About one in four Americans make New Year’s resolutions. The majority of resolutions involved exercising more (46%), dieting (45%), and losing weight (44%). If you’re planning for a healthier, happier 2022, consider the supplements you’re taking.
Taking supplements for fitness goals can help you crush your resolutions this year. You can even shop online for ease and convenience.
Before you start shopping, however, make sure to dodge these fitness supplements buying mistakes. Otherwise, these mistakes will cost you more than just money. You might fall victim to cybercrime or take supplements full of harmful fillers.
Become a safe, savvy shopper this year. Read on to discover how to avoid making costly mistakes when buying supplements online.
1. Not Considering Health Goals
About 65% of the US (170 million adults) take dietary supplements. Not every individual has the same fitness goals, though. Before buying supplements for fitness online, consider your distinct goals.
Otherwise, you’ll fail to purchase supplements for fitness that support those objectives. Taking the wrong supplements might hinder your progress, too.
For example, taking whey protein isolate could help you lose weight, since it’s low in fat and carbs. Whey protein concentrate, on the other hand, is high in fats and carbs. It’s better if you want to gain weight and muscle mass.
Are you looking for ingredients to boost your energy levels and encourage you to hit the gym? Consider compounds like:
- Caffeine
- Teacrine
- L-Citrulline
- Nitrosigine
- Beta-Alanine
These ingredients could boost your mood, concentration, energy levels, and focus. They might help reduce fatigue and improve blood flow, too.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, consider stimulant-free ingredients. For example, beta-alanine and nooLVI might help.
L-Carnitine could help you lose weight. It might increase stamina and boost your recovery times, too. It might also help you lose fat while gaining muscle.
Take the time to consider your unique goals and needs before buying supplements online. Don’t make the mistake of shopping without a plan. Don’t choose supplements for fitness based on consumer hype, either.
Instead, choose supplements that align with your goals for the year.
2. Not Prioritizing Certifications
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s important to find high-quality supplements. Otherwise, the supplements you purchase might not meet your expectations. You might struggle to accomplish your fitness goals, too.
First, make sure to check every label for certifications. For example, you might see certifications from:
- ConsumerLab.com
- NSF International
- The United States Pharmacopeia
These certifications indicate you’re choosing high-quality products. Supplements with these certifications meet manufacturing standards, too. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re buying supplements online that were made safely.
Don’t pay attention to marketing claims about “cure-all” supplements. Don’t let guarantees draw you in, either. Instead, make sure to fact-check everything you read.
3. Forgetting About Hackers
One of the biggest fitness supplements buying mistakes you can make is neglecting your safety. Before buying supplements online, look at the company’s website. Make sure they’re offering a quality user experience with a focus on security.
Only give your private information to websites that have “HTTPS” at the front of the URL. These websites have an SSL certificate, which can ensure your safety when shopping online.
Otherwise, hackers might steal your credit card information. Remain vigilant.
4. Forgetting to Consider Interactions
Many people rush to start buying supplements online without a plan. If you’re already taking medications or supplements, this could cause a mess. Instead, take the time to research any potential interactions that can occur.
For example, anyone taking blood thinners should avoid vitamins like vitamin K. Otherwise, you could experience blood clotting.
Certain vitamins, supplements, and medications can interact. You could experience serious side effects if you’re not careful.
You might need to take some supplements on an empty stomach and others with food, too.
If you have an upcoming surgery schedule, make sure to talk to your medical team about the supplements you’re taking. You can consult a doctor before buying supplements online, too. They’ll ensure the medications you’re on won’t cause interactions.
5. Never Reviewing Ingredients
Before buying supplements for fitness, make sure to check the ingredients list.
Otherwise, you might unknowingly take supplements that included tainted ingredients. A few examples include kava, chromium, and bitter orange. Check the FDA’s list of tainted products before buying supplements online, too.
6. Not Prioritizing Quality Brands
Most people only want to put the best vitamins, foods, and minerals in their bodies. Before buying supplements, research the brands on your list. Make sure you’re buying only the best.
For example, you’ll want to make sure you choose the best deer antler velvet available.
You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews. Online customer reviews can help you identify potential scammers, too.
You can check ConsumerLab.com and SupplementReviews.com for customer reviews.
7. Choosing Cheap Options
You might feel obligated to purchase the cheapest supplements you can find. Don’t make fitness supplements buying mistakes like buying based on price. Instead, start comparing supplement prices.
Comparing prices will help you determine the average cost of each supplement. If one price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Instead, invest in your health and choose a high-quality, reliable brand.
8. Not Consulting a Professional
Before buying supplements for fitness, consider consulting a medical professional. Talk to a physician, personal trainer, or dietitian. They can help you make more informed decisions about the supplements you need.
Talk to a professional about your fitness goals for the year. Ask them which supplements they would recommend.
Ask them if any of the supplements on your list might interact with one another, too.
You can also ask them questions about your diet, lifestyle, and workout routine.
Speaking with a professional will help you make smarter decisions about the supplements you purchase. You can avoid wasting time and money, too.
Smarter Shopping: 8 Fitness Supplement Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t rush to make these fitness supplements buying mistakes when shopping online. Instead, take the time to vet your options. With these tips, you can make smart shopping decisions before purchasing supplements.
Conquer your fitness goals! Set yourself up for success with the right supplements today.
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