Sports Performance Supplements: What are they and what do they do?

When you want to perform at your best during every training session, event or race, it really comes down to fine margins which can mean getting the best sports performance supplements. Preparation is key as you set your body and mind up to deliver at the highest level, and after pushing your body to its limits, adequate recovery is integral to ensuring that you can perform consistently. 

Our range of performance based products are expertly formulated to help you be at your best pre, intra and post workout. The ingredients have been carefully designed to help you deliver on the fine margins and get closer to achieving your ultimate goals. 

PhD Performance Range

Performing at your best needs consideration at every level, especially when it comes to achieving consistency and longevity. Our performance range has been designed to cover all of your performance-related needs, helping you perfect your pre, intra and post workout routine. 

Here’s a little more about our sports performance supplements:

CLA

Our high quality CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is the perfect supplement for those looking to drop body fat and achieve a lean physique. It is an essential fatty acid that must be consumed through the diet, as it is not produced naturally in the body. CLA aids weight loss by increasing BMR (basal metabolic rate), which is the rate at which the body burns calories. 

When the BMR is increased, the body needs more calories to function and so you are consistently burning more throughout the day. CLA is ideal for those looking to keep lean or anybody going through a cutting/fat loss phase. If you’re wanting to build lean muscle mass without the added fat gain, CLA is a supplement that you should integrate into your routine. 

ZMA

PhD ZMA® is a patented formula produced to support muscle and strength gains. It contains 30mg of zinc, 450mg of magnesium and 10.5mg of vitamin B6 to aid your recovery, promote sleep and reduce fatigue. It is a highly popular supplement among bodybuilders, athletes and anybody who likes to keep fit, as it promotes high performance through more effective recovery, allowing you to maintain your training schedule and performance levels. 

Test Matrix Testosterone Support

Test Matrix Testosterone Support is our most powerful testosterone formula ever. This supplement is ideal for bodybuilders looking for testosterone support in order to reach serious mass and muscle gain goals. 

Containing fenugreek,D-Aspartic acid, zinc, arginine and 5-methyl-7-methoxy isoflavone, Test Matrix Testosterone Support is a potent formula and suitable for males over the age of 18 only. The recommended dosage is 4 capsules daily, to be taken first thing in the morning and pre workout for best results. 

Beta Alanine

Beta Alanine is a naturally occurring beta-amino acid that is often used alongside L-Histidine, to help reduce the buildup of lactic acid in the body and allowing you to train at higher intensities for longer. 

it has also been shown that Beta Alanine helps with the production of carnosine in the body, which plays an important role in muscular endurance during high intensity exercise. Carnosine is a compound that helps regulate acid build up in the muscles which is a primary cause of muscular fatigue. Higher levels of carnosine helps reduce acid buildup, and as a result, delays muscle fatigue. 

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is a chemical made in the brain, liver and kidneys, and is integral to many processes within the human body, including heart function and muscle movement. Additionally, L-Carnitine aids the transportation of fats into the cell mitochondria, encouraging your body to use fats as energy. Naturally, this helps burn fat at a faster rate and is ideal for anybody looking to lean up or gain muscle mass while burning fat. 

Studies show that L-Carnitine may also help improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, plus help regulate blood sugar levels. It may also improve symptoms and exercise ability of those with heart failure. 

EAA

Our all day EAA contains over 7gm of essential amino acids, as well as L Glutamine. This powerful formula is ideal for those looking to gain muscle mass and enhance focus. It can be supplemented pre, intra and post workout, with benefits ranging across all three stages of your training routine. Key benefits include:

• Increased muscle pump
• Enhanced focus to help drive performance
• Supplies amino acids to the muscles, ensuring muscle tissue is preserved
• Aids the muscle recovery process
• Contains caffeine for an energy boost whenever you need it

BCAA

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are three essential amino acids, leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are ‘essential’ because the body cannot produce them itself, meaning they must be obtained through the diet alone. They are naturally found in eggs, meat, and dairy products, but are also a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to the increase in muscle protein synthesis after supplementing.

In one study, people who consumed a drink containing 5.6g of BCAAs after a resistance workout had a 22% greater increase in muscle protein synthesis versus those who took a placebo. Additionally, BCAAs have been shown to help reduce DOMS (delay onset muscle soreness) post workout by decreasing muscle damage. Therefore, supplementing with BCAAs may aid recovery time, allowing you to train at high intensities more consistently. 

Creatine

Creatine is a substance found naturally in the body. It is mostly found in the skeletal muscle of the body and helps maintain a continuous supply of energy to working muscles, which makes it one of the most popular sports performance supplements there is. 

In the body, creatine turns into creatine phosphate, which then helps make a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP provides the energy needed for muscle contractions during short bursts of high intensity exercise. 

At PhD, we understand that you want to be at your very best every day. To help you achieve this, we have also created PhD life, a range of premium, expertly formulated health optimisation products. From our high in protein, low sugar, plant-based Complete meal solution, and Reset, our night time formula, to Mind, made to support optimal mental performance, we’ve created a new range to optimise you for life. Check out the entire PhD Life Range here.

Make sure to let us know how you get on with your training program and tag us in your workouts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter – @phdnutrition.

Written by Jessica Redman

Personal trainer and entrepreneur My name is Jess and I’m a personal trainer and run my own online training business at workthat.co.uk. I’m currently studying for a Masters in Strength and Conditioning, and I love all kinds of sports and training, as it is my go-to stress reliever and hugely helps my mental health. I love open water swimming, watching Arsenal play football (sometimes) and pumping playlists whilst running.