These vitamins can give you the energy you need to not only get into the gym, but to finish your workout with energy to spare.
The more we exercise, the more our bodies use up a lot of essential vitamins and nutrients. As long as we are eating a healthy, balanced diet, this isn’t too much of a problem because they will soon be replenished. However, if you are starting off with a deficiency in a particular area, you may find exercising particularly difficult, or you may not get all the benefits youotherwise could if your body had everything it needed.
As we exercise, our metabolism starts to change, and the way we absorb and use vitamins and nutrients will change, too. Fatigue, depression, and a sudden lack of energy are all signs that you might need to add a supplement to your routine. Some of the best vitamins for exercising include:
Vitamin B-12:
This vitamin has an effect on the brain and nervous system, and also helps with the formation of blood. More than that, though, it is involved with the metabolism of every cell of the human body, and it regulates fatty acid synthesis and energy production. When you need the fuel to get up and get exercising, this might be a good place to start.
Vitamin E:
Although there is some discussion on the effect of this vitamin when used in conjunction with an exercise program (detailed below), many people add this to their diet because it can help preserve the red blood cells and deliver oxygen to the body, which leads to more energy and stamina.
Iron:
Exercise will lead to more iron absorption in the body, and we need to make sure it is quickly replenished. This essential mineral provides oxygen to the blood, which leads to higher endurance and better muscle performance.
Vitamin B-6:
This vitamin helps maintain positive mental health and fight fatigue. The brain uses this to build up serotonin and dopamine, which are substances that can do a lot to better your attitude, reduce fatigue and help you sleep better (which leads to even more energy the next time you start to exercise).
Thiamine:
This is one of the vitamins that are required for protein metabolism. Thiamin in the body seems to be tied very closely to the amount of energy you use (how many calories you burn) so you may need to watch very closely to make sure your levels don’t drop too low.
New Considerations
There has been one study that suggests there are some vitamins out there that may actually interfere with the body’s natural response to exercise. It claims that the antioxidant Vitamins C and E could make it harder for the body to react effectively to exercise. Of course, there are other studies that say antioxidants are great for highly active individuals.
Which is the right choice for you? The only way to answer this question is to consult with a professional. They will be able to analyze your situation and let you know which vitamins will be able to enhance your exercise routine and help you make the most of your workouts.
