2008 Woodie Awards
Healthy body available without steroids
Shane Peterson
Issue date: 9/15/05 Section: Feature
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Many people trying to get lean and gain muscle are tempted to use dangerous hormonal supplements, such as steroids.
Steroids are an easy way to gain muscle but take a heavy toll on the body. What many people don't know is that with a healthy workout plan and the right non-hormonal supplements, one can gain a substantial amount of muscle.
There are three main types of safe and effective muscle building supplements: protein, creatine monohydrate and nitric oxide. All three are relatively safe for the body and essential for maximized muscle gain without the use of steroids.
Protein is an enzyme in the body that builds muscle. During a weight lifting workout, the body tears muscles and protein is processed to rebuild them.
The general rule for gaining muscle with protein is consuming about one gram of protein for every pound a person weighs. High concentrations of protein are found in poultry, fish and eggs. There are also powdered protein drinks and meal bars that come in a variety of flavors and provide large amounts of protein. For vegetarians, soy protein supplements are also available.
Creatine is a compound that the kidney, pancreas and liver create to supply energy to muscles. It gives a person more energy during workouts, aids in the production of muscle and helps the body recover from exercise. Many athletes use creatine and it's been proven to be a safe supplement. Creatine is most effective when taken 20 minutes before a workout with lots of water and is even more effective with the use of nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a free-form gas used to communicate with other cells in the body. When using NO, which comes primarily in pill form, blood vessels in the body expand, letting more blood flow through. This helps generate more muscle. NO helps in the recovery process after exercise and gives muscles more endurance. It is primarily used by people serious about weight lifting.
Steroids are an easy way to gain muscle but take a heavy toll on the body. What many people don't know is that with a healthy workout plan and the right non-hormonal supplements, one can gain a substantial amount of muscle.
There are three main types of safe and effective muscle building supplements: protein, creatine monohydrate and nitric oxide. All three are relatively safe for the body and essential for maximized muscle gain without the use of steroids.
Protein is an enzyme in the body that builds muscle. During a weight lifting workout, the body tears muscles and protein is processed to rebuild them.
The general rule for gaining muscle with protein is consuming about one gram of protein for every pound a person weighs. High concentrations of protein are found in poultry, fish and eggs. There are also powdered protein drinks and meal bars that come in a variety of flavors and provide large amounts of protein. For vegetarians, soy protein supplements are also available.
Creatine is a compound that the kidney, pancreas and liver create to supply energy to muscles. It gives a person more energy during workouts, aids in the production of muscle and helps the body recover from exercise. Many athletes use creatine and it's been proven to be a safe supplement. Creatine is most effective when taken 20 minutes before a workout with lots of water and is even more effective with the use of nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a free-form gas used to communicate with other cells in the body. When using NO, which comes primarily in pill form, blood vessels in the body expand, letting more blood flow through. This helps generate more muscle. NO helps in the recovery process after exercise and gives muscles more endurance. It is primarily used by people serious about weight lifting.