Best Workout Supplements: Our Top 10 Picks

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Have you been trying to find the best workout supplements but aren't sure where to start? There's a vast sea of choices on the market. Fortunately, the supplement industry has tested and reviewed countless supplements over the years, and the best workout supplements have been proven effective. We want to share the essentials with you.

Comparison Table

What Are the Best Workout Supplements?

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With the plethora of workout supplements out there, it's best to go about your search with an idea of what you'd like to get out of it. Are you looking for extra boosts of energy and more endurance during your workout? Are you looking to increase muscle mass or strength? Are you looking to have quicker recovery times after your workout?

Answering these questions is the place to start. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will want to review the products we've shared here. You can determine which combination of the best workouts supplements will support your current routine. It will likely be a personalized combination that works best for you.

What Do Workout Supplements Do?

Proteins and amino acids stimulate the building of protein in muscle and possibly reduce muscle breakdown. Nine of the essential amino acids you need, do not occur naturally in the body. Therefore, you need to get them from external sources. In case you are not getting them from the food in your diet, you’ll want to get them in the form of a dietary supplement. The best workout supplements will have formulas that will allow your body to absorb the quality ingredients they’re supplying you.

How Do Workout Supplements Work?

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Science and chemistry do tell us each of the best workout supplements supports your strength and recovery. They each work very similarly. When you workout you use ATP, which is the main energy source for your muscles. A supplement like Creatine improves strength gains by enabling a faster regeneration of ATP. This allows you to perform that extra rep or two when you’re lifting weights.

Where Can You Buy the Best Supplements?

We've provided you with Amazon links to the top quality brands for this selection of the best workout supplements.

Overall Price Range of The Best Supplements

You can get the best workout supplements at a very reasonable price. The range of prices for these products is from $ - $$.
You can get 600g of Creatine for $ at the lower end and 2 pounds of Casein powder for $33 at the higher-end of the price range.

What We Reviewed

  • Creatine
  • Whey Protein Powder
  • Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
  • Beta-Alanine
  • Casein Protein Powder
  • Fish Oil
  • Nitric Oxide Boosters
  • Glutamine
  • ZMA
  • Carnitine

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder, Unflavored,...
  • 5 grams pure creatine monohydrate per serving
  • Supports increases in energy, endurance and recovery
  • Maximum potency supports muscle size, strength, and power

What It Does

Creatine improves strength, increases lean muscle mass, and helps the muscles recover more quickly during exercise. Optimum Nutrition's Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder is a creatine monohydrate. Results may vary when taking a maximum dosage with regular exercise and a healthy diet. This creatine will enhance energy reserves in muscles while minimizing protein breakdown.

PROS

  • Improves performance in high-intensity exercise
  • Speeds up recovery rates
  • Made with CreaPure creatine

Cons

  • Powder may not fully dissolve
  • It's unflavored 

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 600g (4 cups).

Final Thoughts

Creatine is one of the most studied supplements for working out. Peer-reviewed studies have shown that creatine is safe and effective for assisting muscles to recover from working out. Users of Optimum Nutrition's Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder have found the product to increase their efforts and muscle gain.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Extreme Milk...
  • Gold Standard 100% Whey - 24g of protein per serving to help build and maintain muscle when taken over time with regular...
  • 5.5g of aturally occurring branched chain amino acids (BCAA) per serving to support muscle recovery
  • Anytime formula – great before or after exercise, between meals, with a meal, or any time of day when you need extra...

What It Does

Whey protein contains a range of essential amino acids, which help you increase strength and gain muscle. Whey is the liquid remains after milk has been curdled and strained, which is turned into a powder and used for supplementation. Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder also has 5.5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs, and 4 grams of naturally occurring glutamine with its serving of 24 grams of whey protein.

PROS

  • Promotes faster recovery after exercising 
  • Absorbs quickly into body
  • Helps with weight loss and reducing body fat

Cons

  • It's an animal-based product 
  • Flavors may taste bad and artificial

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 2 pounds.

Final Thoughts

Whey protein powder is another popular choice of the best workout supplements since it's been heavily researched. Whey protein is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is used before or after exercise to kick-start muscle recovery. Users enjoy over 20 flavors to choose from.

