Everything You Need to Know About Quality, Effective Supplements

Our hero today is Josh Stoneking, a competitive bodybuilder and pharmacist who creates his own supplements.

In this episode, Josh cuts through all the hogwash in the supplement industry and reveals the best supplements to take, and how to take them in a way that actually allows your body to absorb them.

If you’re a gym owner, or a trainer, this is extremely valuable information that will help you deliver better results to your client.

Understand Natural Bodybuilding

In the realm of natural bodybuilding, nutrition and workout regimens are as crucial as the physical training itself. The journey to achieving a winning physique can be long, often taking years of disciplined exercise and diet modifications.

Natural bodybuilders focus heavily on nutrition to ensure their bodies are primed for muscle growth and recovery. Working out approximately 6 days a week with each muscle group targeted 2-3 times, while also incorporating rest days, creates a balanced approach that fosters sustained physical development. Supplementing these efforts with proper nutrition and supplementation leads to optimal results.

The Truth About Supplements

The supplement industry is vast and often murky, with regulations that can be confusing to navigate. Understanding that the FDA does not oversee over-the-counter supplements is crucial. Supplements are regulated by the FTC, which only ensures that no false curative claims are made, leaving contents largely unchecked.

Consequently, consumers must be vigilant in selecting supplements, ensuring they avoid products that could contain undisclosed, potentially harmful ingredients like clenbuterol. Opt for supplements from companies that have undergone third-party testing such as those verified by USP (United States Pharmacopeia), which can guarantee the purity and safety of their products.

Must-Have Supplements for Optimal Fitness

Base Supplements

Every fitness journey should start with the basics: a high-quality multivitamin, fish oil, and vitamin D are fundamental. Multivitamins help bridge dietary gaps, which can be crucial for metabolic processes and general health.

Fish oil has numerous benefits including improving joint health and reducing inflammation. Vitamin D, necessary for bone health and immune function, is essential, especially in regions with limited sunlight.

Performance Enhancers

Creatine is widely accepted as a safe and effective supplement for boosting muscle mass and strength through its ability to regenerate ATP, the primary energy carrier in cells. It’s particularly popular among bodybuilders for its well-documented benefits in improving high-intensity exercise performance.

Natural sources of caffeine, like black coffee, can also enhance focus and energy levels during workouts, while nitric oxide boosters help increase blood flow, enhancing nutrient delivery and waste removal during intense exercise sessions.

Beyond Basics

For those looking to go beyond basic supplements, incorporating protein powders helps meet daily protein requirements necessary for muscle repair and growth. The choice between plant-based or whey protein should be tailored to individual dietary needs and allergies.

Additionally, exploring other supplements like DHEA or SARMs should be done cautiously and always within the legal boundaries and guidelines of sports and fitness governing bodies.

Core Supplements

1. Multivitamins: A high-quality multivitamin compensates for dietary deficiencies, providing essential vitamins and minerals that boost immune function and daily energy levels. It’s the bedrock of any supplement stack, ensuring your body has the nutrients required to support other supplements’ effects.
2. Fish Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supplements are integral for reducing inflammation, enhancing cognitive function, and supporting cardiovascular health. The added benefit to joint health is particularly beneficial for active individuals engaging in regular physical training.
3. Vitamin D: Crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being, Vitamin D is particularly important in regions with limited sunlight exposure. Its role in muscle function and recovery makes it a vital supplement for fitness enthusiasts.

Performance-Enhancing Supplements

Once the basics are covered, consider supplements that directly enhance physical performance and recovery. These supplements help maximize the benefits derived from each workout session, leading to improved results over time.

1. Creatine: Known for its ability to increase high-intensity exercise capacity and lean body mass, creatine helps regenerate ATP, crucial for short bursts of power and speed in training. Its benefits are well-supported by scientific research, making it a staple in the fitness community.
2. Caffeine: A well-known stimulant, caffeine enhances focus, increases alertness, and can improve physical strength and endurance. It’s commonly used to boost workout intensity and length, allowing for more rigorous and productive sessions.
3. Protein Powders: Supporting muscle repair and growth, protein powders are essential after rigorous workouts. Whether you choose whey, casein, or plant-based options depends on dietary preferences and any intolerances or allergies.

Advanced Supplements for Specific Goals

For individuals with specific fitness goals, such as increased muscle mass or improved endurance, more specialized supplements can be considered.

1. Nitric Oxide Boosters: These supplements help increase blood flow during workouts, enhancing nutrient delivery and waste removal from muscles. The result is more stamina during exercise and improved recovery times.
2. Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): These are essential for maintaining muscle mass and reducing recovery time by promoting protein synthesis in muscles. They are particularly useful during calorie-deficit diets to preserve lean muscle.

Consultation and Tailored Advice

The bespoke nature of dietary and supplement needs makes consultation with experts vital. Factors like individual goals, health conditions, and even the sport or activity levels should guide supplement choices. For tailored supplement stacks and more personalized advice, consulting with experienced professionals is recommended.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of supplements and natural bodybuilding requires careful consideration of both dietary and supplemental inputs. For those in need of expert advice, you can reach Josh Stoneking, a seasoned competitive bodybuilder and licensed pharmacist, through his Instagram profile @theonlystony.

His expertise in both the pharmacy and fitness fields makes him a valuable resource for those looking to optimize their physical health through scientifically backed methods.