How to Stack Your Supplements Correctly

If you’ve made it this far in our Supplement Foundations series, you already know two things:

  • Supplements are not magic.
  • The basics are non-negotiable.

Now comes the next question we hear all the time: “What should I take together?”

That’s where stacking comes in and it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of supplementation. Stacking isn’t about taking more. It’s about taking the right things, at the right time, for the right reason.

Let’s break it down.

What Does “Stacking” Actually Mean?

A supplement stack is simply a combination of products that work together to support a specific goal.

Not random. Not everything on the shelf. Not what your gym buddy takes.

A good stack is intentional. Each supplement has a role, and none of them overlap unnecessarily. If you’re stacking just to stack, you’re wasting money and probably stressing your system for no reason.

Rule #1: Build on the Basics (Always)

Before you even think about stacks, your foundation should already be in place:

  • Consistent training

  • Dialed-in nutrition

  • Adequate sleep

  • Hydration

From a supplement standpoint, this usually looks like:

If those aren’t covered, stacking won’t fix it. 

Rule #2: Stack by Goal, Not by Trend

The biggest mistake people make is stacking based on hype instead of purpose. Your stack should change depending on what you’re trying to accomplish.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I training for performance?

  • Fat loss?

  • Recovery?

  • Daily health and consistency?

Each goal calls for a different combination, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Common Stack Categories (& How They Work Together)

Performance & Training Stack

Built to support energy, focus, strength, and pumps during training.

This often includes:

These products work during your session, not hours later, not overnight.

Fat Loss & Metabolic Support Stack

Designed to support calorie deficits, energy, and adherence.

This may include:

Important note: Fat burners do not burn fat on their own. They support the process by improving energy, focus, and consistency.

Recovery & Health Stack

This stack works behind the scenes.

It supports:

  • Muscle repair

  • Inflammation management

  • Sleep quality

  • Long-term consistency

Often taken:

  • Post-training

  • In the evening

  • Or daily, regardless of training time

This is the stack most people skip and the one that often makes the biggest difference long-term.

Rule #3: More Is Not Better

If your stack includes:

  • Multiple products doing the same thing

  • Overlapping stimulants

  • Ingredients you don’t understand

It’s probably too much.

Effective stacks are simple, targeted, and repeatable.

You should know:

  • Why you’re taking each supplement

  • When to take it

  • What outcome you’re expecting

If you can’t answer those, the stack needs adjusting.

Rule #4: Timing Matters

It’s not just what supplements you take, it’s when you take them.

Examples:

  • Pre-workout before training, not hours earlier

  • Creatine daily, not only on lift days

  • Recovery-focused supplements away from stimulants

Stacking correctly includes spacing, not just combining.

The Bottom Line

A good supplement stack:

  • Supports your training

  • Matches your goals

  • Builds on a solid foundation

  • Enhances consistency without overcomplicating things

Stacking correctly isn’t about doing the most. It’s about doing what actually works.

And if you’re ever unsure where to start, our staff is trained to understand each supplement, how they work together, and what you need to reach your goals. Stop by the shop and let’s build a stack that actually works for you!

Next up in our Supplement Foundations series:
We’ll dive deeper into how to personalize your stack based on lifestyle, training schedule, and tolerance because no two athletes need the exact same approach.

Stay consistent. Stay intentional. And stack smart.