Table of Contents
Introduction
These days it’s weight loss that commands the most attention from the media and fitness specialists, but for those who find it hard to gain weight or bulk, the effects on body image and confidence can be just as severe.
After all, when you’re eating right and putting in work at the gym it can be very disheartening to see no growth in your mass, and no change on the scales. When it comes to defeating your naturally speedy metabolism, you have two viable options. The first is to alter your diet, and the second is to use weight and mass gain supplements.
The best option, however, is to combine both approaches with a strength-based exercise regime.
Bulking Up: Supplements That Build Lean Muscle
There are some really good, pre-mixed supplement powders that can help you bulk by providing a solid macro-nutrient mix. However, if you want a really concentrated, tailored mix, you need to look into individual supplements and how they can help you achieve the growth you want. These are the basic supplements that you can use to bring your workout to the next level.
5 Mass-Building Supplements:
Whey Protein
Protein is one of the vital components
of muscle building; the process of protein synthesis is what enables
our muscles to grow and adapt. In order to do this, of course, they
need proteins. Whey proteins are quick processing proteins which help
us sustain workouts and build new muscle.
Instant BCAA’s
Short for instantized Branched-Chain
Amino Acids, BCAA’s are, without a doubt, the best thing for muscle
building and bulking. The amino acids isoleucine, leucine, and valine
are included in BCAA’s, and help greatly in protein synthesis. BCAA’s
are perfect for intense workouts and reducing muscle soreness, but
they also help build bulk.
Creatine
Creatine is, without a doubt, an
extremely well-known supplement; it is favored because it is one of
the most ergogenic supplements. Creatine is a top tier supplement for
increasing size, strength, and performance. Creatine is especially
good for explosive sports like football, powerlifting, and crossfit.
HMB
A metabolite of leucine (a key
muscle-building amino acid), HMB has been shown to help build muscle
tissue by aiding protein synthesis and help to prevent and reduce
induced muscle breakdown. HMB acts as an anti-catabolic during
training, which will let you work harder in order to get bigger gains
in the short and the long-term.
ZMA
A powerhouse supplement with a high content of muscle-friendly zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6 all of which are important for building muscle, inducing better sleep, supporting recovery, and aiding the immune system.
While not the most laser-focused
muscle-builder, this does something far more important; it keeps you
in good condition to maintain your workout quality in the long term.
However, if you don’t have the time to
learn how to combine all of these supplements, you can consider some
high-quality, pre-mixed powders to get you started on the right path
while you learn everything you need to know.
The Best Pre-Mixed, Mass-Building Powders for Skinny Guys
These are the 3 best mass-building supplements for skinny guys looking to bulk up. They’re not numbered, though, because they’re each suited to different situations, so check the pros and cons for a quick overview.
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
With a whopping 1,280 calories per 333g serving, this is a seriously hefty supplement that is perfect for those with overactive metabolisms, or who otherwise have real trouble gaining weight at all.
With 52g of protein, 246g of carbs, and
9g of fat in each serving, you need never worry about running out of
steam again. The proteins here are mostly sourced from fast burning
whey, slow-burning casein, and vitamin B-rich eggs. This makes
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer a very well-rounded supplement.
Best for: Those who need extra calories.
Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Cookies and Cream.
Cost: $30.51 for 2kg
Pros:
-High-calorie mix for those who
struggle to gain weight.
-Good macronutrient mix.
-Vitamin-rich.
Cons:
– May cause fat gain if your diet is too rich.
Universal Real Gains Weight Gainer
In one 155g serving this supplement packs 52g of protein from mixed whey and casein sources, 87g of carbs, and 5g of fat, and it does it all for just 601 calories.
This is the perfect mix for guys whose diet is just about doing the job; it’ll give you the last push you need without causing fat gain. This is a light mix that packs a punch well above its weight-grade.
Best for: those who need extra help, but don’t want to gain fat.
Available flavors: Vanilla, Banana
Cost: $73 for 3kg.
Pros:
– Low-calorie mix for those who don’t need the extra.
– Mix of fast and slow processing proteins.
– Balanced macro-nutrients.
Cons:
– May not be rich enough for those who have real trouble gaining weight.
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Gainer
This supplement, similar to Dymatize’s Super Mass Gainer, packs a powerful punch!
At 1250 calories per 334g serving, it’s tough enough to push all but the most intense metabolisms out of the red and into the black.
Best for: those in search of a solid weight-gainer from a trusted brand.
Available flavors: Banana, Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter
Cost: $33 for 2.72kg
Pros:
– Plenty of protein and calories.
– Contains creatine and glutamine to help with muscle growth.
– Trusted & well-known brand.
Cons:
– 80mg of cholesterol might be a bit much for some
With a careful mix of diet, supplements and/or pre-mixed powders, you can say goodbye to your skinny frame and start gaining the mass you’ve been longing for.
If you want to take things to the highest level, however, you should look into how you can combine individual supplements to the best effect.