BEGINNER'S SUPPLEMENT STACK

Millions of people across the country use the New Year to renew, or begin, their commitment to fitness. Getting to where you want to go physique-wise will require the right workout program and a strict adherence to diet - both of which can be found here at M&F Online. But you can also look to certain supplements to help bolster your efforts.

Not all supplements are great for beginners, since efficacy can depend on how clean your diet is to begin with. So make sure you straighten out your eating habits before shelling out dough for this stack.

One supplement, in particular, is most effective for people starting out. Research has shown that HMB, or B-ydroxy-B-methylbutyrate, works particularly well for beginners, helping to add strength and mass very quickly. This will help you build a solid base that you can use for the rest of the year.

Whey protein, a staple for any gym rat, is perhaps more critical for beginners who tend to experience more muscle soreness at the outset of a program. Beginners also have the most potential for growth and quick-digesting whey protein helps to flood your muscles with the necessary amino acids for rapid repair. Pre- and post-workout doses help ensure that your body is getting the fuel it needs when it needs it most but it can also be used to bolster your protein intake throughout the day as a meal replacement.

The rigors of a new routine also rapidly deplete the body of minerals, which is why a multivitamin/mineral is crucial for maintaining energy levels and immunity. After all, you can't train hard if you're sluggish or sick.

Capping off the beginner's stack is arginine, which helps to boost blood flow, strength and recovery in lifters of all experience levels.

Try using this stack for the first few weeks of 2009 to speed you on your way to your best build ever.

Supplement		Dose
HMB			3-6 grams 2-3 times per day with meals
Whey protein		20 grams immediately preworkout; 40-60 grams post-workout
Multivitamin/mineral	1-2 times daily with food
Arginine		3-5 grams 30 minutes preworkout and post-workout
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