The supplement industry is worth over £100 BILLION globally and is expected to double in the next ten years! Suffice to say there are a lot of companies around the world making money off supplements, in particular those in the health and fitness industry.
The FDA defines supplements as products “intended to add further nutritional value to the diet”.
Unfortunately, the supplement industry isn’t regulated anywhere near as tightly as the food industry. Consequently, the ingredients and effects of many supplements cannot be clearly determined.
At CrossFit Leyland we always recommend consuming a balanced, nutrient dense diet, which adequately meets an individuals energy demands / target. Preferably through consumption of whole foods whenever possible.
One of the biggest draws to fitness supplements is the convenience of being able to throw them in your gym bag. We’re not for a moment suggesting that consuming a post workout protein shake is bad practice. We simply recommend thinking carefully about what you consume, particularly when it comes to products aimed at physical enhancement and weight loss.
The vast number of supplements on the market can cause confusion. Many people are left wondering what the differences are between brands, let alone the merits and necessity of the various types of supplements.
At CrossFit Leyland we are fortunate to have top professionals on hand to help us work through the supplement minefield, including; Owner and Registered Dietitian Gina Yates.
Below is a summary of a few key supplements with proven benefits.
Pre-Workout Supplements
Many athletes these days opt for a ‘pick me up’ before training and competition. Pre-workout acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system. Proven benefits include; enhanced concentration and muscular endurance.
Mid-Workout Supplements
Useful for endurance based training sessions, or long competitions. These products are designed to preserve muscle glycogen (energy), minimize muscle tissue breakdown and maintain hydration levels.
Post-Workout Supplements
No doubt the biggest fitness supplement sold worldwide. The post-workout shake / snack can help provide your body with the carbohydrate, protein and antioxidants it requires to kick start the recovery process.
Health Supplements
Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in many essential processes in the body. For people who do not consume a balanced diet, supplementing key nutrients can help keep the body running optimally.
Above are the supplements that we trust and sell at our box, we would always recommend researching any supplements prior to consumption.
Weight Loss / Physical Enhancement Supplements
Proceed with caution when considering any supplement that is designed to significantly alter body shape and/or function. Many of the ‘fat burners’ containing ephedrine that were available a few years back have now been banned due to adverse side effects. That isn’t to say that manufacturers won’t find another way!
When it comes to supplements, keep it simple, and whenever possible opt for whole foods. For more information on the supplements listed above, including ingredients and serving suggestions, you can visit https://www.iconnutrition.com/
CFL Team