Pre-Workout Vitamins You Should Be Taking

As we all know, diet is only one part of a healthy lifestyle. The other part comes from a good amount of exercise. There are so many benefits to getting up and moving on a daily basis – from improving circulation to alleviating symptoms of depression.

So, if you’re about to head to the gym for your next workout, maximize your session by incorporating these vitamins for men and women looking to accelerate their health goals.

BCAA

Not your average vitamin, BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) is composed of 20 different amino acids. This supplement will help to increase muscle mass and alleviate soreness and pain post-workout. What’s more, L-valine, which is present in BCAA, helps with maintaining energy levels during intense training – meaning you’ll feel good for longer during your standard routine.

(Note: BCAA plays a role in building muscle but does not enhance athletic performance.)

B vitamins

B vitamins are the ideal pre-workout vitamin to give you a boost of energy. You can usually buy a pre-workout multivitamin that will combine B vitamins with caffeine, amino acids, and creatine. The combination is the perfect way to maintain energy levels during strength training, HIIT, or a gentle workout.

Take your pre-workout vitamins at least 30 minutes before to get the most out of your session.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

CLA can be consumed through grass-fed meats, mushrooms, and dairy – which sounds like a delicious breakfast idea. CLA helps the body to metabolize fat and prevents it from entering the cells. As such, with CLA, your body will hold on to much less fat in general.

It’s worth mentioning that while this supplement can reduce the size of fat cells, it isn’t a magic wand for drastic weight loss.

Garcinia cambogia / Malabar tamarind

Another supplement you’ve probably not heard of is garcinia cambogia. It became a hugely popular appetite suppressor in 2014 and is still used across the world for weight loss.

It’s a good pre-workout supplement because it blocks fat-making enzymes in the body, meaning while you focus on strength and toning, you can rest assured your body isn’t harboring fat at the same time.

Other benefits of this vitamin include the increase in serotonin. So not only will you be feeling healthier, but you’ll also be feeling happier!

The most important: hydration

Although not a vitamin, water is, of course, the most important accessory to take to the gym. Without staying hydrated, the rest of these supplements won’t be as effective. Water is integral in high-intensity exercise to help replace fluids lost through sweating. It also helps to regulate the body’s temperature and supports the joints.

If you’ve ever experienced a metallic or bloody taste while working out, this is a sure sign you’re not drinking enough water. The metallic taste comes from lactic acid, which is used to produce energy if there’s not enough oxygen in the body. This is why proper breathing and staying hydrated while exercising is so important.

There’s no one magic pill to take before your workout to help you build muscle, lose weight, and stay healthy all at the same time, but these are just a few supplements that you could consider to help you get the most out of your next session.