Tag: Bodybuilding supplements

Resources by Conor HeffernanSep 13, 20182:47 pm

Guest Post: Protein Supplementation – A Complete History

17515059144_0c00126d67_z

Whey protein is probably the most widely consumed fitness supplement in existence. It’s a simple product. It contains protein, which is a vital part of building muscle. Without enough protein, your body will not be able to repair itself as effectively, and your growth will slow.

The reason many people turn to Whey Protein as another source of protein, is because not only is it such a simple and easy source, but it’s relatively inexpensive. It’s also one of the best sources of protein you can get, even among whole foods, only beaten by the egg.

Old School Supplements: Choline and Inositol

The early forerunners of bodybuilding were adventurous in every sense of the word. From 20 rep squats to raw meat, these men and women stopped at nothing in the pursuit of pure, unadulterated muscle. For muscle anoraks like me, this pursuit resulted in a series of supplements being used, which of course, had varying levels of success.

Though we’ve previously covered old school supplements such as Bob Hoffman’s fish protein powder (excuse me while I gag…), it seemed about time to study a supplement that may actually benefit the current bodybuilding populace.

These ‘vitamins’, combined together, were thought to increase one’s energy and strength levels, lower their body fat and even protect one’s heart and liver. The last benefit being one of major importance at a time when steroids were beginning to hit the scene and few knew what side effects if any they may have.

We are of course, referring to choline and inositol, a power couple used by iron heads for decades with varying results.

Resources by Conor HeffernanJan 1, 201812:25 pm

A History of Pre-Workout Supplements

Situated halfway between the gym and the nightclub, pre-workout supplements have taken on a remarkable popularity amongst gym goers in recent years. Labelled with ‘hardcore’ names such as ‘Anarchy’, ‘Mr. Hyde’ or ‘Rage’, the pre-workout supplement has become a staple amongst portions of the lifting community.

Indeed, one may be forgiven for thinking that bodybuilders, powerlifters, weight lifters and just about anyone else who has ever graced the gym floor have been using these supplements since the dawn of gym going. This however, is not the case. In fact, the first major pre workout supplements did not hit the markets since the 1980s.

So what came before the pre-workout supplement? What did bodybuilders do in the time of physical culture or the time of Arnold and co.? Furthermore when did pre-workouts hit the market? And why did they become so popular? An ambitious set of questions, which today’s article seeks to answer.

Resources by Conor HeffernanOct 16, 20174:48 pm

The Controversial History of ZMA

One of the unquestioned staples of bodybuilding supplementation, ZMA is often up there with creatine and protein in terms of popularity. Rumoured to increase testosterone, muscle mass and your chance of bizarre dreams, ZMA is promoted as a cheap and effective supplement for the average gym goer.

In my own brief training experience, it’s something I’ve used on a regular basis not because of its observable benefits, but because people talk about it so damn much. So my own conformity aside, it’s important to note that ZMA’s history and effectiveness is far more suspect than we might consider. That’s putting it mildly.

Resources by Conor HeffernanSep 29, 201712:17 pm

Why Dropping An (Vitamin) E Is Great Nutritional Advice

Image source

When it comes to pills, the best ones to drop are A, C, and D. These are the three top vitamins which keep the body healthy and in shape. But, there is another vitamin which gets ignored. It’s vitamin E, and it has as many health benefits as all three of the above put together. “But, how can that be? I’ve never heard of it before!” E is one of the lesser known nutritional titans, yet the effects are irrefutable.

Below are the reasons why dropping an E is an excellent way to stay healthy.

Nutrition by Conor HeffernanAug 28, 20175:02 pm

Forgotten Bodybuilding Supplements: Desiccated Liver

27b8b4a865b7598bd1dadcf86ee032ce--health-care-health-fitness.jpg

At a time when anabolic steroids were in their infancy, bodybuilders were turning to an altogether different sort of wonder substance. Said to increase one’s energy, muscle mass and overall wellbeing, this product was cheap, easy to take and used by some of the top bodybuilders of the time.

I am of course referring to Desiccated Liver, a supplement form of liver, popularised from the 1950s onwards by a series of bodybuilding gurus. In today’s post we’re going to examine what exactly Desiccated Liver was, who used it and finally what benefits they believed it provided. We’ll then finish up with a brief discussion about whether or not it should form part of your own supplement stack.

Resources by Conor HeffernanJun 30, 20176:41 am

Guest Post: What Is Creatine Monohydrate – An In Depth Guide

creatine-mono-powder

For anybody out there looking to build muscle, burn fat, tone up, and just generally build themselves an aesthetic physique to be proud of, bodybuilding/health supplements are incredibly useful tools to have at your disposal.

The main issue that people tend to have with these supplements, however, is that they simply don’t quite know how to use them correctly, or they may expect too much from them.

Resources by Conor HeffernanApr 10, 20174:04 pm

A History of Pre-Workout Supplements

Resources by Conor HeffernanMar 28, 20174:20 pm

Old School Supplements: Choline and Inositol

We are of course, referring to choline and inositol, a power couple used by iron heads for decades with varying results.

Nutrition by Conor HeffernanMar 14, 20173:54 pm

Guest Post: The Evolution of Supplements

7703353570_a196bbca48_b

Our latest post comes from the wonderful and talented Samantha Olivier from Ripped.me. We’re delighted to have Samantha featured on the site again and know you’ll enjoy her latest piece.

There is quite a bit of hearsay as well as a slew of myths that obfuscate the truth behind supplements. Well, I would ignore the things you’ve heard through the grapevine and focus on solid facts instead. The story about the evolution of supplements is a stirring one, full of unexpected plots, developments, twists and turns. More importantly, it teaches us a lot about the products that have quickly transformed from unknown interlopers to lead actors on the central stage of fitness.