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To supplement or not to supplement – that is the question on more bodybuilder’s lips than ever before. Are they safe? What works and what doesn’t?

Lets have a look at the basics.

There are various reasons why athletes may be interested in supplementation.

? Concern about getting adequate nutrients from our food supply.

? Suspicion of pharmaceuticals.

? Belief that diet alone will not achieve optimal nutrition

Supplements include the following:

? Vitamins
? Minerals
? Amino Acids
? Herbs

The concerning thing about supplements is that anything classified as a dietary supplement is not required to meet any FDA or other standards! Think about that! there are no regulations in place that guarantee the safety or purity of something sold as a supplement.

They are also not made to meet the similar safety requirements as prescription drugs or any other manufacturing standards. They are not required to meet product potency or purity ratings and are not required to prove the effectiveness of any health claim that is made.

Studies suggest that a number of supplements may deliver on advertising claims. However, trainees are spending large sums of money on products that have little or no proven usefulness.

Personally I find the use of supplements over rated and as with strength training, supplementation asks the same question “if a little is good then maybe more has to be better”
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From a body builder’s perspective one of the most important body areas is the back. Not only can it be visually impressive but a strong back is essential for intensive training and day to day living. In bodybuilding you are aiming for three things with regard to developing the back muscles:

- Thickness of the upper back (traps).

- Wide lats.

- Highly defined lower back (spinal erectors and lower lats).

As a beginner there are five essential exercises for developing these muscles quickly:

1. Dumbbell shrugs – 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise will develop the traps.

2. Seated V-bar cable rows – 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise will develop the mid upper back.

3. Bent over barbell rows – 3 sets of 10-15 reps. This exercise will add thickness to the upper back.

4. Pullups – Aim for 25 reps. This exercise will strengthen the entire back.
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