Glycogen Storage and Its role in Effective Resistance Training

When it comes to gaining muscle mass, there are a multitude of things you can do pre and post workout to not only give you a more effective workout, but also to promote muscle growth. For most folks, the first thing that comes to mind regarding importance pre/post workout is Protein. However, I would argue Carbohydrates are as important as consuming protein. Carbohydrates that are high on the glycemic index, for example, white rice, potatoes, some cereals, etc. As we know, muscle is built by breaking down tissue and allowing it to heal by providing your body with proper nutrients. Protein is important for post-workout because it includes essential amino acids that promote regrowth and repair of the proteins in your muscles. Thus, why I recommend a good Whey Protein or Whey Protein Isolate for Post-Workout, and i believe this is innately important for any kind of training whether its aerobic or anaerobic, That being running vs. weight lifting. Lets focus on Resistance Training in Particular though, Carbohydrates that are high on the glycemic index will not only give you energy to fuel your workouts. Adversely, after your workout, High GI carbs are almost like a fast track to allow your muscles to absorb energy during their highly absorptive period. Thus shuttling the amino acids from your protein source, making them that much more effective. Not only does it allow nutrient uptake to happen at a more efficient rate, but it also restores your low insulin that occurs after a workout, This promotes a quicker recovery period. All these things, in turn, lead to your body's ability to train more often and more effectively. Giving you the most efficient training possible. Therefore, while i highly recommend investing in a solid whey protein and consuming it post workout, i would always pair that with minimum a Mid GI to High GI Carbohydrate.

Protein and Carbohydrates; Match Made in Heaven