What’s With The Cheap Bodybuilding Supplements?

Bodybuilders fall into two distinct categories: those that will do just about anything to get the competitive edge, and those looking to just get by.  You know what I’m talking about, you see them at the gym every day.  You have the guys and gals in there lifting impossible loads trying to bulk up every way they can, and then next bench over is someone bench pressing fifty pounds.  It is the same with supplements, some bodybuilders want only the very best supplements, others want the generic Brand “X”. 

Admittedly, lifting heavier weights will cause your body to bulk up, but does using the cheaper body building supplements really matter?  Well, it depends.  It depends on a lot of different things, most importantly it depends on what are you trying to accomplish with your supplements.

For some people, supplements are just another version of a good luck charm.  They take them because if they don’t, they may get injured.  For others, taking supplements is just a way to fit in with the guys you work out with.  They all take supplements, so you feel that you need to take them too. 

For the casual body builder, the less expensive, generic supplements are probably good enough.  After all, you aren’t going to the Olympics, so why do you need to take $300 dollars worth of supplements every month. 

On the other hand, the serious body builder does need good supplements.  But that doesn’t mean that the less expensive supplements aren’t any good.  You need to check the labels and become familiar with the ingredients.  If the cheap supplements contain the same percentages of the active ingredients as the more expensive supplements, they probably will be ok to take. 

You also need to keep an eye on the inert or inactive ingredients.  Sometimes, these can actually counteract the active ingredients.  It is rare, but it has happened.  Also, check where the supplements are manufactured, there may be a reason they are less expensive. 

I guess it is like designer water, some people are more status conscious and like to put on airs that more expensive is better.  If you are self conscious around your friends about using the cheap body building supplements, you might consider buying a bottle of the more expensive supplements, and replacing the contents with the lower cost ones.  This way, you can maintain your ritzy image and still save money.