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Recommendations - Physical fitness and performance

This page provides a list of supplements that I use, which may promote greater physical/athletic performance, and increased fitness returns to exercise.

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Regular high quality sleep is also vital to physical performance, especially if you train hard.

Creatine

Decades of research has shown that creatine has robust, if moderate, positive effects on physical energy, strength and muscle-building, in part by boosting ATP energy production. May be especially important for vegetarians, whose diet is likely lower in creatine.

Instructions:

Take 5 grams per day. Perhaps best taken prior to workouts but can really be taken anytime. Easily mixed into smoothies. Supposedly best absorbed if taken in 2 doses of 2.5 grams, at different times.

More information:

Cost (USA):

$0.17 per day

Hydrogen-rich water

There are a wide range of benefits to supplementing with molecular hydrogen (H2), including increased physical energy, and recovery from workouts (see additional info below). I notice a definite boost in endurance and strength when I supplement with this prior to a workout, and several friends have corroborated this.

Instructions:

Place 1 tablet in 12-16 oz of water, wait for it to dissolve (60-90 seconds) and drink within 1-2 minutes

More information:

Cost (USA):

$.56 per dose

Collagen protein (Grass Fed)

Collagen is excellent for joint health and can thus aid in exercise recovery. I may also help build muscle, in addition to being good for health in general.

Instructions:

Take 2 to 4 tablespoons a day. Flavorless - can be mixed in coffee, tea, smoothies, etc. Easy to digest - can be taken anytime of the day, including in the morning and after workouts.

More information:

Cost (USA):

$0.63 to $1.26 per day

Beet root powder

Beet juice enhancs blood flow by increasing nitric oxide and thus appears to be good for cardiovascular health (reduces blood pressure), as well as athletic performance. Beets also have a good antioxidant profile.

Instructions:

1-2 teaspoons prior to workouts. Of course, you could also make fresh beet juice using a juicer, which might be even more effective.

More information:

Cost (USA):

$0.29 per day

Vegan protein powder

Great vegetarian protein powder, thought by many to be about as effective as whey protein. Given that vegan/vegetarian diets tend to be lower in protein, people with such a diet may consider supplementing with this even if they are not looking to gain muscle mass, especially if they exercise a lot. Could possibly cause bloating in some people with gut issues, so pay attention to that when adding to your diet.

Instructions:

Take 2-3 tablespoons in a smoothie and/or after workouts.

More information:

Cost (USA):

$1.17 - $1.70 per serving

Magnesium lotion

Good for relieving muscle soreness from workouts (or other causes).

Instructions:

Massage lotion into muscles. I often use this on my neck and shoulders. It's also been great when my legs are tired and sore from skiing.

More information:

Cost (USA):

$0.15 per pump

Buy (Worldwide - iHerb)

Blood flow restriction bands

Wrapping these bands around your muscles (thighs and biceps) can increase the the intensity and 'burn' of exercise and has been shown to increase the hormonal benefits of exercise (e.g., increased growth hormone, leading to greater fat loss). Can be particuarly useful for people not able to handle heavy weights (e.g., due to injury).

Instructions:

Wrap them around your biceps and quads at a tightness level of 5-6 out of 10. (You will need to buy two sets). These are particularly great for body weight exercises, like push-ups or air squats, for interval training on eliptical or exercise bike machines, or for exercises with small weights like dumbells. I use them while traveling when I don't have a gym with heavy weights available, or when I want to do a quick 10-20 minute workout at home.

More information:

Cost (USA):

$20 per set of two

Buy (Worldwide - iHerb)
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