Exercise is an important cornerstone of metabolic health. Not only does it help maintain a healthy weight, but it also plays a crucial role in reducing insulin resistance and preventing osteoporosis. Building and maintaining muscle is essential for these benefits. Muscles act as a reservoir for glucose, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, strong muscles support our skeletal structure, decreasing the likelihood of fractures and improving overall bone health. Here are the top four supplements to boost muscle growth and support your fitness journey.
The mechanism of action has been described in more detail on these videos
Supplements which increase Muscle Protein Synthesis
Protein
Protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and repair. Leucine, a branch-chain amino acid (BCAA), is particularly effective in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. For those who prefer plant-based proteins, vegan protein powders offer a less inflammatory alternative to mammalian proteins.
Supplements to aid with Increasing Muscle Mass
Plant Based Protein:
Healthy sources of plant protein include soy products, lentils, legumes, beans, chick peas, beans, brown rice, peas etc.
Click to Explore Purely Inspired Organic All In One - Vanilla-Canadian
Click to Explore Purely Inspired Organic All In One - Chocolate-Canadian
Reduce Muscle Loss in Females with PCOD / Peri - Post Menopause
Click to Explore BILL Soy Protein Isolate Powder 500g
Click to read Protein Leverage Hypothesis
Click to Read Scientific Study for Bones
Click to Read Scientific Study for Muscle
Creatine: to increase effectiveness of resistance training
Creatine is a molecule created in the body from amino acids arginine and glycine. This has been shown to not just increase ATP/Energy synthesis in muscles but also improve cognitive function from adolescents to the elderly.
Click to Read Scientific Study for Bones
Click to Read Scientific Study for Muscle
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Fish and seafood are good food sources of Omega-3, but this can be supplemented as well. It is reasonable to start with one capsule once a day with food and titrate up in consultation with a treating physician based upon biomarkers such as triglycerides, HDL, and hs-CRP in conjunction with lifestyle and dietary changes.
- Once to Twice a day dosage sufficient for most people
- Click to Explore Webber Naturals Omega-3 900 mg Triple Strength, 120 Clear Enteric No Fishy Aftertaste Softgels, Supports Cardiovascular Health and Brain Function
Vegan Option:
- This plant-based Omega-3 supplement is ideal for vegans, providing 300mg DHA and 150mg EPA derived from algae. The fresh mint flavor makes it a pleasant addition to your supplement regimen, supporting heart, eye, and brain health.
- Once to twice a day dosage is sufficient for most individuals
- Click to Explore Nature's Way NutraVege Plant-Based Omega-3 VeggieGels – Vegan-Friendly Omega-3 Supplement with 300mg DHA + 150mg EPA – Fresh Mint Flavour – Support Heart, Eyes, and Brain Function in Adults, 30 Softgels
Click to Read Scientific Study
Multi Vitamin & Multi Mineral with antioxidants Lutein & Lycopene
Click to Explore Jamieson 100% Multivitamin for Adults 50+, with Lutein, Lycopene & Calcium-Canadian
Chewable Multivitamin & Multimineral
Click to read study on benefits of Multivitamins for Memory
Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 (Natural) 1000 IU
Brand: Natural Factors. Each tablet delivers 1000 IU of natural Vitamin D3, promoting bone health and immune function.
Webber Naturals Vitamin D3 2500 IU Extra Strength, 180 Tablets
For healthy bones, teeth, and helps prevent Vitamin D deficiency. These extra strength tablets are perfect for those needing a higher dose of Vitamin D.
Additional Considerations
Collagen Powder: To Strengthen Connective Tissue
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that provides structure to your skin, hair, and joints. As we age, our body's natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. Marine Collagen is superior to Bovine Collagen .Collagen Powder contains amino acids including Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline, which further stimulate the production of Hyaluronic Acid enhancing skin hydration and elasticity.
Click to read Scientific Study for Skin Aging
Click to Read Scientific Study for Bones
Click to Read Scientific Study for Osteoarthritis
Hyaluronic Acid
Those looking to protect joints and skin can add hyaluronic acid to their regime. This hyaluronic acid capsule contains vitamin C, which is an essential co-factor for the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen within the skin.
