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What is a Muscle Supplement?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Muscle growth supplement is a nutritionally-based additive that is formulated to promote the development of muscle mass in the body. The basic idea behind a muscle supplement is to provide nutrients required for muscles to respond to exercise and weight lifting efforts. Rather than being viewed as an artificial means of helping people to gain muscle, the muscle supplement is seen as a way of using natural elements to stimulate and encourage a naturally occurring process in the body.

One of the most common forms of a muscle supplement is protein powder. Many of these powder products are especially formulated with high levels of protein coupled with a range of vitamins and minerals that are designed to enhance flexibility, retard the pain from muscle strain and promote a more efficient absorption of the protein. As a result, the powders are claimed to encourage the body to endure through rigorous exercise routines that help to increase the mass of muscle groups all over the body.

Supplement pills.
Supplement pills.

Along with protein powders, there are also a number of herbal and vitamin-based muscle supplements available today. Often sold as capsules or gel caps, a muscle supplement of this type contains elements that are understood to promote energy release from the cells of the body, making it possible to exercise for longer periods of time. As a result of the ability to engage in longer and more strenuous periods of exercise, the muscles of the body have the opportunity to develop to a degree that would not be possible otherwise.

Protein powder.
Protein powder.

Muscle builders are not the only individuals who may use a muscle supplement as a means of increasing body mass. People who wish to gain weight but do not want to increase the fat content of their bodies will often choose to utilize a muscle supplement in conjunction with regular exercise. While the goal is not to gain muscle mass, this type of activity can over time result in firm muscles and a generally toned physique.

Milk and eggs, which are both used to make protein powder.
Milk and eggs, which are both used to make protein powder.

People who wish to lose body fat will also sometimes use a combination of a muscle supplement along with a regimented exercise program. This can be helpful because some blends of muscle supplements are formulated to encourage the body to burn fat in order to produce the energy needed for exercise. At the same time, the supplement feeds muscle tissue, helping it to respond positively to the increased physical activity.

Muscle supplements are often taken by people wishing to increase muscle mass.
Muscle supplements are often taken by people wishing to increase muscle mass.

While muscle supplements have long been available in health food stores, they are also now found in a variety of other retail outlets. Gyms and health clubs often make at least one muscle supplement available to their clients. In addition, many drugstores and supermarkets now carry both protein powders and one or more muscle supplement formulas in capsule form.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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    • Supplement pills.
      By: compuinfoto
      Supplement pills.
    • Protein powder.
      By: lculig
      Protein powder.
    • Milk and eggs, which are both used to make protein powder.
      By: lacroix
      Milk and eggs, which are both used to make protein powder.
    • Muscle supplements are often taken by people wishing to increase muscle mass.
      By: stryjek
      Muscle supplements are often taken by people wishing to increase muscle mass.
    • Muscle supplements are said to help naturally encourage the body's own muscle building process.
      By: Christopher Howey
      Muscle supplements are said to help naturally encourage the body's own muscle building process.