10 Effective Supplements For Athletes To Improve Recovery And Athletic Performance

With so much marketing gimmicks for supplements, it can be confusing to narrow down your options and find those that actually work. There are so many supplements and supplement stacks aimed at improving performance, fat burning, building muscle and post-workout recovery, but the truth is, you can’t achieve these by simply swallowing a pill or two.

You’ll need to pair it with a healthy diet and of course, a workout focused on your athletic goals. Supplements are very useful once used with a good diet and training regimen. We’ve narrowed down our list of the most-effective supplements for athletes to improve performance and recovery.

1. Creatine Carnage by Anabolic Warfare

Creatine is a natural amino acid normally found in red meat. Creatine has become famous among athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to pack on muscle, which is more effective when paired with resistance training. It allows more oxygen to be absorbed by the bloodstream, resulting in better pumps. The only problem with the supplement is that it can pack on some water weight as well. However, Anabolic Warfare’s Creatine Carnage promises no water retention while offering muscle mass, endurance, power and strength. Get Creatine Carnage here.

2. Project Muscle by Anabolic Warfare

Project Muscle features phosphatidic acid, a natural plant nutrient that signals other molecules. It activates the mTOR (Mammalian Target of Rapamycin) pathway, which boosts the synthesis of muscle protein, meaning it is responsible for signaling the body for muscle creation. When paired with resistance training, the supplement can result in maximum muscle growth. Apart from stimulating muscle growth, Project Muscle also increases lean body mass, strength and skeletal hypertrophy. Get Project Muscle here.

3. Nuclear Armaggedon by Anabolic Warfare

Nuclear Armaggedon is an all-in-one pre-workout supplement that includes 395 mg of caffeine, which is an effective brain stimulant. The supplement powder also features other nutrients to enhance energy and focus for your workouts. It includes L-citrulline to increase blood flow and dilate blood vessels, betaine to drive nutrients into your muscles faster, rauwolscine to elevate mood and fat burning, and nitrosigine to promote sustained vasodilation and increase focus and energy. Get Nuclear Armaggedon here.

4. Grass-Fed Ultra Whey Protein by Dioxyme

Protein Powder is a convenient way for athletes to bulk up on protein especially if they’re not getting enough from whole foods. But for busy "multi-hyphenates," protein powder cuts down all preparations. Dioxyme’s Grass-Fed Ultra Whey protein powder not only helps you build lean muscle but also includes digestive enzymes for better protein absorption by the muscles. It is rich in antioxidants and supports mental function, cardiovascular health and bone metabolism. Get Grass-Fed Ultra Whey here.

5. Muscle Performance Optimizer (MPO) by Dioxyme

Dioxyme’s MPO supplement powder is a performance enhancer meant to improve the way your muscles work. It features a synergy of five natural ingredients to boost strength, enhance workouts, increase muscle growth and improve recovery. The supplement powder features super ingredients like phosphotidic acid to stimulate muscle growth, HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) to increase muscle growth, HICA (alpha-hydroxy-isocaproic acid) to decrease muscle breakdowns, beta-alanine to help your train harder and longer and creatine monohydrate to help you build muscle. Get Muscle Performance Optimizer here.

6. Brain Nootropics by Dioxyme

Dioxyme’s Brain natural nootropics improve mental processing, memory, focus and athletic performance. Mixed with timed-release caffeine to enhance each component and provide a steady pace of energy for up to six hours. Ingredients include Alpha GPC Choline to amplify focus and memory, L-Carnitine to help the brain produce energy and increase certain neurotransmitter levels, L-Tyrosine to help improve mood and concentration and L-Theanine to help improve mental focus and arousal and minimize response to stress. Get Brain Nootropics here.

7. BCAA VMINO Vegan Aminos by Dioxyme

BCAAs are made up of leucine, isoleucine and valine, which are vital aminos and must be consumed because the body cannot produce them but make up 35% of the protein in our muscles. Dioxyme’s BCAA VMINO are vegan aminos made from non-GMO fermented plants. The supplement is essential for muscle recovery as BCAAs decrease muscle breakdown and minimizes muscle damage, muscle growth and repair as it triggers protein synthesis and enhances endurance as it stunts the release of serotonin, which is responsible for signaling that your muscles are tired. Get BCAA VMINO here.

8. Omega One by NutraOne

Omega One is a blend of omega-3 fatty acids normally found in fish oil that your body needs to function properly. Fish oil is a recovery supplement that reduces inflammation, improves immunity and lowers blood pressure. It is also known to increase brain function and improve eye health. It also significantly reduces joint pain, stiffness and improves bone health. Finally, the anti-inflammation properties of fish oil also reduce inflammation in the digestive system for better digestion and even weight loss. Get Omega One at 5 Star Nutrition.

9. Sleep One by NutraOne

Sleep One features nine natural ingredients for better sleep and burning fat: zinc, magnesium, GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, guggul lipid extract, coleus forskohlii, valerian root and melatonin. The natural sleep aid helps you fight insomnia, burn fat while sleeping, improve the immune system with better sleep and recover faster with a more restful night. Get Sleep One at 5 Star Nutrition.

10. CLA One by NutraOne

CLA One uses the power of conjugated linoleic acid to help you burn fat the natural way, suppress your appetite and boost your metabolism. This supplement is free of stimulants meaning it does not contain caffeine, which can leave users shaky and feeling off. CLA One is stimulant-free and is a natural aid for weight loss without you worrying about feeling wired. Get CLA One here.