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Starting out with weightlifting is particularly confusing when you have no idea where to begin. Aside from learning form and how to properly lift and use the different resistance tools, what you do before and after the gym is equally as important. Ask any fitness buff and they’re sure to agree!
You may choose to add supplements to your routine so you can perform and recover better while lifting weights. They generally fall into one of two categories: pre-workout or post-workout supplements. Your pre-workout will generally feature some form of caffeine for an energy boost, but as far as weightlifting is concerned, another ingredient you may want to look out for is creatine.
According to Harvard Health, supplementing existing creatine in the muscles “can enhance exercise capacity” and increase the amount of reps you can safely do during strength training. And as for your post-workout recovery, protein is key! It’s essential in muscle recovery and reducing soreness after hitting the gym. With these two types of supplements, you may feel like a lifting pro in no time — and we’ve sourced the absolute best in each category below on Amazon!
Pre-Workout Supplements
LADDER Sport Pre Workout Powder
We love that this pre-workout comes portioned out already, so you can just throw them into your gym bag if you’re in a rush!
Kaged Muscle Pre Workout Powder
Shoppers say the amount of caffeine in this supplement is just right — it won’t cause jitters like some higher dosages.
Thorne Creatine
If your sole focus is on building lean muscle and increasing the amount you can lift, this is likely the supplement for you. The only ingredient is creatine which, as mentioned earlier, is the compound most commonly used for amping up weightlifting capabilities. You can choose your dosage with this supplement to suit your needs!
BlackMarket PRE Workout
If you’re weary about trying out creatine but still want a great pre-workout to support strength training, this is the ideal option!
RSP NUTRITION AminoLean Pre Workout Powder
This pre-workout doesn’t contain creatine like the supplement we previously mentioned, but the formula does include ingredients to help support natural weight management!
Post-Workout Recovery
Hush & Hush PlantYourDay Vegan Protein Powder
This supplement boasts 17g of protein per serving, plus a powerful blend of supergreens, superfoods, pre- and probiotics that will benefit your overall health far beyond just muscle recovery!
KOS Vegan Protein Powder
Each 20g protein serving of this powder clocks in at just 150 calories, which is excellent for anyone who’s looking for a supplement that can also aid in weight management!
Alani Nu Whey Protein Powder
For a max protein boost, check out this powder which has a whopping 23 grams per scoop — plus comes in seriously yummy flavors like confetti cake and fruity cereal!
Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder
This is another protein powder option which has superfoods included in the formula, plus amino-acids, to aid in your post-workout recovery.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Unflavored Powder
This unflavored powder is fantastic if you prefer making fruit smoothies and don’t want the random (and potentially unpleasant) mixture of flavors you may receive from a vanilla protein supplement.
Better Blends Oat and Collagen Nutritional Protein Powder
The collagen included in this protein powder gives you added hair, skin and nail beauty benefits — if that’s what you’re looking for!
Bonus Pick:
YUNI Beauty Muscle Recovery Gel
To prevent your muscles from aching after a particularly intense workout, this recovery gel can help ease the pain or prevent it from happening to begin with!
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Disclaimer: While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our website. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Us Weekly assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.
