Answered: The Common Questions we get asked about supplements
Navigating the world of supplements can be overwhelming. In the beginning it can be a barrage of pictures of abs and biceps intermingled with a bunch of ingredients you’ve never heard of before, let alone have the ability to spell. So before we get to common questions about supplements, it's important to understand what actually happens after you’ve worked out and why supplements might help.
After a training session your muscles are ready and waiting to take in nutrients that can trigger muscle repair, growth and strength. So by giving your body everything it needs (adequate nutrition) after a workout you’ll help avoid depleting glycogen storage and decreasing the body's ability for protein synthesis. This is important because after you train there’s more breaking down going on than there is building. By providing the correct nutrients after exercise e.g. a post workout shake with protein and some carbohydrates, you help the body trigger protein synthesis, which in turn subdues protein breakdown.
To summarise - post workout nutrition is all about helping create a positive protein balance and a desirable metabolic environment. With that being said, we sat down with our team members at Southern Workout to ask what are some of the common questions they get asked about supplements?
Tyson Harvey - Sales Representative - Morphett Vale
What is a question you get asked a lot when it comes to supplements?
One of the main questions I get is about the caffeine content of pre workouts, high stim, low stim or non stim. We also get asked a lot about the flavours of supplements and if we have tried them. That’s why I think it is extremely important to test supplements for yourself, so you can relay specific information about taste and the effects, especially with pre workouts.
What is your favourite pre-workout for beginners?
I always guide beginners towards a lower stim pre or a non stim pre. I always ask what their tolerance to caffeine is or if they’re a coffee drinker. This is important as it helps gauge what their tolerance is. The OPT Gold Standard pre is a great introduction to stimulant pre workouts. It’s low stim, has a decent taste and it’s always easier to increase your stim level, compared to taking too much and having adverse effects. Hydraulic by Axe & Sledge is also an excellent choice because it is non stim, but still has beta alanine, so the pumps and muscular endurance are fantastic.
What is your top recommendation for pre-workouts?
Seventh Gear by Axe & Sledge is the strongest pre workout we have and it’s proven to be one of the most popular. I have used it myself and I get great energy from it and no crash from the stims.
Nitraflex from GAT Nutrition is also fantastic because it is a high stim pre plus is a testosterone booster as well. A great bang for your buck!
Tell us, in your opinion the best tasting whey protein powder?
The best tasting whey protein is Scitec Whey. Great tasting with a creamy texture. The vast range of flavours is also a massive plus.
The newer Farm Fed by Axe Sledge is also one of the better tasting proteins. Being grass fed whey, the quality is super high and it mixes really well. No one loves a shake with chunks in it. The Glazed Donut or Salted Caramel are some of my favourites.
Tell us, in your opinion the best tasting vegan protein powder?
Green Beret by Redcon has always proved to be very popular amongst the vegan proteins. The new Rule 1 Plant Protein is also flying off of the shelves in its short time being here.
Finally, are supplements necessary?
They definitely aren’t necessary, but if you are looking to take your training or wellbeing to the next level, they will definitely help. They are called a “supplement” for a reason. You can never substitute proper nutrition for a supplement.
When talking to our customers I like to have a proper conversation with them about supplements. I ask them about what they actually want to get out of their supplements. Is it more energy in the gym, better endurance, muscle pumps, upping their protein intake to build muscle, getting a better nights sleep? Improving their gut health or testosterone levels?
Asking all of these is a great way to narrow down what the customer actually needs, compared to what they want.
Jake Watson - Branch Manager, Morphett Vale
What is a question you get asked a lot when it comes to supplements?
I have a lot of customers in store and online ask me ‘What is the best protein to help me get big whilst getting leaner”?
What is your favourite pre-workout for beginners?
OPT Gold standard, it’s got a good balance of caffeine from tea and coffee bean and it is also cost effective for people new to pre workouts. Roughly comes in at $1.16 per serve.
What is your top recommendation for pre-workouts?
Axe and Sledge Seventh Gear .
Tell us, in your opinion the best tasting whey protein powder?
Scitec Banana, not everyone’s cup of tea but I love the taste.
Tell us, in your opinion the best tasting vegan protein powder?
Personally I haven't tried any that I like the taste of.
Finally, are supplements necessary?
Supplements are a great way to bolster your current nutrition and recovery protocols. They can be very effective in filling in the gaps in your existing diet structure. I would describe them as a beneficial piece of a great puzzle rather than a necessity as you can be very successful without using them. However, when utilised correctly they add a very strong layer to your training regime.
Anthony Thomson - Branch Manager, Black Forest
What is a question you get asked a lot when it comes to supplements?
Without a doubt the most common question I get asked is what will get me the best results fast?
What is your favourite pre-workout for beginners?
Total war. It’s got good ingredient levels across the board but it is not too extreme with its level of stim.
What is your top recommendation for pre-workouts?
Definitely Seventh Gear. Perfect amount of stim which lasts during your workout and it doesn’t cause a crash or jitters. Good level of citrulline to help with blood flow and it’s beta alanine levels will help with fatigue during workouts.
Tell us, in your opinion the best tasting whey protein powder?
Max’s! It tastes amazing, mixes perfectly with great texture and gets results.
Tell us, in your opinion the best tasting vegan protein powder?
In my opinion it is Gen Tec. A lot of vegan proteins have an ‘earthy’ taste and I find that Gen Tec does not.
Finally, are supplements necessary?
In my opinion they are necessary to help your training goals. It's not easy in today's busy world to ensure that we are getting the proper amount of protein, carbs for growth and recovery. With the right supplements you know you’re getting the best quality and purity available.
Summary:
As you can see our staff at Southern Workout are a great source of knowledge when it comes to supplements. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out in store or hit us up on the phone or on social media.