Bodybuilding has long been a man’s game. Women were typically out-of-place in a sport that idolized bulging biceps. In recent years though, more and more women are taking up weight lifting and body building – and the supplement industry is taking notice.
Browse any line of supplements and you’ll soon come across formulas developed specifically for women. As you researched the various products available, you may begin to wonder whether women really need some special formula – or whether men and women benefit from essentially the same supplements caffeine vrije pre workout. What do female bodybuilders need that men don’t?
Different Bodies, Different Goals
In many ways, our bodies are the same. There are a few key differences between men and women however, and those differences dictate how we train, how our bodies develop, and what our bodies need. There are certain things that a woman needs more of, and certain things that she doesn’t need at all.
In addition, many women don’t want to build bulky muscle. Instead they are aiming for a lean, firm physique. So where men need supplements that will add that bulk muscle weight, women need a formula that will help build muscle without too much mass.
What Women Should Avoid
Overall, many bodybuilding supplements formulated for men can also be used by women; however, there are a couple things that women should avoid:
- Creatine (the standard variety) can cause adverse reactions in women, resulting in cramping, stomach upset and dehydration. There is a variety of creatine formulated specifically for women though, so just make sure that you check ingredients thoroughly.
- Testosterone is something to steer clear of entirely. This male hormone helps men bulk up; but women will get the extra unpleasant surprise of deepening voices and extra hair growth.
What Women Need More Of – and Men Don’t
Along with the exclusion of the elements mentioned above, supplements formulated for women will also include two elements that women need an extra boost of:
- Calcium is important for both men and women; but since women are prone to calcium deficiency, women’s bodybuilding supplements typically have a higher concentration.
- Vitamin B is another element that many women are deficient in.
While it’s not a problem for men to have a little extra calcium or vitamin B, it’s not something they really need as much of. Women, however, should specifically look for these elements in their bodybuilding supplements.
What Men AND Women Need
In looking for the right supplement, remember that men and women have more similarities than differences. The most important thing for both genders to look for is protein. In some cases, women are able to get enough protein from meat and natural sources (while men often can’t); however, both men and women can benefit from a whey protein supplement.
Focus primarily on finding supplements that provide the protein your body needs to repair, rebuild and grow your muscles. Aside from that, women just need to avoid testosterone boosters, choose the right type of creatine, and possibly supplement their program with a multivitamin that provides needed calcium and vitamin B.