There are several posts out there on this topic, so I want this to be brief, easy to understand and easy to apply. The most important thing to remember is this – supplements are exactly that, simply an addition to the foundation of a good diet. They should not be used to replace healthy eating habits. For most people undertaking CrossFit, it’s really necessary to only consider using Fish Oil and a good Multivitamin. For those of you training competitively, the following supplements can help manage recovery, improve training intensity and develop physical adaptations based on the amount of stress you are placing your body under with the high volume of training you undertake. So, without further ado, here they are:

1. Whey Protein

Why?
Improves recovery, strength & muscular adaptations and nitrogen balance.

When?
Take this 30-45 minutes post training for optimal results.

Where?
More often than not, we will recommend Bulk Nutrients as our preferred supplier. We have no affiliation with them, but have found their supplements to be of the highest quality through personal use. Check out their Whey Protein Isolate for only $36 per kilo.

2. Fish OIl

Why?
Improves brain function,  helps with reducing inflammation and therefore workout recovery, helps to synthesise protein to your muscles more rapidly.

When?
Take in the morning and again in the evening.

Where?
The best brand on the market is Pure Pharma. It’s difficult to look past these guys and its available at The WOD Life.

3. ZMA

Why?
The combination of zinc and magnesium helps improve recovery, muscle building and testosterone production.

When?
Take this in the evening before bed.

Where?
A tub of 120 capsules is available for $30 at Bulk Nutrients.

4. Creatine Monohydrate

Why?
Improves strength, power and explosiveness. Can also help maintain lean mass and can allow for greater training intensity to be maintained for longer.

When?
Take this 30-45 minutes prior to training and again during your workout. 

Where?
A 250g pack costs $9 from Bulk Nutrients.

5. Beta Alanine

Why?
Prevents the onset of lactic acid during a workout and helps muscle tissue to produce more energy.

When?
Take this 30 minutes prior to training.

Where?
A 250g pack costs $17 at Bulk Nutrients.

6. Vitamin D

Why?
Improves sleep quality, reduces inflammation and can help improve mood & respiratory health.

When?
Take in the evening. 

Where?
Pure Pharma offer a quality product called D3 which is available from The WOD Life.

7. Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s)

Why?
Protein broken down into its simplest form which prevents the onset of catabolism & fatigue during workouts and keeps you in an anabolic state. Helps speed up protein synthesis in the muscles too.

When?
Can be sipped throughout the day and during a workout.

Where?
A 250g pack is available for $25 from Bulk Nutrients.