Want to start taking a supplement, what is the most important one??

sskeckowski · 06-03-2008, 01:29 PM

I am looking into adding a supplement to my diet but there are just sooo many! I do a ton of cardio and am worried that I am using muscle as fuel. I started reading up on BCAA and am thinking about starting with these as well as creatine. What would be the number one most important supplement to take for gaining muscle?

IronFigure · 06-03-2008, 01:42 PM

I would suggest taking whey protein if you don't already, that's key! You'll also want a good BCAA for helping preserve the muscle you have. Creatine will help build muscle but so will the right diet along with it. I'd say those 3 supps would give you a fine baseline to start with. I highly recommend Controlled Labs 1)Purple Wrath (BCAA) 2) Green Magnitude (creatine)

They also make something called whiteflood if you need energy without the shakes most stimulants give.

C--Bass · 06-03-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sskeckowski

I am looking into adding a supplement to my diet but there are just sooo many! I do a ton of cardio and am worried that I am using muscle as fuel. I started reading up on BCAA and am thinking about starting with these as well as creatine. What would be the number one most important supplement to take for gaining muscle?

This is a great question. I bet there are a lot of females that have thought long and hard about this. "Am I getting the max from my training while sparing lean muscle tissue?"
First off, I was a PT for 5 years during and after college and heard all of the supplement pitches. "Take this" for recovery and "take that" for stamina......but what if you just want to train hard and look good?

Creatine will make your muscles engorge with fluid. I don't know if you want that or not. If you were/are a competitive athlete this might be a supplement that you could consider. It does work to increase lean muscle tissue but may give a slight bloat.

BCAA are a great way to spare lean muscle tissue and allows you to spare lean muscle tissue. Make sure you take them before you train and before bed to get the most from them.

Last, there are some really good products from Champion Nutrition as far as protein supplements go. My wife actually takes the Ultramet lite (has less calories than the normal Ultramet). Plus it has 50% of the RDA of Calcium...

Let us know if you have more questions......
Cheers,
CB

shortee2525 · 06-03-2008, 02:09 PM

I would say a good multivitamin!!

aosch · 06-03-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sskeckowski

I am looking into adding a supplement to my diet but there are just sooo many! I do a ton of cardio and am worried that I am using muscle as fuel. I started reading up on BCAA and am thinking about starting with these as well as creatine. What would be the number one most important supplement to take for gaining muscle?

If thats what you love doing is lots of cardio then take BCAA before or after your cardio sessions and take protein powder when ever you need some fast/easy protein.

Multivitamin would be good too if you don't already.

Creatine will not increase aerobic activity, you if plan on lifting heavy weghits and weight training, then I would advise to take creatine.

If any other questions pop up, ask them. Hope this helps.

sskeckowski · 06-03-2008, 05:01 PM

I think taking some sort of BCAA is a good idea especially since my low weight shows even the slightest muscle loss... though I plan on gaining and not maintaining! I have taken creatine in the past and I have noticed that it makes me feel really bloated pretty much everywhere. I know this sounds a little strange but when I was taking creatine, even if I bent my elbow, I felt like I was swelling with water! I already take a multivitamin and calcium supplements because I do have bone density loss.

chrissydd · 06-04-2008, 06:45 AM

If you plan on gaining then you seriously need to cut back on the cardio.....

and you need to lift heavy with a range of 8-10 reps and 3 to 4 sets

after your workout I would add a whey protein shake

BCAA's before and after workout... you can add the to your shake after and also some L- Glutimine added to you shake to help spare muscle loss

bachovas · 06-08-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sskeckowski

I think taking some sort of BCAA is a good idea especially since my low weight shows even the slightest muscle loss... though I plan on gaining and not maintaining! I have taken creatine in the past and I have noticed that it makes me feel really bloated pretty much everywhere. I know this sounds a little strange but when I was taking creatine, even if I bent my elbow, I felt like I was swelling with water! I already take a multivitamin and calcium supplements because I do have bone density loss.

If your goal is to gain some muscle I'd first and foremost recommend you to get some enzymes and/or probiotics to ensure proper assimilation of all the nutrients in your diet including supplements.

Said that, creatine is always a solid addition, if you get excessive bloating from it you are taking too much. The newer forms of creatine generally take care of this issue. Also, if you're feeling a little hardcore and are serious about your weight training, BCAA's during your workout would be a great addition, assuming you have your post-workout shake taken care of.