Picking the right workout supplement can be as daunting of a task as buying a car or house. Well, maybe not quite, but the fact remains that there are simply too many exercise supplements on the market which makes the decision on what to put in your body a tough one.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of your workout, you need some nutritional supplements above and beyond what you get from your meals, even from a balanced and healthy diet. Despite what the internet may tell you, or even some infomercials on TV, there is no get strong fast pill that will magically transform you into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s vintage form in less than a month.

Proper supplements must be taken simply as part of your workout routine. The right workout supplement will help you build muscle mass and strength, which is most likely the main reason you are going to the gym anyways.

How do you know what to take and what to avoid?

The first thing to look at is whether you want something synthetic or an organic compound. The truth is, they both can work, but either can also not live up their advertised promises. Which is right for you? Even taking a vitamin pill isn’t necessarily organic – most of these have been synthesized in a factory somewhere. Sure, these can help but there are more natural ways to put vitamins into your body.

How do you know if a product is organic?

Ok, let’s be honest here – this one is easy. Just about anything organic will have the word splashed all over the container. If something is organic, you’ll know. If it doesn’t specifically say “organic” on the front, there’s a good chance you are looking at a synthetic concoction.

While many supermarkets have an organic section, oftentimes your best bet is to head to a dedicated health food store for the best selection.

Why go organic?

There isn’t a lot to this – taking organic supplements makes it easier for your body to completely and quickly absorb the vitamin than a synthetic version. Supplements are almost a necessity these days, because many of us simply don’t have the time (or desire, for that matter) to make sure our diet provides us with proper amounts of all primary vitamins and nutrients.

Organic supplements can come in many shapes and sizes. Doing something as simple as buying organic meat can be a great source of all natural protein. Carbohydrates are also a necessary supplement for your body before a workout. You can get these from whole wheat breads and pastas. Loading up on carbs will help your body to build muscle mass after a workout.

Read before you buy

Whether you go organic or synthetic for your workout compounds, do some due diligence before pulling the trigger. There are some hot new supplements out there like Nugenix, but don’t go simply by the hype – search for a Nugenix review before making a purchase and see if the product is right for you. There are definitely some valuable non-organic supplements out there, they just can get lost in the mess of all of the fakes on the market.

Adding nutritional supplements to your daily routine will not only make your workouts more effective, but make you a healthier person in general – even lowering your risk of developing cancer. Organic supplements are the safest and most reliable compounds for your body – but regardless of what you take – make sure that you have done your research beforehand and know what you are putting into your body.