Working out stimulates the body to build muscle, shed fat, and increase endurance. This requires good nutrition to be successful. Eating a balanced diet is the best method of obtaining the needed nutritional support. However, when your diet is not sufficient to power your needs, many workout enthusiasts will turn to supplements.
The market is full of supplements for fitness making it difficult to decide what supplements to take for working out. This is why we developed a list of, in our opinion, the best supplements for working out.
Best supplements for working out: a shortlist
- Future Kind — best overall vegan protein supplement
- Bulletproof — best overall magnesium supplement
- Transparent Labs — best branch chain amino acid supplement
- Purovitalis — best overall vitamin D3 supplement
- Xwerks — best whey protein supplement
Best supplements for working out: an overview
Beginning an exercise regimen is a great way to improve your mental and physical health. Depending on your current nutrition and goals, supplements can be used to help maximize nutrition to achieve the goals of your workouts better. We have developed a list of the top 5 supplements for the gym that may help to maximize recovery and boost exercise performance.
1. Future kind — best overall vegan protein supplement
Future Kind uses pea protein isolate to produce an organic, non-GMO vegan protein supplement that provides 20 grams of protein per serving. This high-quality protein source provides a full spectrum of essential and non-essential amino acids to aid in building lean muscle mass.
Each product undergoes third-party testing to confirm the components and quantities of the ingredients are listed on the label. This also ensures the product is free of any contaminants, such as heavy metals.
Future Kind recommends using a level scoop of powder mixed with 12 ounces of cold water or non-dairy liquid such as almond milk. This dosing correlates to 34 servings per bottle with a container costing $59.99.
2. Bulletproof — best overall magnesium supplement
Bulletproof uses an easy-to-absorb formulation, magnesium citrate, to enhance the overall absorption of magnesium from the supplement.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in numerous metabolic and physiologic processes related to muscle performance. Magnesium also plays an important role in energy metabolism and muscle contraction and may reduce muscle damage.
The recommended dosing for Bulletproof magnesium is three capsules divided throughout the day, which helps to limit GI side effects. One bottle of Bulletproof will provide a 30-day supply for $16.99, while additional savings can be obtained through their subscribe and save program.
3. Transparent Labs — best branch chain amino acid supplement
BCAA Glutamine is manufactured by Transparent Labs to contain high-quality branch chain amino acids (BCAA) which have shown potential in reducing post-workout muscle soreness and stimulating post-exercise protein synthesis. This protein powder is free of artificial sweeteners, coloring, and preservatives.
Transparent Labs utilizes third-party testing of its products to ensure every batch is free from contaminants such as heavy metals and contains accurate dosages of the ingredients.
The serving size for BCAA Glutamine is one scoopful resulting in one container providing 30 servings for $39.99. Transparent Labs recommends the scoop be mixed with 10–12 ounces of water and taken 30–45 minutes before, during, or immediately after a workout. This product is available in four flavors: sour green apple, tropical punch, blue raspberry, and strawberry lemonade.
4. Purovitalis — best overall vitamin D3 supplement
Liposomal Vitamin D3 is manufactured by Purovitalis to contain the active form of vitamin D that is transported in a liposome which is a spherical vessel with a lipid (fatty) outer layer and a droplet of water in the inner core. The use of this technology increases vitamin D absorption.
Vitamin D is mostly known for its bone-strengthening properties, but studies have shown it to be important in muscle function and strength.
Liposomal Vitamin D3 is manufactured in facilities that are compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices and is subjected to third-party testing to confirm its purity and strength.
Purovitalis recommends taking one capsule per day of its Liposomal Vitamin D3 supplement resulting in each bottle containing a 60-day supply. This supplement provides 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 and is available for $20 per bottle and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Xwerks — best whey protein supplement
Xwerks Grow is manufactured using high-quality whey protein obtained from grass-fed cows in New Zealand. These cows are raised without the use of any hormones or antibiotics. The whey protein is obtained using cold-pressed, non-ion exchange filtering and contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or coloring.
