Man knows about bodybuilding supplement myths

Bodybuilding Supplement Myths Debunked

8 min read

|

22 Feb 2024

Grab your cheat sheet

Myth 1: Bodybuilding supplements are steroids
Myth 2: Supplements are a magic solution to build muscles
Myth 3: All bodybuilding supplements are the same
Myth 4: Supplements are not regulated & unsafe
Myth 5: Supplements are harmful to health
The truth

Calling all fitness enthusiasts and muscle-craving maniacs…

Ready to kick some supplement myths to the curb? We're diving headfirst into the world of bodybuilding supplements—exposing the biggest supplement myths out there.

When it comes to bodybuilding supplements, there's a sea of information and misinformation out there. But amidst the ocean of fake news and questionable claims is the truth.

So it’s time to separate the bodybuilding supplement facts from the fiction once and for all.

From blasting away the misconception that these sups are just steroids to crushing the belief that they're all harmful, we're spilling the beans bringing the

legit knowledge you need to make those gains.

Let’s debunk the most common myths surrounding bodybuilding supplements, giving you the down-low on what really works.

Here, we’ll bust the supplement myths that have been holding you back and arm you with knowledge that will help you achieve your bodybuilding goals.

Ready? Let’s go.

Myth 1: Bodybuilding supplements are steroids

Oh yes, oh yes. One of the biggest misconceptions about bodybuilding supplements is that they are synonymous with steroids.

Well, pump those brakes and let's set the record straight.

Supplements vs. steroids

Bodybuilding supplements consist of a wide range of legal and safe products specifically designed to enhance your fitness results and journey.

Chances are, if you haven’t used any, you’ve got a friend who has, or you’ve seen them online or in stores.

Usually, they’re made with natural ingredients that work in harmony with your body—providing a boost in specific areas like muscle recovery, strength, and endurance.

On the other hand, steroids (a.k.a. anabolic-androgenic steroids) are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. These concoctions are human-made rather than naturally occurring.

Steroids are primarily used medically to treat certain medical conditions, but they’re used to enhance muscle growth and performance by some bodybuilders illicitly (naughty)..

Steroids are illegal without a prescription and come with a whole laundry list of potential side effects that can be pretty shocking. Steer clear.

Types of safe and legal bodybuilding supplements

Let’s take a quick look at the different types of legal and safe bodybuilding supplements out there.

After all, the market is overflowing with options aimed at boosting your muscle-building results…

Protein Powders

The essential muscle repair and growth firestarters with muscle-loving protein sources.

Creatine

The natural compound that fires up energy production and fuels you through those heavy lifts.

Pre-workout

Let's not forget the pre-workout formulas designed to ignite your focus, endurance, and intensity during training.

BCAAs

And for preventing muscle breakdown and boosting muscle protein synthesis, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are the go-to.

And much more.

Importance of choosing reputable sources…

We want to shout about how important it is to make sure you choose well-established brands that prioritize quality control and transparency….

Think third-party testing and certifications to guarantee that you are getting a legitimate product none of these shady sellers or fly-by-night companies promising unrealistic results.

Protect your progress as well as your health and invest in reliable supplements from trusted sources. Because grabbing gains are never worth your health, people.

Myth 2: Supplements are a magic solution to build muscles

Hold up.

Let’s address this crazy misconception that bodybuilding supplements are some kind of secret ingredient that makes your muscles grow uncontrollably and without any effort.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you ain’t going to be Arnie with just supplements. You gotta be ready and willing for hard work too.

Let's set the record straight right here, right now.

Supplement = enhancers, not substitutes

Remember this mantra: Supplements are not a substitute for hard work and proper training.

They’re enhancers designed to support your efforts—not do the heavy lifting for you. It's time to shatter this myth once and for all.

Sure, supplements can play a crucial role in getting you to the results you want, faster. But they ain’t going to magically transform your physique overnight.

Trust us, it takes blood, sweat, and tears in the gym, coupled with a balanced diet, kickass exercise—and unwavering consistency to unleash the best results.

The science…

Don't just take our word for it, though.

There are countless articles and medical studies that back our claims.

One study found the use of dietary supplements (DSs) among gym users and gym instructors involved in body shaping-oriented fitness training was high.

This study emphasizes that the use of supplements was in conjunction with exercise and diet, indicating that a balanced approach to achieving your fitness goals with the use of exercise and diet was ideal.

Another study published in 2018 discussed the effects of protein supplementation on performance and recovery.

