One of the most common questions I find asked around bodybuilding forums on the web is “what supplements are the best for skinny guys?”. Supplements are much more important for skinny guys (ectomorphs) because their genetics make it harder for them to build muscle, hence the term “hard gainer”. So what are the best supplements recommended for skinny guys? Here’s our list:

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Everywhere I look I’m seeing bad advice when it comes to post workout nutrition for bodybuilders and weight trainers. So I’m going to explain what I consider to be the best combination of supplements for post workout.

A simple protein shake is NOT enough. Here’s what I recommend:

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I just came across another positive review of optimum nutrition whey protein. I have been using ON whey for years now and it’s good to see some other people have found it and are liking the results. I tried at least 10 different protein powders until I settled for this one. Not one of them ticked every box. They either didn’t taste good, were full of ingredients I didn’t want (ie fat or sugar), too expensive etc.

If you’re looking for a top protein powder at the right price I suggest you check it out. Optimum Nutrition make loads of other solid products too. I have tried their ZMA (not currently taking it, but have cycled it for 2 years), creatine (both monohydrate and ethyl ester) and their amino pills. It’s good to see a company taking the lead in quality and not slapping us with prices 50% higher than they should be.

Nice one.

Creatine is a dietary supplement that athletes and most professional bodybuilders use to increase the intensity of their workouts, exercise performance, strength, and more full looking muscles. Additionally, creatine increases body masses and provides bodybuilders with a quicker workout muscle recovery.

Creatine does this by increasing the amounts of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in your body. ATP is the primary source of energy for your muscle contractions.

By you supplementing creatine, you’re generating additional ATP into your body and allowing your body to work harder, as well as longer, maximizing your workout.

Wanna gain weight?

If you want to gain weight you might have considered weight gain supplements. Weight gainers are awesome for raw weight gain, especially for skinny guys…known as “hard gainers”. Most weight gain shakes have a massive amount of calories coming from protein and complex carbs. Ideal for weight gain.

But I think there’s a better way to use supplements to gain weight. Instead of buying a weight gain supplement, you buy the ingredients individually and build your own shakes! Here’s why I think it’s a better way of doing things…

1. Saves you cash.
   Weight gain supplements may be cheap as an overall product, but buying whey protein, complex carbs and simple carbs is less expensive than you think. Whey protein is the main expense, but carb supplements are actually really cheap!
2. You choose the dosage.
   When you just take a weight gain supplement you’re stuck with the same ratio of protein/carbs every time. When you buy separate products, you can adjust the dosage to suit your needs.

So what should you buy instead of a weight gain shake? Essentially you’ll get whey protein and complex carbs (maltodextrin). But you can add other products like creatine and glutamine etc. So my advice, build your own, and build more muscle!

Welcome to the new Supplements Explained website & blog.

Supplements Explained was created to try and take some of the confusion out of bodybuilding and fitness supplements. Our aim is to post quality information, news and product reviews to educate our readers. Educated people make the right choices and reach their goals.

Stay tuned for coming updates!