Whey is a high-quality form of protein that has been shown to help improve muscle mass and strength when combined with resistance training regimens.
Xwerks provides 25.8 to 27.8 grams of whey protein isolates per serving depending on the flavor. It is available in four flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and peanut butter.
The cost of a 30-day supply is $59 and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How we ranked the best supplements for working out?
You might have faced the challenge deciding on what supplements to take for working out. We have conducted an in-depth market research and evaluated the top supplements by using the criteria below.
Quality ingredients | Third-party testing | Price to value | Backed by science |
High-quality ingredients without fillers and artificial flavors | Verification the product contains labeled ingredients | Adequate servings per bottle that offer good value | Use of ingredients with evidence supporting their use |
- Quality ingredients. The product contains high-quality ingredients and is free from the use of artificial flavorings, sweeteners, and coloring.
- Third-party testing. The manufacturer verified the contents of their product using a third-party laboratory ensuring ingredients are in dosages reflecting the label and purity of the supplement is tested.
- Price-to-value. Products that are priced to provide adequate servings per bottle provide consumers with significant value at a reasonable cost.
- Backed by science. The ingredients contained in the supplement are backed by scientific evidence indicating their potential benefits.
Comparing the best supplements for working out
Brand | Product | Price | Price per serving | Serving size | Servings per container | Third-party testing |
Future Kind | Organic Vegan Protein Powder | $59.99 | $1.76 | 1 scoop | 34 | Yes |
Bulletproof | Magnesium | $16.99 | $0.57 | 3 capsules | 30 | No |
Transparent Labs | BCAA Glutamine | $39.99 | $1.33 | 1 scoop | 30 | Yes |
Purovitalis | Liposomal Vitamin D3 | $20.00 | $0.33 | 1 capsule | 60 | Yes |
Xwerks | Grow | $59.00 | $1.97 | 1 scoop | 30 | No |
Best supplements for working out – conclusion
To maximize the results of your workout, eating a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein and complex carbohydrates is important to achieve the best results. However, when your diet is unable to provide the needed nutrients, supplements can help provide the needed boost to your workout. Whether you are performing exercises to lose weight or build muscle, the listed supplement may help you achieve your goals.
Further reading on supplements for weight management
Best supplements for weight gain may help those needing to put on weight.
Best supplements for building muscle to help improve workout performance and gain muscle.
Best natural supplements for weight loss to support you through the weight loss journey.
Best supplements for muscle recovery to help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery.
Best BCAA supplements for women can help you keep sufficient protein levels.
Best supplements for runners might help improve endurance and energy when on the run.
Best amino acid supplements to support overall health and enhance muscle recovery.
FAQ
Which supplement is best during a workout?
During a workout, it is important to keep the body fueled and hydrated. Sports drinks containing carbohydrates and electrolytes are best to replenish the body's energy source and electrolytes which are lost during sweating. Carbohydrates in the drink provide the muscles with a great tasting source of energy.
Which supplements are best for muscle building?
To build muscle, the body must have a sufficient supply of energy to power performance and the available building blocks for building muscle mass. Using creatine and protein powders and/or BCAA supplements provides the necessary components to build muscle mass and strength.
What vitamins should I take daily if I work out?
Vitamin B, vitamin C, and minerals are important as these are typically lost during sweating. A multivitamin with adequate amounts of B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, and minerals may be important as these play a role in energy production, muscle growth, and muscle repair.
6 resources
- European Journal of Nutrition. Supplements with purported effects on muscle mass and strength.
- Magnesium Research. Effect of magnesium supplementation on muscular damage markers in basketball players during a full season.
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Magnesium bioavailability from magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide.
- International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Effect of branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Muscle Soreness following Exercise: A Meta-Analysis.
- Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. Acute Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Muscle Strength in Judoka Athletes: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial.
- Nutrients. The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on the Temporal Recovery of Muscle Function Following Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
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