BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS, DO YOU REALLY NEED THEM?

Protein powders, creatine, BCAA’S. Sound familiar? So many questions about whether these are “essential” for muscle growth. I will say this, many lifters (especially new lifters) are convinced that one must spend a buttload of money on supplements to make gains.

It’s time to face a simple fact: lifters got damn big and damn strong before any supplements existed.

Do some research on a guy called Eugene Sandow whom the Mr. Olympia trophy is modelled after. Do you think supplements existed during that era?

Another simple fact: your diet (and of course your training) will determine 95% of your success in bodybuilding (or any sport). At most, supplements can add 5% to that level. Unless you’re planning on competing, and that 5% may mean the difference between winning and losing, spending a small fortune on supplements is a waste. As well, until you get the 95% of your training and diet in order, you’re wasting your money and energy on supplements.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-supplements. To echo the words of a wise man, I’m anti-anything that detracts trainees from the stuff that really matters (training and diet).

Protein powders have their use, but one can easily fulfil a day’s protein requirements without them. However, if you’re the type who has an insane schedule, you know, working parent with kids constantly on the move, powders might not be such a bad idea since they’re absorbed really quickly without upsetting your stomach vs a solid meal if you have to train in a jiffy.

Creatine will make you stronger and you’ll gain some water weight, which might mean a little bit faster gains down the road. But then again, if you’re the type who’s eating plenty of red meat which had naturally occurring creatine, it would render it redundant.

Spend an hour on Sunday cooking up chicken breasts, eggs, pasta, rice, etc in preparation for the coming week. It’s all about effort.