Performance enhancing supplements

1SG (Join to see). Great topic. Most commercial pre-gym supplements contain stimulants (caffein, synephrine [very similar to effedrine]) and some carbs (similar to sugars and/or chocolate) that are intended to make you feel less fatigued and emotionally happier. Stimulants drive up heart rate, blood pressure, and are diuretics . . . can kill.

You can go back and forth about this all day long . . . but why not consider eating a decent breakfast, have a cup or two of coffee if you need it, hydrate before during and after the gym (particularly if you are taking a stimulant that makes your kidneys work overtime), and add common protein powder (whey or other) to a blended fruit and berry shake to rebuild and/or increase muscle mass? Try eating and working out the organic way before any supplement.

If it is a question of motivation . . . why not work out with a platonic/other same/other sex buddy . . . so you know someone else is depending on you to show up and perform a first rate all out workout? I personally prefer platonic Marine Gunny or DI . . . the kind with a heart of gold . . . knows how to motivate . . . as personal alarm and trainer.

Yes . . . some supplement components . . . like Bitter Orange derived Synepherine . . . can pop hot on UA!!!

Warmest Regards, Sandy

I would be careful and double check the ingredients as Maj Stanton referenced. Also, if you do use them, HYDRATE! I had to medevac someone who was using supplements and went into kidney failure because they weren't drinking enough water.

I have used supplements before. For me they seem to give me extra boost of energy and I did find that I could push out a few extra reps. But you should use them only for a very short amount of time like a few months. Overuse can be bad for your kidneys.

If you are unsure if the supplements have illegal substances, your best option is to go to your primary care manager at the health clinic with the ingredients, they can advise you if they are on the banned list and even tell you potential harmful substances, that may not be banned.