Fitness Fact or Fiction: Debunking 6 Workout Supplement Myths

Myths and misconceptions have long run rampant in the world of workout supplements. Certain workout supplement myths have some truth, and other claims are simply incorrect. It is important to understand what is true and what is not so that we can make more informed choices about the supplements we choose to take. With that in mind, supplements can be incredibly beneficial in helping us reach our fitness goals. Keep reading to learn more about supplements as we debunk six common and misleading supplement myths.

 

Myth 1: All Workout Supplements are the Same

Workout supplements can vary significantly. Unlike medicines, dietary supplements in New Zealand do not require a pre-approval process, though they must still comply with dietary supplement regulations. However, the scope for supplement creation and claiming is far broader. You must be extra vigilant about your supplements and purchase from a trusted supplement store.

 

Supplements can be used for different needs. For example, a pre-workout is designed to enhance training before the workout. These can come in a variety of forms, which may or may not include creatine. Some may enjoy a pre-workout shake, whilst others prefer a protein bar. Protein powders are often taken after the workout to aid muscle growth and recovery.

 

Myth 2: Protein Powder Makes You Bulky

This workout supplement myth goes in tandem with the age-old claim that ‘doing weights makes you bulky.’ The suggestion that protein powder makes you big isn’t true. Research has shown that a drop in body fat percentage is expected when whey protein is taken with exercise. There is a known accretion of muscle, improved functionality, and improved strength. Studies have also shown that weight loss, specifically fat loss, is accelerated when whey protein, for example, is taken. Protein also improves satiety, which can also benefit weight loss.

Myth 3: Creatine Is Unsafe

Creatine is no stranger to a variety of false claims. It provides energy to your muscles and is therefore used to improve exercise performance. The suggestion that creatine is dangerous is simply untrue – in fact, your body already produces it, and we already consume creatine through some protein-rich food sources. Studies have shown that it has no adverse side effects and benefits performance, muscle volume, and speed.  

 

Myth 4: Creatine Is All Water Weight

This workout supplement myth has some truth to it. Creatine does cause some water retention—it draws water into the muscle cells; therefore, it is common to see a slight increase in weight in the early stages. However, the claim that creatine is ‘all’ water weight is untrue. Creatine is proven to facilitate muscle development and growth.

 

Myth 5: Workout Supplements Will Give Me Muscle and Replace My Diet

The secret to supplements is all in the name. Supplements are not the key to hitting all those fitness goals. They cannot perform the work of fitness and nutrition. With that said, supplements certainly can facilitate reaching fitness goals by increasing protein intake and important vitamins to boost performance and recovery. But still, these are most effective when working with a great diet and training regimen. Examine how to increase protein in your diet first and then use supplements to support it.

 

Similarly, consuming protein power won’t make you grow muscle. You still need to eat a calorie surplus and hit the gym to see a real positive change. To lose weight, a calorie deficit and a gym routine are important.

 

Myth 6: Workout Supplements Don’t Work

The opposite of the previous myth is the belief that workout supplements aren’t necessary because they don’t work. This claim is untrue. Workout supplements are proven to facilitate fitness goals and can be incredibly important in one’s fitness journey.

 

When we work out, we use energy and important nutrient stores more quickly. Nutrition is important, but there is no reason that supplements shouldn't help. A protein bar does not have the same vitamins and fibre as food sources of protein. Still, it can certainly assist us in meeting those protein needs to gain muscle and recover properly, especially for those of us with busy lives.

 

Level Up Your Workouts with Sprint Fit

The world of workout supplements is complicated. Products are not all made the same, so it is important to ensure you are getting a high-quality product that works for you and your needs and preferences. In a world full of workout supplement myths, trust the experts to choose and offer the best quality products that work.

 

At Sprint Fit, we pride ourselves on providing a fantastic selection of health and fitness supplements. We understand that one type does not suit all; therefore, we include the best of various products. From different powders to pre-workouts, vitamins, protein bars, and more, our goal is to support you and your unique goals and needs. Level up your workouts with Sprint Fit's great supplement range. Shop our supplement range today.