As you are probably painfully aware by now, building muscle, burning fat, and just generally getting your body into much better shape in the process, is not a simple pastime or activity, and it isn’t something that can be achieved quickly. If you are serious about stepping up your diet and training, and taking your physique to the next level, you must be willing to do whatever it takes to get you to your overall goals and objectives.
As mentioned, you won’t see any notable improvements overnight, and it may be several weeks before you begin seeing any feeling, any improvements, but as long as you are patient and consistent, the gains will come, you just need to bide your time, do what needs to be done, and not expect miracles. As far as building muscle and burning fat is concerned, you must ensure that you are following the right training regime at the right time.
It’s no good just going to the gym and doing whatever you feel like doing on the day, you need to have some structure in your training, so that, if you’re down to train legs on that day, you make sure that you train legs on that day. Then of course, there is your diet to consider, which is actually even more important than the training side of things. You must ensure you are eating enough fresh, healthy, and wholesome produce, along with getting enough protein on a daily basis. Aim for around 1 – 1.5g of protein per pound of body weight, making sure to include protein supplements to help you to reach your macros.
Speaking of supplements, there is one supplement in particular, that experts are especially excited for in terms of bodybuilding, and it is this supplement which we’ll be taking a more in-depth look at right now. The supplement in question, is none other than ZMA, so let’s learn what ZMA is, plus take a look at several ZMA benefits in the process.
What Is ZMA?
ZMA, is a supplement that is made up of zinc, magnesium, and of Vitamin B6. All three of these ingredients play essential roles in a number of biological and physiological processes within the human body, and what’s more, all three are also very difficult to come by naturally. A vast percentage of human beings, all across the globe, are deficient in at least one of the aforementioned minerals or vitamins, which obviously then puts their health at great risk in the process.
One of the primary ZMA benefits then, is that it basically helps to ensure that deficiencies in any of the previously mentioned ingredients, simply do not become issues. Commonly, ZMA supplements are thought to assist with sleep and rest after a long day, and whilst that has indeed been proven to be true, ZMA supplements are now also found to be highly beneficial for bodybuilders and athletes in the process.
The Importance Of Minerals
ZMA supplements are backed up by a number of clinical studies and plenty of research, and one of the main reasons why ZMA benefits are so prominent, is down to the fact that the supplements provide plenty of essential minerals.
Zinc
For example, Zinc plays a vital role in numerous biological processes and chemical reactions within the human body, and it has also been found to help boost the immune system, enhance hormone production, boost fertility, increase mental alertness, and increase physical energy in the process. Despite this, most human beings are deficient in this mineral, even though it is found commonly in certain whole food sources, particularly shellfish, that are the most foods high in zinc.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another mineral that we don’t get enough of, and this mineral is thought to be particularly beneficial for a person’s general health and well-being. For example, magnesium has been proven to assist with the transportation of neurochemicals which are essential for the healthy function of the muscles. On top of that, magnesium is also essential for cardiovascular health as it assists with heart function.
What is ZMA Benefits?
Now that we know a little more about ZMA, and what it contains, we’ll now take a look at some of the main reasons why you may wish to seriously consider supplementing with ZMA supplements.
ZMA Boosts The Immune System
One of the main benefits of ZMA supplements, is the fact that it boosts the immune system, which is hugely beneficial in itself. The immune system is the human body’s first and last line of defence against illness and disease, so a weak immune system is going to leave you more susceptible to a whole host of illnesses and ailments that could put your health at risk.
ZMA is rich in nutrients that strengthen and boost the immune system, which makes it ideal for anybody looking to improve their general health and well-being. Zinc and magnesium both play key roles in immunity, but the vitamin B6 really comes into its own and shows how useful it is when it comes to boosting our immune system.
A strong immune system protects you against illness and disease, so common colds and ailments can be avoided, as can more serious conditions such as cancer. This is also beneficial from a bodybuilding perspective, for the simple reason that, if you are ill and unwell, you will be unable to train, or if you do train, your workouts will suck, and you won’t be able to push yourself as hard as you may have initially hoped.
ZMA Boosts Testosterone
Another huge benefit associated with ZMA supplements, and one of the primary reasons why so many bodybuilders are now including ZMA supplements as part of their supplement stack, is the fact that ZMA supplements have been scientifically proven to boost testosterone. Zinc really factors into the equation here, because zinc has been found to greatly enhance testosterone production within the human body.
You may have heard people talking about how oysters are a natural aphrodisiac and how they can help boost fertility and libido, and the reason for this is because they are packed full of zinc. As the zinc helps stimulate the production and secretion of testosterone, you benefit from all of the zinc benefits associated with elevated test levels. Testosterone is vital for muscle growth and repair, so obviously the more of the hormone you have, the more muscle you will be likely to build.
We Lose Zinc When We Exercise
Studies have found that, when we exercise, we lose vital electrolytes and nutrients via our sweat, including zinc. Studies have found that we lose around 9% of our daily zinc requirements through sweat, which greatly hinders athletic performance, as well as our general health and fitness. In terms of ZMA benefits, the fact that we are able to replace lost zinc through these supplements, helps to greatly enhance physical performance, as well as endurance and health in general.
ZMA Supplements Promote A Good Night’s Sleep
Not sleeping sucks, and if you have a bad night’s sleep, boy do you know about it the next day. ZMA supplements have been proven to help promote a good night’s sleep, which is beneficial in so many different ways. Sticking with the bodybuilding theme, being able to get enough sleep at night is hugely important because we do our growing and repairing when we sleep and rest.
Without enough sleep, our muscles won’t be able to grow or recover as effectively as we may have hoped. Then of course, there is the fact that, if you don’t get enough sleep, the next day you will feel tired and lethargic, so the last thing you’ll want to do is hit the gym and exercise. With ZMA however, you needn’t worry as you will sleep at night, and feel fantastic the next morning.
