Let’s be honest, if your muscles aren’t bulging out of your seams after an intense session, have you even worked out? Despite lifting heavy, maybe your last workout left you looking flat. If you’re chasing the pump, hang tight because I am about to pull through with the best supplements to help you out.
Lifting weights is a great way to get your pump on as it increases blood flow to working muscles, but sometimes it just isn’t enough to get your muscles looking full and feeling tight. While the topic of whether muscle pumps contribute to muscle growth is up for discussion, the one thing that athletes can agree upon is that your muscles look more significant when they have the “pump” and who doesn’t want that?!
Nitric oxide boosters are popular supplements that have been designed to enhance muscle pumps and vascularity. These supplements contain a combination of ingredients to provide you with the best effect and are usually caffeine-free, which makes them great to stack with your pre-workout.
Popular ingredients used within nitric oxide boosters include:
- L-Citrulline
- L-Arginine
- Beetroot extract
- Glycerol
- Creatine
- Green tea extract
- Taurine
- Vitamin C
Let’s take a look at how some of these supplements work below:
L-Citrulline
L-citrulline is an amino acid that is also known as a “nitric oxide booster” as it boosts nitric oxide production in your body. Nitric oxide increases blood flow, which helps you achieve the “pump” during your workout. Supplementing with L-citrulline can boost your nitric oxide levels which are understood to further enhance blood flow to your muscles.
Beetroot extract
Beetroot is another nitric oxide booster that is said to be effective in increasing blood flow, power, and endurance when you consume it prior to working out. Beetroots have also been shown to improve blood pressure and lower inflammation.
Creatine
Well known and loved by athletes for its ability to increase strength, build muscle, and reduce fatigue, creatine can also help you on your pump chasing mission. This is because creatine increases the amount of water stored in your muscles, giving you the effect of a more dramatic pump.
Glycerol
Glycerol has traditionally been used in low-carb snacks and bars as a replacement for sugar, but it is now becoming increasingly popular among bodybuilders who have caught onto its pump-enhancing effects. Similar to creatine, glycerol attracts water which can further enhance the appearance of your pump.
Taurine
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid in your body that plays a role in several body functions, including hydration, digestions, immune system function, and regulating minerals. Taurine has also been shown to decrease artery stiffness which assists your heart pump blood to your muscles, amplifying their appearance.
Final Notes
Nitric oxide boosters can provide you with a range of benefits that enhance your performance and help you get the “pump” to confidently flex in front of the gym mirrors. Stack this supplement with your pre-workout formula to power through and make the most out of your training session.