The Ultimate Guide to Essential Fitness Supplements

Optimum Nutrition's Amino Energy might not seem like your typical pre-workout, but it's incredibly effective at getting the job done. The best part? It's budget-friendly, with a cost of only 52 cents per serving, and you can often find it at an even lower price point. This product has everything you need to kickstart your workout, wake you up, and get you into the gym, not to mention it comes in a range of delicious flavors.

This is a small company based in New Jersey, but don't let their size fool you—they're doing great things. Power Rush Pre-Workout offers stellar flavors, with my personal favorite being the Peach Iced Tea, which is absolutely fantastic. However, all three of their flavors are quite good, including Bay Breeze, which has a refreshing Cape Codder-like taste.

Six Star's Pre-Workout, specifically the Six Star Pre-Workout Explosion Ripped version, is an incredible value on Amazon.com.

Price: Initially priced at $12.27 for 30 servings, it's already quite affordable. But the real deal is when you apply a 25% off coupon, bringing the cost down to a mere 37 cents per serving.

Taste: The watermelon flavor is not just good; it's absolutely delicious. Taste is an important factor when choosing a pre-workout supplement.

Considering its affordability and the fact that it's designed as a beginner-friendly pre-workout, it provides a balanced blend of ingredients to help users have a productive workout without overloading on stimulants. The low price point makes it a great option for those who want to try out a pre-workout without a significant financial commitment.

This pre-workout offers a well-rounded blend of ingredients for an affordable price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. The ability to double scoop without breaking the bank allows users to customize their experience based on their energy needs. It's a solid choice for those looking for a cost-effective, beginner-friendly pre-workout.

This is recommended for individuals who are sensitive to stimulants or want a stimulant-free pre-workout option. It provides benefits for blood flow and mental focus without caffeine. It comes in appealing flavors and has ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, glycerol, lion's mane, alpha GPC, S7, and huperzine A.

For all you high-stem enthusiasts out there eager to push your limits, I've got something to share. If you're on the hunt for a pre-workout that'll take you to the edge, Unbound Supplements' Unload Beyond is the way to go. The mental focus it provides is off the charts, thanks to a whopping three grams of l-tyrosine and 600 milligrams of alpha GPC.

If you're the kind of person who craves high-stim pre-workouts but still wants to be efficient in the gym, with quick set turnovers and high workout volume, you're in luck. There's a solution that strikes a balance, and I've got the inside scoop.

Check out alphalion.com, a fantastic supplement company offering a variety of pre-workouts. It's like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" for gym-goers. They've got Superhuman Pre for your everyday needs, Superhuman Extreme for those seeking high stimulation, but my personal favorite is Superhuman Supreme.

Superhuman Supreme is the sweet spot, offering a middle ground between the two extremes, making it ideal for those looking to chase gains while still maintaining a bit of control.

This powerhouse pre-workout is designed to fuel your gains. It boasts a whopping 15 grams of slow-digesting carbohydrates, providing you with the extra energy required to dominate your workouts. But that's not all; it also packs 350 milligrams of caffeine from two different sources, a blend of creatine, an array of amino acids, and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium – everything you need for those intense, heavy lifting sessions. It's your ultimate companion for achieving the best results during your summer shredding journey.

I've got a recommendation for those of you looking for a thermogenic pre-workout, and my personal favorite is Alpha Lion's Superhuman Burn.

This bad boy is tailor-made for folks on a diet, aiming to cut calories and curb those pesky cravings. Packing a punch with 320 milligrams of caffeine, it's not just for the energy boost but also to keep that appetite in check. And there's more – it's loaded with five thermogenic ingredients to supercharge your workouts and maximize calorie burn. With MidoBurn, Pro GBB, ashwagandha, and Alpha yo, this pre-workout is designed to help you get the most out of your workouts and inch closer to your fitness goals. Because let's face it, a killer body isn't something you can just buy online.

As an athlete, my focus is on performance, whether it's for a specific sport or event. And when it comes to dedicated pre-workouts for endurance athletes, Endure Elite is my go-to choice.

When I'm training for events like Spartan Races, road races, or preparing for challenges like the Chad 1000 or Murph, I rely on Perform Elite. It provides a solid 250 milligrams of caffeine from two different sources, ensuring I have sustained energy throughout my workouts. It's perfect for athletes because it elevates your heart rate and gets you pumped up without that jittery, heart-racing feeling.

