Fit For Life Approved Supplements
Boot Camp
5 Fit For Life Gym Approved Supplements
As a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach and gym owner, I understand the importance of nutrition and supplementation in achieving fitness goals. While a balanced diet should be the cornerstone of any fitness regimen, the right supplements can provide that extra boost to help you reach your full potential. Here are five Fit For Life Gym approved supplements that can aid in muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance.
1. Whey Protein Powder
Why We Love It: Whey protein is a fast-digesting protein that provides essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth. It’s particularly beneficial post-workout when your muscles are most receptive to nutrient uptake.
Benefits:
- Promotes muscle growth and recovery
- Supports weight management by enhancing satiety
- Easy to digest and absorb
How to Use: Mix a scoop of whey protein powder if you are under 150lbs, a scoop and a half if you are 155lbs to 170lbs and 175lbs and up take 2 scoops with water or milk within 30 minutes after your workout. It can also be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods for an extra protein boost.
Our top 3 to purchase
Naked Pea Protein (plant based)
2. Creatine
Why We Love It: Creatine is one of the most researched supplements and has been shown to enhance strength, increase lean muscle mass, and improve exercise performance.
Benefits:
- Boosts strength and power
- Enhances muscle growth
- Improves high-intensity exercise performance
How to Use: Take 3-5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily. It can be mixed with water or your post-workout shake. Consistency is key, so make it a part of your daily routine. Make sure to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water everyday to go along with supplementing creatine. You will not get the same results if you take it and you are dehydrated.
Our Choice
Bulk Supplements (Powder Unflavored)
3. Fish Oil
Why We Love It: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and aids in recovery, making it a staple in any fitness enthusiast’s supplement regimen.
Benefits:
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Reduces muscle soreness and inflammation
- Enhances joint health and flexibility
How to Use: Take 1-2 grams of fish oil daily with meals. Look for high-quality supplements that are free from heavy metals and other contaminants.
Our Choice
Nordic Naturals Fish Oil Capsules
4. ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium Aspartate, and Vitamin B6)
Why We Love It: ZMA is a powerful combination that supports muscle recovery, enhances sleep quality, and boosts testosterone levels, making it ideal for athletes and active individuals.
Benefits:
- Promotes muscle recovery and growth
- Improves sleep quality and duration
- Supports immune function
How to Use: Take ZMA 30-60 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach. Avoid taking it with calcium-rich foods, as calcium can interfere with the absorption of zinc and magnesium. The brand below should be the only brand you use. The other choices on Amazon are knock offs. Their ingredients are inferior. This results in them not working like they should and even side effects like loose stool. Stick with the SNAC brand.
5. Caffeine
Why We Love It: Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that can boost energy levels, improve focus, and enhance physical performance, especially during endurance activities.
Benefits:
- Increases alertness and concentration
- Enhances endurance and performance
- Helps with fat loss by boosting metabolism
How to Use: Consume 200-400 mg of caffeine 30-60 minutes before your workout. Be mindful of your total daily intake to avoid negative side effects such as jitteriness or disrupted sleep. I stongly suggest that you cut off caffeine by around 2 pm. It is already hard to unwind at night before bed with all the stimulation coming from screens. Having caffeine late can make going to bed really tough. There is a video below on sleep. Please watch it. Without good sleep, nothing on this list will be effective.
We all have our choices to make on caffeine. I do not recommend pre workout. They usually have other ingredients on top of the caffeine that are usually garbage. Stick to coffee, tea or a sugar free version of energy drinks that you trust. I will not suggest one. These energy drink companies are marketing aggressively these days and people are becoming brand loyal to them. If you want to know what I drink or what Brittany drinks, ask us in class.
Conclusion
While supplements can greatly enhance your fitness journey, they should complement a well-rounded diet and consistent workout routine. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health needs and fitness goals. At Fit For Life Gym, we’re committed to helping you achieve your best self, both in and out of the gym. Stay fit, stay healthy, and keep pushing towards your goals!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or for personalized supplement recommendations tailored to your fitness journey. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the Author
Tim Gojich
Tim is certified as Nutritional and Lifestyle Coach, Golf Bio-mechanics Specialist and Post Rehab certified and many other special certifications that make him one of the sought after trainers in Bakersfield. Tim started Get Fit Boot Camp to fill a void in the Bakersfield area.
