Supplements are a great way to aid your body in the recovery process from strenuous workouts.  Remember, nothing takes the place of good nutrition and regular exercise.  Here are a few supplements that a great for the body:

• Protein powder: Be sure to read the label carefully and avoid supplements with lots of extra sugars and chemicals.  Natural, unflavored types allow for flexibility in protein shake recipes.  Whey is the most common form of protein power, but varieties are also available with egg, casein, soy and even rice protein.  If you can tolerate dairy products, whey is probably your best bet.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin: If you have bad joints or you just work them out a lot, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate aid in tissue repair.  Exercise puts serious demands on connective tissue, and these supplements help out in the rebuilding process.
• Omega-6 and omega-3: These supplements are a great way to control inflammation of tissues as a result of overuse during exercise.  There is also evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can aid in fat loss.  Omega-3s are naturally found in oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel, or via a fatty acid supplement such as pumpkin seed, hemp, flax or fish oil.
• Creatine: A substance that naturally occurs in red meat, creatine increases the concentration of phosphocreatine (PCr), which makes ATP more available for the body to use.  ATP is the fuel used during brief bouts of activity, so it is recommended to use as a supplement for shorter-duration forms of exercise such as weight training.  Beware that people respond to creatine in different ways, and for some it can cause gastrointestinal problems, cramping, and weight gain from water retention.