My Supplement Routine, what and why? + WIN

I’m always curious as to what supplements other people are taking, especially those who participate in powerlifting, so I thought it would be nice to do a post on my supplement routine. This post will include all of the supplements I am currently using and why I am taking them as well as where you can purchase them from.

The fact that I’m even taking any supplements is something that has surprised me, as I can’t swallow tablets which makes it more difficult and I’ve always been a less is more kind of person and never really gotten on the supplement and vitamin bandwagon.

Without further ado, here are the supplements I am currently using.

// Vitamin D3
When I discovered that studies have proven that Vitamin D is effective in increasing strength I was sold. All I needed to do was locate a chewable or powder form, I discovered chewable Vitamin D3 available on Iherb so I picked some up and have been using it every day for the last month or so. The day I started taking these I happened to get a PB, but I haven’t had another one since so I’m not going to pretend it was definitely the Vitamin D 😉 We get Vitamin D from the sun so in the winter months especially it can be beneficial to use a supplement.

// Magnesium Spray
I’ve been using Magnesium spray for a few months now, Kyle has been using it for a lot longer. I used to have terrible trouble getting to sleep, or would wake up in the night and not be able to get back to sleep. Since using a high grade magnesium spray I have been able to get to sleep a lot better. I still have the occasional night where it is difficult to get to sleep. However if I put the magnesium on half an hour or so before I want to go to sleep, by the time bedtime comes around I am struggling to keep my eyes open and go to sleep a lot faster. I got my magnesium spray from Blants.

// Fulvic
We have been watching a lot of documentaries the past few months about farming and the state of our soil so when the opportunity came up to try NZfulvic I knew I would give it a go straight away. Fulvic has been known to improve gut health and therefore the immune functions. Fulvic acids contains a number of nutrients which nourish the digestive tract and assist in boosting good bacteria. You can purchase Fulvic HERE.

// BCAA
I use Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) almost every day, largely because it helps me to drink a lot more water than I would otherwise and also because BCAAs stimulate protein synthesis and reduce the rate of protein breakdown which is a fancy way of saying that we won’t lose muscle. Protein breaks down into amino acids which are more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. I purchase my BCAAs online from IHerb as I find it is a lot cheaper than getting the equivalent here in New Zealand.

// Creatine
Creatine is great for enhancing recovery and increases muscle strength and size. While I can’t say I’ve noticed an increase in size or recovery, it’s one of those supplements that I’d rather take as it has been scientifically proven to work. I add an unflavored creatine to my BCAA which I take one a day. The Creatine I have is a bit grainy tasting so I can’t handle it by itself. I purchase my creatine from Iherb.

// Protein Powder
I used to have protein powder quite frequently, but the last year or so it has been something I have been using less and less of. I am finding that I can generally get my protein needs from food and don’t require supplementation, however on the odd occasion I will use it. Generally I will add some protein powder to rolled oats for a quick breakfast, or just have a protein shake. I either purchase my protein powder from Bodybuilding.co.nz or Iherb.

// Guarana
On workout days where I complete my workout in the morning (generally 1 -2 days a week max) I will sometimes add a little bit of Guarana powder into my workout drink. Guarana works as a natural pre-workout to give you a little extra boost of energy, there is no other real reason for this other than the fact I have guarana in the cupboard at the moment and it does help me feel a bit more alert during the day. You can purchase guarana powder from health stores.

At the moment this is all I use, partly because I can’t swallow tablets! I am going to look into potentially adding Zinc and Fish Oil into my routine once I find a suitable powder or chewable tablet form that doesn’t cost the earth.

~~ WIN ~~

To be in the draw to win a month’s supply of NZfulvic, simply comment below and let me know what supplements you currently use (if any).

This post was made possible thanks to NZfulvic, as always content ideas and opinions are my own.