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Supplements are an essential part of gaining muscle, strength, size and even definition. I get asked so many times; 'what should I take?' Well, there are so many supplements to choose from, and so many manufacturers.
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Article Summary:
There are many products out there designed exclusively for women.
Everyone should be on a very good multivitamin/mineral.
Men and women typically need to add protein shakes into their diets.
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With the huge array of nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids on the market today it is no wonder experienced bodybuilders, athletes and especially those just entering into the fitness realm are baffled as to which to use for performance, maximizing gains from weight training and overall health.
Supplements are an essential part of gaining muscle, strength, size and even definition. I get asked so many times; "what should I take?" Well, there are so many supplements to choose from, and so many manufacturers.
And each one is different, some are good and some are not so good. The supplements I have used and recommended over the years are many. I train hard and heavy so I need nutrients, and food doesn't always cover all that is needed especially in restricted diets like competition diets.
These are just some of the reasons why you and I should take supplements. We also take certain supplements to help us train hard and recover quicker from our intense workouts. We also need quality protein supplements to maintain our physiques for muscle growth and even recovery. This review is based solely on my professional opinion and experience.
The first thing I would like to address is whether women should take supplements or not. Many women who are just entering into the fitness realm do not think that there are supplements out there that are made for them and often many have no idea of what to take. There are supplements that are made specifically for women, some I recommend and others I do not.
There are many products out there designed exclusively for women and there are many products out there that are marketed directly for men but are just as useful for women.
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There are proteins, weight loss formulas, multi-vitamins, etc. and they are specifically formulated for women. Now let's cover some of the basics that both men and women of all levels should definitely be taking.
Vitamins:
| FEATURED PRODUCT |
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Optimum Presents:
Opti-Women
Opti-Women Multi-Vitamin provides the perfect balance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, extracts and herbs to supplement a women's diet and workout.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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For men training at any level or women training at a high intensity level I would recommend the Animal Pak by Universal. This is an awesome pack and is very potent.
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Universal Presents:
Animal Pak
The #1 selling training pak in the world for twenty three years straight. Since 1984, more competitive bodybuilders have cut their teeth on the Animal Pak than any other bodybuilding supplement in history.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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Nutrition Bounty Presents:
Liqui Vites
A well-balanced liquid multi-vitamin, formulated for maximum absorption. We use the highest quality natural plant source nutrients available.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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PureForm Presents:
Liquid Vitamin
Our special formula provides ginseng, ginkgo biloba, powerful anti-oxidants, amino acids, CO-Q10, enzymes and grape seed extract in a delicious liquid base that provides vastly superior absorption over conventional hard tablets.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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 View Multivitamins Sorted By Top Seller Here.
Proteins:
I have worked with men and women at all levels and have found few who can actually consume the amount of protein necessary for their body.
I have found that an easy way to supplement in protein to get the quantity each individual needs is to add protein shakes into the daily diet. And, yes, both men and women of all levels typically need to add protein shakes into their diets.
  Click Image To Enlarge.
Both Men & Women Of All Levels Typically
Need To Add Protein Shakes Into Their Diets.
Several years ago, a new system of filtration identified ion-exchange whey protein as a top quality protein source. Before then protein powders were based on cheap, poor quality soy protein or egg white protein (which mixes poorly).
There is only one time that I would even consider recommending soy protein and that would be to women who are post menopausal, other than that I do not feel anyone especially men should take soy protein. Allmax Nutrition has designed a protein blend specifically for women called ISOfemme, which is low calorie, low carb and low sugar.
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AllMax Nutrition Presents:
ISOfemme
ISOfemme is a sinfully delicious Protein Smoothie created exclusively for women. It's a convenient way to increase your dietary protein intake and meal frequency.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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Other protein powders that I highly recommend and take include 100% Whey Power by Higher Power. This one tastes great & I use it in the off-season. It does have some sugar and carbs in it but they are minimal.
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Higher Power Presents:
100% Whey Power
Out of the many protein sources out there, whey protein is the ultimate. It provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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Now when I am getting ready for competition I change it up to a much higher-grade protein that has no sugar or carbs. I use two different ones and highly recommend both to men and women. These proteins are Isolyze by Species Nutrition and Zero Carb Isopure by Nature's Best.
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Species Nutrition Presents:
Isolyze
Isolyze is 100% pure, cold-filtered, whey protein isolate. It's the highest yield whey protein available on the market with an amazing 27 grams of protein per 29 gram serving size.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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Isolyze protein by Species is awesome and is something that both men and women should definitely consider taking especially when having to watch the amount of sugar and carbs being consumed, further, it tastes great. Isopure is another one with no sugar or carbs and is also great for both men and women.
| FEATURED PRODUCT |
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Nature's Best Presents:
Zero Carb Isopure
Nature's Best set out to create a product that didn't hide anything from its customers. We wanted you to know that you're purchasing the best product available on the market.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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View Protein Powders Sorted By Top Seller Here.
Meal Replacements:
Meal replacements are another easy way to get those extra calories. Now remember these are meal replacements, which means they DO have carbs in them. So, if you are trying to keep your carbs down a protein shake is a better way to go than a meal replacement.
However, if you are trying to add body weight or you are not on a calorie restricted diet then meal replacements are a good way to get in those extra calories.
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Spotlight On MRPs!
The following reviews cover meal replacement powders and meal replacement bars. Learn more from this descriptive review.
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Author:
Matt Canning
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| FEATURED PRODUCT |
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Nature's Best Presents:
Isopure
When you mix Isopure with water it will look a little cloudy. That's because while the protein is pure, we've added 25 grams of carbohydrates, 4.67 grams of L-Glutamine and a burst of vitamins and minerals.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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Now do note that there are some meal replacements that are lower in carbs than others, however, when I am looking for or recommending a MRP I am usually looking for one that is relatively balanced in both protein and carbs.
