In light of the Chael Sonnen aftermath I feel like it's appropriate to pen a piece on PROPER supplementation. As hard as it is for some to resist the urge to dabble in unsavory substances, it's just not worth it. The risk that anabolic steroids carry with them are just too high; you risk your career, your reputation, your health and your livelihood. Just as proper nutrition is essential to success when training for MMA, proper supplementation can ultimately play a large role in your success or failure as a fighter.
The key issue that fighters are faced with when training is recovery. While practicing and training for MMA is oftentimes a trying, difficult endeavor, it is infinitely more difficult when our bodies aren't properly recovered and fueled. This is where proper nutrition and supplementation can make a substantial difference. The following supplements are recommendations made in the vein of recovery and overall health, the issues that I value the most when supplementing. You need to be able to train at an incredibly high intensity for up to four hours a day, and these substances have been shown to make that possible.
Nitrous Oxide Booster - The key ingredient here is L-arginine, a precursor for the synthesis of Nitrous Oxide. There are a multitude of NO boosters on the market. My advice is to stick with the established names in the business.
Fish Oil - Omega 3 fatty acids are completely essential to your overall health and livelihood as a fighter. You can find fish oil tabs almost anywhere. The quality varies, but I haven't experienced a noticeable difference when alternating between brands.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin - For me, this stuff is a lifesaver. Back in high school I sustained a sizable amount of knee cartilage damage and have been using this supplement ever since. I can absolutely feel the difference. If you've had any joint health issues, try mixing this into your supplement regimen.
Whey Protein - The building block of muscle. I'd be shocked if you're not already using a whey supplement, but I had to put here just in case. I'd steer clear of the GNC stuff and invest a few extra bucks on the better quality alternatives. Optimum Nutrition's products are great.
Creatine - A naturally-occurring compound comprised of three amino acids. If you're like me, you're probably getting some serious doses each time you chomp on that 16oz. Medium-rare prime rib. I tend to stick to the good, old-fashioned Creatine Monohydrate and steer clear of the Creatine Ethyl-Ester and other newer variations. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
Men's Multi-vitamin - A no-brainer. There are about a million high-quality multivitamins on the market. Find one.
Isoleucine, Leucine and Valine - Otherwise referred to as branched-chain amino acids. Your body cannot synthesize these proteins. The body's only source is through diet and supplementation.
This list is fairly brief, and I'm not in the least bit apologetic about it. While I absolutely value the power of supplements, you really shouldn't be spending all of your cash on them. Your primary investments should be your gym bill, your grocery bill and membership to an appropriate training for MMA facility. Supplements are definitely a priority, but don't purchase them at the cost of bankruptcy. Keep it simple and stay away from the new "gimmicky" pro-hormone products.
The key issue that fighters are faced with when training is recovery. While practicing and training for MMA is oftentimes a trying, difficult endeavor, it is infinitely more difficult when our bodies aren't properly recovered and fueled. This is where proper nutrition and supplementation can make a substantial difference. The following supplements are recommendations made in the vein of recovery and overall health, the issues that I value the most when supplementing. You need to be able to train at an incredibly high intensity for up to four hours a day, and these substances have been shown to make that possible.
Nitrous Oxide Booster - The key ingredient here is L-arginine, a precursor for the synthesis of Nitrous Oxide. There are a multitude of NO boosters on the market. My advice is to stick with the established names in the business.
Fish Oil - Omega 3 fatty acids are completely essential to your overall health and livelihood as a fighter. You can find fish oil tabs almost anywhere. The quality varies, but I haven't experienced a noticeable difference when alternating between brands.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin - For me, this stuff is a lifesaver. Back in high school I sustained a sizable amount of knee cartilage damage and have been using this supplement ever since. I can absolutely feel the difference. If you've had any joint health issues, try mixing this into your supplement regimen.
Whey Protein - The building block of muscle. I'd be shocked if you're not already using a whey supplement, but I had to put here just in case. I'd steer clear of the GNC stuff and invest a few extra bucks on the better quality alternatives. Optimum Nutrition's products are great.
Creatine - A naturally-occurring compound comprised of three amino acids. If you're like me, you're probably getting some serious doses each time you chomp on that 16oz. Medium-rare prime rib. I tend to stick to the good, old-fashioned Creatine Monohydrate and steer clear of the Creatine Ethyl-Ester and other newer variations. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
Men's Multi-vitamin - A no-brainer. There are about a million high-quality multivitamins on the market. Find one.
Isoleucine, Leucine and Valine - Otherwise referred to as branched-chain amino acids. Your body cannot synthesize these proteins. The body's only source is through diet and supplementation.
This list is fairly brief, and I'm not in the least bit apologetic about it. While I absolutely value the power of supplements, you really shouldn't be spending all of your cash on them. Your primary investments should be your gym bill, your grocery bill and membership to an appropriate training for MMA facility. Supplements are definitely a priority, but don't purchase them at the cost of bankruptcy. Keep it simple and stay away from the new "gimmicky" pro-hormone products.