Robert asked:


We’ve all heard of steroids, prohormones, and protein powders. And we know that the supplement industry is a billion dollar industry, often feeding on the weaknesses of people hoping to make dramatic changes to their physiques in a short period of time. But how do we know which muscle building supplements are the most popular, and how they affect the health of their users?

We could look at some retail websites and see the top-selling supplements on their home pages, or, alternatively, we can examine what people are searching for on the Internet. (It is reasonable to assume that the most searched supplements are also going to be purchased relatively more frequently.) This article will look at the latter option. Since we don’t have solid statistics, one reasonable way to estimate search traffic is to take one website which has supplement reviews as the major component of its content, and analyse the web server logs.

What we found was rather troublesome in some respects. The number one supplement in terms of Internet searches leading to this website, by a factor of greater than 2 over the next product, is RPN Havoc. This is thought by many people to be a prohormone, but it is, in fact, a “designer steroid”. How, might you ask, is a steroid generally available to the public when steroids are supposed to be illegal? As it goes, the well-known steroids and prohormones of the “past” are controlled substances, meaning that you need a prescription to buy and use them legally. But in the past few years there has been a gold-rush of marketing modified versions of old steroids; this is technically legal, since these modified substances in particular have not yet been banned. They are being sold OTC to an unsuspecting public that does not know the potential perils of using them without proper monitoring, support, and post-cycle therapy. In fact, one such OTC “supplement” known as Superdrol, was the culprit for kidney and liver failure of one bodybuilder, who used it according to directions on the label. Superdrol was discontinued by its manufacturer, but its ingredient is still used in other OTC products today, some of them purportedly even more potent.

Reading the forums, one gets the impression that many of these strength and muscle supplements are used by teenagers and early-twenties bodybuilders who have not yet reached their maximum potential from natural, i.e., non-hormonal, training and nutrition methods. What does not seem to get discussed is whether these hormonal products are actually beneficial in the long term. In this context, we deem beneficial to mean that the user has reached some strength or muscle mass goal with minimal side effects, and managed to hold onto their gains by switching to natural methods. Apparently, all or most people believe that with proper “PCT” (Post Cycle Therapy), they can hold onto their gains indefinitely. However, this fundamental assumption has been challenged – just do a Google search on “anabolic steroids +permanent +gains”, and you will find some very interesting results. At least several highly experienced bodybuilders, who have used large quantities of steroids in the past, have categorically stated that within a period of six months to a year, they had lost all of their steroid-related gains, even though they had practised good natural training and nutrition upon cessation of their steroid use. Other people claim otherwise, however. It is, nonetheless, common sense to assume that the human body will revert back to natural, genetically-predisposed hormone levels after a while. The point here is that it is not fully known whether gains can be held onto or not in the long run.

In conclusion, people are spending vast sums of money on hormonal supplements that may not produce any long-term benefits, and may cause undesirable side effects. Perhaps with more research and enough education, we might come to realize that natural methods of training and nutrition are far more healthy for us and can produce the best long-term gains. Other popular types of supplements used for building muscle mass and strength, such as creatine, whey protein, and quality carbohydrates, are known for their health benefits, and can be used long-term without any cause for concern. In any case, it is important to read reviews of muscle building supplements to learn about other users’ experiences with them, and hopefully avoid potential problems down the road.



Build Muscle

CHRIS WEST asked:


Creatine has a pivotal role to play in muscle building, and while you are being educated on creatine, you are actually learning a lot about muscle building too.  The second part teaches you how to extract the best out of creatine supplements. Creatine supplementation actually helps in maximizing the reserves in your body for optimal use. If you intend to use it like any other supplement you might not gain what you should have, so then a bit of learning is essential. Product labels do not contain the actual information; it is of no use basically.

A Creatine Guide will help you to use the supplement in the most beneficial way for your muscle building and your health. You will learn about the dosage that you should use and what the effects of each level of dosage will be.  You will also learn about handling creatine and the maintenance and washing out phase of engaging in supplementation.  There are a number of techniques that are used with creatine that can increase the effectiveness and the safety of using it.  There can be some great results achieved with these techniques.  Not everyone looks forward to the idea of learning something, but if it is effective it makes the whole process a little easier. 

The e-book not only deals with the supplementation part, but also includes the meals to be taken pre and post workouts. The Author believes in creating an anabolic environment and presets the guidelines for doing so. He also emphasizes on the glutamine content, proteins and other supplements. He also narrates the role of every supplement on human body; which is unique and quite helpful.

