The Importance of Supplements...

There is obviously a lot controversy about steroids, and growth hormones etc going on in the sports world today. Thank goodness, when you are a young athlete, there is no reason to even let the thought of those things enter your mind. I have been lifting weights for almost five years and have yet to even come close to peaking. Every time I have ever struggled in the weight room, or feared that I might not be gaining strength, I have been wrong. It is amazing what the human body can naturally accomplish on its own.

That said, there are several legitimate ways to enhance ones strength, speed, and endurance.

Protein- Whether it's in the form of a protein shake, or grilled chicken breast, it is important to receive at least 100 grams of protein a day. Many people will tell you to eat a gram of protein for every pound you weigh. I'm not sure about that, but regardless, you should make sure to drink plenty of water as protein can be a little rough on the kidneys.

Multi Vitamins-Try a simple Multi Vitamin like Centrum. You don't need to take any fancy vitamins made specifically for athletes.

Creatine -(don't take if it isn't approved by your sporting organization)-I am currently not taking creatine, but it can be one of the most effective supplements you will ever take. Creatine is widely available in red meat. However, it is ruined when you cook the meat. I could go on forever on the benefits of creatine, but I will just say that it basically makes you're muscles a little swollen and allows you complete more reps, which in turn makes you stronger. I suggest purchasing cheap raw creatine monohydrate and mixing it with juice. It is also very important to drink plenty of water while taking creatine. It may not be the best idea to take creatine during times when speed is of crucial importance, because of the potential for weight gain. I would stop taking it about a week before you want to peak for a race, or a running of a 40yd dash for example.

NO2, Hemodilators-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is an advanced form of the amino acid Arginine used by bodybuilders and athletes to prolong the muscle pump, accelerate muscle growth, and speed recovery. Basically, it lets more blood into your muscles and increases the "pump" that you feel. Once again I think it's best to buy Arginine in bulk on the cheap and take it right before your workout. You WILL notice the difference.

These are just the basics, and there are several other supplements worth looking into that I will talk about later.

The most important thing is to combine the supplements you take with a well-balanced diet that is low in fat.

I'm done for now, I will make sure to talk about weight gain/loss in the future.

db