Athletes across all levels have used athletic supplements for years to improve their performance and help them reach their goals. From protein to caffeine, these supplements are commonly used during training and competition because many athletes believe they see an increase in performance.
Supplements are widely used in the sports world to make up and enhance performance. It’s definitely hard to narrow down which supplements will benefit you. Across every sports specific needs, finding the right supplements may take some testing.
“I saw a naturopathic specialist to help with my running and he recommended… I use ginger, echinacea root, iron, P5P, beta alanine, glutamine, and bicarb,” Chase Koenigs (‘28) said. “You should definitely get tested first, but with more common ones, I’d recommend you don’t need to get tested for beet juice or bicarb or any of those things.”
Koenigs, who won league titles in both the 1600 and 3200 meters in track and field, benefited from supplement use. Many other athletes just wouldn’t have the same benefits from the same supplements, one broadly used supplement that people don’t realize is caffeine. Although it can be used for benefits, taking caffeine can also have some drawbacks.
“I feel like [energy drinks] just get you more tired once the energy wears out and the caffeine is out,” Mason Mendoza (‘26) Arlington’s soccer goalie said.
While some people opt to not take supplements or do not have access to them, many view it as a necessity in order to perform at their best. By far, the most popular supplement is creatine monohydrate.
“When I wasn’t on creatine, my squat was kind of weak. As soon as I hopped on it, the next time we maxed, I think I went up like 30-45 pounds. So I think it definitely helps,” Ethan Pincus (‘27) said.
While supplements do enhance performance, it’s not a gateway to your goals. Without proper nutrition and sleep, your training will only go so far.
“I think if you’re going to be taking supplements, you’ve got to be doing all the stuff before supplements. You’ve got to be getting the right amount of sleep, you’ve got to have the correct water intake, you’ve got to be having a good diet, and then that’s when those supplements will help you. You shouldn’t be using those supplements as a way to replace all your bad habits,” Pincus said.
