You've seen firsthand how the right combination of training and nutrition can transform your clients' lives. But what if there was a way to help them optimize their performance, increase their energy, and take their progress to the next level?
Enter performance supplements. When integrated properly, these supplements can help accelerate your clients’ results and support their overall health and wellness! But with countless products on the market making bold claims, it’s crucial to cut through the hype to find supplements that are safe, effective, and ultimately right for your clients.
Not sure where to begin? Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed product recommendations to help your clients achieve their goals, faster. Keep reading to learn how to help your clients choose the best supplements for their needs!
What are performance supplements?
Performance supplements are designed to support the increased nutritional demands of an athletic lifestyle. Common performance supplements include protein powders, pre-workout formulas, amino acids, and more.
While a well-rounded diet should always be the top priority, the reality is that your most active clients have higher nutrient needs that can be difficult to meet through food alone. Encouraging your clients to time their nutrient intake around workouts can make a huge difference. This is where supplements can provide a convenient, concentrated source of key nutrients to support gains, endurance, and recovery!
However, it's important to remember that supplements are meant to do just that: supplement a balanced diet and consistent training program, not replace them. Supplements are most effective when integrated into a holistic plan.
How to choose the best performance and nutrition supplements
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to finding a supplement routine for your clients. Here's what to keep in mind when evaluating options for your clients:
Look for trusted third-party certifications
Prioritize products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency by reputable organizations like NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice, and USP. This ensures the product contains what it says it does, without any banned substances or contaminants.
Check the ingredients
Scrutinize the label and look for science-backed, responsibly dosed ingredients. Avoid blends with vague ingredient lists (more isn't always better). Mega-doses can be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst!
Consider individual needs and goals
Supplement plans should be tailored to support your clients’ unique needs and goals, whether that's building muscle, increasing endurance, or optimizing health. It’s always recommended to refer your clients to a qualified nutritionist or dietitian to personalize their protocol before making a purchase.
Prioritize established brands with a solid reputation
Look for brands that are transparent about their formulas, testing, and quality control standards. Well-established companies tend to be more reliable than trendy start-up brands.
Stay realistic
Remember, no supplement is going to do the work for you or your clients. Supplements are meant to support progress, not be a quick-fix. Consistent training, nutrition, and recovery should always be the foundation.
7 best performance and nutrition supplements to consider
While individual needs vary, there are some foundational performance supplements that can benefit a wide range of athletic goals when used appropriately. Here are some of the top evidence-based options to discuss with your clients
Protein powder
Adequate protein intake is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. But hitting daily protein targets through whole foods alone can sometimes be a challenge, especially for those with higher nutritional needs.
Protein powders provide a convenient way to boost protein intake. Look for high-quality options like whey, casein, egg, or pea protein from trusted brands like Optimum Nutrition or Genuine Health.
Creatine monohydrate
Extensively researched, creatine is proven to help increase strength, power, and muscle mass. It works by boosting the body's stores of phosphocreatine, allowing more ATP production for energy during high-intensity exercise.
Creatine monohydrate is the most studied form and is widely available in powders and capsules. Vitasave and Genuine Health have some solid options.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
BCAAs—which include leucine, isoleucine, and valine—are protein building blocks that play an important role in muscle growth and recovery. Supplementing with BCAAs, particularly around workouts, may help reduce muscle breakdown, decrease soreness, and support muscle building. Genuine Health is a great place to start.
Beta-alanine
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that increases muscle stores of carnosine, a compound that buffers lactic acid during high-intensity exercise. Research shows that beta-alanine can enhance muscular endurance and delay fatigue, making it a popular choice for athletes participating in intense training sessions. It's often included in pre-workout formulas, or available on its own
Caffeine
Caffeine is a tried-and-true performance enhancer that can boost energy, alertness, and workout intensity. It works by stimulating the central nervous system and reducing perceived exertion.
While caffeine is found naturally in coffee and tea, supplemental forms like tablets or pre-workout powders can provide a more precise dose. You can also find caffeine combined with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation, for improved focus and fewer jitters!
Multivitamins/minerals
While not a classic performance supplement, a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement can help fill nutrient gaps and support overall health, which is key for feeling and performing one’s best.
Certain nutrients like iron, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium are especially important for athletes. Look for comprehensive formulas from reputable brands and always cross-check multis with any other supplements your client is taking to avoid unsafe duplications.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids—particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil—offer a range of health benefits that can support an active lifestyle. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and may even enhance muscle building and brain function.
If your clients don't regularly eat fatty fish, consider adding an omega-3 supplement to their routine. Algae-based options are also available for those following a plant-based diet.
Recommend your favorite supplements through WRKOUT
With so many supplements out there, analysis paralysis is real. That’s why your clients turn to you as a trusted resource to help them navigate their options!
WRKOUT makes it easy to recommend the best supplements to your clients. We’ve vetted every single product for quality and efficacy, so you can trust you're sharing the best with your clients.
Trusted performance nutrition brands available on WRKOUT include:
- Optimum Nutrition - The most trusted brand in sports nutrition for over 30 years, known for their Gold Standard line of protein, pre-workouts, and amino acids
- Genuine Health – Innovative, research-driven supplements formulated with pure, natural ingredients to enhance energy, cognition, and athletic performance
- Thorne - Science-backed supplement solutions personalized to support every individual's health and performance needs
- Vitasave - Providing quality vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements to complement a healthy lifestyle and help you feel your best
When you recommend supplements through WRKOUT, you're making a meaningful impact on your clients' wellness journeys.
The bottom line on performance supplements
High-quality supplements can give your clients an extra edge in their training and help accelerate their progress. But it's important to remember that supplements are just that—supplements to a balanced diet, not magic bullets.
Focus first on establishing a solid nutrition foundation and be strategic with your supplement recommendations. Prioritize products that are third-party tested from trusted, reputable brands—like those available on WRKOUT.
Ready to start recommending the best performance supplements to fuel your clients' success?
Download the WRKOUT app today to explore our collection of trusted nutrition brands and earn cash rewards every time your clients make a purchase. It’s a win-win!
