get your free packet of a free workout supplement sample - for body sculpting!
get your free packet of a free workout supplement sample - for body sculpting!
The history of workout supplements can be traced back to ancient civilizations and early ideas about improving physical performance. Here's a timeline of some key milestones:
Early Influences (Ancient Greece - 19th Century):
Ancient Greece (776 BC - 146 BC): Athletes in the Olympic Games consumed animal products like meats and strong wines to enhance performance.
Gladiatorial Era (73 BC - 476 AD): Gladiators might have used precursors to modern supplements, including concoctions with herbs, animal organs, and minerals, for strength and endurance.
19th Century: The rise of modern sports and bodybuilding led to increased interest in performance enhancement. Athletes experimented with various substances like raw meat extracts and tonics.
Early Supplement Development (1800s - 1950s):
1800s: Eugen Sandow, considered the "father of modern bodybuilding," advocated for dietary control to enhance muscle growth.
Early 1900s: Earle Liederman, a strongman, popularized the use of "beef juice" or "beef extract" (basically consomme) as a way to enhance muscle recovery.
1950s: With increased interest in bodybuilding, Irvin P. Johnson began marketing egg-based protein powders specifically for athletes and bodybuilders. This marked a shift towards more concentrated and convenient forms of supplementation.
The Rise of Modern Supplements (1960s - Present):
1960s: Scandinavian scientists conducted research on muscle carbohydrate metabolism, laying the groundwork for future sports nutrition advancements.
Late 1960s: Plasmon, a milk-based protein powder developed in Europe, gained popularity among bodybuilders and athletes. This marked the emergence of commercially available protein supplements.
1980s: The bodybuilding industry boomed, leading to a surge in supplement development and marketing. Products like creatine and amino acids gained popularity.
1982: Dan Duchaine formulated the first pre-workout supplement called Ultimate Orange, which contained ingredients like ephedra, later discovered to have health risks.
Early 2000s: Concerns arose about the safety of ephedra in supplements, leading to its ban by the FDA in the US. The focus shifted towards safer and more regulated ingredients.
Present Day: The workout supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar market with a vast array of products targeting various fitness goals. Regulations and safety standards are continuously evolving.
Key Takeaways of the History of Workout Supplements:
The history of workout supplements reflects a long-standing human desire to enhance physical performance.
Early methods were often rudimentary and lacked scientific backing.
Modern supplements are more refined and regulated, but safety and efficacy remain crucial considerations.
The industry is constantly evolving, with new ingredients and formulations emerging.
If you can't find what you're looking for...
Here are some famous workout supplement companies:
Optimum Nutrition (ON): One of the most recognizable names in the supplement industry, Optimum Nutrition (ON) has been around since 1987. They offer a wide range of products, including protein powders, pre-workouts, post-workouts, creatine, and BCAAs.
Optimum Nutrition (ON) workout supplement company
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MuscleTech: Another major player in the supplement game, MuscleTech has been around since 1995. They're known for their high-quality protein powders and other performance-enhancing supplements.
MuscleTech workout supplement company
BSN (Bio-Engineered Supplements & Nutrition): Founded in 2001, BSN quickly became a favorite among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Their flagship product, N.O.-Xplode, is a popular pre-workout supplement.
BSN (BioEngineered Supplements & Nutrition) workout supplement company
GNC (General Nutrition Centers): GNC is a retail chain that sells a wide variety of health and wellness products, including workout supplements. They offer their own branded supplements in addition to carrying products from other companies.
GNC (General Nutrition Centers) workout supplement company
Cellucor: Founded in 2004, Cellucor is a company that develops and markets performance sports nutrition products. Their most popular product is C4, a pre-workout supplement.
Cellucor workout supplement company
It's important to note that these are just a few of the many famous workout supplement companies on the market. When choosing a supplement, it's important to do your research and choose a company that offers high-quality products with transparent labeling. You should also consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.