Weightlifting Supplements - Choices and Safety

When considering the subject of weightlifting supplements it is important to first remember that many weightlifting supplements have been listed as illegal or banned, and while these substances are tempting because of the results they promise they have been restricted for a reason. In this discussion the supplements that will be addressed are only those containing legal substances. On the subject of anabolic steroids these are banned because of the negative effect they have on total body health. While these drugs can help with temporary increases in muscle gain they are closely linked with severe side effects including: changes in sexual organs, damage to the voice, acne and other skin problems, stunted growth and even, in extreme cases, death.

Eliminating steroids from the equation leaves many new weightlifters wondering what supplements are safe and which ones can help him or her safely reach his or her goals. Fortunately the answer is that there are many legal supplements for weightlifting that can help a lifter reach their full potential just as easily.

The first thing to remember is that at least 75 to 80 percent of success in reaching and maintaining weight lifting goals, size, weight, strength, etc, comes down to proper diet and a proper training routine combining both weight lifting and cardiovascular exercise. Cutting back on empty carbs and fats and boosting complex carbs and lean proteins will give your body the building blocks required to build large, toned muscle and maintain proper health. Without these building blocks no matter how many weightlifting supplements you take you will not be able to reach your goals, at least not in a healthy fashion.

If you are already minding your diet and your exercise and looking for an edge to increase performance or speed of results then you might consider a weightlifting supplement. In making this choice choose to take a high quality weightlifting supplement and do plenty of research before deciding which one is right for you and the weightlifting goals that you have. Keep in mind that most supplements for weightlifting are not inexpensive and may have to be maintained for a number of weeks to see your goals through, so go into the experience expecting what you will pay.

Currently the two most popular supplements for weightlifting are Human Growth Hormone (HGH), and whey protein powder, in powder or bar forms. Let's look at these in a little more detail.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

Human growth hormone is a hormone created in the pituitary gland responsible for muscle growth and energy in the body. This hormone is secreted throughout our lives, but most strongly during the teenage years when the body is going through the changes of puberty. After the age of twenty secretions of HGH start to fall. Additional intake of HGH has been linked to serious increases in muscle mass, energy and strength among many other positive benefits, and because it is a natural chemical found in the body the known side effects are very low.

Whey Protein Powder

Due to busy lifestyles it is often difficult for the average person to get enough protein in their diet, much less the average weightlifter who needs additional protein in order to build muscle mass and tone. This is where protein supplements for weightlifting come in.

Whey protein powder is a supplement for weightlifting that is designed to introduce additional protein into the body, but also to do so quickly and conveniently. Whey protein powder can be mixed with either milk or water to create an energy and protein boost throughout the day. Even faster than a protein shake, and not requiring milk or water, are pressed protein bars. These come in many flavors and options and, like a shake, make a good between meals snack. Again these should not be used to replace meals, but to enhance the reaching of goals as a supplement for weightlifting.

Beyond these two options there are many others you will find in your search for a good supplement for weightlifting, but these are a good base of supplements that are effective and safe. But at the heart reaching your goals requires hard work. Weightlifting supplements are only to help along the way.