Now, this pre-workout may not have the stimulants, but it's not lacking in the focus department. It's packed with ingredients that help you lock in and stay dialed into your workouts. But what really sets it apart is its dedication to blood flow. It targets every synapse, ensuring that extra fluid and blood rush into your muscles.

For those of us who hit the gym not just to work out, but to have an absolute blast, to dance, and to feel like we're at a party, I've got just the pre-workout for you: DVST8 of the Union. I can't quite pinpoint what's in it, but every time I take it, I'm down in my basement, dancing my heart out with an ear-to-ear grin. I'm over the moon with excitement, and if you're all about that mood elevation, this one's your ticket to the ultimate gym party.

Now, if you're the type who wants to steer clear of sketchy manufacturing and dodgy ingredients, opting for the purest and cleanest options out there, I highly recommend Nutrabio's Natural Pre-Workout. It's 100% natural, right down to the coloring and flavoring, with even their caffeine sourced naturally. It's third-party tested, offers 100% label transparency, and is produced in a GMP-certified facility.

Let's talk about a budget-friendly hack for your energy needs: caffeine pills and pink Himalayan sea salt. Now, the superstar ingredient in most pre-workouts is caffeine, and it's what gives you that major energy boost. But here's the trick – you can grab a bottle of caffeine pills, each delivering 200 milligrams, for about seven cents per pill. It's a clean, quick, and super effective option.

Now, let's be real, it's not a top-tier pre-workout by any means, and it won't blow your mind. But here's the kicker: it costs just 30 cents per serving, contains 135 milligrams of caffeine per serving, and packs in various other ingredients, even if they're not in hefty doses. You could even double scoop it for 60 cents per serving if you're looking for an extra kick. It's not something you'll brag about to your friends, but it'll get the job done without hurting your wallet.

an exceptional pre-workout that really hits the mark. Not only does it deliver great flavors, but it also packs a punch with its key ingredients like citrulline, taurine, and S7 for that sought-after pump.

If you're a fan of high-stim pre-workouts and still want that intense kick, look no further. Superhuman Pre is the top choice for high-stim pre-workouts that will help you achieve your goals.

In each serving of Wrecked, you'll find a generous eight grams of l-citrulline, as well as agmatine sulfate and S7 in substantial dosages. This pre-workout is designed for those who want to take their workouts to the next level and experience the full force of its ingredients.

Currently, the best pump pre-workout option available on Amazon is Thavage. It offers different serving sizes, such as one scoop or two scoops, but for a full two-scoop dose, it's priced at two dollars per serving.

Unbound Supplements, specifically Unbent and Unload, may not come at a low cost, but I can assure you that they are absolutely top-notch and deliver exceptional results.

One of the overrated pre-workouts out there has to be Kaged Elite. It comes with a hefty price tag, and while it boasts an impressive 10 grams of l-citrulline for pumps, there's a limit to how much your body can absorb at once. When the l-citrulline dosage gets excessively high, it can lead to diminishing returns and even upset stomachs. So, the fact that they only include 10 grams of l-citrulline and nothing else is a bit disappointing, especially considering the price point.

When it comes to cost-effective nitric oxide boosters, there are some great options available that won't break the bank. You can easily find these products on Amazon, and the best part is that they're incredibly affordable. While you might find yourself needing two servings at once to get the desired effects, the low price makes it a negligible concern.

This product packs a punch by combining two essential elements: pump-inducing ingredients and focus-enhancing compounds, and it excels in both aspects.

What truly sets it apart is the massive serving size of 31 grams, which is among the top 25 servings in the market. In terms of pump-inducing components, you'll find a generous eight grams of l-citrulline, three grams of GlycerPump, and beetroot extract. Agmatine sulfate and FasoDrive are also included to further enhance those pumps.

Gorilla Mode Nitric is undoubtedly a premium product, and it does fall on the slightly expensive side. However, it offers a wide variety of flavors to cater to different preferences. It's worth noting that while I've had the opportunity to try a few flavors, none of them have quite reached the 8.0 mark on my flavor rating scale.

Alpha Lion's PB and Gains is a delightful protein blend that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, with the added twist of M&M inclusions. It's not just a protein supplement; it's like having dessert in a shake.

The taste is absolutely fantastic, and it might even trick your taste buds into thinking you're indulging in a cheat meal. What's more, this protein is sourced from whey isolate, which is known for its high protein content and low carbs.

