There’s no denying that keeping up with an exercise routine is hard work. Those who prioritize their own fitness put all kinds of strain on themselves for the sake of sculpting a stronger, healthier body – strain that’s most evident in the effects of exercise on muscle tissue. When we work out, our muscles are damaged, torn and broken down in a bid to make them stronger, but that’s only...

With so many different types of fitness supplements to choose from, keeping the benefits of each one straight can be tough. A quick stroll through your local GNC or health foods store will likely overwhelm you with the variety of vitamins, powders, drinks, bars, and other products, all of which promise the exact results you want with few or no consequences. While much of the hype around these substances is...

Using a new fitness supplement can be a tricky thing, considering the number of products that carry risks or offer questionable benefits. For instance, in recent years, research has emerged that suggests a diet high in protein can be potentially harmful to the kidneys, though no study has yet offered conclusive – or even particularly compelling – proof of this. Still, the information in question led many people to reexamine...

As more and more people – from weightlifters and bodybuilders to weekend warriors and the casually fit – begin using amino acid supplements, many new and prospective users have asked questions about these products. Common queries include what amino acids do to your body (make it stronger), which amino acids are most effective (the branched-chain kind), and whether you can take amino acid supplements on an empty stomach (they’re actually...