Nutridom Hyaluronic Acid 200mg with Vitamin C 150mg, All Natural, Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and Soy-free (60 Count)
Nutridom Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C-Canadian
Zero Calorie Electrolytes for Cardio / HIIT Workouts
Click to Explore Gatorade G Zero Powder Variety Pack - 40 count
Weight / Fat Mass / Waist Measurement Devices
As the saying goes, 'that which gets measured, gets done'. It is important to have tools to monitor the process whether weight, body fat or step count.
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- Click to explore RENPHO Food Scale, Kitchen Scale for Food Ounces and Grams, Smart Cooking and Coffee Scale with Timer, Nutritional Calculator for Keto, Macro, and Calorie with Smartphone App, White
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Food Measuring Cups and Spoons: Volume estimation is the second best option to guage calories after food weight measurement
Example Patterns for Calorie Cycling for Body Recomp
Resistance Training 3-4 Consecutive Days a week eg Mon to Thurs
Monday & Wednesday: Upper body Push + Core Muscles
Tuesday & Thursday: Upper body Pull + Lower Body
6-12 Rep Range but up to 20 if prone to injury or frail
4-6 Sets per session of exercise with 2 minutes rest between Sets
Progressive Overload: Aim to increase volume ie either Reps or Weight every 1-2 weeks
Prioritise Protein intake and consume calories approx at maintanance
Fri, Sat, Sun: Cardio / Aerobic Exercises with Calories under 1000 kcal a day on these three days
'Exercise Snacks' at home
Home Resistance Training Exercise Snack:
Mon & Wed: 2 Sets each of Upper Body Pull and Core Exercises thrice a day before meals
Tues & Thurs: 2 Sets each of Upper Body Push and Lower Body thrice a day before meals
Upper Body Pull: Pull Up / barbell / bicep curl / resistance band
Upper Body Push: Push Up
Core: Sit Up / Crunches / Plank / Ab roller
Lower Body: Squats / Stepper
Home Cardio Exercise Snacks:
10 minutes cardio before breakfast ( fasted zone 2 cardio )
10 minutes cardio after each meal 3 times a day
Walk / Eliptical / Stationary bike / skip rope / Zoomba etc
Resistance Training 3-4 Non Consecutive Days a week eg Mon / Wed / Fri
Full body split can be done since there is 48hrs rest between sessions
Monday / Wednesday / Friday : Upper body Push + Core Muscles + Upper body Pull + Lower Body
6-12 Rep Range but up to 20 if prone to injury or frail
3-4 Sets per session of exercise with 2 minutes rest between Sets
Progressive Overload: Aim to increase volume ie either Reps or Weight every 1-2 weeks
Prioritise Protein intake and consume calories approx at maintanance
Tues / Thurs / Sat Cardio / Aerobic Exercises with Calories under 1000 kcal a day on these three days
'Exercise Snacks' at home
Home Resistance Training Exercise Snack:
Single Set of four compound full body exercises 3 times a day, 3-4 days a week ie on 'Anabolic Days'
Upper Body Pull: Pull Up / barbell / bicep curl / resistance band
Upper Body Push: Push Up
Core: Sit Up / Crunches / Plank / Ab roller
Lower Body: Squats / Stepper
Home Cardio Exercise Snacks:
10 minutes cardio before breakfast ( fasted zone 2 cardio )
10 minutes cardio after each meal 3 times a day
Walk / Eliptical / Stationary bike / skip rope / Zoomba etc
Benefits of Exercise
Although not mutually exclusive , exercise can be categorised into types which have distinct benefits.
Resistance Training: Gain muscle and burn more calories at rest
Aerobic Exercise / Cardio: Improve heart health and burn more calories during exercise
Non Exercise Activity: Burn more calories while not actively exercising
HIIT Exercises: Heart Health and Longevity
Plyometric Exercises: Best for Bone Strength
Isometric Exercises: Best for Blood Pressure and balance.
Active Sports: Heart health, longevity and bone strength
How much should you exercise? Minimum 1.5 hrs a week is recommended but this is a minimum.
I recommend dividing the week into alternate Muscle building and Fat losing days, 4 days of resistance exercise and 3 days for Cardio for instance, ideally alternating to give 48 hrs rest to the relevant muscle groups.
Exercise can be done in longer sessions at the gym for 45-60 minutes at a time or in the form of 'exercise snacks' at home e.g. 15 minute sessions thrice a day.
When doing resistance training one should aim to stimulate most target muscle groups over the group.
