Diet
Want to know how to increase benefits and effects of just about any supplement? Start by evaluating your diet. Our diet can either have beneficial or detrimental effect to the benefits of a supplement we are taking. Often our diet is imbalanced with large amounts of sugar, too many calories from one type of source: protein, fats, carbohydrates, too much caffeine, and large intake of processed foods. It may be impossible to completely balance or optimize our diet but it is achievable to promote a better, more balanced macro and micronutrient profile. In doing so we will often increase the effects of a supplement in a very noticeable way.
Exercise
Our diet plays a large role but how we use what we have consumed plays an important role in maximizing a supplements effects. With a proper exercise plan that consists of resistance and cardiovascular training we train the body to become more efficient in using the nutrients we put in it.
One of my rules that I try to follow is before I start taking supplements I determine whether I am eating and exercising clean enough to where I feel supplements will further enhance myself. If I have strayed from exercise or my diet I will get back into it for a week or two and then start supplementing. Often you will feel great benefits just from re-evaluating your diet and exercise. Supplements are the cherry on top.