Summer is here, and many of us are eager to shed a few extra pounds, tone up our bodies, and achieve our fitness goals. While a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining good health, certain supplements can help us reach our summer fitness potential more efficiently. Along with the most obvious choice, a good protein powder to support lean muscle mass, I have two favorite supplements I incorporate into my daily routine to boost my overall health, fitness, and performance.

The Best Workout Supplements

Supplements can play a vital role in enhancing our workout performance, recovery, and overall well-being. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, they can fill nutritional gaps, support muscle growth and repair, increase energy levels, and improve body composition.

Omega-3s are essential nutrients that play a key role in numerous bodily functions. They have been shown to offer various health benefits such as promoting heart, brain, vision, joint, immune, and overall health. Omega-3s act to support normal weight by increasing beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Beta oxidation is the biological pathway used in the body to break down fat and convert it into energy. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, omega-3s can aid in reducing post-workout muscle soreness following intense exercise and enhance recovery.

Omega-3s include fish oil supplements or plant-based alternatives like algae-based products. It's essential to choose high-quality supplements that have undergone third-party testing for purity and potency. To support optimal blood levels of omega-3s adults should aim for a daily intake of 2,000 mg combined of EPA and DHA, taking into account the fish one consumes. Two 4 ounce servings of salmon weekly net about 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily, so the balance needs to come from supplements.

Ribose is another beneficial workout supplement that helps increase energy levels. It's a naturally occurring sugar that plays a critical role in producing cellular energy (ATP) within our bodies. Supplementing with ribose has been shown to improve exercise performance by increasing energy production, reducing fatigue, and speeding up recovery after intense workouts. A typical dose is 5,000 mg.

Ribose is available in powder form. A handy 5 mg serving packet allows us to take ribose along to the gym. Mixing ribose into water or an electrolyte drinking during a workout increases the ATP available during exercise and supports recovery. Electrolytes are important when exercising. Replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise is crucial for maintaining proper hydration and preventing muscle cramps. 

When selecting supplements to support summer fitness goals, it's important to consider the following factors:

• Always choose quality. Choose brands that use high-quality ingredients and undergo third-party testing for purity and potency.
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions or take medications always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
• Consider factors such as taste, convenience, and dietary restrictions when selecting supplements. Taste award winning omega-3 liquids are easy to add into a pre-workout smoothie.

Once we've chosen the right supplements for our needs, it's essential to incorporate them into our daily routine consistently. Here are some tips on how to do so:

1. Create a schedule: Set specific times during the day to take supplements, such as with meals or pre/post-workout.
2. Use reminders: Set alarms or calendar notifications as a reminder to take the supplements. 
3. Combine with meals: Incorporate supplements like protein powder or omega-3s into a meal or snack for added convenience.
4. Track progress: Keep a log of supplement intake, workouts, and any noticeable changes in performance or well-being.

Achieving summer fitness goals requires dedication to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper recovery. By incorporating the right supplements such as omega-3s and ribose into our daily routine, we can unlock our full fitness potential and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle this summer. Remember that consistency is key to seeing results.