Sports Supplements
What are Sports Supplements?
Sports Supplements are products that are suitable for use by athletes and sports men and women, to enhance physical performance. Sports supplements are a subset of bodybuilding supplements, as sports supplements only make up about half of supplements available to bodybuilders. For example, whey protein supplements, creatine, energy drinks and fat burners are all types of sports supplements, but they are also bodybuilding supplements. Whereas, testosterone boosters, nitric oxide boosters and amino acids are types of bodybuilding supplements, but are not of much use as sports supplements.
Which Supplements are Suitable for which sports?
Below is table showing which sports supplements are suitable for which sports:
| Sports Supplement | Sports | Further Information |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine | All Physical Sports and Athletics | Creatine supplements increase muscle energy and delay fatigue allowing for more power and endurance, especially in explosive sports, such as rugby, boxing and football. |
| Whey Protein | All Physical Sports and Athletics | Whey protein supplements simply allow you to increase your daily protein intake, without having to eat excessive amounts of meat, fish and poultry, whilst keeping additional fat and carbohydrate intake and hence calories to a minimum. As well as the positive health effects on the immune system and general well being, whey protein supplements will also allow you to gain additional muscle strength and tone, as part of a high intensity training programme, making whey a very good supplement for all sports. |
| Energy Drinks | All Physical Sports and Athletics | All sports require energy. The preferred energy source during any physical activity is simple carbohydrates, i.e. glucose, in the form of a drink. Ideally, you should sip an energy drink for 30 minutes prior to exercise, as well as during exercise to maintain energy levels. People on a calorie restricted diet could opt for a lower calorie energy drink if required. |
| Energy Gels | Cycling | Concentrated carbohydrate in the form of a gel, replenishes energy levels rapidly and is highly convenient for cyclists who do not have time to have an energy drink, during a race or time trial. Serving sizes are usually about 50g and deliver around 130 calories, mainly from carbohydrates. Energy gels are also suitable for running, tennis, rugby, etc. and should be consumed every 30 minutes, during sport. |
| Joint Protection / Glucosamine Sulphate | All Physical Sports and Athletics | Glucosamine sulphate is a very popular supplement for people wishing to avoid injuries, i.e. footballers, rugby players and tennis players, or people who are recovering from injuries, or are experiencing joint pain in general. |
| Multivitamins | All Physical Sports and Athletics | Most vitamins and minerals can be obtained by the body through the consumption of a healthy, balanced diet. However, people involved in heavy physical activity require more vitamins and minerals, so unless your diet is perfect, a multivitamin supplement would be beneficial. |
| HMB | Rugby, Football, Cycling, Boxing and Athletics | HMB helps minimise protein breakdown and damage to muscle cells, which result from intense physical exercise. Supplementing with HMB will therefore help avoid this situation, meaning that you will be able to retain muscle size and strength, even if you lose weight. Alternatively, if you consume enough calories to gain weight, you are likely to gain more muscle mass, by supplementing with HMB. |
Why should you use Sports Supplements?
There is no reason for you to use sports supplements, other than to increase your performance. If you do not want to use them, don’t! But, be aware that your team mates, rival clubs and many other sports people are already using a combination of supplements that may be allowing them to overtake you in your chosen sport. If you want to catch up, or reach a higher level in your particular sport, then take a look at the table above and decide which sports supplements would be most useful for your particular circumstances. Make sure you leave your comments below, to show people how much sports supplements have helped you!
Gareth
