Health
Seven Natural Upper Body Supplements To Help Get Toned
Toning your body is different than bodybuilding. Although you are trying to build some muscle, you are also trying to get rid of the fat around it. You are not going for the big, bulky look, just a healthy toned body. There are natural supplements that can help you achieve your goal and can be a big help when you find yourself at a plateau.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables. It is a very good supplement if you are trying to tone and define the muscles in your arms. It is one of the nutrients needed to produce collagen that will build bones and muscle tissue.
Fish Oil
The omega-3s found in fish oil should be considered a secret weapon for toning muscles. It increases the flow of blood to your muscles, thereby decreasing the number of proteins that are destroyed in the tissue. You will not need to rebuild the muscles as much.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for bone and muscle growth. It helps your muscles contract and extends, the movements needed for any type of weight lifting. Without calcium, you would not be able to exercise for more than a few minutes without becoming sore or tired.
Magnesium
This mineral is important for keeping your heart pumping blood and fresh oxygen to the muscles. This helps with the production of muscle tissue. It will reduce muscle soreness and cramps, allowing you to work out longer and harder.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, biotin, cobalamin, and pyridoxine are very important to muscle production and protein metabolism. You will also tone more readily as they help break down fats and carbohydrates. Getting rid of extra fat around your muscles will improve their overall tone.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is needed for almost everything your muscles do. It is needed for muscle movement, contraction, growth, and strength. Because it is also needed for healthy bones, you should make sure you get enough of this vitamin or your skeletal muscles will suffer and atrophy.
Vitamin E
When it comes to helping remove lactic acid, Vitamin E is your best friend. When you exercise for any length of time, you will have a build-up of it that needs to be removed in order for your muscle to recover properly.
While it is possible to get most of these nutrients in the foods you eat, you are not going to be eating enough to help compensate for the exercising you are doing. Supplements and diets are not enough to build strong, healthy well-toned muscles. The more you exercise, the more you need to make sure you have the proper ingredients to rebuild the muscle tissue that gets damaged or torn from exercise.
Find a good source for your supplements; do not just pick up a multi-vitamin and think you have things covered. Check the labels and make sure there are no added ingredients that do not serve any purpose. It is best to take individual supplements of the nutrients you need most.