Sports Supplements Secrets to Boost Your Stamina, Speed, and Strength
Written by Gemma, 17 October 2016
Dieticians and fitness professionals are often asked the same question again and again, “What’s your secret?” It’s as if those who want to see better results from their workouts assume that there is a magic pill or a silver bullet that will help them achieve their fitness goals.
The truth is that there are some sports supplements that will alter the goals of those who take them. There are some “secrets” that professionals know that most may not. Here are some of the most powerful supplement secrets to being fitter, faster, and healthier.
L-Glutamine
Glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid in our bodies. It’s how our bodies get nitrogen around and is highly responsible for the metabolism our bodies have. It also aids with our immune systems and restoring our energy.
What’s the secret?
Taking a glutamine supplement is a great way to see better results if you’re trying to cut weight or build up muscle fast. You won’t risk losing your energy after a particularly gruelling workout session or game. You won’t lose your energy reserves as fast as your opponent, and you’ll see the weight fall off easier if you’re on a glutamine supplement to boost the production and transportation of nitrogen around your body.
Casein protein is one of those sports supplements that everybody should know but don’t. Casein is a naturally found protein in milk and dairy. It’s an effective time-released protein over a period of about 7 hours. Whey protein powder from NZ is a natural buddy of casein because the two work together. Whey is also a protein found in milk, but it peaks its protein delivery in about 90 minutes.
What’s the secret?
Combining the two proteins will see a slow and fast protein delivery to your body. That means you can re-build your muscles in record time after an intense workout. Your improved anabolic processes mean rapid recovery and building of muscle mass. So, if your goal is to bulk up, these sports supplements are absolutely essential and used by bodybuilders the world over.
This is a non-essential amino acid that regulates our body’s ability to handle carnosine in our muscles. It’s a stabilising agent that keeps the PH balance in our muscles at peak levels. Those who are involved in serious aerobic activity and high-intensity sports need this regulator amino acid in their bodies.
What’s the secret?
This is a relatively unheard sports supplement among the regular supplements people know. That’s why this little secret is so powerful. It boosts your body’s endurance levels. You won’t get tired out too fast with no build-up of acid in your muscles to fatigue you early on. That fatigue delay means you can perform faster, longer, and continue on past the breaking point of all other competitors. This makes it particularly useful for bodybuilders and is one of the most used bodybuilding supplements in NZ.
It’s hard to compile a list of secret sports supplements without mention of this powerful supplement. It’s a naturally forming acid that your body uses to increase the energy delivery to your muscles. It’s used best in combination with a supplement like whey which increases performance in the muscles and the high-intensity actions it’s called to do.
What’s the secret?
Of all the analogies for this supplement, the best way to understand creatine powder is as a second battery in your car. It supplements the power and energy so that you have reserves when needed. Unlike all other supplements, this comes with a high level of response, with no adverse side effects through its intensive research and use. In other words, it’s one of those “secrets” that you’ll learn everybody already knows.
This is a naturally occurring sugar substances formed by glucose and the glutamine amino acid. It helps rebuild and protect the joints in our bodies. They also help with pain relief and inflammation related to joints.
What’s the secret?
Any amount of physical activity will see an increased amount of strain on your joints. This could be your shoulders, your knees, or your hips. Keeping those joints looked after and healthy is the key to consistent performance over the long term. Most people involved in some form of exercise aren’t interested in short-term gains and results. They want a healthy body to last for years to come. Maintaining your joints is crucial to see that happen over the long term.
The next time you see a successful athlete or bodybuilder, you won’t have to ask them for their secret. You’ll already have the best sports supplements for your healthy and active body. Start taking some of these “silver bullets” as a part of your healthy exercise regimen and soon you’ll have people coming up to asking for your secret.
5 SUREFIRE WAYS TO INCREASE ENERGY ALL DAY
In a world where being highly motivated, focussed and energised are daily requirements to succeed, we need all the help we can get…and some days coffee alone just doesn’t cut it!
In this article we will look at the top 5 ways to increase energy all day.
1. Sleep
Sleep – This might sound strange but sleep duration and quality is the most effective predictor of energy the next day. If you are feeling lethargic, tired or irritable, sleep should be your priority.
Simply achieving 7.5 hours of unbroken quality sleep can be life changing for daily energy and motivation.
Here are some quick tips to get the best sleep.
Sleep before midnight is 2x more beneficial than after midnight.
Plan to be in bed 8 hours before you need to wake up. 30 mins to doze off and get settled.
Use Magnesium which has been shown to improve sleep quality and increase energy through the day.
Read a book to wind down. Don’t rely on digital games, social media or watching TV.
Don’t eat within 2 hours of bedtime. The digestion and blood sugar fluctuations can prevent getting to sleep and staying asleep.
Don’t drink too much water before bed. Getting up to go to the toilet can disrupt quality sleep.
Reduce alcohol. Even though it is a sedative it can reduce deep sleep where recovery happens.
Reduce caffeine and stimulants after 2pm. Caffeine will still be in your system 6-8 hours after consumption.