ALLMAX Nutrition BCAA 2:1:1 Powder, Amino Acid Supplement for Muscle...
  • Science - Innovation - Quality - Results
  • ALLMAX NUTRITION brings you Instantized Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) powder in a 2:1:1 ratio
  • BCAAs are critical to building quality muscle

What It Does

Branched Chain Amino Acids are leucine, isoleucine and valine, three of the essential amino acids that your body doesn't produce and needs to get from external sources. You can get BCAAs mainly from meat, fish, and eggs, and you can also use supplements. ALLMAX BCAA Pure Micronized 2:1:1 Ratio helps increase strength and quality muscle while maintaining a positive nitrogen balance in the body.

PROS

  • Provides immune support and helps in hemoglobin formulation
  • Pharmaceutical grade dietary supplement
  • BCAAs go directly from the liver to the bloodstream

Cons

  • Label has a lead warning section pertaining to California
  • Taste could be better

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 400g of powder.

Final Thoughts

Since around 35 percent of the BCAAs in your body are concentrated in muscle tissue, this is one of the best workout supplements to add to your routine. ALLMAX BCAA users say that it works to increase strength and recovery, while the product doesn't have unnecessary additives.

BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM Beta Alanine Powder - Beta Alanine Supplement,...
  • Maximize your Potential: Enhance your active lifestyle with our Beta Alanine powder, in Beta Alanine 3000mg, designed to...
  • Versatility for all Lifestyles: Whether you're an athlete, a sprinter, or someone simply looking to stay active, our...
  • Optimized in every Serving: With 3 grams per serving, our Beta Alanine 3000mg powder is unflavored and free of...

What It Does

Beta-alanine is an amino acid supplement that enhances exercise and athletic performance. Beta-alanine reduces muscle fatigue due to acid build-up. Bulk Supplements Beta-Alanine increases power and training volume. Beta-alanine is most effective during your anaerobic workouts that include intense and exhaustive exercise.

PROS

  • Clean powder with no fillers.
  • Reduces feelings of fatigue
  • Improves heart fitness

Cons

  • Concerns about products expiration dates
  • Some reviewers question product purity

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 100g.

Final Thoughts

Users of Bulk Supplements Beta-Alanine say this product helps prevent muscular fatigue during workouts.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder,...
  • One 1.87 lb container (25 servings) of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder in Chocolate...
  • With micellar casein, this Optimum Nutrition protein powder helps support muscle recovery
  • Each serving has 9 grams of naturally occurring Essential Amino Acids

What It Does

Similar to whey protein, casein protein comes from milk and is a source of essential amino acids. Unlike whey protein, which is fast-digesting, casein is a slow-digesting protein. You can take casein protein powder after a workout to keep you satiated throughout the day or at night when your muscles absorb protein during sleep. Optimum Nutritions Gold Standard 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder provides nearly 5 grams of BCAAs and is a source of calcium.

PROS

  • Great for overnight recovery
  • Slow digesting protein
  • Helps with weight management

Cons

  • Undesirable ingredients like soy lecithin and xanthan gum
  • May not taste good

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around for $ for 2 pounds.

Final Thoughts

While users didn't enjoy taste -even the unflavored was questionable- there were many positive notes about this product. Optimum Nutritions Gold Standard 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder helps with recovery after workouts and manages appetite.

Dr. Tobias Omega-3 Fish Oil, Triple Strength, Supports Brain & Heart...
  • Extra Strength Omega 3 Supplement: Our Triple Strength Omega 3 Fish Oil contains the richest sources of Omega 3 fatty...
  • 3x the Omega 3s: Each serving contains 2,000 mg of fish oil delivering 1,400 mg of omega 3s – that’s 3x more than...
  • Optimal Absorption, No Fishy Aftertaste: Our elevated softgels are equipped with an enteric coating which protects the...

What It Does

Fish Oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients important in preventing and managing heart disease. Increasing Omega-3 intake will lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and slow the development of plaque in the arteries. Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength fish oil pills have an enteric coating to help increase your absorption of the essential fatty acids and avoid fishy aftertaste.

PROS

  • 90-day supply of capsules
  • Third party tested for purity and label accuracy
  • Non-GMO and NSF-certified

Cons

  • Contains bovine gelatin 
  • This fish oil isn't "burpless"

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 3.8oz (180-count).

