Working out is the only way to maintain your competitive edge – no matter the sport in which you are engaged. Runners, bodybuilders, swimmers, gymnasts and all other athletes need intensive workouts to maintain their peak ability.  However, while the right workout will keep you fit and trim, you must also have the right supplements, or your workout can backfire and you’ll find you no longer have that coveted "edge" to your performance.

During workouts, your body burns nutrients and vitamins, using them as fuel to keep going.  If you are not careful, nutrient depletion can lead to muscle catabolism and other detrimental effects.  What nutrients must you replace?  How can you do so?  Obviously, taking supplements is an essential part of keeping your performance and the peak threshold.  What supplements do you need to take, though?  Here are a couple of the most important.

L-Glutamine – A naturally occurring amino acid in the body, L-Glutamine is an essential supplement for any athlete.  This substance helps improve performance and prevent catabolism of your muscles through its affect on protein synthesis.  Glutamine also plays a role in a number of other bodily functions, such as healing, cell hydration, growth hormone production, energy for your immune system and more.  It also plays an immediate role in your digestive system and the healthy function of this system.  L-Glutamine is also an important item for your body in recovery from strenuous physical activity.

Creatine – Another amino acid of vital importance is Creatine.  This nutrient plays an important role in providing ATP to fuel muscles during a workout.  Creatine supplements can help reduce the amount of lactic acid formed when ATP is used up (by providing larger sources of ATP), which in turn reduces the amount of muscle fatigue and soreness you experience after a workout. 

These are only two of the important supplements that your body requires to stay at peak competitive ability.