Whether you’re looking to reduce inflammation, slow the signs of aging, enhance your workout, or enjoy a much better night’s sleep, the world of supplements is certainly vast, and it can seem intimidating from the outside looking inside. Once you establish your needs and gather some tried-and-true recommendations, however, it makes the supplement selection process much easier. For example, if improving your fitness and overall health is your ultimate goal, you will surely be interested in the supplements that trainers actually take to give their well-being a solid boost.
A lot of Americans take supplements and for good reason. According to the 2022 Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements conducted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), three-quarters of Americans use dietary or nutritional supplements. Most of them take these supplements on a regular basis. When asked what was the main inspiration behind taking supplements, the most popular response among Americans includes “live healthier/adopt healthier habits” along with “maintain my health.”
Data reveals that people who take supplements are more likely to establish healthy habits such as eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, seeing their doctor regularly, and getting enough rest. So, if you’re looking to explore the world of supplements, listen up. We spoke to a couple of fitness pros who share the supplements trainers actually take. Read on for more, and afterward, be sure to check out these 6 Healthy High-Protein Meals That Coaches Are Obsessed With.
Zinc is a supplement Tim Liu, CSCS, an online fitness and nutrition coach and member of our board of medical experts, takes, because believe it or not, many people are zinc deficient. In fact, according to a March 2022 research published in Frontiers of nutritionzinc deficiency has an approximate impact two billions individuals around the world.
If you’re wondering what makes zinc so beneficial, Liu explains that it gives your testosterone and immune system a solid boost. Incorporating a zinc supplement into your diet can help you ward off disease. Some research even suggests that zinc may help reduce the amount of time you deal with cold symptoms.
Magnesium is another supplement Liu regularly incorporates into her diet; it is also something that many of us are deficient in. If you haven’t heard of the benefits associated with this nutrient, it’s time to familiarize yourself. Foods like beans, seeds, nuts, fish, avocados, dark leafy greens, and bananas are all stellar sources of magnesium. You can also reap the benefits of magnesium in supplement form. Magnesium promotes strong, healthy bones, a good night’s sleep, and can help ease the pain associated with migraines.
“The benefits of protein powder on muscle repair, muscle growth, and recovery are scientifically proven,” she says Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS, fitness expert and founder of GroomBuilder. He personally recommends making a post-workout smoothie to help with the recovery process, even if you’re trying to lose weight. “If you need extra protein in your diet, have a shake every day, but don’t rely on it,” he says. “Focus on getting the majority of your protein from real food. Nowadays, there are many varieties from whey to hemp to rice, so see what feels best to you.”
There are many Omega-3 supplements on the market. But what exactly are Omega-3 fatty acids and their benefits? According to Yeung, “These have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and have great scientific support behind their benefits for fat loss, heart health, joint health and more. Be it fish, krill, flax, etc. ., little goes a long way.” Omega-3s also offer hormonal and mood-enhancing benefits.
Last but not least, Yeung takes probiotics but points out that “the jury is still out” on them. You can find probiotics in yogurt, fermented foods like kimchi and kombucha, and nutritional supplements. If you’ve been browsing the vitamin aisle at your local health or grocery store, you’re probably quite familiar with probiotics. “These are healthy gut bacteria that can aid in digestion,” Yeung adds. “In certain cases, [taking probiotics] can help. If you’re curious, start with fewer CFUs and see how it feels.”
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Alexa Melardo
Alexa is the Deputy Mind + Body Director of Eat This, Not That!, who oversees the M+B channel and provides readers with interesting fitness, wellness and self-care topics. Read more about Alexa
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