Multivitamins. It may not seem like the most obvious muscle building supplement, but a good multi-vitamin play an important role in muscle growth and general health. If you are deficient in even one vitamin or mineral, your gains can really be hampered.

A good multi-vitamin is a must for the best gains in muscle mass, not to mention good health. People who are working out need more vitamins than the average person, so your supermarket brands won't cut it.

Glutamine. L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in muscle tissue. It helps prevent muscle wasting (catabolism) and improves recovery. The better and quicker you recovery, the sooner and harder you can hit it in the gym! Glutamine is also the primary fuel source for the immune system, so it can help prevent common illness. This means less chance you'll have to take time off your workout.

Glutamine is safe to take year-round. Glutamine should not be taken at the same time as creatine because they compete for receptors to be absorbed. Glutamine is often taken pre-workout and in your before bed protein shake.

Nitric Oxide Enhancer. Nitric Oxide is a free form gas that is produced in the body and is used by the body to communicate with other cells in the body. The fact that nitric oxide increases blood flow should make it of interest to lifters, as increased blood flow will serve to deliver more nutrients to muscles, thus helping muscles become larger when subject to stress. People are noticing huge increases in muscle pumps while using this product.

Many top nitric oxide products are also blended with energy enhancers to form a complete pre-workout drink.

Natural Testosterone Booster. As men age testosterone levels decrease. Raising your testosterone helps you to gain muscle, enhance your mood, maintain a healthy libido, and more. Testosterone boosters often include popular ingredients such as ZMA, Tribulus, and much more.

BCAAs & Amino Acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Bodybuilders can especially benefit from supplementing amino acids because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue. Among the most beneficial and effective supplements in any sports nutrition program are branched chain amino acids. These are the essential aminos leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Conditioning
This section contributed by Gabe Wells of Bigger, Faster, Stronger of Texas.

The importance of conditioning within the realm of strength training is very imperative if you are to have a long and satisfying career. What conditioning does for the body; in a nutshell, is allow the body a chance to increase recovery time and work capacity. There are many more benefits to name; just these are the two important ones.

Examples:

Sled Dragging: Dragging a sled forwards, backwards or sideways.
Interval Running: Running sprints (20yd-100yds, half speed-full speed).
Interval Running Uphill: Sprints going uphill, remember to walk back down otherwise you risk injury.
Prowler Push: The ultimate in conditioning.
Sledgehammer Swings: Find a sledgehammer and find a tire, swing away. Few hundred reps and your lungs will be screaming.
Tire Flipping: A staple in strongman and football programs.
Farmer's Walk: Another Strongman staple. Buy a set of farmer’s handles or grab the heaviest DBs and stroll for about 50-100 foot trips. Unbelievable grip builder and lung burner.
Sandbags, Kettle Bells, Truck/Car pushes are all weapons that you can add to your arsenal. The combinations are endless and you should experiment with all. There are many, many other forms of conditioning so remember to research.

One important rule to remember: allow yourself time for recovery between sets and training days.

Some advocate conditioning everyday. This may not be the best approach. Allow yourself time to recover between trainign sessions or you may risk a slowing of results. Start with 2-3 days per week and work your way from there.

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