I get a lot of questions about the physical requirements for flight school and I have written a number of posts giving you some tips and tricks for getting into shape.

This week I thought I would write about something a bit different that I have also had a number of questions about over the years; supplements.

I am by no means a personal trainer or nutritional expert, but I do know that you should be cautious whenever taking anything that promises to help you lose weight fast, or build muscle without lots of work.

So here is a little info about supplements, and what you should keep in mind before giving them a try.

Do Supplements Work?

This is not a simple question to answer, but in my experience there is a wide range of supplements on the market that promise to do a number of things, and most of them do not deliver. Rather than asking about the effectiveness of a specific brand of supplement, you are better off looking at what type it is, and what it promises to do.

Anything that promises quick fixes for things like weight loss and building muscle are probably not worth the money. There are, however, great nutritional and herbal supplement available that can help encourage these two fitness goals when combined with eating well and exercise.

There are also a number of great supplements on the market that can improve other conditions and promote healing of certain ailments, but these should only be taken with the advice of a doctor or healthcare provider.

Effective Supplements Used for Getting in Shape

Whey Protein: This is one of those supplements that is really popular not only because of good marketing, but because it works. Taken after working out, it helps promote muscle repair and helps you recover faster.

L-Glutamine: This is another great supplement that can be used to promote muscle development in addition to a weight-lifting routine.

Multi-Vitamins: If you are reducing your calories to lose weigh then adding a multi-vitamin is a great way to ensure that you are still getting all the minerals and vitamins you need. This also makes it easier for your body to function at its best.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid: A recent study has shown that this dietary supplement can both increase your metabolism and increase muscle growth when used in conjunction with a change in diet and exercise.

Using Supplements Effectively

The best way to use supplements effectively in a weight loss and fitness program is to get professional advice on how to use them. Whether it’s a trainer or a doctor, or even a pharmacist there are a number of professional that can give you the names and types of supplements safe to use.

It is also important to remember that when taking dietary supplements that they are not an easy fix to getting in shape. Getting that heart pumping and body moving is still the best way to lose weight and build muscle!