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ISS Research Presents:
Complete Pro Power
Complete ProPower Contains L-Glutamine, Taurine, Fat Burners, Lipotropics, No Aspartame, Fructose or Corn Syrup Solids is Low in Fat, Tastes Great and Mixes Instantly!
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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View Meal Replacements Sorted By Top Seller Here.
Fat Burners:
There are few people that I have met who are not looking for someway to assist themselves in losing fat. Yes, there are those few out there who do not need to lose any fat and are trying to put on the pounds.
But, generally speaking most are trying to lose the excess fat. With that said some of the fat burners I would recommend for both men and women include Lipolyze and Somalyze by Species Nutrition.
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Species Nutrition Presents:
Lipolyze
Lipolyze can be best categorized as a caloric wasting supplement. At SPECIES, we reject the premise that the only effective way to burn fat is to "stimulate" the body into action.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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Many people cannot handle stimulants and Species fat burners are non-stimulant with the Lipolyze being the daytime formula and the Somalyze being the nighttime formula.
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Species Nutrition Presents:
Somalyze
Somalyze is a non-stimulant based fat burner that, simultaneously, functions as a sleep aid. The following paragraphs describe the unique blend of ingredients in Somalyze and the complex mechanisms of how they function to metabolize fat while you sleep.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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I personally have used both, and with all the different products I have taken over the years feel this is definitely one of the best I have used. Another one that I feel is a good fat burning system is the Tri-Lean System by ALR Industries.
This is a full 90-day system, works quite well and is good for both men and women. Another fat burner that is good but designed specifically for women is Rapidcuts Femme by Allmax Nutrition.
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AllMax Nutrition Presents:
Rapidcuts Femme
Rapidcuts Femme is an all-natural weight loss formula that was designed to accelerate fat burning specifically in women. This unique blend of two highly effective and potent complexes in Rapidcuts Femme work synergistically to accelerate fat loss at a cellular level.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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View Fat Loss Products Sorted By Top Seller Here.
Pre-Workout Drinks:
Pre-Workout drinks are great for getting that added energy to carry you through your workout and some are designed to help move nutrients and other supplements into the blood stream quickly to enhance performance.
Many of these drinks come in a vast array of different concoctions, some just sugar-based and some containing a range of stimulants like caffeine, guarana and ephedra. Many people feel they need them to train after a hard day at work.
There are two that I feel are really good and I recommend them for both men and women. The first one that I would recommend is Carbolyze by Species Nutrition there is only 0.5 g sugar, has no stimulants to make you crash, will cause no bloating and is better than products that use dextrose or maltodextrin.
| FEATURED PRODUCT |
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Species Nutrition Presents:
Carbolyze
Carbolyze has the unique ability to rapidly shuttle nutrients, as well as other performance supplements (e.g. creatine), through the stomach and into the bloodstream.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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Ultimate Orange by Next is another good pre-workout drink that I have used and is good for both men and women. However, it does have caffeine and other stimulants in it. If you do not do well with stimulants then I definitely recommend the Carbolyze.
View Synephrine/Caffeine Energy Products Sorted By Top Seller Here.
Creatine Monohydrate:
This is a supplement I have had many people ask me about and have seen there is much confusion over. Creatine is good for both men and women. Many studies indicate it does help improve performance by providing more energy, increase in strength and muscle growth.
A creatine that was designed specifically for women is Kre-a-fem by All American EFX. Now it does have one ingredient I disagree with and that is Soy. Soy does raise estrogen levels and that makes you smooth, so why add something to a product that will make you smooth?
| FEATURED PRODUCT |
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All American EFX Presents:
Kre-a-fem
Over this past year, we've been introducing women from all walks of life to our creatine technology called Kre-Alkalyn EFX. And the response has been nearly the same from "Soccer Moms" to high-level fitness competitors: They overwhelmingly fell in love with it!
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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| FEATURED PRODUCTS |
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Supplement Direct Presents:
Pure Kre-Alkalyn
Creatine Monohydrate was first introduced in the early 90's and has since been proven to be one of the most effective supplements in the history of bodybuilding and sports nutrition.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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SciFit Presents:
Kre-Alkalyn 1500
SciFit's Kre-Alkalyn 1500 features a patented Creatine in a pharmaceutical delivery system providing maximum stability and absorption. Creatine Monohydrate has been proven through a decade and more of research to enhance strength, endurance, and subsequent athletic performance.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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All American EFX Presents:
Kre-Alkalyn EFX
This is the brand that started is all on June 4th, 2002 when Kre-Alkalyn was awarded United States manufacturing patent #6,399,661. Kre-Alkalyn EFX is "buffered" creatine that does not convert into creatinine prior to reaching skeletal muscle tissue.
[ Click here to learn more. ] |
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There are many more good creatine products out there and these are just a few that I would recommend. Again, creatine is a great product I would recommend to both men and women, just remember when taking creatine products be sure to drink lots of water.
View Creatine Monohydrate Products Sorted By Top Seller Here.
Conclusion
The supplements I have addressed are the most frequently asked about ones. Just remember the two most important supplements to start with are your vitamins and proteins. From there you can progress to meal replacements, fat burners and creatine.
Once you have a full understanding of these products then it is time to start learning about some of the other products on the market. But for now start with the basics and remember there are many supplements that are designed specifically for women.
So, for you women out there who think they should not be taking supplements because they are all geared for men - you are wrong, there are many products out there for you as well.
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Supplements Are Not Just For Men.
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