Use Ashwagandha. This Ayurvedic herb has been shown to reduce cortisol and promote better sleep quality.
Pro Tip: Switch Nutrition Adrenal Switch™ is your go to product containing Ashwagandha and Magnesium to reduce stress, improve sleep and increase energy the next day!
2. Caffeine
Still KING for energy… however, you can get too much of a good thing and certain forms are better than others. Yes, caffeine boosts energy, alertness, focus, motivation, and performance. However, too much caffeine can cause a crash, tiredness, diarrhoea and an increasing dependence or addiction.
It is not uncommon for people to start with 100mg (1 cup of coffee) and before long need 300mg (triple shot) to get the same benefit. This is called adrenal resistance. Your body is producing adrenaline in response to the caffeine, but you are not responding to it as well.
This can be unhealthy as your adrenals are working overtime to call up the energy, but your brain and muscles are not picking up the phone.
Natural caffeine provides all the benefits of synthetic caffeine anhydrous but has a smoother, longer lasting feeling without the crash or chemical residues of synthetic caffeine. You will find natural caffeine in Switch Nutrition Coffee Switch™ (for your coffee lovers), Power Switch™ (Pre-Workout) and Thermal Switch™ (for the fat burning energy chaser).
3. Move
Regular exercise is far more effective at boosting energy than a remaining sedentary and conserving energy. Moving at regular intervals helps boost blood flow and improve insulin sensitivity which results in more energy being utilised by your working muscles and your brain.
In fact, one study found that sedentary people with persistent tiredness and fatigue reduced their tiredness by 65% with regular exercise. In another study just 10 minutes of walking increased energy more than a sugary snack.
So, get away from your desk for 10 minutes each hour and go for a walk or do some movement that increases your heart rate and improves your blood flow.
4. Nootropics
There is a new class of botanical compounds that help enhance focus and mental energy while reducing fatigue. They are called Nootropics!
Nootropic is the term given to a compound that boosts cognitive function. Some nootropics are gabanergic (calming) and others are adrenergic (excitatory). Some boost mood, focus, mind-muscle connection, and others enhance learning or memory recall.
EnXtra®
EnXtra® - Alpina Galanga is the source of this NEW patented natural compound that amplifies the benefit of caffeine by 30% for up to 5 hours without jitters or a crash. It is thought to act as an adaptogen allowing your body and brain to respond positively to stimulants and stress.
EnXtra® boosts dopamine receptors and down regulates adenosine. This means it may enhance motivation, happiness, satisfaction and focus while reducing fatigue and tiredness.
EnXtra® has been shown to increase alertness with or without caffeine by 100% over placebo. In 2019 it won the prestigious Nutraingredients Best New Ingredient Award. You should make sure this ingredient is in your next pre-workout or focus supplement.
Hordenine
Hordenine – Found in Hordeum vulgare, this neuro stimulant works by inhibiting MAO (MonoAmine Oxidase). This inhibition reduces the metabolism and breakdown of catecholamines (adrenaline, dopamine etc). Simply put, Hordenine keeps you focused and motivated for longer.
In a 2009 study hordenine showed to peak energy at 60 – 90 minutes after consumption and significantly increase energy burned over placebo. You will find hordenine in Thermal Switch™ & Power Switch™.
Theobromine
Theobromine – Found in Theobroma cacao (chocolate), this unique stimulant also possesses vasodilating benefits. This means it may boost your energy and focus while enhancing blood flow for greater muscle performance and recovery.
In addition to this, Theobromine has bronchodilation benefits that may support better respiratory performance.
Theobromine can be found in the following big hitting energy formulas… Coffee Switch™, Thermal Switch™ & Power Switch™.
NeuroFactor®
NeuroFactor® - Coffea Arabica Fruit Extract is the source of this highly researched ingredient. It has been shown in clinical trials to boost BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor) by 143%.
BDNF is a protein peptide that helps improve the architecture of the brain to boost its processing speed and memory recall. In fact, as we age, lowered levels of BDNF is thought to result in lowered mental performance and potential onset of age-related cognitive decline and a decrease in mental energy.
Neurofactor® may be more helpful for learning and memory. However, it does help support focus and energy so it’s a nice addition to your pre-workout (Power Switch™), thermogenic (Thermal Switch™) or nootropic coffee supplement (Coffee Switch™).
Ketones
Exogenous Ketones are a recent supplement super star. They entered the market in 2017 and have continued to show promise in study after study.
They work by essentially putting your body into a temporary state of ketosis even if you aren’t following a ketogenic diet.
Once the ketones are circulating in your body they not only provide energy to your cells but they signal certain processes to occur.
Up Regulate Mitochondrial Biogenesis – Ketones signal your body to produce more new healthy mitochondria. The mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells. This is where your energy gets converted from fats and some carbs.
Down Regulate Ghrelin – Ghrelin is a hunger hormone. Ketones have the ability to reduce ghrelin which can significantly reduce cravings and hunger. This may stop you looking for that quick fix snack.
