Mike's Top Supplements for Fitness Enthusiasts

Is there any big surprise that this makes #1 on the list? Protein is important because it is required for the growth and repair of all tissue. The most popular protein supplement is whey, which synthesizes with the greatest efficiency when compared to other sources. Casein is another popular form of protein used for late evening consumption due to its slower release into the bloodstream. Whey and other forms of protein can be consumed individually, however studies have shown that a blend of proteins is the most effective way to keep your body in a state of muscle building! A good rule of thumb is to consume at least 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight every day. Here are my top recommended protein blend brands:

1. Cytosport Musclemilk Collegiate: A delicious choice, this protein is ideal for "hard-gainers" who need extra calories and nutrition to make lean mass gains.

2. Optimum Nutrition Pro-Complex: An unbeatable quality blend of proteins to ensure your body digests them at different rates and therefore remains in a muscle-building state.

Has there ever been a person who, at some point in their lives, did not fantasize about having an impressive lean and ripped physique? I would highly doubt that, and I'm sure you would too. Everywhere you look today, movies, media, and television fabricate the ideal human physique in the minds of countless Americans. While few people will ever reach the (often) airbrushed or photo-shopped look of the celebrity world, a good fitness and nutrition plan will go a long way. However with a slow metabolism, this simply isn't enough. Thats where the shock-wave that is thermogenics comes into play. Thermogenic burners increase your metabolism to burn calories faster and store less fat. Most contain caffeine in amounts that range from equaling one to as many as five cups of coffee.. So be careful when taking these, and definitely don't take them before bed. Here are my top recommended thermogenic burners:

1. USP Labs OxyElite Pro: When I first came across OxyElite, I was skeptical of the results people were claiming. However $30 later, all of my doubts were laid to rest. This breakthrough burner is one easy pill per day.. Expect results.
2. USP Labs Recreate: A good alternative to OxyElite. Intensely thermogenic, these pills don't seem to contain as much caffeine as the latter, but you know you are burning calories because you will sweat more and feel noticeably warmer doing any physical activities.

Pre-workout supplements are formulated to push you to get the most out of your workouts. Most contain combinations of creatine, nitric oxide, caffeine, amino acids, BCAAs, glutamine and other nutrients. These can be extremely powerful and should not be used casually, as you can expect increased blood flow, better mental focus, enhanced muscle pumps and increased energy. One thing worth mentioning here is that both men and women can benefit from these products. Here are my top recommended pre-workout supplements:

1. USP Labs Jack3d: A powder blend containing schizandrol A, caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine monohydrate. This stuff has exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It can help you lift heavier weight, bust out more reps and have long lasting energy. The best if you lack motivation before going to the gym.

2. SuperPump MAX: A new supplement that is shown to increases endurance capacity, fight muscle soreness and fatigue, and enhance nitric oxide levels and vasodilation. An upgrade from their previous top supplement, SuperPump 250.

Everyone needs vitamins, especially active people. Vitamins are used in small quantities for controlling metabolic processes. They are made up of various organic substances and are found in the tissue of plants and animals. If you want to be successful in achieving peak capabilities, you need to provide your body with everything it needs! Each vitamin has a specific responsibility. The most important vitamins, essential to successful physical performance are as follows:

Vitamin A: Maintain skin and mucous membranes. Contributes to the function of night vision.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Carbohydrate metabolism along with the function of your nervous system.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Metabolism of energy and cell maintenance, including repair of cells following injury.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Numerous responsibilities in various bodily functions and the reduction of high cholesterol.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Nerve transmission, memory, and is crucial in the metabolism of energy.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Metabolism of sugar, fat and protein.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Metabolism of protein and fat and aid in red blood cell production.
Vitamin B15 (Pangamate): Respiration, protein synthesis, and regulation of steroid hormones. Increases blood and oxygen supplies to tissue.
Folic Acid (Folacin): Helps with red blood cell formation.
Biotin: Helps metabolize carbohydrates and fats.
Choline: Crucial in brain function (memory) and plays a role in metabolizing fat and cholesterol.
Inositol: Acts with choline in metabolizing fat and cholesterol. Plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses.
Para-amino-benzoic acid (PABA): Normal skin and hair growth.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Involved in various bodily functions (immune system anyone?).
Bioflavonoids: Contribute to the strength of your capillaries and help to protect vitamin C stores in your body.
Vitamin D (Calciferol): Regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism in your body.
Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol succinate): Fighting free radical damage inside your body. Sometimes called the "anti-aging" elixir.
Vitamin K: Proper blood clotting. It is synthesized in the intestinal flora.

Most people would hesitate if they had to take a pill for each vitamin needed, hence the multi-vitamin. There are varying levels to what multi-vitamins contain, but ideally they would have at minimum, all of the above listed. Here are my top recommended multi-vitamin brands:

1. GNC Megamen Sport: Great all around multi-vitamin that will boost your energy. Has everything you need and more in one pill.
2. Orange Triad!: Orange Triad combines key vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for supporting optimal digestion, immune system, and joint health into one "twice daily" dietary supplement.

Wouldn't it be great if there existed a supplement that by itself can actually improve strength performance? I'm sure you already heard of it. Studies have confirmed that under certain conditions (short-duration, high-intensity athletic activities), taking creatine supplements can improve strength performance. Some studies even reported increased lean body mass. There are several negative myths surround creatine, which may deter people from using this amazing supplement. The truth is, the only thing you should really focus on doing while taking creatine supplements is consuming adequate water (at least a gallon per day). Here are my top recommended creatine brands:

1. Sci-fit Kre-Alkalyn 1500: One of the more recent breakthroughs in creatine. Unlike the more common form, monohydrate, Kre-Alkalyn creatine has a far superior absorbtion rate and produces greater results in smaller quantities. Comes in pill form for ultimate convenience.
2. Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine: A high quality creatine that boasts 99.9% pure monohydrate per serving. Not to be outdone by competitors, O.N. has made this creatine odor and tasteless and easily dissolves in water or juice.

The subtitle sums it all up. Don't buy supplements unless you know you can benefit from them! There are a lot of phony products out there, and there is a reason why some supplements have a disclaimer that says: "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease".

There are a lot of supplement categories that are arguably just as important/useful as those mentioned above, (fish oil, N.O., amino acids, and natural growth enhancers come to mind) but these are tried and true favorites. I can't stress enough how important it is to only take supplements along with a healthy diet and an effective fitness plan. With hard work and dedication, you too can have the Hollywood body everyone dreams of! Feel free to message me with any questions!