June 06 article

USAPL CORNER

June 2006

Supplements

One term that I have heard used for powerlifters is “supplement junkies”. This is meant to say that powerlifters use a lot of supplements. I believe it to be somewhat true. If I look at my diet, I supplement all day long except for my dinner. Is this a bad thing – I don’t think so. In a high paced day, supplements can be an athlete’s best friend. Let’s face it, how many of us have time to make and pack up our meals and snacks every morning?

When using supplements the first thing is to find a product that tastes good. If your supplements taste like chalk, the probability of turning a candy bar down for a protein bar is slim. When I am considering a supplement I also look at the nutrition panel to make sure that my carbohydrate to protein ratio is no more than two to one. I feel that sticking to this ratio in all my supplements and meals helps me stay near my weight class. Also, I try to get at least one gram of protein for every pound I weigh. Therefore, I want to find a protein shake that has enough protein in it that I can make it in one serving.

Also, when lifting in a drug tested organization it is important to know what is being put in your supplements. The USAPL goes by WADA (World Anti-doping Agency) guidelines. Therefore, whatever WADA considers being an illegal enhancement, so do we. Unfortunately, the FDA is not real strong in this area and getting a tainted supplement or not understanding all the ingredients is something that can occur. It is a good idea to stay away from companies that make any supplements not acceptable to WADA. Even though you may be using supplement that is not considered “performance enhancing” there have been cases where the wrong ingredients get in a clean product. My suggestion is to go with a reputable company or one that you have had other athlete’s that lift in drug free organizations recommend, but always be cautious.

Jennifer Thompson

USAPL North Carolina State Chair

IPF World Bench Press Champion

Webmaster Donovan Thompson

Site last updated 04/06/08