Cutting is typically the least favoured phase of an athlete’s training cycle and it’s easy to understand why. In the cutting phase of a training program, fewer calories are consumed while cardio conditioning ramps up. Eating less and moving more isn’t eagerly embraced by most people — including bodybuilders and endurance athletes.
Fortunately, there are supplements that are safe to use — called thermogenics — that help athletes get the most out of their cutting stage of training. With the proper use of thermogenic supplements, bodybuilding professionals can spend less time cutting while maximizing the amount of fat burned.
What’s a Thermogenic Supplement?
Why Bodybuilders Should Care
Thermogenic supplements are naturally sourced compounds used to increase metabolism, burn fat, and safely suppress appetite. Available without a prescription, thermogenics are energy-boosters and are often taken as a pre-workout supplement. Scientific studies show that the use of thermogenic supplements can help the body burn more calories, reduce fat, and lose weight.
Burn Belly Fat
Capsaicin Targets Abdominal Fat
Reducing abdominal fat can be a real frustration for male and female bodybuilders. Both upper and lower abs can resist letting go of fat tissue — no matter how long a plank is held — preventing those well-developed ab muscles from taking centre stage. For athletes who struggle with reducing their midsection, thermogenic supplements with Capsaicin are worth a look.
Capsaicin is known for turning up the heat; it’s the active ingredient found in chili peppers. When used as a weight cutting enhancer, Capsaicin increases metabolism and the amount of adrenaline the body releases. Additionally, scientific studies have reported that daily supplementation with Capsaicin has been associated with reduced abdominal fat.
Increase Metabolism
Synephrine Aids in Raising Metabolic Rates
Synephrine is a naturally occurring compound found in Bitter orange that suppresses appetite and acts as a stimulant. Synephrine is used in top fat burning supplements; it can be relied upon to raise energy levels, increase metabolism, and burn more calories. Used in conjunction with other fat-cutting strategies — such as nutrition dense and holistic eating — Synephrine can help athletes maximize their fat loss efforts.
Enhance Adrenaline Effects
Green Tea Extract Maximizes Adrenaline’s Power
Adrenaline helps fat cells release energy, increases alertness, and energizes the body. This is why stimulants that promote adrenaline production have been used in weight-loss supplements for decades. However, not all adrenaline-pumping products are the same, and not all maximize the potent effects adrenaline has on burning body fat.
Today’s generation of bodybuilders want fat burners that are both safe and effective. This is achieved with thermogenic supplements fortified with compounds derived from Green Tea Extract called Epigallocatechin Gallate or EGCG. EGCG works to lengthen the time adrenaline is active in the body, thereby enhancing the hormone’s powerful impact on burning fat. When used in conjunction with caffeine, also present in Green Tea Extract, effective results are generated.
Control Appetite
Natural Herbs Suppress Cravings
Appetite suppressants help alleviate cravings and hunger pangs when reducing our body’s caloric intake values. While not recommended for long-term use, appetite suppressing supplements are useful for athletes looking to cut fat without losing muscle mass in the reduction phase of bodybuilding training.
Black Pepper extract, known as Piperine on many product labels, is one of several appetite-suppressing compounds used in thermogenic supplement blends. Other appetite suppressors include:
- Fenugreek
- Garcinia Cambogia
- Yerba Mate
- Conjugate Linoleic Acid (CLA)
- Coffee
Support Fat-Burning Efforts
Caffeine is a Classic Thermogenic
Any article about thermogenic supplements must include what is likely the most relied upon stimulant in North America – caffeine. Caffeine, found naturally in coffee, black and green tea, and some foods — such as dark chocolate, is a staple ingredient in several bodybuilding supplements.
Caffeine’s ability to increase alertness, boost energy, and raise our adrenaline levels make it an ideal ingredient for thermogenic supplement blends designed to burn fat. However, not everyone responds to high doses of caffeine favourably and can experience uncomfortable side effects.
Jitteriness, feelings of nervousness, and racing heart are signs that caffeine doses should be scaled back. Low caffeine-containing supplements may be a better alternative to efficiently cut fat without becoming overly amped.
Find Quality Thermogenic Supplements in Victoria BC
Fuel Victoria
Reputable products that enhance fat burning can be purchased at each of the three Fuel Victoria stores in the Greater Victoria Area. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect supplements to support your fitness goals. Or, visit our online shop to conveniently fuel your supplement and fitness needs.
