Bodybuilding Supplements: An Introduction

What you should know about bodybuilding/fitness supplements. 

"What supplements do you take?"
 
I get asked that by a lot of younger lifters at the gym.  It’s a misguided question; because it’s probably the last thing I would ask a more experienced lifter.   Genetics, training, and other factors ultimately determine one’s strength and size.  In the grand scheme of things, supplements are not that important.

Here’s what you should know about bodybuilding/fitness supplements:

*Supplements simply help you fill in any small “gaps” in your nutrition.  They are not a replacement for a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet.

*The supplement industry is largely unregulated, and much of what is sold is worthless—a complete waste of money (there are a handful of supplements that are helpful the—more on that in a later article). 

*Beware of anything that promises “steroid-like” gains.  There is one thing that can give you “steroid-like” gains:  steroids!

*Speaking of anabolic steroids—many of the poster boys for supplements use steroids.  

*You can get big and strong without any supplements.  If you don’t believe me, look at some pictures/videos of prisoners lifting weights.  You think they have GNC stores in prison?

I'll be writing more articles on this subject . . .