Aug 18, 2004

Body Builders Fitness Supplements – A Glossary Of Terms

The market is saturated with hundreds of vitamins and body builders fitness supplements and many of us struggle to inform ourselves as to which supplement does what. It seems as though just when you think you have things figured out, a new fitness supplement gets thrown into the mix.

Suddenly, you find yourself learning more about what you thought you already knew. Don’t worry, though, because once you learn a few of the key terms you’ll have the basic knowledge necessary to purchase any body builders fitness supplement safely and wisely.

Amino Acids

One of the most common words associated with any fitness supplement is the amino acid. Branch Chain Amino Acids and Essential Amino Acids are known to be the "building blocks" of our bodies. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, they form antibodies, build RNA and DNA and carry oxygen throughout the body. Protein is made up of amino acids and that is why you will find that most products are made to help restore, or supplement this essential element in our body.

Creatine And Creatine Monohydrate

Another important term to know when buying a fitness or sport supplement is Creatine Monohydrate. Creatine Monohydrate combines with other elements in our bodies to provide fuel for our muscles. It is effective for anaerobic exercise (activities that require quick, explosive bursts of energy) but is not effective for endurance activities.

Many athletes take Creatine because their muscles feel fuller and stronger when they are using the product; however once they stop using it, they will shed all the water retention weight they gained while on it.

HMB Or Hydroxy-Beta Methyl Butyrate

HMB (hydroxy-beta methyl butyrate) is another term you will often see when searching for a specific fitness or bodybuilding supplement. HMB is most often used for improving endurance, sparing muscle protein and recovery. It is a metabolite of the branch chain amino acid Leucine and the human body can produce between .3 and 1 gram a day in your muscle tissue.

HMB in the body usually lasts around 3-4 hours, so it is necessary to take several doses throughout the day to maintain an effective level. It is especially important to have proper doses of HMB in your body before and after an intense training session. Basically, a total of 8-12 grams a day is necessary in order for it to be effective.

Vitamins And Minerals

Two of the more basic, yet essential nutrients, are minerals and vitamins. Minerals are vital to the assimilation and metabolizing of vitamins and vitamins are necessary in order for our bodies to function properly. All tissues and fluids in our body contain minerals, however, the body cannot produce minerals on its own; they must be ingested through food and/or supplements. A bodybuilding supplement that can provide adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins is always a good choice.

While there are many more terms to discover and learn about, these are a few of the basic terminologies to help get you started. Fitness bodybuilding supplements are meant to be taken in addition to a well-rounded nutrition program. Having an understanding of how your body works and what nutrients are needed in order to help it function at its best, is just the first step in achieving your fitness goals and dreams.

About The Author:
Angela Lanci Zaurrini is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for body builders and sports enthusiasts. She is a young and yet experienced educator who earned her B.A. and teaching certification through Simon Fraser University, Canada. She continues her passion of sharing knowledge through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Angela Lanci Zaurrini
http//www.a1-weight-lifting-equipment.com