to top 10 table

Top 10 Supplements for Weight Lifting Reviewed

last updated: Feb 12, 2020

Lifting weights is definitely an intense workout if you hope to reach the goals you are setting for yourself. To keep making progress, get stronger and build lean muscle, you need to do more than train intensely.

What you put into your body before, during and after your workout will play a large part in determining your success. We have done some research and have found the best supplements for weightlifting in the 2019 market.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 18 hrs of research

icon
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout
94/100 our score
Materials
98
Potency
97
Ease of Use
90
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
95
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout
Why is it better?

175 mg caffeine

Creapure Creatine

No jittery side effects

Our #1 rated proteinDon't miss this...
top product fixed image
Our #1 rated protein
Researched Sources
42
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
10k
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
18
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
14
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Materials Potency Ease of Use Side Effects Effectiveness By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Materials
98 %
Potency
97 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$22.75
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
Materials
95 %
Potency
95 %
Ease of Use
89 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Materials
90 %
Potency
95 %
Ease of Use
87 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$40.49
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Materials
90 %
Potency
90 %
Ease of Use
87 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$47.50
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
Materials
85 %
Potency
90 %
Ease of Use
86 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$28.99
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.2
Materials
85 %
Potency
85 %
Ease of Use
86 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$44.99
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.6
Materials
85 %
Potency
84 %
Ease of Use
85 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$59.99
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Materials
80 %
Potency
82 %
Ease of Use
85 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$83.53
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.4
Materials
80 %
Potency
82 %
Ease of Use
85 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link
$22.96
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.2
Materials
80 %
Potency
81 %
Ease of Use
85 %
Side Effects
90 %
Effectiveness
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (29.03.24)
Amazon Link

10 Best Supplements for Weightlifting

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
image of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout
Amazon Link
Materials
98
Potency
97
Ease of Use
90
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$22.75
Pros:

175 mg caffeine

Creapure Creatine

No jittery side effects

Cons:

Doesn’t dissolve very well

Optimum Nutrition has lots of caffeine which will help keep your mind and body focused. Creatine helps to improve your overall performance. It also contains beta-alanine and many other helpful ingredients. This supplement is tested for any banned substances. It comes in 6 delicious flavors.Read more

The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout supplement gives you a terrific energy rush, good strength, and focus, and it brings you endurance to power your way through your workouts.

All of the ingredients are taken from safe and natural sources. The caffeine comes from coffee beans and tea, to give you natural energy without having the jitters.

2. Alpha GX7 Pre Workout

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
image of Alpha GX7 Pre Workout
Amazon Link
Materials
95
Potency
95
Ease of Use
89
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

1500 mg of citrulline

Beta-alanine

Reduces post-workout muscle soreness

Cons:

Powder tends to clump up

The Alpha Pre Workout will give you explosive energy, strength, focus, and drive. There are no side effects with this safe and effective supplement. It is great for men or women. This is jam-packed with safe and well-researched ingredients that will keep you on your toes and reaching your goals.Read more

Alpha GX7 Pre Workout provides you with a maximum energy boost thanks to its two key ingredients – citrulline and beta-alanine. You get a massive 1500 mg of citrulline to provide an immediate energy surge, while also concentrating your focus and drive. When combined with beta-alanine, the effect is amplified even more. As a result, you’ll feel more energized in the gym, be able to lift more and have greater training endurance.

The two key ingredients are backed up with a host of specially selected herbal ingredients. Each of them is clinically proven to boost your training energy. Alpha GX7 Pre Workout is also designed to reduce post-workout muscle soreness, and create an anabolic muscle building cellular environment.

3. Post Jym Active Matrix

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
image of Post Jym Active Matrix
Amazon Link
Materials
90
Potency
95
Ease of Use
87
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$40.49
Pros:

Creatine HCL

Beta-alanine

Effective recovery and rebuild formula

Cons:

Unpleasant taste

Post-Jym is designed to promote better muscle growth. It is the perfect finale to your workout to help with protein synthesis. Not only is it super effective but it also tastes great. It will refresh you with only 45 calories and help repair any muscle breakdown.Read more

Post Jym Active Matrix delivers the ideal cocktail of scientifically evaluated ingredients to provide the post-workout anabolic effect that your muscles are craving. It includes branch chain amino acids, beta-alanine, creatine HCL, and betaine. These ingredients work together synergistically to halt the breakdown of muscle tissue and fast track the muscle repair and rebuild.

Post Jym Active Matrix also contains taurine, carnitine, and glutamine, which will help to boost your body’s post-workout muscle repair process. Combined with the 6 grams of BCAAs and 2 grams of creatine, the effect on your body’s ability to rebuild will be profound.

