Supplements Patrick Currently Takes
There's a lot of supplements out there and even more brands. We're here to narrow it down to not only the most important supplements but the ones that I personally take. All products should be pure, only including ingredients stated on the label. All products should allow you to pass a drug test in any competition. And all have ingredients that are naturally occuring in the body and your diet.
1. Whey Protein- Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein
The building block of muscle. The macro that is missing in most people's diets. You need more protein in your diet if you're trying to get those gainz. You need more protein in your diet if you're trying to lose weight as well. The absolute in supplements. The first buy for anyone interested in supplements. I've used Optimum Nutrition for 20 years because they're a trusted source and make pure, quality products but if you like a brand better you can go with that as long as it's 100% protein and not mixed with other ingredients of words you don't understand.
2. Creatine- Optimum Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate
Studied and tested for years without any side effects. This muscle builder can be taken once daily or can be started with a loading dose. It's safe for even teenagers to take and proven to add muscle to any frame. I take 5 grams per day. And I'll be honest, any pure creatine monohydrate powder (not pills!) from a reputable source is a good buy. Brand doesn't matter. I linked Optimum because I trust them but go with the lowest price from a reputable source.
3. Glutamine- Optimum Nutrition Glutamine Powder
The most abundant amino acid in the body aids in muscle recovery by rebuilding muscle tissue and reducing muscle soreness. Take 5 grams post-workout. Again, choose powder over pills and go with the least expensive from a reputable source.
4. Pre-Workout- Podium Fuse
Who doesn't like a pre-workout boost of energy? It's important to choose one that gives you the feeling you're looking for in a pre-workout. Do you like the shakes? Or hate them? Pay attention to the caffeine content. Do you like the scratchy feeling? Pay attention to the Beta-Alanine content. Do you hate the red face, warm feeling? Pay attention to the Niacin content. My favorite pre-workout to date is Podium Fuse. I love Podium Fuse because I feel energetic and I like the Beta-Alanine content that gives me the boost in lung capacity and endurance without being too itchy.
5. ZMA- Optimum Nutrition ZMA Pills
This time we are actually getting the pill form. This is a combination of Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6. And it's the quality Magnesium, Aspartate not Citrate. Another old-school supplement at this point proven to increase muscle strength, size, and recovery. It also helps with sleep which is why you take it before bed.
6. Omega-3 Fish Oil
Our diet is full of way too much Omega-6 and not nearly enough Omega-3. Why do we need Omega-3? The simplest reason is it helps our heart and may reduce inflammation throughout the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to
- reduce triglycerides,
- lower blood pressure
- reduce blood clots
- lower plaque formation
- decrease inflammation
- help prevent macular degeneration
7. Emergen-C Vitamin C 1000mg
Remember that I have an infant and he goes to daycare daily. Taking this daily is a preemptive move to keep me healthy and combat whatever germs Brady may bring home. Plus with us going into colder weather it can’t hurt to up your Vitamin C intake. I average 4-5 days per week of one packet per day. Costco often has this on sale so keep an eye out. They also offer the Emergen-C+ sometimes which contains Zinc to attack germs even more.
For a quick rundown, in the morning I take Podium, Creatine, and Glutamine around 30-60 min before my workout. Post-workout I take protein, Emergenc-C and Glutamine. At night is actually when I take Omega-3 and ZMA. Maybe better to take Omega-3 in the morning but I take it at night because I know I’ll remember to take it if I take it then.