Increase BDNF – Like NeuroFactor®, ketones can boost brain function, and like MCT oil, they pass through the blood brain barrier providing energy to your brain to boost alertness and focus without stimulation of your central nervous system and without an increase in blood pressure or heart rate.
You will find Ketones in Keto Switch™ or a precursor to ketones in MCT Oil Powder. They both help boost mood, focus, energy and productivity.
5. Eat Wholefoods
Nutritious healthy balanced meals can make all the difference to your daily energy needs. When you eat rubbish, you will feel rubbish. What goes up must come down. What I mean by this is too many simple carbs or sugary foods can temporarily boost energy and will increase blood sugar.
However, once insulin comes in and disperses the sugar into storage (sometimes fat cells), your blood sugars crash, your mood crashes, your energy crashes and you become grumpy, tired and less productive.
Eating meals high in quality protein (30% total calories), good fats (30% total calories) and a moderate amount of complex carbohydrates (40% of total calories) with around 5 – 10g of fibre (per meal) and loads of colourful veges and some fruit, will set you up for consistently good energy all day.
If you can’t get enough greens or plant diversity in your diet, then consider supplementing with a great energy superfood formula Vitality Switch™. The name says it all… VITALITY!! All day energy and exuberance for life.
It’s also worth mentioning certain artificial colours and preservatives have been linked to fatigue, tiredness, loss of performance and overall health decline. Be sure to minimise the bright colour artificially sweetened drinks in favour of natural options where possible.
Pro Tip: Do not consume caffeine or a combination of caffeine and other nootropics too close to bed as they can disrupt your sleep. Quality sleep leads to quality brain function, less sugar cravings, better cortisol rhythm and greater energy. 😊
Disclaimer: The above article is merely a guide and is in no way a recommendation or a treatment protocol for any health conditions or diseases. You should always consult with a qualified health care provider before changing your supplement, training, or nutritional strategy. Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods must not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone consuming prescription medication or children under the age of 15 unless advised by a qualified health care provider.
In need of more energy and endurance at the gym? Tired of dealing with the agony and frustration of post-workout soreness?Today we’re checking out the features and benefits of the amino acid product: “AMINOx” courtesy of Illinois supplement company “BSN.”
AMINOx is a stimulant-free, BCAA supplement designed to support endurance during your workout and aid in muscle recovery post workout. But before we jump into the benefits and features, lets see what makes this innovative supplement tick:
What Are BCAAs And How Can They Help My Performance In The Gym?
Amino acids are sometimes referred to as the building blocks of protein and lean muscle. BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) in particular refer to three specific amino acids: Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. These amino acids can be used by your muscle cells as an energy source, which helps to fight muscle fatigue during intense exercise and aid with repair after you workout.
Many users have found this dramatically decreases the amount of soreness and pain they experience following an intense workout, and as a result BCAAs have become incredibly popular with athletes and bodybuilders alike.
BSN’s AMINOx product comes packed with a 10g blend of BCAAs, as well as other essential amino acids including: L-Alanine, Taurine and L-Citrulline. The fact that AMINOx contains 10g of BCAAs per serving is also a point of difference, as most brands will only give you around 5g.
The Benefits Of Using AMINOx:
Recover faster - no more skipping the gym because you’re still sore after yesterday’s workout. AMINOx will have you feeling surprisingly good following intense exercise.Workout harder - as well as helping with recovery, AMINOx also helps you to perform at your peak - giving your muscles the endurance to push past your limits in the gym.Mixes easy, tastes great - AMINOx mixes with little effort, won’t leave nasty clumps and is available in a range of different flavours to suit your taste.Higher BCAA content - with 10g of amino acid content per serving, AMINOx has nearly twice the BCAA content compared with other competing brands.Great value for money - AMINOx is also great value for money when considering cost per gram of BCAAs. The amount you’re paying is on par with cheaper BCAA supplements and brands.
AMINOx Is Also Designed To Support:
Protein synthesis / anabolism.
Glycogen resynthesis.
Insulin sensitivity.
Anti-catabolism / muscle sparing.
Recovery from training sessions.
Muscular endurance.
Resistance to muscular fatigue.
Who Should Use AMINOx?
AMINOx is suitable for just about anyone looking to take their fitness or gym game to the next level. Whether you’re looking for more energy to push through those intense workouts, or a little relief to minimise soreness post workout - AMINOx is a scientifically proven solution that works.
With AMINOx in particular, you’re also getting great bang for your buck based on the amount of BCAAs per serving. If you’re interested in getting your hands on AMINOx, or if you simply want to know more about this innovative product, feel free to check out AMINOx and other great Amino Products in the Sportsfuel store.
You may have heard of meal prepping before, or you may think that it is something reserved for in season bodybuilders. We’ve got 8 tips to help you plan your meal prep for weight loss success.
Meet Jess Coate, a fitness athlete, an IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Pro, Online Trainer and a Professional Bodybuilder. This girl is more than a pretty face, she is strong and won a lot of titles not only in New Zealand but worldwide.
