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So, what is it you're looking for, very cheap supplements, or
maybe huge discounts on supplements, or maybe a more modest affordable
supplements. If any of these phrases are ones you've used to buy
supplements on the internet, then I think I'm the person to guide you in the
right direction.
Ok, so what makes me think I can help you in your quest for supplements at
the best possible value?
Well, my background includes 20 years as a supplement user, 12 years with
BodyActive, the largest independent retailer of supplements in the North West,
and experience in the manufacturing and distribution of a range of supplements.
During this time, I have of course spent much of my time working with, and
having contact with, many of the owners and designers of the top supplement
ranges sold in the UK. But mostly, my experience is based on working with you,
my fellow supplement users.
During the last decade or so, the question I have been asked more than any
other is "What is the best supplement available", which is nearly
always followed by "Do you do a cheaper one". It's these two questions
that have lead me to write this article, because its in the asking of these two
questions that the problem lies and that most people go wrong in choosing
supplements.
There is no doubt, supplements are not cheap. Succeeding at bodybuilding with
normal genetics is simply not a cheap sport.
But, you can make it cheaper, a lot cheaper, and a hell of a
lot more effective.
Lets start with the cause of this problem. Supplement manufacturers advertise
products, and they push them as being the best thing since sliced bread. They
try to create a need by convincing you that you wont get to the top without this
product. They try to make people believe that a certain product is the answer to
everyone's needs. They may even compare their product to other products to
explain why its 'better'.
Well, the reality is very different.
Firstly, there is no such thing as the 'best supplement'. There is no 'best
protein', there is no 'best creatine' and there is no 'best weight gain'.
Different products will suit each persons need. Furthermore which is the best
creatine, for instance, for a person will change over time and depending on
their objectives.
Secondly, just because its new and heavily advertised, doesn't mean its
better for you than something that has been around for years. I have seen so
many people jump from one new product to another making little or no progress
Finally, and most importantly, its what is never said in the adverts. To make
progress you must get the basics right. You must train using a method that suits
your body type and goals. You must get adequate rest, and you must cover your
nutrition bases.
Its this last one, the nutrition bases, that supplements play their part. And
it's here that we can meet your need, we can minimise the amount you spend on
supplements by reducing wasted purchases and by making sure you choose the
right, cost effective supplements for your goals.
To start with I'm going to assume you're using a training program that's
suitable for your goals, and not just something a friend or magazine suggested.
If you're not sure about this, then our website is full of useful training
articles. Next, I'll take it as read that you know that you should be eating (or
drinking!) 5 to 6 meals a day, even if you are looking to lose bodyfat. Again,
if you need information on this look at the nutrition section of our website.
Ok, given those two important factors, we can now focus our mind on
supplements. The start point is to address the '6' meals a day issue. To make
any progress you must eat or drink a meal containing carbohydrates and protein
every 3 hours. Now for some people, they can eat carbs easily, and so a protein
drink along with a small carbohydrate snack would work well. For others a mix of
both proteiu and carbohydrates together is easier. Below is a selection of
protein and protein/carb blends. Notice that the blends exist in two forms, one
a high mix of carbs with protein, the other a low mix of carbs with protein. The
higher mix tends to suit those looking to gain weight, whilst the low mix best
suits those looking to lose weight.
In considering which best suits you, consider flavour, reviews on taste, how
thick the product is when mixed, and which has the best ratio of protein and
carbohydrates.
| Choose one of these as your first priority. |
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Boost Performnce
| Choose one of these as your second priority,
but only if you are struggling to maintain your training efforts. |
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Recovery aids
| Choose one of these as your third priority. You
can skip this if your budget wont stretch this far. Instead use your protein
supplement. |
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Cover health bases
| Choose one of these as your next priority. |
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Goal Specific
| Choose one of these as your next priority. |
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Well that pretty much covers all our bases for an introduction to spending
wisely on supplements. Remember, buy what you need, not what someone is trying
to sell you! Good luck, and if you need further information, give us a call or
pop into one of our stores.
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