The various types of creatine supplements available in the market today are highlighted in the third section. How safe are these supplements, the common FAQs are sorted out here. The Author goes into the details of the supplements and the associate side effects; he distinguishes the facts from the myth. He gives us a true picture of the products and does away with the fear of supplementation.

The guide will also discuss all of the different processes that are used in creatine synthesis.  There is a recommendation of a higher quality supplement when you are using this in your program.  The manufacturers that offer a higher quality creatine are mentioned so that you can choose the best for your program.  The dosage, meal plans, and all of the information that you will need to use this supplement. 

The e-book comes with a lifetime update facility absolutely free of cot. Creatine is quite a new concept yet, as it has not stepped into its 15th anniversary. There are many facts yet to be told and many more for us to learn. All the latest information about products and supplements are available herein.

The book is well organized and easy to use.  The continuous updates make it a very inexpensive way to learn about creatine.  The Creatine Guide is a must have for those who are interested in using this supplement in their workout. 

By the time that you finish going through the guide, you will have all of the information that you need to effectively use creatine in your workout.  It is an inexpensive way to learn about one of the most effective methods that you can use to increase the effectiveness of your workout.  If you are planning to add creatine to your workout routine, you should have as much information as you can on its use.



Muscle Gain

If you’re old enough to remember, or lucky enough to have saved some bodybuilding magazines from the 80’s then you could see which muscle building supplements they were advertising then and which ones are still being advertised today. There’s a few that have carried on because they work. Truth is, so many products come and go because they’re fads and simply don’t do what they promised.

It’s easy to get your head spinning and wondering about all the ads in the mags and what people say about this new product and that. If you’re serious about bodybuilding but haven’t been at it for several years or you aren’t getting ready for a contest, then the best advice about muscle building supplements is “stick to the basics”.

There have been a few constant, proven supplements that have helped people speed up their muscle building process. Products that have not gone away and won’t because they are part of the basic building blocks of a complete bodybuilding program. Here they are:

1) Protein Supplements (Whey Protein, Meal Replacements, Protein Bars)

2) Creatine

3) Glutamine

4) Multivitamins & Minerals

5) Essencial Fatty Acids

6) Glucosamine

1) Whey Protein

Since muscles require protein and lots of it for growth we give the NO.1 spot to protein. Of all the types of protein available whey protein is the beat you can put into your body. Why? Because it rates highest in “bio-availability” meaning the largest amounts will be absorbed into your body than any other type of protein.

Whey Protein has all of the essential amino acids and is high in the Branch Chain Amino Acids which will prevent your muscle tissue from breaking down during your workouts.

The two main types of whey protein you’ll find on the market are isolate and concentrate. Both are of the highest quality and the difference is isolate tends to mix better in liquid and some people say it tastes better. You can also buy products which are a mixture of both isolate and concentrate whey protein.

To make sure you get all your protein requirements every day, whey protein is the way to go.

Meal Replacements (MRP’s)

Meal replacement powders have become very popular probably because of their convenience. Whereas whey protein has just one type of protein and no real amounts of carbs, fats, or vitamins and minerals, a MRP usually has several types of protein like casein, milk, egg, and whey combined along with carbs, vitamins and minerals so it really is more of a meal.

The good thing about MRP’s is the convenient packets and the more complete nutrient value but the the downside is they are more expensive than the pure protein products.

Protein Bars

Protein bars can have their place. You can take them anywhere with you and just start chewing, no powders to mix or anything like that so convenience is really the key with bars. The downside is they are usually higher in sugar and are made with a lower quality protein found in the other products mentioned above..

2) Creatine

This supplement is the most popular muscle building product used today, and for good reason… it really does work. It has been proven in the lab and in the gym.

Here’s what it does for you:

1) will increase your lean muscle and strength

2) will speed up your recovery time

3) decrease lactic acid production

4) decrease mental fatigue

Recently, more studies have been made on creatine and there is great news about it’s benefits for not only muscle builders but for all around health. It has been shown to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. It improves sarcopenia which is a loss of muscle mass due to aging, improves function of the brain, and improves cardiac function in those with congestive heart failure.

A truly modern supper supplement if ever there was one.