Final Thoughts

The health benefits of consuming Omega-3 fatty acids are more commonly understood. It's accepted that fish oil supplements are a great source or it. Users of Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength appear to have found results with overall health and improvement with some of their health concerns, from depression to fibromyalgia.

Force Factor Volcano Pre Workout Nitric Oxide Booster Supplement for...
  • HELPS BUILD MUSCLE & STRENGTH: VolcaNO is a nitric oxide booster that supports more strength, more lean muscle, and more...
  • Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be...
  • BOOST ENERGY & ENDURANCE: You need energy to drive your metabolism and fuel your workouts. This nitric oxide booster...

What It Does

VolcaNO Pre-Workout Nitric Oxide Booster with Creatine, Boost Nitric Oxide is used when you need the energy to drive your metabolism and fuel your workouts. This nitric oxide booster combines L-citrulline, creatine, and agmatine for optimal results.

PROS

  • Boosts energy and endurance
  • Contains amino acid L-citrulline to boost nitrogen 
  • Endorsed by multi-sport all-star Bo Jackson

Cons

  • Contains caffeine
  • May cause to be jittery

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 6.4oz. (120 count)

Final Thoughts

One of the first nitric oxide boosters to include this explosive triad of ingredients, VolcaNO has a fan base of regular users.

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What It Does

Glutamine enhances protein synthesis which helps you add more muscle. Glutamine combats lactic acid buildup allowing you to train longer and harder.  Kaged Muscle, L-Glutamine Powder supports muscle recovery and improve protein metabolism.

PROS

  • Helps restore to a healthy gut
  • Non-animal sourced, plant-based raw materials
  • Banned-substance free

Cons

  • Some users may notice an upset stomach
  • Product could dissolve better

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 300g (60 servings).

Final Thoughts

This is a helpful post-workout option for users. In addition, some users stated this product helped with inflammation in the body, particularly the gut.

Optimum Nutrition Muscle Recovery and Endurance Supplement for Men and...
  • One 180 tablet container (60 day supply) of Optimum Nutrition Zinc Magnesium Aspartate Supplement
  • Each 3-tablet serving of Optimum Nutrition Zinc Magnesium Aspartate supplement can be taken all at one meal or spread...
  • Contains a blend of Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6 designed to fill in gaps in micronutrient intake

What It Does

ZMA is a combination of zinc, magnesium aspartate and vitamin B6 that helps increase anabolic output and muscle strength. Optimum Nutrition's ZMA Muscle Recovery and Endurance Supplement helps increase endurance, muscle healing and growth, and restful sleep.

PROS

  • Maintains hormone levels
  • Aids sleep, less waking
  • Increases anabolic output

Cons

  • Must take on empty stomach
  • Recommended dose may cause grogginess

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 180 capsules.

Final Thoughts

User feedback says that Optimum Nutrition's ZMA helps with getting deeper sleep while boosting the immune system and speeding up muscle recovery time

Super Strength L-Carnitine 1000mg Servings Plus Calcium for Boosted...
  • Calcium enhanced super formula; the extra 330mg of Calcium per serving greatly boosts metabolic rate, muscle strength,...
  • Supports athletic performance and stamina; faster muscle recovery, delay exhaustion
  • Burns fat to help lose weight; promotes muscle growth and fat loss during workouts

What It Does

Carnitine increases blood flow to muscles and provides similar benefits as Nitric Oxide boosters. Arazo Nutrition L-carnitine promotes muscle growth and fat loss during workouts.

PROS

  • Transports fatty acids to support your cardiovascular levels
  • Made in an FDA and GMP-certified facility
  • Increases testosterone levels post-workout

Cons

  • May not want calcium stertrate
  • Testosterone boost may affect women negatively 

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around $ for 1000mg (120 tablets)

Final Thoughts

Carnitine is a popular fat-loss supplement and helps enhance muscle growth. This combination of benefits makes Arazo Nutrition L-carnitine a popular choice as a workout supplement.

The Verdict

We're sure that by now you're really reconsidering how to go about your workout training and rehabilitation. What do you think are the best workout supplements for you? Is there a particular supplement that's designed to enhance an area that you'd like to improve?

If you're having a hard time narrowing your choices, we suggest you begin with Optimum Nutrition's Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder. It will enable faster regeneration for your muscle, and you'll see a noticeable difference in your workout. Enjoy those extra reps and strength gains.

Last update on 2024-04-27 at 04:36 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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