Personal Trainer Quick Tip

Are Carbohydrates Equally as Important as Protein?

Yes! Especially post workout. Consuming high glycemic carbohydrates, like sugar, in combination with protein immediately after exercise can greatly enhance the proteins effectiveness. A study has shown that the combination of a protein/carbohydrate drink post workout was 38% more effective in stimulating protein synthesis (amount of protein absorbed) than a protein only drink. This occurs because the high glycemic carbohydrates spike insulin levels, insulin is one of the most important regulators of protein synthesis. An increase in protein synthesis leads to an increase in lean muscle tissue.

Not only does post workout carbs enhance the effectiveness of the protein it also reduces cortisol levels. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone in the body that breaks down protein and muscle tissue. Again it’s because of the spike of insulin from the carbohydrates that will prevent protein degradation (muscle breakdown) from occurring.

Carbs get a bad rep from the media but carbohydrates are an essential part of the lean muscle building process. So next time you are thinking about what to have post workout a whey protein and high glycemic carb, like sugar, is the perfect combination to spike insulin and optimize protein synthesis!

Written By: Robert Jost NSCA-cpt, ACE-cpt 

Suggested Articles:

Insulin and Fat Loss 

Importance of Post Workout Nutrient Timing

Suggested Video:

Art Museum Workout

Take action… Now! 

[stylebox color=”green”][contact to=”kvaks@trainingaspects.com” error=”Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again.”]Your message was successfully sent. Thank You![/contact][/stylebox]

Training Aspects’  personal trainers and sports performance coaches want you to accomplish your goals. You, as the personal training client, are a reflection of our personal training and group training methods! We are here to help you accomplish all of your personal training goals!  Our main training focus are people looking to increase performance, lose weight , lose body fat and increase lean muscle. Whether you live in Cherry Hill, Haddonfield,Marlton, or any of the other surrounding areas we are here to help you Move, Look and feel as you’ve always desired…

Visit us:
910 Haddonfield-Berlin rd.
Voorhees, Nj 08043

View Larger Map