Fitness is about more than just getting physical exercise. The role of nutrition in fitness has come under the spotlight, and with it, the role of supplementation.
Supplements can offer your body what it needs for optimal fitness, even if your diet is not up to scratch. But as attitudes to health and fitness change, and our awareness of biological processes increases, our use of supplements evolves.
Are you taking the right supplements for your fitness needs? Read on, because these are the 8 trends in fitness supplements you need to know about.
SARMs
For years, anabolic steroids were the go-to for bodybuilders looking to increase their muscle mass. By mimicking naturally occurring male sex hormones, they promoted significant muscle growth. Unfortunately, anabolic steroid use caused several side effects. This led to them falling out of favor.
When selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) became known, they were very well received. SARMs are lab-created supplements that mimic the effects of male sex hormones. However, they produce fewer side effects and are generally considered to be safe.
The trend for using SARMs instead of steroids continues. Always discuss your decision to start taking bodybuilding supplements with your fitness trainer, coach, or doctor. They will advise you on what best meets your specific health and fitness requirements.
Growth-Hormone Secretagogues
Human growth hormone plays a major role in the structural integrity of muscles. Therefore, it aids muscle growth and repair, as well as strength and endurance. Growth hormone secretagogues encourage the human body to produce more of its natural growth hormones.
As products like MK-677 become more readily available online, more people can build the bodies and the muscles they want.
Take note that people respond differently to these types of fitness and muscle-building supplements. The important thing is to consult your trainer, coach, or doctor before using new products, and buy from reputable manufacturers only.
Hydrolyzed Protein Products
Conventional protein powders, muscle mass, and bodybuilding supplements, post-workout supplements, and fat burners are no longer quite as popular as they once were. This may be due to increased self-acceptance, less focus on outward appearance, and body-positive movement.
However, hydrolyzed protein supplements are in demand. So, what’s the difference? Hydrolyzed protein powders are created by breaking down large protein molecules into smaller peptide chains, which are more easily digested. This means protein is more readily delivered to muscles for recovery and growth.
This may be why hydrolyzed whey protein powders remain popular, even as interest in conventional bodybuilding formulations has started to wane.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)are necessary for protein synthesis, metabolic regulation, and energy production, which makes them vital for health and fitness. They aid in muscle recovery, increase muscle growth, combat exercise-induced fatigue, and even help to maintain a healthy weight.
But these amino acids are essential, which means the body does not produce them. To reap the benefits of BCAAs, you need to get them from your diet, or in a supplement.
You can get these amino acids from meat, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are also good sources of BCAAs. As people have become more aware of the importance of essential amino acids, the demand for BCAA supplements has increased.
Natural Testosterone Boosters
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and androgen play a crucial role in muscle mass building and maintenance. The link between testosterone and bodybuilding has long been understood. It provides strength and power, and this is why testosterone-boosting products have always been popular.
The emphasis now is on natural testosterone boosters. Herbs and natural products like ashwagandha, fenugreek, and Tribulus Terrestris are known for their testosterone-enhancing qualities. The mineral zinc also plays an important role in testosterone production.
These natural testosterone boosters are considered safe, and each offers other benefits too for your health and general well-being.
Plant-Based Protein Powders
Eating enough protein sources is one of the top ways to break through a weight loss plateau because it offers the satiety other foods don’t. It’s also crucial for all-round health and plays a major role in building muscle mass.
When you don’t have time for a protein-rich meal, a shake made with protein powder does the trick. It’s also the ideal snack before and after a workout.
Interestingly, although protein powders still sell well, consumer interest in traditional protein supplements has declined. Meanwhile, there’s been a dramatic upsurge in interest in plant-based protein powders, such as pea protein.
Plant-based protein sources were often shunned by fitness enthusiasts in the past because most don’t offer the full profile of essential amino acids like animal proteins do. However, many of today’s plant-based protein powders are carefully formulated to offer all essential amino acids.
Natural/Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are no longer the sole domain of esoteric and alternative health practitioners. Their use is now much more widespread, thanks to the trend in recent years to forego lab-created products in favor of natural ones.
These include adaptogens like ashwagandha, functional mushroom powders, plant-based protein powders, collagen powders, and spices with anti-inflammatory properties. And fitness enthusiasts are also realizing the benefits of these herbal remedies.
Electrolyte Solutions
Long bouts of intensive (and the sweating that goes along with them) can cause dehydration. The simplest way to stay hydrated enough is to drink water. Check out our tips for how to drink more water if you find drinking enough water a challenge.
But water often isn’t enough to address the effects of dehydration, because dehydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are minerals that our bodies rely on for many of our blood chemistry, organ, and muscle processes. And that’s where the trend of drinking electrolyte solutions comes in.
Increased awareness about the importance of hydration, and the dangers of dehydration, have led to higher interest in electrolyte sports drinks. These are ideal for staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance during and after heavy workout routines.
Leave a Reply