No gain . That matters ...

[Mingwan]

Prefer to get everything I need from actual food sources rather than from supplements. I feel like I perform better. I generally just get supplements for creatine and electrolytes.

[EnVe46]

I take protein and vitamins as well as Im on TRT as my levels were extremely low for a 30 yr old, they were under 250 all three tests. I recommend getting a full blood panel and seeing where you're deficient for vitamins and get someone like a wellness clinic to review for you. I now know exactly the amount of fish oil, dhea, vitamin d etc that I need based off my bloodwork which is result of diet. Problem is, too many people say "you need this" or "you need that" when everyone is different.

Protein is protein but make sure you dont get one filled with bs fillers, sugars and try to find one thats relatively clean. Too many protein shakes are filled with nonsense and will make you bloated.

[Speedwell-Industries]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and tips everyone!

EnVe46 Getting a full blood panel sounds like a great idea!

[GoRomeo]

I do pre-work out, and also take aminoacids while working out. I do take protein shake as a supplement to my breakfast.

[PoorLurker]

Anyone find a supplement that makes you buff with just doing cardio like walking?

asking for a friend

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by PoorLurker

Anyone find a supplement that makes you buff with just doing cardio like walking?

asking for a friend

[BwoodBMW]

I take pre-workout because it makes me happy.... i mean.... gives me energy.

[hz_diesel]

I cut everything out 4 years ago. I am stronger now than every before. I use to be so reliant on pre-workout but you gotta wonder what the fuck is in that shit.

[PoorLurker]

Yeah my friend quit taking supplements like 8 years ago. He just kept working out. He is much buffer now. Seems like a waste of money

[1MOREMOD]

How can getting what your body needs to grow more easily be a detriment?

[TheWatchGuy]

its necessary if your daily diet doesnt get you everything you need.

there is also the "placebo" affect, as i call it, not true placebo, where if im spending money on supplements, im definitely getting my ass to the gym to work out so i dont waste that money, and think its working, but its probably just the extra motivation working.

[obert]

I only use a pre work out and for the most part it’s to give me the energy boost I need to help get me motivated at the gym after a long day at work.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by TheWatchGuy

its necessary if your daily diet doesnt get you everything you need.

there is also the "placebo" affect, as i call it, not true placebo, where if im spending money on supplements, im definitely getting my ass to the gym to work out so i dont waste that money, and think its working, but its probably just the extra motivation working.

I'd pay extra for that. Whatever helps