Question: Hey Rocco! I was flipping through one of those workout magazines the other day, and I think 90% of it was advertisements for supplements! What's your opinion of all those sports supplements out on the market? Also, what do you think of those magazines like Muscle &; Fitness, Flex, Muscle Media, etc.?

Gavin

Answer: Supplements, the billion dollar industry that preys on lazy, pathetic wannabes. Supplement ads, especially in Joe Weider publications promise you everything that a pubescent boy or girl could imagine. From big muscles to a big penis or breasts, please… Exercise, nutrition and the proper mental attitude (positive self-image) are the only things you need to lose fat permanently. Supplements are not a requirement. Some basic supplements are helpful for “nutritional insurance,” and some supplements can help speed up the fat loss process a little, but not nearly as much as the advertising leads you to believe.

Even supplements that have been proven effective are only responsible for a small fraction of the results you achieve. I believe that at least 97% of your results will come from good training and good nutrition.

If most of your results come from nutrition and training, then why would you chase after that last 3% “edge” if you haven’t even maximized the first 97%? Isn’t that approach completely backwards?

Once you've reached a high level of development from intelligent, intense, methodical training and quality nutrition, and the closer you get to your ultimate genetic potential, the slower your progress will become. Progress can and will continue indefinitely, but as you reach higher levels of achievement, this is when supplements and other “minor” details make the most difference.

In world-class athletics, competitions can be won or lost by hundredths of a second, a tenth of a point, a fraction of a pound, or a single judge’s opinion. The extra 3% that supplements might provide could be the difference between winning and losing.

Now look at the average beginner or intermediate: They're still eating junk foods and skipping meals. They're not even working out consistently. And what do they do FIRST? You guessed it; they immediately run out searching for a "shortcut" in the form of a pill, powder or latest diet.

It's a shame that so many people look for easy ways instead of making the effort to learn how to eat and train.I don’t know if you wanted me to go on a rant, but I thought I would give you the opinion you asked for.The people at GNC probably want to put a hit out on me right now.

Rocco Castellano is the founder of askROCCO Media, which provides boot camps, seminars, media content and online fitness services at askROCCO.com. He is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has written "askROCCO Uncensored v1," available at bookstores everywhere.