Four of the Best Supplements for Rugby Players
Rugby is one of the most demanding sports – players need to be strong, powerful, and skilful to last for the entire 80 minutes of the game. If you play rugby, you need to dedicate time to training and preparation to meet these demands.
Besides training, you need to observe a healthy eating habit if you want to be a success in the sport. You should also take supplements to complement the nutrients you get from food and improve your performance in the field.
The following are the four must-have dietary supplements for rugby players.
Multivitamins
Because of ignorance or limited knowledge, many people often pick the cheapest multivitamin they find in a store. This is wrong. Cheap multivitamins usually have isolated and synthetic nutrients that the body cannot absorb quickly, making them ineffective.
The right multivitamin supplements pair the active ingredients with cofactors and enzymes. This way, the body will recognise it as food and absorb it quickly. Vitamins are beneficial in that they alleviate muscle pain and improve recovery. This, in turn, leads to better performances.
Branched-chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
The active ingredients in BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These compounds are essential for muscle development, repair, and recovery. BCAAs work by initiating the protein synthesis, which prevents the breakdown of muscles. This is particularly crucial if you are doing strength training to increase muscle mass.
Every time you go to the gym, include BCAAs in your pre-workout protein shake. This is an excellent way of maximising the effectiveness of your training sessions. The best thing about branched-chain amino acids is that you take them at any time of the day. You can also mix them with a variety of substances.
Sleeping Aids
It is normal for competitors to feel nervous before a big game. The best way of overcoming this feeling is by getting enough rest the night before the match. This is where sleeping pills come in since they help you relax in preparation for the next day.
When choosing a sleeping pill, go for a reputable brand. You do not want a product that will make you feel drowsy all day after using it. Ideally, the supplements should contain natural ingredients.
Greens Powder
One mistake made by many rugby players is overlooking the importance of essential body functions. Instead, they overemphasise strength training and muscle development.
The intensity of playing rugby can batter your immune system, which means that you should take supplements to aid in recovery. One shake of a greens powder is equivalent to consuming five pieces of fruit and vegetables, making it the ideal option for recovering after training. However, it would be best if you prioritised eating greens over drinking shakes.
Conclusion
Although supplements are useful to rugby players, it is vital to consume adequate amounts of water. Drinking water is particularly important if you take substances such as creatine that are known to cause dehydration. You should take at least two litres of water daily because it improves overall health and promotes fat loss.
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