After a few months of traditional workout, I reached weight loss plateau. The scales just stopped tipping in my favor. My trainer started noticing this too and advised I try CrossFit. I’ve always been curious about what it was since I always see people in my gym doing it. After giving it a week more to see if things will change with my traditional workout, and seeing how nothing’s changed I finally decided to make the switch to CrossFit.
What Is CrossFit?
CrossFit is an exercise program, developed by Greg Glassman. Crossfit targets the whole body, blending the elements of cardio, weightlifting, gymnastics, core training, and a whole lot more to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you are trying to lose weight, maintain what you’ve worked hard for, bulk up, or go lean, CrossFit will surely have something in store for you.
CrossFit is a high-intensity workout that is extremely diverse, making sure that you get the most out of every workout. In CrossFit, you are never likely to do the same routine twice in one week. So, if you’re like me, who needs to up the ante in your workouts, CrossFit is definitely a choice you would want to consider.
CrossFit is directed by data - it is one of the many things I like about it. You use whiteboards as scoreboards to keep scores and records accurate. The rules and standards set motivate you to always push yourself to do better. You monitor your progress based on hard data and not just on how you feel or what the scales say.
Who Can Do CrossFit?
Those who…
- Wish to do weight training - I have to admit, when I started CrossFit, the most daunting part of the routine is having to lift weights. I did the usual 4-pounder dumbbells and trained only on machines. CrossFit is a great way to start because, well, you are not expected to do it perfectly right off the bat. I was comfortable to do it because everyone is supportive and encouraging.
- Wish to meet new friends - When I did the conventional workout, I always kept to myself. I exercised on my own, but when you are a part of a CrossFit group, you belong. It’s not just a place to “punish” yourself, but also, in my experience, a place to hang out with your friends.
- Are fitness enthusiasts - These are the people who have successfully integrated working out in their daily lives - they live and breathe exercising. I recommend CrossFit to them because I am 100% certain they will find this enjoyable. Plus, a little variation doesn’t hurt.
Now that we know what CrossFit is and who can do it, this brings me to our main topic -
What Are the Best Crossfit Supplements?
If you have yet to try out Crossfit, I can tell you straight away: It is one of the most physical activities in the world, given that is fuses many training disciplines. Because of this, Crossfitters have taken advantage of the help many supplements offer. If you want to find out what the best Crossfit supplements there are in the market, read on:
1. BCAAs or Branched Chain Amino Acids
If you have not heard about BCAAs, it is composed of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Among these three acids, leucine does the most muscle work. BCAAs promote protein synthesis, and proteins are the building blocks of muscle. We cannot transform our bodies without building muscles.
Apart from building muscles, BCAAs also produce energy. You know what makes BCAAs the best Crossfit supplement? The more intense the workout, the more BCAAs do their magic. Valine, another amino acid found in BCAAs, is the immediate energy source. Valine fights tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin or stress hormones. Therefore, valine prolongs extends your energy to make sure you get to make the most out of every workout. Crossfit exercises are way more intense than the traditional workouts we usually do. Thus, we need more energy without having to consume excessive amounts of sugar. Because of these things, BCAAs have been touted one of the best Crossfit supplements always used by Crossfitters and athletes alike.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains a high amount of Medium Chain Triglycerides or MCTs. Since coconut oil is easy to digest, MCTs are sent straight to the liver. The liver, then, converts MCTs into energy immediately. I recommend taking coconut oil 15 to 20 minutes before you workout. No, I am not asking you to gulp up coconut oil right before you work out. That’s why we have coconut oil softgels nowadays. *wink wink nudge nudge*
Coconut oil is also known to burn fat and suppress appetite. It gives you a feeling of fullness and also aids in digestion. Energy-creating and appetite suppressing? No wonder Crossfitters and fitness enthusiasts alike absolutely love this and has been always referred to as the best Crossfit supplement!
3. L-Carnitine
Oh, my personal favorite! L-Carnitine is also another kind of amino acid known as “the ferry.” It moves long-chain fatty acids from the blood into the mitochondria or the powerhouse to be burned and used as energy. Think of this process as a steam locomotive or train: the long-chain fatty acids are the coal, the mitochondria is the boiler, and us the train. What L-Carnitine does in the process is to make sure that all the long-chain fatty acids get into the mitochondria. In the steam train analogy, L-Carnitine is the fireman or stoker - the one in-charge of making sure the coal is put inside the boiler. Pretty cool, huh?
L-Carnitine does not only make sure we have enough “coal”, it also helps in fatigue resistance and recovery. Get this - L-Carnitine also increases oxygen supply to the muscles. Through this, it increases blood flow helping delay the “burn” and extends our exercise power significantly. Pretty obvious why it’s one of the best Crossfit supplements.
CrossFit is intense. If you ask me which I prefer more, traditional workout or CrossFit, I can tell you right off the bat - I love doing CrossFit more. However, I have learned to discipline myself and alternate between CrossFit and conventional workout. But if you are looking for more ways to challenge yourself and improve your workout routine, CrossFit is definitely one of the many options you should consider.
Also, just because CrossFit is challenging and proven to help lose weight, it does not mean we no longer need help. The natural energy our body produces can only last us for so long. If you want to make sure that you are giving it all you’ve got, do consider my top three best CrossFit supplements.
Oh, and the best news? They are all available here.