BRAINIACS: Try these four supplements to boost your genius in the gym

Not only should you think before you speak, but it’s also a good idea to think before you train. Boosting the production of brain chemicals and neurotransmitters is one good way to improve focus and support better workouts. Many of these supplements boost chemicals that directly support your ability to lift longer or more intensely. M&P recommends including these supplements in your regimen, especially before workouts. 

* Choline

This water-soluble nutrient is also an important precursor to acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter primarily responsible for signaling muscle contractions and a number of other processes in your brain. Choline also helps maintain cell membrane integrity throughout the body. Supplementing choline not only helps boost memory, but it also improves the force of your muscle contractions. Putting it another way: supplementing choline helps you remember how many more reps you were able to perform.

* Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an ACh-esterase inhibitor that has been shown to boost memory. In other words, huperzine A helps protect the ACh you have in your brain once this chemical has been produced. This makes huperzine A a great companion to choline, and supplementing them together before workouts will help keep your body and brain humming while you train. 

* Phosphatidylserine

This naturally occurring phospholipid plays an important role in neuronal growth. The supplemental form of phosphatidylserine (PS) can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to directly affect production of ACh, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. These crucial brain chemicals play roles in memory, focus and learning, and cumulatively they help support better workouts and recovery. 

* Theanine

This amino acid, found in green tea, has been shown to improve mood and boost mental performance especially when taken with caffeine where it acts synergistically. In addition, theanine also supports growth hormone release and boosts release of GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter. Theanine has the dual effect of promoting better workouts and improving the quality of your sleep. 

For best results, you not only have to train your body, but you also need to train your brain. Taking these supplements will boost the brain chemicals that help you get the most from your workouts and from your day.