For example a person going to gym thrice a week would do a 'full body workout' while a person going six days a week may prefer a split doing different exercises alternate days, again in order to give 48 hrs rest to each muscle group for recovery.
Exercise snack at home should also aim to use compound exercises to stimulate multiple muscle groups simultanously.
Examples here are generic but it is natural that males may prefer to work more on upper body and females on lower body. From a metabolic point of view it doesnt make a difference, improving muscle to fat ratio is what matters to metabolism.
Note: Clients with brittle bones ie osteopenia or osteoporosis much exercise with a straight back posture at all times.
Example Exercise for these Splits :
Upper Body Push :
Push Ups
Above Shoulder Kettle Raise
Triceps Exercise with Resistance Bands
Click to Explore GoFit Power Loop Resistance Bands - Training Pack
Bench Press
Above Shoulder Dumbell Raise
UPPER BODY PULL
Pull Ups
Click to Explore GoFit Elevation Chip Up Station & Bar – No Screw At Home Door Frame Pull Up Bar
Dumbell and Kettle Ball Curls
Resistance Band Curls and Extensions
Click to Explore Extreme Pro Gym Set by GoFit
Barbell Curls
Core Exercises for Lower back and Abs
Ab Rolls
Rows
Lower Body
Leg Extensions and Flexions
Glute Exercises
Click to Explore GoFit Adjustable Ankle Weights
Cardio / Aerobic and Lower Body
Skip Rope
Click to Explore GoFit Beaded Jump Rope
Cycling
Walker
Lunges, Single Leg Squats, HIIT Workout
Increase Non Exercise Activity
Walking treadmill
Mini Eliptical
Under desk pedal
Click to buy Soozier Portable Mini Pedal Exercise Bike Indoor Cycle Fitness Arm Leg w/LCD Display
Increase Activity through Sports
Click to Explore Soozier 6.5'-10' Adjustable Portable Basketball Hoop System Stand Outdoor
Products to aid with fat loss
Berberine: This is a herb which stimulates AMP Kinase and reduces insulin resistance. It also has benefits for weight loss and lipid control. It also has anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties. Berberine aids in weight loss via various mechanisms including Gut microbiome modulationDose of berberine is one 500 mg capsule thrice a day with meals ( 1.5 gms per day )
Click here to read study published in Science Direct
Products which enable accountability by tracking progress
Attaching biometric measuring devices for sleep, step, blood pressure monitoring etc will also improve the effectiveness of tracking and are excellent long term investments for your health
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Activity Tracking Wearable
Wearable devices allow for easy tracking of daily steps and sleep quality.
Click to Explore Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Ink Sport Loop. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water-Resistant
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Blood Pressure Monitor
Click to Explore A&D Medical Blood Pressure Machine with Bluetooth, Upper Arm Cuff (22-42 cm Range) Home BP Monitor, One Click Operation, Connects with A&D Heart Track App
Check your blood pressure weekly to keep tabs on cardiovascular health.
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Prebiotic Fibre :
Nutrients which gut microbiome requires as food or 'prebiotics' include fibre ( soluble fibre, insoluble fibre, resistant starch etc ), plant polyphenols, omega 3 and plant proteins. While these can be obtained from diet, supplements can also provide these dietary nutrients . Fibre reduces cholesterol, reduces sugar, improves metabolism by feeding gut microbiome and provides satiety through bulking effects.
Dietary Sources: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Green banana flour contains a high amount of resistant starch.
Click to buy on Amazon: Metamucil, Daily Psyllium Husk Powder Supplement
Click to read study demonstrating benefits of Green Banana Resistant Starch for Fatty Liver
Click to read study published in Science Direct
Click to read study published in Nutrition Journal
Probiotics for Weight Loss
Brand: Genestra Brands HMF Metabolic | Probiotic Formula
Click to read Scientific Study published in journal Nature
Brand: Metagenics - UltraFlora Control - 30 Capsules
Click to read Scientific study published in journal Lancet
Using steroids and testosterone replacement for muscle growth is fraught with health risks both short as well as long term. This also leads to a long-term dependency as the body stops producing these hormones by itself. Any person even vaguely contemplating this should first ensure that the steps on this blog have been followed first along with a clean, nutritious diet, adequate exercises with progressive overload, adequate sleep, and recovery, etc. Seek the advice of a personal trainer experienced with coaching natural bodybuilders.