4. BSN N.O Explode

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
image of BSN N.O Explode
Amazon Link
Materials
90
Potency
90
Ease of Use
87
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$47.50
Pros:

275 mg of naturally occurring caffeine

1.8 grams of beta-alanine

3 grams of Creatine HCL

Cons:

Not the best tasting

The BSN N.O Explode is a pre-workout supplement that will give you the right kickstart. They used advanced technology to bring together ingredients that will help you reach your limits and pass them. It comes in 5 tasty flavors.Read more

BSN N.O Explode is a powerful pre-workout igniter that delivers 275 mg of naturally produced caffeine per serve. This is supplemented with 1.8 grams of Beta-Alanine and 3 grams of creatine to give you even more endurance and to allow you to restore your muscle’s ATP reserves. The result is that you’ll be able to push each set harder and lift more iron-on every rep.

BSN NO Explode consists of 3 powerful blends designed to work in concert in order to produce the best workout of your life. The Enhanced Endurance blend will allow you to train well beyond the point that most guys would throw in the towel – and to maintain training intensity right through to the last rep.

5. Natura BCAA Capsules

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.2
image of Natura BCAA Capsules
Amazon Link
Materials
85
Potency
90
Ease of Use
86
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$28.99
Pros:

40 percent of daily amino acids

Activates key enzymes for protein synthesis

Follows the highest standard in supplements

Cons:

Not good for shellfish allergy

Natura BCAA is a potent formula. It is a perfect supplement for men or women. BCAAs are important for building your muscles and weight loss. This blend has the ideal ratio to work. It triggers good protein synthesis to grow your muscles while reducing fatigue. It will help you see faster results.Read more

Natura BCAAs are the ultimate in helping you defend your body. It gives you 40 perfect of the 9 amino acids your body needs daily. This combination enhances your muscle protein synthesis and will improve your training.

This supplement is best for serious athletes and people who work in high labor careers. It will replenish your lost amino acids and it helps to convert those into energy.

6. Old School Vintage Build

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.2
image of Old School Vintage Build weightlifting supplement
Amazon Link
Materials
85
Potency
85
Ease of Use
86
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$44.99
Pros:

BCAAs

Creatine Monohydrate

L-Glutamine

Cons:

Expensive

The Old School Vintage Build is perfectly designed for your after-workout muscle recovery. It is a muscle builder that is all-natural. It contains the proven best 3 ingredients of BCAAs, creatine, and L-glutamine. These mix together in water to provide a great tasting drink.Read more

Old School Vintage Build will help you gain lean muscle mass. It has the three key ingredients you need in BCAAs, Creatine, and L-Glutamine. These are the ingredients that will really boost your training. It will also speed up recovery time after your workout.

The blend is tested by a third party to make sure only the most premium ingredients are used. It works for men or women with your satisfaction guaranteed.

7. Legion Recharge Post Workout

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.6
image of Legion Recharge Post Workout
Amazon Link
Materials
85
Potency
84
Ease of Use
85
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$59.99
Pros:

Creatine monohydrate

Packed with amino acids

L-Carnitine

Cons:

Unpleasant taste

The Legion Recharge will help you make good gains and have a faster recovery from your workouts. It contains creatine monohydrate in its purest form which is the best natural supplement for muscle growth. This is the perfect drink to end your workout with.Read more

Legion Recharge Post Workout is a post-workout supplement designed to create an anabolic environment for maximum muscle growth and repair after your workout. The product contains pure creatine monohydrate in order to most effectively restock the ATP supply within the muscle cell. A host of amino acids are also supplied to support muscle repair, including the three most vital ones, leucine, valine, and isoleucine.

Legion Recharge includes L-Carnitine and L-Tartrate to re-supply glycogen levels and ensure that your cells are primed for growth. You also get 12 grams of protein with each serving, maintaining the ideal post-workout carb to protein ratio of 4 to 1.

8. Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard Protein Powder

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
image of Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard Protein Powder
Amazon Link
Materials
80
Potency
82
Ease of Use
85
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
82
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$83.53
Pros:

24 grams of protein per scoop

Contains Whey Protein Isolate

4 Grams of Glutamine per serve

5 Grams of BCAA’s per serve

Cons:

Contains lactose

This Optimum Nutrition supplement is definitely the gold standard. It contains quality whey proteins and peptides to give you lean muscle mass. Each serving contains more than 5G of BCAAs. It is also gluten-free and has a tasty rich flavor.Read more

Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard protein powder is a pure and natural source of the best protein on the planet for muscle building. The protein is sourced from whey protein isolates, whey protein concentrates and whey protein peptides. Fast absorption enzymes Amino Gen and Lactase are included to allow you to get the amino acids into your muscle cells faster.

Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard protein powder mixes very easily with nothing but a glass and spoon. It comes in a huge range of enticing flavors and universally gets great reviews on its taste.