First and foremost, all of their products are manufactured in a certified federally inspected GMP facility, ensuring the highest quality standards are met. Their commitment to transparency is evident through fully transparent labels, and they go the extra mile with third-party testing. You can easily check the test results for your specific product on checkmysupps.com, giving you peace of mind about what you're consuming.

Now, let's talk about the protein itself. It's whey isolate, but it's not your run-of-the-mill variety. Nutribio sources their whey from grass-fed cows, making it one of the cleanest protein options available. This means you're getting a high-quality protein source without any unnecessary additives.

This protein is a game-changer in the cereal protein category.

First and foremost, Ghost Lifestyle's Cinnamon Cereal Milk protein is gluten and soy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. But what sets it apart is the incredible taste—it's an absolute winner for those who love the nostalgic flavor of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.

Many people enjoy this protein in various ways. Some mix it with water or milk for a protein-packed morning kick that tastes just like cereal. Others get creative and use it as a milk substitute by pouring it over their cereal, giving their breakfast an extra protein boost and that delightful cereal flavor.

Among the available options for whey isolate casein blends, one standout flavor is Nutribio's Confetti Cake. Originally known as Freedom Fetty as a limited-time flavor, it became so beloved by many that it earned a permanent spot in their product lineup. The taste is nothing short of fantastic, making it a delightful addition to your daily protein intake.

Instead of going for the cheapest option, I recommend considering NutraBio's Classic Whey. You can purchase it directly from their website or find it on Amazon. NutraBio offers this protein in five-pound containers, which can help lower the cost per serving, making it a budget-friendly choice. It's worth noting that this product is a whey concentrate, which typically costs less than whey isolates. However, NutraBio is transparent about the quality of their concentrate, using WPC 80, which is a high-quality whey concentrate.

By opting for NutraBio's Classic Whey, you get a balance of quality and affordability, with a cost of around four cents per gram of protein—a reasonable price point for a quality protein supplement.

Two key factors to keep in mind when selecting a collagen protein supplement are:

Collagen Peptides: Ensure that the product you choose contains collagen peptides, as these are more bioavailable and effective.

Dosage: Aim to consume 10 grams of collagen protein per day, as this is the dosage used in the studies that demonstrated improvements in skin appearance. You can easily mix this with your regular protein shake or any other beverage of your choice.

If you find that your lifestyle demands a ready-to-drink protein option, I would recommend considering Fairlife Nutrition's High Protein shake. Here's why:

Taste: While taste preferences can vary from person to person, you've mentioned that the chocolate flavor is enjoyable. Taste is crucial when it comes to ready-to-drink shakes since you're consuming them directly from the bottle.

Low Carb and Low Fat: It's a balanced option with low carbohydrate and fat content, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

High Protein Content: Each bottle provides a substantial 30 grams of protein, making it a convenient way to meet your daily protein needs.

One protein powder flavor that works well for baking and has a delicious taste is Nutribio's Cinnamon Sugar Donut. Here's why it's a great choice:

Delicious Flavor: The Cinnamon Sugar Donut flavor adds a delightful cinnamon and sugar pop to your baked goods, making them more enjoyable to eat.

Protein Content: Nutribio's protein powder is whey protein isolate, which means it's predominantly protein with minimal carbs and zero fat. This is ideal for those looking to boost their protein intake.

Versatility: This protein powder can be used in various baked goods, such as muffins, snickerdoodle cookies, or even oatmeal, as you mentioned.

I've got to say, Apollon Nutrition's Enigma really caught my attention. They've released several versions of this product, and it seems like each one keeps getting better. In a recent review, I found that they truly excel in crafting an impressive ingredients panel. Now, let's talk about the flavor – pineapple! I was blown away by how much it tasted like a fresh, ripe pineapple. They've managed to nail the flavor and ingredient quality, which is a big plus in my book.

Now, if you've been following my channel for a while, you might already know that I'm a NutraBio fanboy, and I'm proud of it. The reason is simple – they do everything right. From third-party testing to transparent labels, they've got their game on point. What's more, their Intra Blast product is a standout. It provides a generous 24-gram serving per scoop, which is pretty massive for an intra-workout supplement. Lately, I've been loving the "New York Punch" flavor they offer, and it even has a delightful coconut finish. NutraBio's Intra Blast consistently ranks at the top of the charts for me.

Superhuman Intra, from Alphalion.com, is a product that's caught my attention recently. They've gone through a rebranding phase, bringing many of their supplements under the Superhuman name. But one thing that hasn't changed is their intra-workout product, and let me tell you, it's just as impressive as ever.

