Protein Following Exercise Boosts Muscle

The loss of ability to synthesize muscle protein is a key marker of accelerated aging. This new study shows that 20 grams of protein¹ following exercise, in both young and elderly men, boosted the rate of protein synthesis.

This means that using your muscles turns on gene signals that are more able to respond to protein intake. It also means that if you like a protein drink for breakfast, do a few minutes of exercise before consuming it (such as some push ups) and it will have increased benefit to your overall ability to make muscle proteins in general.

Protein is the key raw material for your muscles. Branch chain amino acids are especially important – as found in whey protein. Having a protein drink following any heavy workout is likely to be of benefit.