Everybody trains with a different goal and objective in mind, and so for those reasons, obviously people’s training programs differ hugely from person to person. With that being said, it isn’t just the training that varies, as their diets and their nutritional programs will also vary depending on why that person is training in the first place. For example, an endurance athlete will not train the same, and eat the same, as a competitive bodybuilder looking to bulk up in their offseason. What many people do not realize however, is that supplement stacks can also vary from person to person, and can be custom made to achieve very different goals. For athletes into powerlifting and strongman training, or just trying to get bigger and stronger, there are supplements out there that can really help to not only increase muscle mass, but also muscle strength and power as well, some of which seem pretty unusual. To help prove just how useful certain supplements can be in regards to strength and power, here’s a few natural strength boosting supplements for you to consider.
Zinc
This mineral is often consumed by people looking to maintain optimal health and well-being, but what many people do not realize, is that this mineral is one of the most naturally anabolic minerals currently in existence. Zinc is found naturally in certain foods, including shellfish like oysters and mussels, plus it is often added to vitamin supplements. As well as that however, it can also be consumed by itself, where its effects will become clear virtually right away. In regards to muscle and strength, zinc really comes into its own as it boosts the immune system, it enhances protein synthesis, and it has been found to stimulate the production and secretion of anabolic hormones, especially in men. Zinc, for example, has been proven to assist with Human Growth Hormone, and Testosterone production, both of which are hormones which play an essential role in muscle growth, strength, and performance. This is ideal for anybody looking to improve their strength and power, because the mineral promotes the production and secretion of hormones which have been proven to increase muscle mass and muscle power.
Omega 3 oils
Omega 3 essential fatty acids are hugely, hugely beneficial, not only for strength athletes, but for anybody and everybody if truth be told. Essential fatty acids play vital roles in a number of complex physiological processes within the human body, and they provide numerous health benefits at the same time. For instance, omega 3 fatty acids have been found to promote brain health and function, by improving cognitive functions and enhancing short and long term memory, whilst helping to protect against dementia, Alzheimer’s and other degenerative conditions. In the rest of the body however, they improve organ health and function, they boost the metabolism, they lubricate the joints, reduce inflammation, and more. In terms of strength and power, it is the anti-inflammatory properties of omega 3 fatty acids, that people find themselves most impressed with. You see, following strength training, inflammation can lead to DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) it can promote lactic acid build ups, it can reduce protein synthesis, and it can hinder post workout recovery in general. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega 3 fatty acids however, can assist with post-workout recovery, which in turn will result in bigger and stronger muscles. Strength training can also have negative effects on a person’s joints, especially if they are carrying a lot of weight around, so a joint lubricating supplement can only be beneficial in these instances.
Testosterone boosters
Contrary to popular belief, studies have found that numerous testosterone boosting supplements, especially tribulus terrestris, can significantly increase testosterone levels, in a relatively short amount of time. Testosterone, which is the dominant male sexual hormone, plays key roles in sex drive, fertility, muscle mass, and muscle strength and power. By increasing natural testosterone levels, a person will be able to generate more strength and power, and they will build muscle mass in a much easier way. Not only will a testosterone booster improve your strength, power, and performance in the gym, but it will also enhance protein synthesis and will speed up recovery times.
Whey protein
Whey protein is perhaps the most versatile of all sports supplements, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that it is the most popular supplement in the world. For strength athletes, whey protein is incredibly beneficial for recovery purposes. As you know, protein is essential for the growth and repair of muscle tissue, and it helps to initiate protein synthesis following a workout. After busting your butt in the gym, and absolutely destroying your muscles with heavy compound lifts, you need them to repair themselves and to recovery as quickly as they possibly can, which is why a post-workout whey protein shake is essential. if possible, opt for whey protein isolate, as that contains more pure protein per serving, but if not, whey protein concentrate, providing it is a good quality protein, will still give your muscles exactly what they need.
Creatine
There are many forms of creatine supplement now on the market, although experts have found that a good quality creatine monohydrate supplement will provide more than enough creatine required for optimal results in terms of athletic ability. Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is actually synthesized naturally within our own bodies. We however, cannot produce enough to benefit from it athletically, which is why a creatine supplement is required. It plays a number of integral roles within the body and is vital for many physiological processes. Primarily however, it plays a crucial role in the production of ATP, or Adenosine Tri Phosphate. ATP is utilized by the cells within our muscles, as a primary source of energy. The more ATP the cells can absorb and utilize, the more efficient our muscles become. This means we can generate more power, and can train for longer without tiring, which obviously is hugely beneficial for anybody looking to improve their strength levels. The ATP allows for stronger muscle contractions, which equates to more power being produced, making the muscle stronger.
