Whey Protein and Workouts:
As everyone knows, whey protein is a huge and beneficial supplement for regular bodybuilding and fitness athletes. It provides a tremendous supply of protein and essential amino acids that help to repair muscle tissue quickly, and long term energy and appetite suppression to improve the benefits of the workout. But it is difficult to understand the best time for one to take whey protein, especially if considering both weight lifting and endurance athletes.
Whey Protein: Before a Workout
Taking whey protein prior to a workout results in numerous benefits. For one, the whey protein is already present in your system by the time your muscles are being damaged by your athletic routine. That means not only are you being provided a constant stream of energy to power your workout with now insulin or sugar spikes, but on top of that, the muscular regeneration benefits of whey protein are taking effect at the time of the muscular distress, not after. Because of that, it is highly recommended that especially for bodybuilders, and other fast twitch muscle sports, that one consumes whey protein directly prior to a workout to improve recovery and provide consistent energy.
Whey Protein: After a Workout
Taking whey protein after a workout also has benefits. For one, whey protein is exceptionally slowly released, meaning that for hours and hours after your workout the ingredients in whey will continue to repair your muscular damage. ON top of that for those more concerned with weight loss and toning, whey protein is excellent at appetite suppression, meaning that if taken after a long run or other endurance activity, not only will you derive the muscular benefits, but also will stay full longer.
So When is the Ideal Time to Supplement with Whey Protein?
Ideally you would take whey protein both before AND after your workout. If concerned with calories I would recommend splitting the intake you want so you derive both benefits. For those only wishing to take the one supplement per workout, i would recommend those wishing to gain muscle and size in fast twitch explosive muscles to take whey protein prior to working out, and those more concerned with endurance activities and weight loss to take whey protein directly after your workout. However if at all possible, taking whey protein both before and after a workout will provide the absolute maximum benefit.