3) Glutamine

Glutamine another of the basic and essential muscle building supplements. It’s noticeable effects won’t be as instant as creatine but rather help you get faster overall gains in the long term. It is one of the amino acids who’s major role is to make protein for your body. It promotes muscle growth while decreasing muscle catabolism, which is when your muscles get stressed and start to break down after being heavily stressed from a hard workout which will have a negative affect on the glutamine levels in your body. Providing sufficient amounts of glutamine will eliminate this muscle-robbing catabolic state.

Your body gets gluamine from protien-rich foods like diary, poultry, red meat, fish and beans but to get a lot of it you’d have to eat real large amounts of these foods so a supplement for additional glutamine is a good idea.

4) Multivitamins & Minerals

In a perfect world, with a perfectly balanced diet you wouldn’t need to take a multivitamin & mineral pill but unfortunately most of us don’t eat perfectly balanced diets and if we did chances of our food being nutrient rich and organic are not too good.

There are thousands of reactions going on in our bodies which rely on enzymes. Vitamins ensure that enzymes are there in quality and quantity to make sure these chemical reactions happen efficiently in our bodies constantly.

So vitamins are important for overall health but for muscle building as well. Hard workouts will tax many vitamins in your body and therefore to keep the muscle building process happening in a positive way, supplementation is key.

5) Essential Fatty Acids

A good portion of your diet needs to be fat. No, not the kind that comes from greasy fries or doughnuts but the good, natural fat we can get from peanuts, avocados, cold water fish like salmon, olive oil and flax seed oil.

Fatty acids will improve your metabolism, increase your testosterone production and your growth hormone secretion therefore playing an important role in building muscle.

6) Glucosamine

When glutamine joins forces with glucose, they form a sulfate called glucosamine. Most simple carbohydrates are used as an energy source but glucosamine gets right into the structure of your body tissues.

The sulfate chondroitin can also help to prevent injuries by getting around your joint surfaces and giving a smooth range of motion. This works well with glucosamine and some companies have created products using both.

Not only does it help in reducing joint inflammation and pain, it actually treats the problem by rebuilding damaged cartilage and connective tissue.

There you have it, the top 6 best muscle building supplements you can use to round out your work out program to get the maximum amount of gains. Remember, these supplements won’t work unless you do! Most of your gains will come from hard work and a good diet. Used as part of a good training program you will see results a lot faster with the proper supplements.

Muscle Building

Shawn Lebrun asked:


Eating right is going to help you maximize your muscle building efforts.

It isn’t always easy though to devise a plan that has everything your body is going to need.

That is why so many people turn to supplements. Many of them are high quality products that can offer you what you lack.

However, you need to choose supplements for muscle building very carefully. Some of them aren’t going to help you at all.

It is essential that your muscle building plan includes plenty of water.

Your body is going to use plenty of it for weight lifting and strength training activities.

You don’t want to become dehydrated. It is believed that you will use up to 6% more water when you are muscle building.

Therefore you need to increase what you consume by two or three glasses each day.

There aren’t any muscle building supplements out there to get around this so make sure you make it a priority.

You want to look for muscle building supplements that offer the essentials.

It can be tempting to for those that advertise all the additional benefits but if they don’t have the basics covered as well those extra elements really aren’t going to benefit you anyway.

Look for those that offer essential vitamins and minerals in them. Your body will need them in order to for muscle building to take place.

Getting enough fatty acids can be difficult when you are muscle building so look for supplements that offer them. Many also have antioxidants in them as well.

This is beneficial as it will help to remove toxins from your body.

As a result you will be healthier and that means your body can allocate more nutrients to the muscle building process.

This is going to help you gain your muscle mass faster and that will keep you motivated to continue working on it.

There are supplements out there that are considered to be meal replacements. You can rely on them when you need to in order to get the nutrition that you need.

Some people take them in addition to their normal meals because they simply aren’t able to consume all the calories their body needs during muscle building activities.

You will have to figure out how to use them to benefit your body the most.

Protein supplements work the same way. If your not able to reasonably consume the amount of protein you need with food you have to get it some how.

This is a great way to make sure your body gets everything it needs for muscle building.

Meal replacements and protein supplements also come in handy when you just don’t have the time to eat the foods you need in order to maximize your muscle building efforts.

Pay attention to how your own body is reacting to supplements you take for muscle building. If a particular product isn’t working for you then stop taking it.

You should be feeling great when you use them and see results of your muscle building activities.

If you feel sluggish or worn down then it can be a sign that you need to change what supplements you use.



Muscle Gain