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When you begin a new bodybuilding program, you may be tempted to seek out the latest supplement fad before youve even settled on an exact weight training program or a diet plan. Why are many people so willing to invest in a questionable supplement before theyve even tried to learn the fundamentals of building muscle? It doesnt help that our society tends to focus on getting everything done as quickly as possible without regard to the long-term consequences of such an approach. Nor does it help to have so many ads for products that promise effortless and immediate changes in our appearance, whether they be in the form of weight gain or weight loss. Can this possibly be the healthiest way to gain weight or achieve any other important goal?
Though this may be received as a bold and controversial statement, I would assert that few if any supplements are really needed to accomplish muscle weight gain. I refer specifically to steroid alternatives and other supplements meant to enhance muscle growth without any further action from the consumer. (A careful distinction must be made here between these kinds of supplements which may not be necessary or even safe in the long term, and other supplements which promote general health such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and the like. I would also exclude protein supplements that simply provide food in a convenient manner.) At best, steroid replacements waste money and take advantage of your enthusiasm by delivering the same results that a completely natural bodybuilder could obtain. At worst, they may cause the user long-term harm, either in health hazards or in their finances.
The bottom line is that everyone can achieve massive muscle growth by adhering to the basic principles of progressive resistance training and increasing caloric intake. In other words, lift more, and eat more. Repeat until you achieve the desired results. You don't need to consider questionable steroid alternatives, or even more reliable substances such as creatine, until you have practiced basic principles and achieved as much success as you can. Only then can something like creatine be considered to give you a slight boost for advanced training. Be careful not to believe all the hype when you begin a new strength training or bodybuilding program. You have to commit to long-term learning and long-term training. If you train yourself to rely on supplements and other quick fixes, you will not only waste a lot of money, but you'll also train yourself to lack the discipline and commitment needed for long-term success.