Do you really have to buy all those supplements to grow muscle?
February 27th, 2009 Posted by: Jon Cardozo
Often one of the first things a person thinks about when initiating a bodybuilding program is buying supplements. Many people begin to consider buying a host of supplements before they have even settled on their exact weight training program or a diet plan.
I guess that’s the way things are in today’s society. People are always looking for an easy way to reach their goals or get out of their problems. We’re so used to commercials on TV and billboards all across the highway displaying the latest weight loss pill or get rich quick scheme. We expect everything to happen quickly and without much effort.
Though this may be received as a bold and controversial statement, I would assert that few if any supplements are really needed to accomplish muscle weight gain. I refer specifically to steroid alternatives and other supplements meant to enhance muscle growth without any further action from the consumer.
A careful distinction must be made here between these kinds of supplements which may not be necessary or even safe in the long term, and other supplements which promote general health such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and the like. Nor am I referring to pure protein supplements that can help provide extra food in a convenient manner.
We won’t even talk about steroids because most people know how harmful they can be. Even so, many people spend much of their hard earned money on steroid alternatives in the hopes that they will have quick and easy muscle growth.
Whether you believe it or not, the fundamentals of muscle building haven’t changed. Progressive resistance training, which means gradually lifting heavier weights, along with increasing your calories is all it really takes. Oh yeah, you also need patience, commitment and discipline. Not the most glamorous words, but they’re effective.
If your friends at the gym are insisting that you need the latest supplement fad, don’t listen. Don’t even think about buying these kinds of products until you have reached an advanced level. Even then, there are really only a few supplements that you should consider for a little bit of a boost. However, if your fundamentals are not right, then the supplements will be completely worthless.
I know this isn’t the most exciting message you have heard, because it actually means you’ll have to put in some effort to get the job done. In the long run, however, you’ll be thanking me. You’ll get the results you want without having to fork over your precious earnings on some worthless supplements.
