Gym Supplements Guide for Beginners

Getting started in the world of nutritional supplements can be confusing and a little intimidating when you try to make sense of all the products filling up the shelves.

Speaking to a personal trainer or nutritionist at your local supplement retailer will help you decide which options are right for you, but if you're looking for general supplements to promote better health, fitness and wellbeing, you can't go wrong with these five staples.

As their name suggests, supplements should never be taken as a replacement for proper nutrition, but combined with a balanced diet they can work wonders to make sure your body is performing at its peak.

1. Multivitamins and multiminerals

Whatever your fitness goals are, multivitamin and multimineral supplements can be considered essential for making sure your body holds on to vital nutrients throughout the day. A healthy diet alone does not provide enough to keep you operating at your energetic peak, and if you follow a vigorous fitness regime your trainer may even recommend taking a multi twice a day to avoid a micronutrient deficit.

2. Protein

Protein is the key to building muscle size and strength, as well as shedding fat. While it's still important to get high quality protein from food sources, the effectiveness of protein supplements has been consistently demonstrated in studies, which also suggest that consuming protein drinks shortly before exercise rather than after delivers the most effective results. Rapidly digested protein supplements such as whey protein can also be consumed during and after exercise to aid recovery.

3. Creatine

Another muscle builder that's received a lot of attention over the years, creatine is also one of the most effective strength and energy boosters, making it useful for all types of high intensity activities from weight training to sprinting. There are many types of creatine supplements available, but not all are equally effective or tested – to play it safe, creatine monohydrate is the original and most widely used.

4. Fish oil

People from all walks of life should already be taking this super supplement, which has too many health and wellness benefits to list and is also a great boost for fitness. Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to shed fat, improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation and joint pains. 

5. Carbohydrate

While protein drinks have become a staple of fitness, fewer people are aware of the benefits of carbohydrate supplements to further aid protein synthesis, build muscle mass and replenish energy. If you're training heavily, carbohydrate drinks before, during and after exercise will make a noticeable difference to your recovery times and long-term success.

Stock up on supplements in Gungahlin

Whether you're buying your first supplements and looking for expert advice or replenishing your stock and looking for the best value on trusted brands, our supplement specialists at The Marketplace have you covered.

Aussie Supplements sells the widest selection of nutritional supplements for athletes, bodybuilders and general health and fitness, with on-site nutritionists and discounts for personal trainers.

Elite Supplements stocks supplements from the biggest Australian and international brands, including Ascend, Gaspari, Muscletech and VPX.