9. Bulk Supplements BCAAs

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.4
image of Bulk Supplements BCAAs
Amazon Link
Materials
80
Potency
82
Ease of Use
85
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$22.96
Pros:

2:1:1 BCAA ratio

No additives

Boosts testosterone levels

Cons:

Quite foamy

This supplement will help boost your metabolism and help with muscle growth. It is engineered with the perfect combination of ingredients. This is a potent formula that will give you results in powerlifting and bodybuilding.Read more

Bulk Supplements BCAAs is a low-cost high-quality version of the 3 key branch chain amino acids, isoleucine, leucine, and valine. It is dosed at the scientifically ideal ratio of 2:1:1 to give you double the level of isoleucine. The BCAAs have been instantized for faster absorption into your blood-stream. It is 100% pure, with no additives or unnecessary ingredients.

As a result of the fast-acting nature of these amino acids in this blend, you will recover from your training faster as your body is flushed with an anabolic growth spurt. It will also boost your body’s natural production of testosterone while reducing cortisol levels.

10. Beast Sports Nutrition

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.2
image of Beast Sports Nutrition
Amazon Link
Materials
80
Potency
81
Ease of Use
85
Side Effects
90
Effectiveness
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Blend of 5 protein types

Digestive enzymes

Retains nitrogen

Cons:

Slight artificial taste

Beast-Protein has 25G of protein in every serving with the highest quality forms available. It is of maximum strength and ready to support new muscle growth.

The ingredients are a combination that works together to feed and promote the development of muscle while promoting protein synthesis.Read more

Beast-Protein is an effective strength and mass boosting supplement that will allow you to approach the weights in absolute beast mode. This is a blend of 5 powerful blends of protein, including:

  • Whey protein (concentrate)
  • Whey protein (hydrolysate)
  • Micellar casein
  • Egg white (albumen)

Added to the protein blend are essential enzymes to speed up the digestive process. Beast Protein provides you with a sustained release of amino acids to allow you to have a constant anabolic supply into the muscle cell.

Beast Protein allows you to retain essential nitrogen levels in order to initiate protein synthesis. It provides great taste and has very good mixability.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Materials

In this case, materials refer to the ingredients in each product. These weight lifting supplements will go a long way toward helping you reach your fitness goals and since they are going to be taken internally you will want to do your research and make sure you are getting the highest quality ingredients available.

Potency

When it comes to potency, you will want to get your money's worth. Get a weight lifting supplement that is potent enough to give you your daily maximum amount of protein and other useful ingredients without having to use a huge amount to get it.

Ease of Use

You want a weightlifting supplement that you can use easily either before or after your workout to get the help you need with muscle growth. If it is in a pill form, look for one which is easy to swallow. If it is a powder, which most seem to be, find one you can mix with water which is easy to have with you and something which stirs in well without clumping.

Side Effects

When you are choosing a supplement, be sure to read the ingredients and warnings carefully. If it is warned to cause stomach upset, make sure you have something in your stomach before you use it. If you have allergic such as shellfish or gluten, make sure the supplement you choose will not have those ingredients. Reading the label is always a vital step.

Effectiveness

For the supplement for weight lifting to be effective, it needs to have the highest amount of protein for helping to build lean muscle mass. You want the perfect combination of amino acids and good enzymes. Find the mixture of ingredient which is going to help push your body to reach your goals.

expert tips icon
Make sure you take a blended protein

If you are taking whey protein it is a good idea to take it after your workout. Your body absorbs it fast so it improves the synthesis of your muscle protein. It is helpful to add in casein as well since it will help extend the time your supplement is useful for an added body benefit.

Make sure you get plenty of leucine

The Leucine in your supplement will get the muscle protein synthesis started. You want to make sure you get at least 4 grams with each serving to get that process started.

Other Factors to Consider

Product Purity

Make sure you find a supplement which does not have a lot of unneeded additives. Be sure the product is gluten-free and does not have any ingredients which aggravate your stomach or cause allergic reactions. You want just pure quality helpful ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Should I take creatine before or after my workout?

a:

Creatine does not saturate the muscle as easily as you might think. It takes a little time. There is nothing wrong with taking it before your workout but you will probably not see immediate benefits. Really, it is not important when you take it, just that you do.

q: What supplements should beginners look for?

a:

There are a few ingredients that are important to have in your weight lifting supplement. Look for whey protein and creatine. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are also good. You might also want a casein protein and a post-workout supplement.

q: What are the best supplement ingredients for bodybuilders?

a:

There are plenty of helpful ingredients to have in order to help with your muscle building. One of the Creatine Monohydrate. This is a muscle-building supplement that is super safe and effective. Other helpful ingredients include caffeine, BCAAs, Citrulline Malate, and Whey Protein.

q: How quickly does muscle develop?

a:

On average, if you are working to gain about 10 pounds of muscle it will probably take you around 3-4 months but of course, that may depend on a lot.

q: What should you eat when you are trying to gain more muscle?

a:

When your goal is to gain muscle high protein foods are vital. Carbohydrates and fats are also important to help you keep up with your energy. If you want to build good lean muscle, eat things like eggs, chicken breast, salmon, greek yogurt, tuna fish, shrimp, lean beef, and soybeans.