If you want to build up your muscle mass, you want to take weight gainers. Learn everything about them here.
If you want to build up your muscle mass, you’re probably already taking a protein supplement after you work out. But some people find it harder than others to gain weight and build their lean muscle mass. These people are known as ‘hardgainers’ (as opposed to ‘easygainers’, who find it easy to gain weight).
If you’re struggling to gain weight and muscle you may choose an alternative dietary supplement, known as a weight gainer or mass gainer. These are often used by bodybuilders, athletes and keen exercisers who want to increase their calorific intake in a healthy way.
Why use a weight gainer?
Perhaps the most obvious question is, why use a weight gainer supplement instead of simply consuming more calories in the form of food? Well, when you’re exercising intensely it can be very difficult to eat enough food to keep your calorie intake where it needs to be. You’re just using up too much energy during your workouts.
But more importantly, people who want to put on healthy weight and build lean muscle need to consume the right kinds of calories. Weight gainers contain balanced ingredients to prevent unwanted weight and muscle loss even when you’re exercising intensely.
Most weightlifters and exercisers can take a weight gainer to benefit from:
- A high concentration of calories
- A convenient way to snack or replace meals
- A superior source of carbohydrates and proteins
How do weight gainers work?
Some bodybuilders and weightlifters – particularly those with a slender body type and naturally low muscle and fat mass –can easily grow frustrated with the lack of progress they make trying to gain muscle mass and bulk up. It’s easy to feel like you’ve hit a wall and can’t go any further.
With a mass gainer supplement, it’s a combination of two factors that encourages muscle gain: a high calorie level paired with concentrated macronutrients. A single dose may contain between 300 and 800 calories as well as other important nutrients.
Some weight gainers are intended to supplement meals whereas others have the right balance of fats and carbohydrates to replace meals altogether. Certain types designed for post-workout recovery also contain sugar to help muscles refuel, but these shouldn’t be consumed at any other time as this may have unwanted results.
Types of weight gainer
One thing that almost all weight gainer supplements have in common is a high calorie content, which helps healthy weight gain. Other ingredients may include:
- Amino acids: Protein and amino acids help promote increases in both muscle mass and strength, while also being a healthy source of extra calories.
- Appetite stimulant: Those with low appetites or very fast metabolisms might choose a weight gainer with an appetite stimulate so they feel hungry enough to increase their food consumption.
- Hormone boosters: An increase in testosterone levels will help build muscle mass and promote weight gain.
- Vitamins& minerals: If you have been diagnosed with a mineral or vitamin deficiency, your weight gainer can help you correct this so you can build muscle rather than body fat.
If you’re looking for a healthy way to gain weight and build muscle, check out our complete range of weight gainer supplements available to order online. We have products to suit a wide range of purposes to help you achieve your goals.