September 2009

Supplements are a very large contributor in the health and fitness industry. As bodybuilders and health and fitness enthusiasts we all want to achieve the very best outcome that we can and and that’s where supplements can come into it. I’m definitely an advocate of them, but in saying that there’s also a line in the sand that needs to be drawn. Only recently I myself have had to re-evaluate my daily supplement requirements and cut back on anything unnecessary.

My husband and I both take a variety of supplements for our general health and well being as well as for our training. But depending on our goals as to what we do or don’t need to take can be quite tricky some times. We’ve both cut back and have stream lined our supplements and we’re finding it better this was. After all, is does add up. LOL!! I know personally that the market and the many so called experts out there can be some what overwhelming to say the least so I’m going to talk about what I did and why.

1. Figured out what I wanted to achieve for my general health and training goals
2. Sourced professional opinions that I trusted
3. Reviewed their recommendations and further researched for my own benefit
4. Put the supplement plan into action

That’s it! And last but certainly not least, question things if you need to. By asking more questions you’re further educating yourself about what you’re taking and why. How many times has someone asked you “why are you taking that” and you couldn’t remember why? Been there, done that. Ignorance is a bliss for the most part but sooner or later we have to accept responsibility and figure out what’s best for us and why.

As an athlete I know that for myself and my training needs I’ll never be able to get all the vitamins and minerals I need from food, not by a long shot. Also with injuries and ailments as I grow gracefully older that the more I can do and supplement to hopefully prevent the average deterioration the better. Supplementation doesn’t have to be difficult, it is after all a choice. We can take them or not you know.

Melita and I were only talking about this very topic on the weekend at the 2009 INBA Vic Titles. She was saying that competitors condition was deteriorating and that she puts it down to a saturated market in the supplement industry and some of the companies not producing quality products. So know your products, know the companies you buy them from and trust the people who are recommending them to you. We are what we eat and consume and at the end of the day we have to accept responsibility for that.