If you’re following my #proprepdiaries series, you already know that before I began my competition prep, I set four goals for myself for this prep and really, for the year.
Goal 1: I will whole-ass my workouts.
Goal 2: I will think highly of myself.
Goal 3: I will treat myself with respect.
Goal 4: I will compete only against myself.
Now, goal one can only be done if I am being good about goal three. That is, I can only perform at my best in the gym if I’m taking care of my body. I’m making sure to incorporate the right supplements to keep my body in tip-top shape, and ever since a friend told me about the rewards program at Vitamin Shoppe a couple of years ago, I’ve been shopping there for many of them. There has been a Vitamin Shoppe conveniently located to everywhere I’ve lived while I’ve been a bodybuilder, and they always have what I need.
My pill chest (which I wrote about here) is from Vitamin Shoppe, as are my BCAA capsules (for post-workout recovery) and my creatine (brings water to your muscle cells to increase protein synthesis). The Critical Aminos pictured here are new and came in my surprise gift box from Vitamin Shoppe – unboxing below.
I mix the creatine with my protein shake post-workout, drink the aminos during my workouts, and take 3 BCAA capsules post-workout as well. This is a newer version of the pill chest I use.
When I got this special delivery from Vitamin Shoppe, I didn’t know what would be inside. Lucky for me, it was full of things that I already consistently use to help me meet my health and fitness goals. It’s really easy to work with people and companies when you’re 100% on the same page with them!
Look at all this swag!
It included a ton of stuff to help #getyourgoalon, including many of my top essentials:
The Essentials
Magazines for inspiration: I find that flipping through magazines, Instagram, or watching fitness-related YouTube videos gives me a boost when I am lacking motivation to go to the gym.
Protein shakes: I take a scoop of whey isolate protein mixed with 5g creatine after every weight workout. Yep, every one.
Amino acid drink mix: There’s no way I could keep up my workout regimen without taking amino acids. If I take it during and/or after workouts, it cuts down my soreness by at least 75% – TRULY. I thought it was a load of crap, too, until I tried it. I’ve tried several different kinds of aminos, and this Bodytech one in Watermeleon Punch tastes A+.
Shaker cup: I take one or two with me to the gym every day. One for aminos and one for protein.
Pill container: As you saw above, I use a bigger pill chest for all my supps!
Nice-to-Haves
Super cute Vitamin Shoppe tee: Let’s be real. Gym motivation often comes in the form of cute outfits.
Coconut oil: I cook my eggs in this every morning. Coconut oil is a great source of MCT (medium chain triglycerides).
Melatonin drops: I’m currently taking a different sleep supplement, but 1mg melatonin (or less!) is great to take if you need help to drift off.
Probiotic capsules: I’ve been taking these every day since having a problem with candida ON MY FACE. Long story.
Mixing up some aminos to bring to the gym.
And here’s what I’m looking like, 14 weeks out from my competition. I definitely notice a positive change this week. My legs and abs both look leaner and tighter. Oddly enough, there was no change in my weight!
So now you know the little extras that give me the boost I need to #getmygoal on! What are your “dirty little secrets” that help you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Vitamin Shoppe.
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