It highlighted that in order to optimize training adaptations, protein intake of at least 1.4–1.6 g/kg/day is recommended, and protein supplements are often consumed to meet this threshold.

The study shows that supplements are used to supplement exercise and diet goals and that the combined effort gets results.

Myth 3: All bodybuilding supplements are the same

Let’s get straight into our aim to debunk another common myth in the world of bodybuilding: The belief that all bodybuilding supplements are created equal.

Are all bodybuilding goals the same? No.

So why would all bodybuilding supplements be the same too?

Think about it.

Range & purpose of supplements…

Bodybuilding supplements are designed to match your fitness goals.

So whether that’s to bulk up to beast mode or shred the pounds, every fitness journey is as unique as the boss who is on it.

That's why a range of bodybuilding supplements exist, like protein shakes, creatine, pre-workouts, BCAAs…the list goes on. Because the ingredients need to match your goals otherwise your results might be off.

Choosing the right supplements is not a one-size-fits-all situation.

Whatever your goals may be, you need the supplements tailored specifically to help you achieve them.

Don't fall for the myth of one-size-fits-all supplementation—your body won’t thank you for it. And neither will your wallet.

Myth 4: Supplements are not regulated & unsafe

Let’s head straight in and bust another myth that's been floating around the supplement world—the idea that supplements aren't regulated—making them unsafe.

We’re going to give you an information-packed summary of the regulations and standards governing the manufacturing and labeling of supplements and show you how to find the best quality products.

Regulations and standards: we've got your back…

Listen up—here's the inside scoop!

Did you know? The supplement industry in the United States is regulated by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994.

This act puts the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in charge of ensuring that supplements are safe and properly labeled.

But that's not all.

The FDA has set up Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) that all supplement manufacturers must follow. These GMPs make sure that the supplements you get are the real deal—pure, potent, and free from any nasties.

Plus, supplement manufacturers are required to submit their product composition to the FDA, and you bet the FDA has the power to go after any non-compliant or misbranded supplements out there.

They don't mess around when it comes to protecting the public.

The power of research and certifications…

Now it’s time to level up your knowledge.

While regulations provide a baseline of safety, it's always the smart move to do your own research and choose brands that have a reputation for excellence—we don’t want to sound arrogant—but that’s CrazyBulk, folks.

The best brands ensure top-notch quality and safety. They care about their customers. They obtain third-party certifications from organizations like NSF International, USP, or Informed Sport.

Whilst badges of honor, they are also guarantees that the products are safe and meet the highest standards in the industry.

Customers buy when they are confident in the product. So, knowing that the supplements you're fueling your body with are the real deal—safe, pure, and produced with care is the best starting point.

Don't let the myth of unregulated and unsafe supplements stop you from supplementing because regulations and standards like the DSHEA and GMPs have got your back.

Myth 5: Supplements are harmful to health

Now for the lowdown on this classic myth—that supplements are bad for you. It basically all comes down to usage, user and quality.

The importance of using supplements as directed…

Seems obvious, right? But you’d be surprised just how many people take creative license with how to use supplements. They’re given a specific dosage for a reason.

Following the recommended dosage and instructions on the label is totally important for reaping the maximum benefits while minimizing the risk of any potential side effects. It’s not there for a fun read, but a safe read.

Supplements are designed to complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it, people.

Excessive dosages…

Moderation is key, right?

Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to adverse effects, not-so-nice side effects and may affect your gains.

You gotta remember that supplements are formulated to provide specific nutrients that may be lacking in your diet or to enhance your performance in the gym.

Taking excessive amounts won't give you superpowers; it may actually harm you and set your progress back. Not cool.

Quality

We covered this earlier when we said choosing reputable brands that follow strict manufacturing standards and prioritize quality is a non negotiable.

Surely you gotta want to do your research when something is going inside your body if you care about the results?

The truth…

Well, in true CrazyBulk style we haven’t been shy about serving you up the truth.

And the truth is we're not here to sugarcoat or deceive you.

It's time to get real so you can understand all about supplements and how they can crush your gains.

So without further ado, here’s a little tick list we made that you can ensure you swerve the myths and fake news and get the supplement that will get you shredding harder than ever.

Decide on your bodybuilding goals. Gains, fat-loss, strength etc
Choose a reputable brand with quality, tested supplements
Select the right supplements to that align with your goals
Get on a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods, including lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Mix up your reg routines with strength, cardio and flexibility exercises
Work HARD for the results you want!
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