Keeping strong is a key area of both bodybuilding and powerlifting, which is where the best supplements for strength fit into the equation.
I think you will agree.
There is a competitive streak built into every one of us which forces us to keep moving forward. This constant crave for improvement makes us look for other ways to help meet our goals.
That’s why we turn to supplements.
If you get it right, the best supplements for strength and size or any scenario can help you get there a damn sight quicker.
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So if the strong desire to build up your strength is getting the better of you, then we’d better jump straight to it.
Table of contents:
7 Best Strength Supplements
Looking at the basic principles, improving overall strength means there are key factors to focus your attention on.
The supplements for strength should be able to:
- Increase stamina
- Increase endurance
- Improve recovery times
- Boosts energy levels
- Build lean muscle
- Retain muscle mass
- Boost protein synthesis
- Encourage nitrogen retention
Here’s a question for you:
My Top Recommended Supplements
“What supplements do professional athletes take?”
If this has been keeping you awake at night, then rest easy because I’ve got the round up of top supplements for strength right here:
1. Testosterone boosters
When it comes down to building muscle mass and strength there is one hormone which is king.
We are of course talking about testosterone.
If your T levels are low you will have a really hard time building muscle mass and strength.
Actually, almost impossible.
Testosterone boosters make sure you get all the vitamins, minerals and ingredients that trigger testosterone production in the body.
For example if your body is missing vitamin D-3 it is very likely that it’s not producing as much testosterone as it can. Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21154195
It’s also true for other ingredients and they are many!
Our muscles depend largely on testosterone and if your T levels are not in check you:
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- Have low energy
- Low libido
- Lose muscle mass and strength
- Almost impossible to gain muscle and strength even though you train regularly
- are constantly tired
Sounds familiar?
If it does it is likely that your testosterone levels are low.
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To avoid all confusion and scam products that don’t contain the right ingredients we’ve researched the topic quite a lot.
We recommend to use TestoFierce as it contains all the best ingredients in large doses.
For more info read our testofierce review or our article on the top 5 testosterone boosters on the market.
2. Creatine
In terms of popularity creatine has to be one of the top supplements for athlete’s performance – particularly in weight training. On top of that it’s known for increasing muscle, strength and endurance. 1
“How does it work?”
Creatine is a natural fuel source stored within the muscle cells as phosphocreatine (PCr).
The theory goes – when you work out the stash of PCr gets used up which in-turn reduces energy available. However, if creatine is supplemented technically your muscles have more fuel at disposal. 2
Bottom line
More energy equals more power which increases stamina, therefore you get stronger.
Experts put creatine to the test.
Creatine supplementation stumped up some impressive results when paired up against natty contestants: 3
- 8 percent average increase in muscle strength
- Weightlifting performance on average was 14 percent greater
- Improvements on bench press performance ranged between 16 and 43 percent
We recommend a good creatine monohydrate formula such as the creatine from battle ready fuel
3. Glutamine
The amino acid glutamine is a bodybuilder’s essential because it’s got a major role in muscle growth, recovery and boosting immunity.
“How does it work?”
Glutamine boosts protein synthesis which is key for growth, preservation and strength of muscle.
Heavy training cause’s glutamine levels to drop which stands to reason why using a supplement helps to restore the balance. 4
Bottom line
Keeping glutamine levels in order preserves muscle strength.
4. Beta alanine
Beta alanine is also one of the best strength supplements for powerlifting. This amino acid builds endurance, boosts performance and literally comes into its own when used for short bursts of intense training.
“How does it work?”
Beta alanine has a starring role in the production of carnosine. In fact studies have shown beta alanine can increase levels by up to a whopping 64 percent in only 4 weeks. 5
“What’s carnosine?”
Carnosine tames lactic acid build up in the muscles, balancing ph levels. This increases your fatigue threshold helping you to train longer and recover faster during sets.
Bottom line
Beta alanine helps you train harder so you can grow stronger
5. Whey protein
Whey protein has to be go-to post workout supplement every bro has stashed beside their gym kit. This fast working protein is the king of recovery but also promotes gains in mass and strength.
“How does it work?”
Whey ups your protein intake. This has a positive effect on increasing protein synthesis for growth, repair and the retention of lean muscle mass.
Its official
Whey is more effective at promoting gains in lean mass than other protein competitors like soy. 6
Bottom Line
Whey protein helps your muscles recover and grow faster after workouts. This combo is perfect for strength gains.
6. Caffeine
Caffeine doesn’t really need an introduction it’s the most widely used stimulant on the planet.
It’s also very handy for boosting muscular endurance and performance, making it one of the best supplements for strength.
“How does it work?”
Caffeine blocks sleep signals which in-turn make you more active, alert and energized.
Caffeine strength fast facts
- Weights lifted during bench and leg press training was 12 percent higher when using caffeine. 7
- Caffeine improves strength and muscular endurance particularly in the knee flexors where it improved by 7 percent. 8
- Chest press moves during a caffeine trial resulted in lifting more total weight and a greater peak power than without. 9
Bottom line
Caffeine boosts energy levels, eases perception of effort and power which are all fundamentals for strength training.
7. BCAA’s
Branched chain amino acids or BCCA’s are made up of three amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. They reduce muscle catabolism making it one of the best supplements for muscle gain for beginners.
“How does it work?”
Boosting protein synthesis is one major role for BCAA’s, but it also has ability to lower serotonin which is a cofactor of fatigue. Not only that, it has an effect on muscle energy metabolism which improves performance. 10 11
This makes for interesting reading:
Experts pitted BCAA’s against whey in a series of tests bench press, squats and other training.
BCAA’s resulted in a greater decrease of body fat, increase in lean mass and greater strength strains. 12
Bottom line
BCAA’s promote recovery, muscle growth and an increase in performance which all lead to one of the best supplements for strength.
Conclusion
Before looking at any strength supplements you have to make sure you train right, your diet is good and you get a good nights sleep.
Without those 3 factors you will get nowhere even if you use the best supplements.
After our research and experience on the subject I can safely say the all the supplements mentioned above are really excellent choices.
If your T levels are low definitely go for the testosterone booster.
Let’s assume you are a healthy adult with decent levels of testosterone, if that were the case I’d definitely start using creatine and see where that would get me.
It’s your choice and hope this article was helpful to you and that you can continue to increase your strength.
Below I’ve answered some questions and you can also comment down below if you have any additional questions.
Take care guys and keep working hard.
FAQ:
Do I need supplements to get stronger?
No you do not, how you train and what you eat are far more important than any supplement.
Make sure to eat enough protein to support strength and size gains. Also use a program designed to increase strength like 5×5 for example.
What’s the best program to increase strength?
The 5×5 program has proven to very effective to increase strength. It works by using a heavy weight that you can lift for 5 reps and 5 sets.
After each week you attempt to lift heavier weight than the week before.
This program works very well for bench press, deadlift and squat.
What are the best bodybuilding supplements?
Supplements like whey protein, creatine, multi vitamins, beta alanine, testosterone boosters, bcaa’s work very well for bodybuilding.
How to use Creatine?
Load creatine for 5-7 days by taking about 3-5 grams 3-4 times per day.
After the loading phase use one dose(3-5 grams) of creatine daily.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407788/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2048496/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14636102
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9263279
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4501114/#CR1
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24015719
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17851681
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20019636
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18708685
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241904/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19250720
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18708685
- https://www.wada-ama.org/en/content/what-is-prohibited
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3827559/
- https://www.wada-ama.org/en/content/what-is-prohibited
Well written and to the point. I appreciate the detail in this article!