Gym Question

Greetings Gentlemen, I have finally joined a gym and tomorrow morning I will be hitting the weights for the first time in about 15 years.  Here is my question since I will be working out at 5:30AM do I have my protein shake before I go to the gym or after. Thank you in advance of all your great wisdom. ~Mike~

You will need the energy before you start.  Remember to start out slow, and very light weights.  Step up a little each week.  If you hurt yourself, you may not want to work out any more.

Congratulations.

 

kevin

I would say that since you will be working out in the morning, I would wait until after the workout to drink your protein shake.  The reason is that you will burn calories that you have already consumed verses the ones you just consumed by drinking your shake before the workout.  However, if you see that you are weak, needing energy,  at the time of the workout you might drink the shake before your workout. Good luck and keep us posted as to how it goes. I started working out six weeks after surgery, lap-band, and it had been six years for me since I had worked out regularly.  I have been consistent for the past six months.  It has become addictive for me. Bill

Welcome to the Mens forum Bill

Hey Mike.... you got one for and one aginst.... I got a different take...if i'm too full, I do not work out well...if i'm sloshing around, I will quit after 3 minuets.... Don't forget the cardio....you get more bang for the buck, weight loss wise.... congrats on the gym.... russ

I Would do it after because of the same reason's as above. If you cant make it that long than maybe just a bannana or some almonds or yorgurt. Something light might feel better than some heavy protien in your belly. Also like stated above warm up good dont get hurt start slow.  Have fun, Derrick

Afterwards the muscles (which you have actually broken down by working) will more readilly absorb the protein and utilize it for repair and growth. Another thing is you want to burn the fat you have stored as fat, not what you just ingested. Also, as Russ said, I can work out better if I don't have a full gut.

Mike, I personally would do the shake after.  I always drink a ton of water while working out, and wouldnt be able to drink as much if I had the shake beforehand.  Plus, I've heard that the protein is more beneficial within the first hour after a workout. I work out in the evenings though, not even thinking at 5;30 AM.  Either way, good luck. John

If you're on low carb, it works as an energy drink before. So maybe half before, half after. Otherwise, most people drink it immediately after. Not sure if the "after" thing is a myth. Nutritionists will probably say it's hogwash.

Thank you all for all the advise.  I am going to try my shake after and take it from there.  Will keep you posted on my progress.   Have a great Day everyone. ~Mike~