Which Supplement Is Right for You? A Simple Guide for Busy Adults
If you're a busy adult who takes health and wellness seriously, you’ve likely heard of supplements—but you may not know exactly which ones are right for you or how they fit into your lifestyle. Supplements can offer a wide range of benefits, from helping you recover faster to supporting your long-term health. Below we break down the 5 common supplements—what they do and who they can help. Whether you’re new to supplements or simply looking to take your wellness routine to the next level, we’ve got you covered.
1. Protein Powder
What it is and What it Does:
Protein powder is a dietary supplement used to increase your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making it particularly important after workouts. It can also help keep you fuller for longer, making it a great addition to your diet if you're looking to maintain or lose weight.
Who It Can Help:
Anyone with a regular training routine can benefit, especially if you're working on building muscle or need a quick, easy source of protein. There are various types of protein powder, including whey (fast-absorbing), casein (slow-absorbing), and plant-based options (for vegans or those with dairy sensitivities).
2. Creatine
What it is and What it Does:
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance in your muscles that helps produce energy during high-intensity exercise. Supplementing with creatine can enhance strength, improve muscle mass, and boost overall performance, making it a favorite for those serious about their training.
Who It Can Help:
Creatine is particularly beneficial for athletes or anyone doing strength training or high-intensity workouts. It’s one of the most researched supplements and is widely used in both male and female athletes.
3. Pre-Workout
What it is and What it Does:
Pre-workout supplements are designed to boost your energy, focus, and endurance during a workout. They often contain ingredients like caffeine, beta-alanine, and nitric oxide precursors, which work together to enhance performance by improving blood flow, increasing energy levels, and delaying fatigue.
Who It Can Help:
Pre-workout is great for anyone who finds it difficult to muster up energy for a workout, especially if you're hitting the gym early in the morning or after a long day of work. It's particularly useful for high-intensity or endurance-based workouts.
4. Post-Workout
What it is and What it Does:
Post-workout supplements are designed to help your body recover faster after intense training. These typically include ingredients like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), glutamine, and sometimes additional protein. The goal is to reduce muscle soreness, promote recovery, and replenish your glycogen stores.
Who It Can Help:
Anyone who trains regularly and experiences muscle soreness or fatigue after their sessions. It’s particularly useful for those doing intense or frequent workouts who need quicker recovery.
5. Super Greens and Super Reds
What it is and What it Does:
Super Greens are powdered supplements made from a variety of nutrient-dense vegetables, grasses, and algae. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a convenient way to boost your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. They can help support digestion, immunity, and energy levels.
Super Reds are similar to Super Greens but focus on fruits and other red or purple foods rich in antioxidants like beets, berries, and pomegranate. These antioxidants can help support heart health, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Who It Can Help:
Super Greens are great for anyone who struggles to get enough fruits and vegetables in their diet. They’re especially useful for busy professionals who may not always have time to eat balanced meals.
If you're looking to support cardiovascular health or want an easy way to add more antioxidants to your diet, Super Reds are for you. They’re especially beneficial for those with active lifestyles who need that extra bit of recovery and heart health support.
At Perform24, we now offer a range of high-quality supplements from BPN, including protein powders, creatine, pre-workout, and Super Greens and Reds. Feel free to ask any of our staff for advice on which products might work best for your specific needs and lifestyle.