This particular product comes in a different bottle with a new title, but the good news is, it maintains the same high-quality ingredients and a fully stacked label. For some reason, they consistently provide 21 servings per bottle, which is a bit unusual but appreciated.

One aspect where Alphalion truly shines, especially with their intra-workout products, is flavor. They've managed to set themselves apart from the competition by delivering exceptional taste. While I understand that not everyone prioritizes flavor in their supplements, I personally do. After all, I'm the one drinking it, and I've paid for it, so I believe it should taste good.

• Contains a high amount of sugar.
• Suitable for intense workouts that require quick sugar replenishment.
• Inexpensive, especially in powdered form.
• Available in various flavors.
• Price: Around 30-50 cents per serving.

• Provides electrolytes.
• Low price point (around 30 cents per serving).
• Comes in a variety of flavors.
• Tastes good, with a less overpowering sweetness.

• Massive 23-gram scoop size.
• Transparent labels, made in the USA, and third-party tested.
• Contains essential minerals, amino acids, and vitamins.
• Price: $1 per serving.

• Overpriced and overhyped.
• Contains some electrolytes and vitamins.
• Taste is good due to the presence of cane sugar.
• Price: $1.50 per serving.

The Met-Rx Big 100 bar is the easiest meal replacement option for me. It's unlike most protein bars that are overpriced, under-deliver, and taste like chalk. This one is an absolute unit, with 100 massive grams, 410 calories, 13 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrates, and a whopping 32 grams of protein from a blend of milk, whey, egg white, soy, and glutamine. It also packs in over a dozen vitamins and minerals.

What I love about it is that it's not just a drink; it actually fills you up and leaves you feeling satisfied. Plus, it's delicious, coming in five flavors, with my top three being crisp apple pie, super cookie crunch, and peanut butter pretzel. You can find these bars at most supermarkets like Target and Walmart for around three dollars each. If you prefer convenience, you can order them by the case on Amazon for the same price.

What's great is that you don't need to keep it ice-cold for it to taste fantastic, making it a perfect on-the-go snack. And don't worry about the 410 calories; you can easily break the bar in half and save the rest for later. It's a top pick for meal replacements in my book!

This option is perfect for those of us who don't want to deal with mixing powders or munching on chalky protein bars. With Core Power, you can simply reach into the fridge or cooler, grab something cold, and get on with your busy day.

Core Power comes in three flavors, and while they're all delicious, my personal favorite is the chocolate variant. It's got a great nutritional profile with 170 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 8 grams of carbohydrates (including 2 grams of fiber), and a substantial 26 grams of high-quality filtered low-fat Grade A protein.

Each serving consists of two scoops, totaling 240 calories and 5 grams of fat. In the carb department, you get 26 grams, including 5 grams of fiber, and less than one gram of sugar. The bulk of these carbs comes from highly branched cyclic dextrin, a low glycemic index carbohydrate that's easy on your stomach, digests slowly, and provides steady energy without spiking your insulin levels.

Nutribios MRP doesn't skimp on protein either, offering 25 grams per serving. This protein blend combines fast-absorbing whey protein isolate and slow-absorbing casein protein, providing a balanced and sustained release of protein, closely mimicking the absorption pattern of whole foods.

Taking ZMA approximately 45 minutes before bedtime can lead to various benefits. Many users report falling asleep more quickly, experiencing deeper sleep, and having incredibly vivid dreams. This results in feeling refreshed and energized upon waking up, without any grogginess.

"Superhuman Sleep," this bedtime product is not just a fat burner and muscle builder—it's designed to provide a calming effect to help you wind down and fall asleep easily. It contains various ingredients to achieve this goal, including ZMA (which we've already discussed), tryptophan, GABA, chamomile flower, KSM-66 (a cortisol-regulating compound), and l-theanine. It also includes melatonin at a moderate two milligrams dosage, which many users find optimal for sleep without causing morning grogginess.

This product is designed for those rare occasions when you need to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for an extended period. It contains melatonin (three milligrams), l-theanine, GABA, 5-HTP, valerian root, and Kanna, all of which work together to induce and maintain sleep. This product is like an emergency glass-breaker when you need to ensure a deep, uninterrupted sleep.

I think the GNC's Mega Man Sport multivitamin does a decent job overall and is priced reasonably. One serving consists of two tablets, and while I'm not particularly fond of tablets and would have preferred capsules, the price point is quite attractive, costing around 30 cents per serving.